Tag Archives: Estate Agent

Dawsons Llanelli branch
Dawsons, Relocation

First Dawsons sales branch to have full house of relocation accredited staff

Dawsons Property Sales Negotiator Joe Chiffi is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

His success means that the Llanelli branch is the only one of Dawsons’ sales offices to have a full accredited team.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network (RAN) and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

Joe’s accreditation comes after Dawsons Property was named as Relocation Agent Network’s 2016 Best Agent in South Wales.

“We take staff development very seriously and Joe’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill se,” said Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons.

“Of course, having another Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

Joe said: “I am delighted to have become an accredited RAN agent specialist and this really adds to the service and advice I am able to offer customers who are looking to relocate.”

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.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers with Dawsons guiding 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. The introduction of a RAN Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

RAN’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, Dawsons have proved themselves as 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.”

(CAPTION: L-R Joe Chiffi, Llanelli Office Manager Angie Bastin, Matthew Whitehead, Felicity Curtis and Emma Davies).

Mia Rees, Public Affairs and Research Manager, The Wallich, Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, Dawsons, Suzy Davies AM, Harry McKeown, South West Wales Regional Manager, The Wallich, and Joanne Summerfield Talbot, Director of Residential Sales, Dawsons.
Charitable Events, Dawsons

Suzy Davies AM praises Dawsons Property’s work to tackle homelessness

Dawsons Property has welcomed Suzy Davies AM to their branch at 11 Walter Road, Swansea to hear about their collaboration with homelessness charity The Wallich.

Dawsons has worked in partnership with The Wallich in Swansea for more than 10 years, helping to secure private rental accommodation for service users.

As part of Dawsons’ 25th Anniversary last year it selected The Wallich as its charity of the year, raising funds throughout the year and most notably during Clash of the Corporates in October 2016 – which it won by raising over £3,200 through events including a curry night with raffles, auctions and a series of games.

Other fundraising activities throughout the year, including a mud assault challenge, dress down day and collection tins, helped them raise a total of £4588.37 for The Wallich.

After hearing about the collaboration between Dawsons and The Wallich, Suzy Davies AM said:

“Huge congratulations to Dawsons for their amazing year of fundraising for the Wallich. It sounds like fun but it’s important we all see local businesses being part of solving local problems. It’s not all about the fundraising: it’s about working with the Wallich to prevent homelessness providing practical help, through these bonds, to someone who needs a stable home.”

Harry McKeown, Area Manager South West Wales at The Wallich, added: “It has been a pleasure to talk to Suzy Davies AM about our work with Dawsons and the challenges faced by homeless people in Swansea.

“Dawsons have been an excellent partner through their fundraising and support for homeless people to move into sustainable accommodation in the area with bonds.

“We run several services in Swansea from supporting rough sleepers to get off the streets in to accommodation to collaboration with the local authority to support people into the private rented sector.”

Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons’ Director of Residential Sales, said: “Our 130 staff really bought into it from the outset. Everyone has thrown themselves into it and we are thrilled with the amount raised.

“It will go towards bonds to help clients access their first properties in the Swansea area.”

Caption: L-R  Mia Rees, Public Affairs and Research Manager, The Wallich, Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, Dawsons, Suzy Davies AM, Harry McKeown, South West Wales Regional Manager, The Wallich, and Joanne Summerfield Talbot, Director of Residential Sales, Dawsons.

Ian Bateman, Commercial Insurance Director at Eastside Insurance Services, with Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings
Dawsons, Landlords, Lettings

Dawsons collaborating with Eastside Insurance to benefit landlords

Dawsons and Eastside Insurance Services have launched a collaboration that will make the lives of private landlords a lot simpler.

Whether landlords own one property or portfolio of rental properties, it is vital their assets remain protected with property owners’ insurance, for the building and its contents should a property be let on a furnished basis.

Dawsons, who manage and secure tenants for many landlords, decided to join forces with the local and growing insurance company Eastside Insurance.

Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings, said the partnership with Eastside would be mutually beneficial.

“We are very much looking forward to working alongside Eastside, who we know are a well-established and respected local company,” he said.

