Dawsons have done it again – selling a property on first viewing.
The sale of 164 St Margaret’s Court on Swansea Marina follows the recent sale of a property in Goetre Fach Rd in Killay.
The two-bedroom, first-floor apartment was sold close to its asking price.
And this is continued documentary evidence that Dawsons have it right when it comes to properties being properly priced.
After having positive experiences with Dawsons over the years the householder in Killay had no hesitation in contacting them with regards the sale of their home.
As well as Dawsons another estate agent was contacted to give a valuation for sale and priced the property at £315,000. But she chose Dawsons’ reduced £299,950 as a starting point.
She trusted Dawsons that theirs was the more realistic price and it proved to be the case because a day after Dawsons measured up and put it on the market we agreed a price for £290,000.
A leader of Swansea’s business community claims there is ‘robust growth’ within the city centre’s commercial property sector sparking optimism about the future.
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), made his confident assessment after Dawsons Property revealed that eight vacant city centre units have all been snapped up by businesses in the past few weeks.
“Swansea city centre’s commercial activity is showing robust growth which is a positive sign,” said Mr Greenslade.
“Investors are looking to the city centre for opportunities as a result of the very real regeneration plans we have in place and committed to starting in 2017.
“These are exciting times for the city centre which is very much open for business so I truly encourage investors and businesses to continue looking at Swansea city centre as an area of growth and opportunity.”’
The commercial units which have been let include the former Windsor Café in Craddock Street (sale agreed) and two units in Union Street.
There is also one in Picton Arcade as well as two in Oxford Street and another two in Nelson Street.
The Dawsons deals are a big boost to the city according to the leading Swansea estate agents.
“The recent lettings we have secured in the city centre is a sure sign that local businesses feel that the city is developing in the right direction,” said Andrew Cox, Surveyor in Dawsons Commercial Department.
“With the draft bill for an alteration in business rates in place for 2017, this reaffirms that the local authority is doing their best to help keep the city a vibrant and diverse place for consumers to shop, and I’m hopeful that 2017 will be another strong year for local business.
“2016 has seen further development for student accommodation in the city centre, and with the redevelopment of the Oceana Nightclub, this will only attract more local business to the area.”
Dawsons’ recent commercial deals:
28 Union Street: recently let to a fully trained chef planning to offer hearty homemade food.
30 Union Street: ChurroShake – similar to the chocolate kebab house in Morriston. Offering sweet treats for children and adults alike.
First & Second Floor 225 Oxford Street: different tenants on each floor. First floor Tenant offers hair styling solutions. The second floor tenant offers bespoke makeup services.
Oxford Street
Windsor Café, Craddock Street: expected to be turned into a restaurant.
Windsor Cafe
6a Nelson Street: First Floor evape shop called Flavour Vapour.
8 Nelson Street: recently Let to Skin n Ink who are moving premises from Mansel Street.
Dawsons Property is delighted to have been announced as Relocation Agent Network’s 2016 Best Agent in South Wales.
The leading estate agent award was revealed at the Network’s National Conference, held at the Sofitel Hotel and Conference Centre, Heathrow, an event hosted by comedian Miles Jupp.
“We are delighted to be named as the South Wales’s best Relocation Agent Network (RAN) member. This award recognises the fantastic team we have here at Dawsons and shows our customers that we are one of South Wales’s leading estate agents,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.
“Over the past couple of years we have been very active in training our staff as RAN agents and it has given our business an extra dimension being able to offer our customers a UK-wide relocation service.”
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. Their commitment to outstanding customer service, innovative business initiatives and our Network principles means that this award is thoroughly deserved.”
Caption: L-R Miles Jupp, Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales at Dawsons, Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, and Richard Tucker Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director
Estate agents Dawsons claim they do not recognise the findings of a report suggesting property is taking longer to sell because some homeowners attempt to exploit unrealistic high sales figures.
Research by The Post Office found that the average property takes a month longer to sell than it would have done four years ago because of “greedy” sellers demanding unrealistic prices for homes.
But Dawsons say they encourage responsible and realistic approach to property pricing which goes against the grain of owners apparently being prepared to let properties sit on the market for longer, until someone is willing to stump up the cash… often never!
And the leading south Wales agent has documentary evidence of that with one property in Killay they sold after the first viewing – a clear case of a home being appropriately priced for the market.
“I would definitely say Dawsons buck the trend with regard over-pricing,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.
“Genuinely, It’s all down to good, experienced and proactive agents giving honest and supported advice to understanding clients.
“If the property is marketed fully/properly and a supported price is quoted (meaning using comparable sales evidence to determine the right asking price), there is every opportunity to sell quickly to the right motivated buyer.
