Category Archives: Sales

Helen Whitter-Jones of Dawsons' branch in Sketty

Dawsons’ Sketty branch celebrating after Helen assessed as Relocation Agent specialist

Helen Whitter-Jones  of Dawsons’ branch in Sketty has been assessed as their company’s Relocation Agent Specialist.

The 2018 assessment was awarded by Relocation Agent Network (RAN) following completion of its training programme and is achieved by individuals who continue to provide good quality service to relocating families moving either from or to the Sketty area.

Helen first qualified as a Relocation Agent Specialist in March 2016 by completing RAN’s  comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service. A national network of leading estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “Having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team offers our relocating customers the added assurance that they’ll be working with someone who understands the relocation process, someone who can offer help and guidance along the way.

“We’re so proud that Helen’s performance has been assessed this year and it’s a great example of the continual development we invest in, here at Dawsons.”

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Sketty, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. As a Relocation Agent Specialist,  ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “To be recognised for their performance this year as a Relocation Agent Specialist is a great achievement. Well done to Helen . Selected by us to represent the Network in Sketty, Dawsons has proved themselves to be the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

dawsonssell2

Dawsons ready to sell your property for free – it’s on the house!

With winter behind us Dawsons is ready to spring into action with their biggest and best competition ever – ‘Sell your Home for Free’.  

If you have a property you want to put on the market contact Dawsons before the end of June, put it up for sale with the leading South Wales estate agent and you will be entered in the competition with the winner paying no agent fees! It’s on the house!

Jo Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons’ Director of Sales said: “It is all about the close-knit communities we work within. We decided it would be a great idea to try and give something back to the lucky winner by selling their home for free. 

“We have been in business for more than 25 years ago and have forged many great relationships during this time, not just with business associates but more importantly with our clients who have remained loyal throughout the years.

“Our success is not only attributed to the them but also the many recommendations we receive for which we are immensely grateful and proud, equally the outstanding work our teams put in to make it as seamless as possible, by always going the extra mile.”

So, to enter call your local branch of Dawsons, book a valuation, place your property on the market before the end of June and you will be entered into our prize draw. It really is as simple as that.

Properties will have to be valued by Dawsons between Tuesday, March 20th and Thursday, May 24th to be eligible for the competition, and properties will need to be placed on the open market within four weeks of the closing date of the competition.

You can see the full competition T&C’s on the Dawsons website www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk.

Dawsons

Sales progression costing more for high street agents as online firms fall down on the job

Dawsons Property has backed the findings of a report which claims that traditional agents are being forced increasingly to step in and pick up the pieces left by online firms.

The report, from regional solicitors Rix & Kay reported by Property Eye, suggests there is a lack of support from online agents which is driving up the cost of sales progression for high street agents.

Traditional estate agents are finding that they are having to come in and ensure chains do not collapse because sellers have chosen online firms. It means that in a lot of cases agents are having to take the hit on higher costs of sales progression.

Jo Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons’ Sales Director, has warned vendors to beware.

“What most vendors don’t realise when using an online ‘DIY’ agent to sell, that they are at an immediate disadvantage when buying on,” said Jo.

Jo Summerfield-Talbot
Jo Summerfield-Talbot

“It is becoming more and more apparent some of these ‘agents’ do not fully check the chain details when recommending and accepting an offer on behalf of their client, which is completely beyond me and certainly not in the interest of their client.

“It is a huge frustration to our dedicated sales chasers when we find ourselves in a chain with some of these ‘agents’ to find they are completely ignorant to the circumstances surrounding the sale/purchase and any subsequent parties in the chain.

“We invariably find ourselves doing the work for them, just to ensure both our vendors and purchasers are kept fully in the loop, avoiding any unnecessary stress and progressing matters to a swift completion.”

Rix & Kay, which covers Sussex and Kent, said that 98% of traditional estate agents agreed that the home buying process is more likely to collapse in the absence of experienced professionals.

The firm said that the most skilled and critical phase of the home buying and selling process was sales progression but that online agents who are paid upfront and not reliant on a sale completing to get paid had little motivation or incentive to support their clients.

It also found that the public has little awareness of how critical sales progression is and that traditional agents needed to do “far more” to differentiate their services from online rivals if they want to avoid being selected on cost alone.

In the estimation of the agents Rix & Kay spoke to, a total of 84% thought that the public don’t truly understand the role of the traditional estate agent.

Meanwhile, 76% felt they were not doing enough to ensure the public is aware of the differences in service traditional businesses can offer.

The report also recommended that traditional agents consider alternative business models if they wanted to remain profitable.

It found that 70% of traditional estate agents agreed with this idea, whereas only 8% disagreed (with 22% neither agreeing nor disagreeing).

Rix & Kay added that better regulation of the home buying and selling process was “fundamental” to improve service quality, as well as the reputation and credibility of the industry.