“We know Eastside offer market leading services, so it’s great that we can provide this reassurance to our clients having built a relationship as two local brands, recently celebrating milestones of service to our community and further afield.

“Being able to provide these further services to our landlords, be those with one property or several, gives continuity, reassurance and always a local point of contact. These are key for Dawsons, and reflect the services we already offer our clients.

“We are both confident that this new relationship will flourish, and we are collectively looking forward to working as one and providing another service to meet our clients understandably high expectations.”

Lynda Fisher, Account Handler at Eastside, said: “We are really excited to be working alongside Dawsons, and are confident it will be a great success from the outset.

“Dawsons and ourselves have been working closely over recent months in preparation for the launch of this service. The relationship is blossoming and we know that our mutual services are tried and tested so we can provide the best possible service to landlords.”

CAPTION: L-R Ian Bateman, Commercial Insurance Director at Eastside Insurance Services, with Ricky Purdy, Director of Dawsons residential lettings

The Kingsway
Dawsons, Regeneration

Dawsons happy with more city redevelopment plans to regenerate Kingsway

A new vision for Swansea city centre has been welcomed by Dawsons Property’s Senior Partner Chris Hope.

And part of that redevelopment plan is a £10m scheme to give The Kingsway an exciting new facelift which will see a new road layout to help cater for a new urban park.

A public consultation has begun on the revamp, which will remove the existing two lanes of traffic on the northern side of The Kingsway.

The redevelopment of The Kingsway will also include the introduction of two-way traffic along surrounding roads including, Alexandra Road, Mansel Street, Orchard Street, De La Beche Street and Belle Vue Way.

“There is much to be admired about the way Swansea is going to be transformed over the next few years,” said Chris.

“And having a fully functioning road system that everyone understands is important for the well-being of the city.

“If all this comes to fruition, along with the £1.3b city deal, then Swansea is going to be a city on the up and a very much more attractive place for people to come and live.

“There is no doubting that Swansea and Gower is an attractive area it its own right but to have a fully functioning city infrastructure with plenty more to offer businesses, shoppers and tourists can only be a good thing.”

The regeneration plans for The Kingsway focus more heavily on pedestrians and making the route a destination for shoppers/visitors and city centre workers.

It’s proposed that disruption will be kept to a minimum, with night-time working likely with the public consultation process running until the end of March, with work, subject to agreement, starting in the middle of the year.

The proposed new layout will see the current bus lane removed to allow traffic to travel in both directions on the southern side of the carriageway. Work is expected to start along the route later this year, once full approval has been given.

Dawsons bathroom feature
Bathrooms, Dawsons

Feeling flushed with a quality bathroom

January’s edition of Swansea Life has included a special feature on spectacular bathrooms provided by Dawsons Property.

Here is the feature …

If you ever wondered how important a quality bathroom is to a home consider that the average person spends 18 months of their life in there.

A lovely kitchen is important and a comfortable living room may be crucial, but it is the bathroom where most of us actually start and finish the day.

And when it comes to investing in upgrading or renovating your bathroom it is money very well spent.

“Giving your bathroom a makeover can dramatically increase the value of your home,” insisted Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“Because taking extra time to renovate the bathroom will allow you to recoup most, if not all of the money that you invest in the renovation once it comes to sell.

“It’s all about ending up with a room that is that much more attractive and functional as well as being that much more hygienic.”

Here we look at five different bathrooms that have put added value to each property.

Raglan, St Annes is for sale with Fine & Country for £1,595,000

A bespoke and lifestyle designed customised property situated on Gower coastline in Langland. This truly idyllic location with picturesque sea view provides tranquil living with the sound of the waves crashing onto the golden sandy beach.

Set over three floors with six double bedrooms and vast living space the property welcomes family living with the additional enjoyment of an indoor swimming pool. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with Teuco freestanding bath, walk in shower with waterfall shower provides a beautiful space to relax.

639 Gower Road, Upper Killay is for sale with Fine & Country for £680,000

The perfect, five-bedroom family home situated on the fringes of the Gower Peninsular is set behind a gated entrance with an excellent degree of privacy.