“Too many agents ‘value’ at too high a price, which they think will keep the seller happy and a way of securing instructions. But this invariably leads to sellers eventually changing agents and slowing the whole ‘sales process’ down.
“The most successful agents sell quicker than others by giving the best ‘supported’ advice. The asking price is key as is a ‘proven’ Estate agent’.”
After having positive experiences with Dawsons over the years the householder at Goetre Fach Rd in Killay had no hesitation in contacting them with regards the sale of their home.
As well as Dawsons, another estate agent was contacted to give a valuation for sale and was recommended to ask £315,000. But she chose Dawsons’ researched and recommended price of £299,950 as a starting point
“I trusted Dawsons that theirs was the more realistic price,” said the householder.
“That proved to be the case and a day after Dawsons measured up, put it on the market and contacted their database of potential buyers, we agreed a price for £290,000, which we were very happy with.”
Added the vendor: “I think that just goes to prove that you have to be completely realistic when valuing houses and Dawsons are excellent at judging realistic market value.”
Dawsons is delighted to have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2016 Best Agent South Wales Region Award.
Relocation Agent Network’s Best Agent South Wales Region Award is an annual prize for the agent that has consistently made the best overall contribution to the Network throughout the year.
It offers nominees the chance to become the Network’s ‘Best Network Agent in the South Wales Region’.
To reach this stage of the award programme, agents must demonstrate excellent customer service, innovative business initiatives and a commitment to the Relocation Agent Network principles.
“This is a great feather in our caps and we are delighted to have been nominated for the second year running. The nomination recognises every member of the team and highlights our effort and commitment over the last 12 months,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.
The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at the 5-star luxury Sofitel Hotel and Conference Centre, Heathrow on Friday, 18 November.
The Awards Dinner closes Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference, and this year is hosted by comedian and actor, Miles Jupp.
Dawsons is Swansea’s only handpicked agent, offering this unique service to both sellers and buyers.
Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director commented, “Our Network is made up of specially selected estate agents from across England, Scotland and Wales. The annual Best Agent South Wales Region Award recognises the agent in the region that demonstrates outstanding customer service and innovations, on a daily basis. Congratulations to Dawsons for their well-deserved nomination.”
Dawsons Property has emerged champions of a south Wales money-making challenge – Clash of the Corporates – run by homeless charity The Wallich.
The south west Wales estate agency came out on top as one of 20 businesses across Wales competed to see who ccould turn a £50 loan from The Wallich into the most charity money raised in 50 days.
In the end Dawsons beat Welsh choir, Only Men Aloud into second place, by raising an impressive £3,262.98 thanks to a charity auction, a cake sale and a special fancy dress Halloween day. Dawsons contribution was a big chunk of the £13,000 raised by the 20 companies.
“We are so delighted to have won – we never dreamt that we would. But in the end it’s not really about who came first, second or third it’s about congratulating everyone involved for raising money for such a worthy cause,” said Dawsons Director of Sales, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot.
Dawsons hit the ground running with a programme of money-raising events that included a cake sale, a curry night, an auction and Halloween fundraising activities.
“It’s a big thank you to anyone who has contributed to our fundraising whether it was buying cakes or bidding in the charity auction.
“I think everyone at Dawsons has enjoyed the process and it has been a great way of raising money for such a good cause – The Wallich does so much good work in south Wales for the homeless.”
Dawsons has already raised £1,300 for The Wallich, which is its chosen charity of 2016 as part of the estate agency’s 25th anniversary.
“It’s congratulations to Dawsons for winning and helping to set a new record in the total amount we raised,” said Zoe Westerman, corporate strategic relationships manager for The Wallich.
“It was so nice to see the whole Dawsons team really getting behind our charity and supporting us.”
CAPTION: Front L-R Dawsons Director of Sales, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot and Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons, with members of staff from Dawsons’ Marina Branch.
Relocating can be a challenge, but for Claire and Steven Morris of Penclawdd, the process will be made easy because their estate agent Dawsons is part of the Relocation Agent Network.
With spectacular views and a pristine interior, 74 Gowerton Road, Penclawdd is a special find. It’s been cherished by owners Claire and Steven Morris for 10 years, but now they are looking to fulfil their dream of moving to Scotland.
Relocation can be a challenge unless you know the area well, but Claire and Steven are confident it will go smoothly because they are planning their move with the help of Dawsons Estate Agent, which is an appointed agent for Relocation Agent Network (RAN).
Claire Morris outside her house in Penclawdd
Dawsons is the only RAN member in the area. RAN carefully selects its agents based on a detailed analysis of what they have to offer, including sending out secret shoppers, so that they are sure they have the best people for the job. They then train each agent’s staff so that they are fully equipped to help customers relocate with ease.