Of the agents surveyed, 66% strongly agreed this was the case, with a further 28% simply agreeing.

Not a single agent disagreed with the idea.

And it urged agents to embrace technology to improve their service, and to learn from their online rivals in this respect.

Shepherds in Parkmill

Dawsons appointed agents to sell Famous Gower landmark business

One of Gower’s most famous businesses is up for sale – Shepherds in Parkmill, which was founded in 1896.

The landmark village shop and five holiday cottages are on the market with Dawsons for £1,200,000. For an investor that would produce a gross accommodation income of approximately £70,000 per annum along with the famous Shepherd’s store, coffee shop and car park to the front.

The village shop began more than 120 years ago as an outpost frequented by locals and travellers. As day-tripping became more popular on Gower Shepherds became well known as a stopping-off-point for families with cars and Sunday school groups.

Shepherds Shop
Shepherds Shop

The existing shop operates on the site of the original premises. The original shop was demolished in the early 1930s and the current building constructed in eight weeks at a cost of £600.

The shop was later run by Don Shepherd, Glamorgan’s legendary bowler and his family.

Many people write fondly of Shepherds, and indeed, the late Sir Harry Secombe wrote of his “courting” exploits in and around Parkmill.

The shop has always been famous for its ice-cream, and countless doctors have prescribed a visit to Shepherds to children suffering from all sorts of ailments – from tonsillitis to glandular fever as its ice cream was so full of goodness.

Shepherds Cafe
Shepherds Cafe

In 1996, when Shepherds was 99 years old, the family retired, and the business was sold to Nick and Emma Hopkins, who, 23 years on, are also now planning their retirement.

“We too were taken to Shepherds as a treat by our own parents as children and had a great deal of love and respect for the place,” said Nick and Emma.

“We have tried to retain as much community spirit within the shop whilst making gradual improvements.  We renovated the shop in 1997, extended the range of ice-cream, built the new cafe extension in 1998, and added the cottage accommodation in 2007.

“We’ve been flat out ever since.  It’s been 10 years now and we’re welcoming new guests and seeing familiar faces return year after year.

“The cottages and apartment are constantly being upgraded and our attention to detail remains as keen as ever. We’re delighted to have received a Guest Review Award 2017 from Booking.com following positive customer feedback and aim to continue to strive to make our guests’ holiday as comfortable as possible.

“It’s now time to pass the baton on to someone else who will love it as we have.

“Our passion for Three Cliffs has grown over the years and we have never taken for granted its breathtaking beauty – we’re now looking forward to spending more quality time at the Bay.”

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, added: “We are delighted to be associated with such a well-known Gower business and I am sure this is going to generate a lot of interest from near and far.”

Interior of one of Shepherds' cottages
Interior of one of Shepherds’ cottages
Dawsons' Llanelli office 2018

Dawsons’ branch celebrating an eventful 10 years in Llanelli

Dawsons is celebrating after being part of the Llanelli business scene for the past decade.

And it has been an eventful 10 years that has seen the estate agent’s staff levels in the Murray Street branch double as business has grown in the area both regards sales and lettings.

Dawsons prides itself that it employs local staff, some who are Welsh speaking, who know the area like the back of their hands.

Dawsons' Llanelli office 10 years ago
Dawsons’ Llanelli office 10 years ago (Lorraine Evans, first left, and Julie Long, second from right)

Just to show how much has changed in a decade since the branch opened Dawsons has produced then and now pictures.

There is one staff member – Julie Long – who figures in both pictures spanning the 10 years.

“It seems remarkable that Dawsons has had a branch in Llanelli for 10 years – how time has flown,” said Julie.

“I was there when it all started 10 years ago and it is great how the team has expanded in that time, showing what an impact Dawsons has had locally.

“Dawsons is now a real part of the business community in the Llanelli area and that goes to show in how we support and sponsor local events such as the Burry Port Raft Race.”

Also in the original picture is Lorraine Evans, who is now managing the busy sales office in Swansea.

Not only has the staff expanded but the Llanelli office has enjoyed a special makeover to mark its anniversary.

MAIN PICTURE: L-R Angie Bastin, Matthew Whitehead, Joe Chiffi, Ian Stevenson, Caroline Pritchard, Sam Partner, Jo Roberts, Aimee Jones and Julie Long.

View from new Mumbles development

Dawsons appointed as agents for forthcoming luxury Mumbles development

Dawsons Estate agents is delighted to have been named as sole agent for a prestigious forthcoming residential apartment development in Mumbles.

Along with the proposed Marks & Spencer store on the site of the old British Legion building in Newton Road, nine luxury apartments are being built above with the whole development expected to be completed in early 2019.

