Boxing Day rush
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

One step ahead: Dawsons ready for the Boxing Day bounce – busiest day for property searches online

You might think that December is when the property market goes into hibernation but figures over the past three years prove Boxing Day is the busiest day of the year.

Boxing Day last year saw one popular property portal receive more than 25 million page views, exploding the myth that home buyers, sellers, landlords or tenants wait until spring. Zoopla, the leading portal in South Wales, also saw one property receive more than 8,000 views on Boxing Day alone, proving even more this is a time to access the Dawsons Property portal.

And to cater for that increase in interest Dawsons Property is prepared for this year’s post-Christmas Day rush and have a bumper database of quality properties ready for customers to browse online come Boxing Day.

“With the rise in digital traffic, interest in the property market around Boxing Day has been growing year on year. With the advent of online portals and market leading websites, the way we search for property has changed dramatically,” said Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings, Ricky Purdy.

“Think about it: the Christmas break is a time when Mr and Mrs Jones will have a lot more time together, time they will likely use to browse online for potential properties to view in the New Year, and if your property isn’t on the market, or is waiting to be marketed in the New Year, they won’t see it”.

“What better time of the year for all to put their feet up with a glass of Sherry and mince pie, to see what’s available on the market and to kick-start their search before many many still do in early January.

“Historically, this is also a time of year where there is less property on the market so as a landlord or seller, your competition levels are lower.

“If you’re not a Dawsons client yet, why not give our website a whirl this Boxing Day, search through our numerous properties new to market being launched this weekend and make sure you don’t miss out on this advantageous time to find that perfect property you are looking for in 2018.”

You may also be asking the question: ‘is it worth waiting until spring to sell?’ the simple answer is no. If your decision has been made, the sooner you put your property on the market the better. Gone are the days when the seasons impact on the property market.

Surely the smart move is to put yours on the market now, giving your property the added advantage over the spring competition, when buyers are in abundance, meaning you are very likely to achieve more for your property.  Contact us online to ‘Request a Valuation’, it really is as easy as that.

 

Dawsons represented at Swans DSA Christmas party
Charitable Events, Charity, Community

Dawsons delighted to be part of Swans players’ surprise for DSA members at Christmas Party

Dawsons were proud to be represented when the Disabled Supporters’ Association (DSA) were treated to special guest appearances from Tammy Abraham, Swans Ladies star Emma Beynon and DSA ambassador Lee Trundle at their annual Christmas party.

The guests took part in games, a Q&A session and sang Christmas carols before meeting DSA members at a party held in the Liberty Stadium.

“Dawsons has sponsored the DSA members throughout 2017 and we were delighted to be part of the surprise event,” said Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Residential Lettings Office Manager.

Launched in 2013, the DSA is continually growing. With 75 members at present, the DSA aims to offer inclusivity to Swans supporters, whilst bringing families and friends together.

The DSA intends to improve facilities and policies that affect the disabled supporters, putting the views of the association to the club and other bodies.

The DSA is looking to build on its foundations and develop an even stronger relationship with Swansea City. All Swansea City disabled supporters are welcome to join, and this includes their family, friends and PAs.

CAPTION: Leon Atolagbe (with red tie at the back) is pictured with DSA members and guests

Dawsons staff at the Marina office sporting their Xmas jumpers
Charitable Events, Charity, Community, Dawsons, Lettings

Dawsons staff get in the festive spirit on Christmas Jumper Day

Dawsons staff have got into the festive spirit and come to work in their best Christmas jumper to raise much needed funds for the charity Save the Children.

Tim Kostromin, Dawsons Partner, Dawsons Partner, said: ”As a company we carry out many fundraising events throughout the year for local charities, and our staff have taken part in the annual national Christmas jumper day for some years now.

“With many offices also having their Secret Santa exchange on the same day, so the day for us all really is an enjoyable one.  We are lucky to have so many staff within the company willing to get involved in raising the much needed funds for all the charities we help.