This beautifully presented traditional feel family home offers light, airy, spacious and versatile accommodation with a welcoming and family feel. Deceptively spacious the property sits within a generous plot providing ample parking, garage and drive through driveway with secure telecom entry system.

The spacious family bathroom includes stone tiled encased inset bath and walk in shower area with glass enclosure and waterfall shower. The room is finished with stone tiled walls and floor.

Hawthorn Cottage, Fairwood is for sale with Fine & Country for £589,950

This delightful four-bedroom cottage looks like it has been a part of the surrounding countryside for a hundred years, But Hawthorn Cottage was built approximately 14 years ago and has been cleverly renovated by the current vendor who has captured the essence of a traditional cottage with beamed ceilings and country kitchen melding beautifully with today’s modern luxuries.

And the family bathroom is particularly impressive. It contains a double glazed frosted window to the side, wood floor, panelled bath with shower attachment, towel radiator, pine vanity unit with two stand-alone oblong sinks and pillar taps. It also has half tiled walls, dado rail, low level WC extractor fan and beamed ceiling.

58 Hendrefoilan Road, Sketty is for sale with Dawsons for £475,000

This is an impressively spacious and traditional detached property which has been fully renovated and modernised to a high standard. Situated on a large plot in the desirable area of Sketty offering easy access to Singleton hospital, Swansea University and the sea front.

The family bathroom consists of a stylish white four piece suite comprising low level WC, wash hand basin with stainless steel mixer tap and vanity unit, step in sliding glass shower cubicle with stainless steel mixer shower over with hand held attachment, set in bath with stainless steel centre mixer tap and hand held shower attachment, inset ceiling spotlights, hardwood double glazed Velux window to rear, extractor fan, uPVC double glazed obscured glass window to rear, neutral ceramic wall tiles with stunning 3D feature border tiles, wall mounted chrome towel radiator, neutral ceramic multi ton floor tiles.

25 Hendre Mawr Close, Tycoch is for sale with Dawsons for £324,950

A spacious, detached bungalow, built in 2002, comprises to the ground floor lounge, dining room, study/bedroom, utility room, kitchen/breakfast room, large family bathroom, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite shower room. To the first floor are two further bedrooms and cloakroom.

The property benefits from galleried landing, gas central heating, double glazing, large single garage with electric door and block paved large parking area to the front. There is an enclosed rear garden with level, enclosed paved patio area and with one step down to further lawned area.

The family bathroom comprises of a bath, pedestal wash hand basin, low level WC and double shower, airing cupboard with radiator inside, half tiled walls with decorative border, two stainless steel radiators, coving to ceiling, spotlights, ceramic tiled floor, uPVC double glazed window to side, built in mirror with lights, extractor fan, panelled door.

Dawsons is hiring
Dawsons, Recruitment

Dawsons is searching for enthusiastic new staff

Swansea’s leading estate agent is looking for enthusiastic key staff to complement our highly successful teams in both our Sales and Lettings Departments across our branch network.  We currently have a number of openings for  Saturday Sales/Lettings Negotiators.

You must be of smart appearance, confident and be able to communicate well at all levels.  We are committed to providing outstanding customer service and going the extra mile. If you have those attributes we would like to hear from you. A full driving license is essential.

Please send cv with contact telephone and best time to call to jst@dawsonsproperty.co.uk

We will conduct a telephone interview in the first instance.

Windsor Cafe
Commercial property, Dawsons, Lettings

Dawsons’ commercial deals give boost to city centre business

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.

Union Street
Union Street

2 Picton Arcade: Deluxe Vapours – Offering upper market vape fluids for evape pens.

Picton Arcade
Picton Arcade

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
Oxford Street

Windsor Café, Craddock Street: expected to be turned into a restaurant.

Windsor Cafe
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.

Nelson Street
Nelson Street
Goetre Fach Road
Dawsons, House prices

Dawsons say they buck the trend on unrealistic ‘For Sale’ prices

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.”

Chris Marina Office02
Awards, Dawsons, Relocation

Dawsons shortlisted for 2016 best agent in South Wales

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.”

David Parton
Dawsons

Dawsons impressive connections ease the worries of UK-wide relocation

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
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.”