Tag Archives: Estate Agent

Helen Whitter-Jones of Dawsons' branch in Sketty
Dawsons, Relocation, Relocation Agent Network, Sales, Sketty, Swansea

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.”

Dawsons
Dawsons, Sales

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.

Dawsons' Llanelli office 2018
Burry Port Raft Race, Dawsons, Lettings, Llanelli, Sales, Staff

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, Mumbles, New Homes, Sales

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
Community, Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

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.

 

 

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.