“With Christmas Day just around the corner we know that while there are many children excited for the presents they will find under the tree there are many who will go without, so raising money for Save the Children at this time of year is crucial across the nation.”

Pictured are staff at the Marina Lettings office sporting their festive jumpers

Dawsons hand over cheque to Wales Air Ambulance
Auctions, Charitable Events, Community, Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons hand over cheque to Welsh Air Ambulance after charity abseil

Dawsons staff are delighted to have handed over a cheque for £1,314.98 to the Welsh Air Ambulance following a charity fundraising abseil.

The team of staff from the sales, auction and lettings departments abseiled down a 200ft cliff at Port Eynon on Gower.

Jo Summerfield, Director of Sales at Dawsons, said: “Wales Air Ambulance is a fantastic charity saving lives daily in Wales and transporting those in need to hospitals all over the country.

“We were very keen and pleased to be able to raise as much as possible especially as WAA runs purely on donations.”

Steffan Anderson-Thomas, WAA’s Community Fundraising Co-coordinator, said: “We are extremely grateful to the intrepid staff from Dawsons for their very generous cheque following their abseil.

“With the money they have generously donated Dawsons has funded a mission for one of our helicopters and the money will also go towards funding life-saving equipment and crew.”

Naomi Webborn, from Dawsons lettings department, said: “A big thank you goes to all those who took part and those who sponsored us and especially to the very kind donations from JCP solicitors, Keith Norris of Noble Harbour, Graham Kirby of Benson Watkins, Andrew Davies of Peter Lyn & Partners, Eastside Insurance and Exall & Jones builders merchants.”

PICTURE CAPTION: L-R Andy Iceton, WAA Pilot, Hannah Hearn, Dawsons, Kelly Israel, Dawsons, Corey Ashford, Dawsons, Dewi Thomas, WAA Helicopter Transfer Practioner, Callum Thomas, Dawsons, Amanda Bamford, Dawsons, Naomi Webborn, Dawsons, Natalie Dare, Dawsons, Ben Seabourne, Critical Care Practioner.

 

Dawsons supporting the City of Culture 2021 bid
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons backs Swansea’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021

Dawsons estate agent is delighted to announce it is backing Swansea’s campaign to become UK City of Culture 2021.

Swansea is one of the five shortlisted cities for the UK City of Culture 2021 title, along with Coventry, Paisley, Sunderland and Stoke-on-Trent.

If successful, it will bring significant social and economic benefits to Swansea and the region. The current UK City of Culture, Hull, is estimated to enjoy an economic boost of at least £60 million whilst already having seen a £1billion boost in investment since being announced the winner of the title. We want Swansea to enjoy the same benefits or greater.

Dawsons is in full support of the bid and is calling on its clients and staff to join them in backing the bid. They are also backed in their support of 2021 by the companies they have joined up with on their newly-launched rewards card scheme.

The Dawsons card can be used in local companies such as: Exall & Jones, The Yankee Shop & Candles & Co., The Optimist, 57 Barbers, Mr Jones of Mumbles, ND John Wine Merchants, Café Play, The Rose Indianne, and The Clothes Clinic and many others soon to be confirmed.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “As a local Swansea-based company we would be delighted if we were to receive the UK City of Culture 2021 title as it would mean so much for the local economy bringing trade and tourism to our much-loved city.

“Whilst we have been working alongside other local companies in recent months with the launch of our reward card for all staff and customers providing discounts in local businesses, we have also collectively supported the bid with several joint promotional campaigns.”

The Swansea 2021 bid team includes Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Authority, Museums Wales, Tidal Lagoon, creative professionals, businesses and arts and cultural leaders. All are working together to ensure the outcomes in the Swansea bid for the Swansea people and economy are as strong as possible.

Leader of Swansea Council, Councillor Rob Stewart, said: “We are delighted to have Dawsons backing our bid for UK City of Culture 2021. We’re working hard to secure this status and its benefits for the city and region so having this type of support is vital.