Not only are these spacious high spec properties situated right in the heart of Mumbles but they will enjoy a section of the beautiful 180 degree panoramic views over Oystermouth Castle, the sweep of Mumbles Bay and around to Mumbles Pier.

“Having been involved in this unique development since close to the start, it is with great excitement that we now see it becoming a reality, with pre-building activity already on site” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons Land & New Homes.

“This is a spectacular opportunity for people to own a private luxury apartment, set just off the hustle and bustle of a vibrant village of Mumbles, which is continually improving with its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and bars.

“Located above the Marks & Spencer store will be the nine luxury apartments, all of which will boast sea and/or castle views, and all having the distinct advantage of parking.”

The construction company Andrew Scott has just begun on site with the main building works to continue right through 2018, with an anticipated completion date of March 2019.

The spacious nine apartments of varying size, some of which will be duplex, will be built to a high specification.

It is anticipated that the official launch will be Summer 2018 however, Dawsons will be releasing information to all database clients when prices are confirmed.

Tim added: “Anyone wishing to register their interest to be informed with more specific detail and prices when launched, is advised to contact either myself, or our Land and New Homes staff, based in our Marina Office on 01792 653100, and we will be pleased to keep them updated.”

Dawsons Sales Director Jo Summerfield and a few of the 44th Beaver Scouts group

DAWSONS GET CREATIVE WITH SKETTY SCHOOL AND BEAVER SCOUTS

Dawsons’ staff have been spending time in the local community in supporting children’s academic and creative achievements.

Our Sketty Sales Branch Manager Alison Morris was invited to visit the children in year 1 at Sketty Primary School last November to assist in their term’s project: ‘Houses and Homes’.

Alison along with Naomi Webborn of Dawsons Marketing team spent time in the classroom helping the children to understand the process of selling a house. There were games and prizes and a question and answer session, where the children were already able to differentiate between house styles – detached, semi-detached, terraced.

Also during November Dawsons’ partner James Dawson, along with both the sales and the lettings directors Jo Summerfield Talbot and Ricky Purdy, joined the 44th Sketty Beaver Scouts for an evening of Lego creations.

Using Lego kindly donated by parents and friends of the 44th Scout troop, the beaver lodges set out to build the most original house with their team-mates which was e judged at the end of the evening by Dawsons, who kindly supplied the winning beaver lodge with a Lego set each to take home.

All beavers received their Lego badge along with the Dawsons team, who had as much fun as the children during the creative session.

Whilst Dawsons staff are dealing with all things property, their marketing team are always on the lookout for how they can assist our local communities here in Swansea and Llanelli.

If you would like our support, please contact Naomi Webborn on 01792 301000 or email naomi.webborn@dawsonsproperty.co.uk.

 

 

NEW STARTERS

Dawsons expanding staffing levels in readiness for 2018

While many businesses wind down at the end of the year, Dawsons have been increasing their staffing levels in readiness for another busy New Year.  With more than 13 sales and lettings branches throughout Swansea and Llanelli, Dawsons were looking to recruit staff for several new roles within the company which will bring their staffing levels to more than 120.

Dawsons are a locally-owned business, established in 1991 with many years’ experience in the field of Residential and Commercial Property Sales and Rentals, together with their highly successful Auction Department,  Land and New Homes, Survey, Financial Services and Fine and Country Departments.  2017 proved to be another very successful, busy year with the acquisition of a smaller local letting agent and to top it off winning the Relocation Agent,  Best Agent Regional Winner 2017.

The new staff (pictured above) were all employed in the last quarter of the year and are spread throughout the company covering several different roles from Administrators, Sales and Lettings Negotiators, Inspectors to Mortgage Advisers,. They bring  with them a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience within their field.

Dawsons Sales Director Jo Summerfield said: “We strive to employ the highest, quality staff to ensure we uphold Dawsons core value in delivering excellence.  Customer service is key to our hugely successful operation, therefore maintaining, year on year our No 1 position of independent agents.”

Tim Kostromin, Partner at  Dawsons, said: “We invest in invaluable external and internal training for all our staff thereby ensuring their career development within Dawsons and equally rewarding them for always going that ‘extra mile’, our Rateragent reviews are testament to this.  Staff moral is critical to a successful business as they are the fore front of all we do.”

Chris Hope, Senior Partner, added: “Helping to support our local economy whilst providing a much needed service for those living in the area is a key factor in our business.”

Dawsons’ marketing team came up with a great initiative for 2017  in supporting local businesses in the use of their Reward Card, which has proved to be a huge success, so much so, Dawsons have received a flood of enquiries from other local business’s as to how they become involved in our Reward scheme.

With charitable organisations also being at the forefront of Dawsons’ priorities, already foundations have been laid for many planned fundraising events……….2018 is looking to be another exciting year for all those involved in the company.

Boxing Day rush

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 hand over cheque to Wales Air Ambulance

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.