RAN aims to offer customers the inside knowledge and expertise that will help them make the best choice of new home. From choosing the right catchment area to picking a home close to the right shops and amenities, they can help you make your choice like a local, not a newcomer. Better still, the service is free, so having placed their house for sale with Dawsons, Claire and Steven get the full benefit of RAN at no extra cost.
For Claire, an important factor is to stay close to the sea, having loved her current coastal location.
“Ideally we want somewhere very quiet, and near water – either with a loch view or a sea view. There is the possibility of looking for land and building a house on it, but that’s very difficult to do from such a distance, so we’re using RAN to help us find a place to rent in the first instance,” she says.
She’s being assisted by Dawsons sales negotiator David Parton, who is delighted to be able to help with the relocation process as well as the house sale.
“RAN offers the complete package for anyone relocating, and has agents working across the globe, including 700 around Britain,” he says. “Once we’ve had permission from the client we can get them in touch with an agent in area they are looking for and likewise, we help people looking to relocate to Swansea.
“When you’re looking to relocate, it makes a massive difference to have someone on the ground looking on your behalf. We have been able to help hundreds of people a year moving in and out of the area.”
Now Claire and Steven are eagerly waiting to begin their new life in Scotland, confident that when they find a buyer, the guesswork will be taken out of finding their new home.
“We’ve loved living here and I’m sure the new owner will love it as much,” says Claire. “We decided to buy this house as soon as we stepped inside and looked out at the view. We hope we’ll find something as special in Scotland.”
It was the final day of fundraising on Monday for our chosen charity, the Wallich, who do great work with homelessness in the local area.
Staff at all Dawsons branches had a dress-down/fancy dress day with competitions for the best looking branch and the best dressed individual.
The branch winner was Llanelli.
The standard of some of the individual costumes was so amazing but the three best dressed were Leon Atolagbe from Marina Lettings, Danielle Thomas from Mumbles Sales
and Lorraine Evans from Swansea.
Kirstie Morgan from Llanelli Lettings
However, the overall winner of the best dressed prize was Kirstie Morgan from Llanelli Lettings with her terrifying corpse bride robot baby concoction!
Dawsons Property has helped to raise £2,675 for a housing charity with a special fundraiser at the Rose Indienne in Swansea.
The leading estate agent has been involved in a Clash of the Corporates event over the past month with 20 companies across South Wales raising money for homeless charity The Wallich.
More than 100 people sat down for a top-class Indian buffet at the Rose Indienne followed by a raffle and auction.
Master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the night Ricky Pudy
“It was a fantastic occasion and to raise £2,675 on the night was a brilliant effort by everyone involved. A big thank you has to go out to everyone who came along to support,” said Jo Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons Director of Residential Sales.
“Everyone gave generously to both the raffle and the auction and our director of Residential Lettings, Ricky Purdy was the perfect auctioneer.”
Among the lots in the auction were a signed Swansea City shirt and Lukasz Fabianski’s signed goalkeeping gloves.
“It is hugely important that we get this corporate support and it’s huge thanks to Dawsons for all their efforts in raising all this money,” said Jan Balsdon, Director of Fundraising and Participation at The Wallich.
“The money raised will support people directly in the city particularly in getting access to the private rental sector.”
The Clash of the Corporates event continues until October 31st when all Dawsons branches will be involved in a Halloween fundraiser.
CAPTION: L-R Marcia Williams, Private Rental Sector Manager at The Wallich, Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons, Jan Balsdon, Director of Fundraising and Participation at The Wallich, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales.
Estate agent Dawsons has joined forces with south Wales public relations company, Channel Communications to spread the word about the company’s achievements and services.
Channel Communications, run by experienced former journalists Richard Thomas and Jenny White, specialises in all aspects of PR, from social media to press releases, events and website design and management.
Senior Partner at Dawsons, Chris Hope, said the collaboration is ideal for Dawsons, a leading independently owned estate agents with eight sales branches and five rental offices throughout south Wales.
“We have worked with Richard before so he and Jenny taking over our PR was not a leap in the dark at all,” said Chris.
“This is an important year for Dawsons, being our 25th anniversary, and Richard and Jenny have already been doing an impressive job promoting various projects we have in the Swansea and Llanelli areas.”
Channel Communications look after all Dawsons’ PR needs including press releases and the handling their social media accounts and the content which goes on their website.
“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with such a high profile company,” said Jenny. “They are a great team to work with and there is so much interesting news to share about their work.”
And Richard added: “Dawsons recognise the value of good PR and are very forward-thinking in this respect. From videos and blog posts to print and social media, we are working with them to raise their already very high profile in the region.”
CAPTION: L-R Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons, Jenny White, Partner at Channel Communications, Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales, and Richard Thomas, Partner at Channel Communications.