“Winning UK City of Culture would be a fantastic opportunity for Swansea which would benefit everyone in the city. Hull’s UK City of Culture 2017 status has already seen a £1billion boost investment in the city – alongside pride, new jobs and improved reputation. This really does have the ability to transform Swansea forever.

“We need to show the judging panel that we need it, we want it and we can deliver it. Having the support of the city shows that, so we are urging everyone to get behind us by backing the bid.”

CAPTION: Jenny White, Channel Communications (Dawsons’ PR company), Nicola Greene, Fine & Country, Andrea Davies, Mumbles sales, Beth Evans, Fine & Country, Lauren Peschmann, Mumbles lettings, Naomi Webborn, Dawsons lettings coordinator, Catherine Williams, Candles & Co. and The Yankee Shop, and Jamie White, Channel Communications.

 

Dawsons receiving their award - Sue Perkins, Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope, Dawsons Director of Sales Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons Director of Lettings Rickey Purdy and Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director Richard Tucker
Awards, Dawsons, Relocation, Sales

Dawsons named again as best agent in south Wales region by Relocation Agent Network

Dawsons estate agent has picked up the Relocation Agent Network’s prestigious 2017 Best Agent South Wales Regional Award at the Network’s recent Awards Dinner.

It is the second year running Dawsons have been named best agent in South Wales.

The dinner at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London and hosted by comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins, who announced Dawsons’ award win.

“We are delighted to be named as the region’s best Relocation Agent Network estate agent. This award truly demonstrates the fantastic team we have here at Dawsons and shows our customers that we are one of the area’s leading estate agents,” said Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope.

The annual prize gives the winning Network member the title of ‘Best Agent in the South Wales Region’ and is awarded on a number of criteria measuring the agent’s overall contribution to Relocation Agent Network, their ability to achieve customer satisfaction and a proven record of helping relocating buyers move in and out of the area.

Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director said, “Congratulations to all the team at Dawsons. They were awarded this accolade because of their outstanding customer service, innovative business initiatives and commitment to our Network principles.”

CAPTION: L-R Sue Perkins, Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope, Dawsons Director of Sales Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons Director of Lettings Rickey Purdy and Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director Richard Tucker

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 10.47.24
Dawsons, Fine & Country

Customer satisfaction of Fine & Country outlets close to 100%

Fine & Country, of which Dawsons, Swansea, is an outlet, says it has a customer satisfaction rate which is up by almost 1% to nearly 99%.

Property Industry Eye is reporting that almost all (98.96%) of people surveyed who had used Fine & Country in the past would recommend their services to family and friends.

It has also increased its target audience brand awareness to 47.79%, a rise of 8% since April 2016.

Word of mouth also showed up as a powerful tool for the company, with 23% of respondents hearing about Fine & Country from family and friends.

Tom Hope of Fine & Country, Swansea completely supports the recent survey findings.

“Selling clients who look for the highest quality of property marketing and customer service, realise after a conversation with F&C, that there is no better company who can put together ‘local knowledge and expertise’ along with a proven UK and international specific marketing approach, to reach the widest audience,” said Tom.

“There is no better offering than being the ‘go to person’ when looking for that special and specific home, whether selling or buying.

“The vast majority of our clients instruct F&C as we are known as agents who market ‘individual’ properties and attract buyers who are looking for something very special.”

The new results mean that almost half of Fine & Country’s demographic is now aware of the brand.

The survey also shows that 87% of people who invited the agency to value their home chose to instruct Fine & Country.

The rise in brand awareness comes after a year of advertising on multi-channel platforms, including in print, online and TV.

The brand regularly advertises agents’ properties in national newspapers including The Times, Sunday Times and Telegraph.

The survey was run on SurveyMonkey and targeted adults aged over 35 who are in Fine & Country’s target demographic of home owners who earn over £50,000.

Relocation Agent Network
Dawsons

DAWSONS LOOKS FORWARD TO NATIONAL ESTATE AGENCY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

The Dawsons team will soon be heading to London for the Relocation Agent Network (RAN) National Conference and Exhibition. Taking place on 17 November, estate agents from across England, Scotland and Wales will attend the business Conference and evening Awards Dinner. The event is exclusively for Relocation Agent Network members  and is a great opportunity to find out the very latest industry best practices and innovations.

Taking place at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, the Conference will welcome keynote speakers including; top business consultant and former Managing Director of Robert Half International, Jeff Grout; Hamish Taylor, founder of the Skills Exchange Network, which enables organisations to achieve innovations by looking outside their industry; and economist, Roger Martin-Fagg.

This year’s official Conference Mobile App gives delegates the chance to network with one another in the lead up to the event. On the day, the App will allow delegates to take part in live polling during Conference sessions. Designed to enhance the ‘delegate experience’ these interactive sessions will produce results shown instantly on stage, providing real insight into how attending Relocation Agent Network members, like Dawsons, view key industry topics.

How does OUR Network membership help YOU? 
We have been specially selected to join Relocation Agent Network, who chose us to be the area’s Local Expert. To gain a Network invitation, estate agents must lead their local market in quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism.

Through its affiliation with Cartus, the premier provider of global relocation services, Relocation Agent Network members help Cartus move relocating families in and out of areas across England, Scotland and Wales. This offers Dawsons customers an additional channel of buyer when selling their property. Network members can also help their customers through the ‘Referral Network’, which helps those relocating, by referring them to a fellow Relocation Agent Network member in the area they are moving to.

This year’s National Conference ends with a black tie evening Awards Dinner, hosted by well-known comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins. We can’t wait to meet up with our fellow members to celebrate the successes of 2017.

 

Viv Jones - best dressed
Dawsons

Dawsons offices put up another shocking performance for Halloween!

The standard of Halloween dressing up has been literally shocking this year! So well done everyone who took part across the company and special mention to Viv Jones (main picture) from the Marina Ofiice who won best dressed.

But not forgetting Swansea Sales Office and Marina Office who jointly won the best overall office judged by Channel Communications.

Swansea Sales office
Swansea Sales office

It was another fantastic year of dressing up and decorating offices and nice to see everyone got in the ‘spirit’.

Ricky Purdy, director of lettings, said: “can I congratulate and thank all for taking part, and I think I can safely say this has been clearly the best effort collectively in any such competition we have put on. Well done to everyone!”

Marina office
Marina office

 

Dawsons staff's charity abseil at Port Eynon
Auctions, Charitable Events, Charity, Dawsons, Gower, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons staff tackle 200ft Port Eynon cliff face for Wales Air Ambulance

A group of intrepid Dawsons staff have taken part in a charity abseil to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The team from the sales, auction and lettings staff took to abseiling down a 200 foot cliff at Port Eynon on Gower. They then climbed back up around the cliff edge with the aim of raising around £1000.00 via their Just Giving page.

Jo Summerfield, Director of Sales at Dawsons, said; “At Dawsons we are keen to help local charities throughout the year, fundraising where we can.  Wales Air Ambulance is a fantastic charity saving lives daily in Wales and transporting those in need to hospitals all over the country.

“As the Wales Air Ambulance charity runs purely on donations we were keen to raise as much as possible. Special thanks also to Naomi Webborn who heads our marketing team that collectively got this great charity event off the ground.

“We were all a little scared getting over the cliff face but once we were over, enjoyed every minute. I can’t wait to see what our marketing team come up with next time.”

Naomi Webborn of Dawsons lettings department, said: “A fantastic time was had by all. In fact, it was a great team bonding session with the added bonus of raising the much need funds to keep the ambulance flying year on year.

“A big thank you goes to all those who sponsored us, and a special thank you to the Wales Air Ambulance media team who came to cheer us on at the cliff top along with Stephen and Sam of Dynamic Rock who kept us safe.”

Swansea & south Wales estate agents blog