Tag Archives: Property

wing walkers at wales airshow 2019
Dawsons

August Newsletter

Community:

Wales Air Show 2019

On the weekend of the 6th & 7th July the Dawsons Property team of volunteers headed down to Swansea Bay to work at the Wales Airshow for the 2nd year running.

Dawsons Property Blog August 2019
“Tag your Tots” was the theme, and positioned at the entrance, the staff were on hand to get all of the children wristbands with their parent’s emergency contact details secured on their arms, so that, heaven forbid, they wandered off during the excitement,  their parents or guardians could easily be contacted and traced….. especially with all eyes raised up to the sky for the aerobatic entertainment.

On top of this, there was lots of face painting, aeroplane stencils and glitter at the ready, plus selfie frames for photos and lots of advice about the events happening over the 2 days.

We took so much pride in being a part of the anniversary celebrations for Swansea City’s 50th birthday.

Industry News

Whether you’re over the moon or underwhelmed, Boris Johnson is now Prime Minister of the UK.

boris johnsonHe’s got form in the housing sector including his relatively unsuccessful attempt to introduce a minimum ‘rental standard’ in London when he was mayor, but now takes charge of a government that has several flagship housing market measures underway.

Will Bojo keep his housing team as it is? Will he alter James Brokenshire’s plans to reform Section 21 evictions, reform leasehold ownership, regulate estate agency and set up a publicly-available database of rogue landlords and agents? And will he follow through on his promise to reform Stamp duty? It will be an interesting few weeks. Effectively we here in Swansea have Rent Smart Wales (RSW) which already has in place a number of the suggested processes – in simply terms policing the PRS and looking at continued ways to improve standards across the board without the unexpected and detrimental financial consequences.

(The Negotiator, Nigel Lewis)

August Top Tip:  

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOLICITOR

Your agent can advise you on the best local solicitors. They speak to them daily and understand which will work the best with you. The last thing you want is a lengthy conveyance.

AUCTION NEWS:

Dawsons Swansea Auction Time

The auction department has grown from strength to strength over the last six months. With the average number of properties going to each auction rising from 19 to 22.

We have found that more and more vendors are preferring the auction method of sale. The transparent, no-nonsense approach is becoming all the more common amongst sellers and purchasers alike.

If you have a surplus property, a property with issues e.g. short lease, knotweed, structural issues, neighbour disputes or need to sell due to legal reasons, an auction can be a great tool. From the beginning of marketing to completion the auction process is roughly 8 weeks.

Please give us a call on 01792 478903.

Dawsons Auction Going Going Gone.

F & C Property Focus:  

Welcome to our newest team member at Fine & Country SwanseaLindsey Harrison, Client Relationship Executive

Lindsey joined our Fine and Country department after working as a visual merchandiser for Debenhams. Graduating with a BA (Hons) in fashion construction and design, Lindsey’s artistic eye and creativeness is the reason why she is a perfect fit for our marketing team and the source of some of the most impactful brochures you will see. She has the ability to highlight features and create a visual lifestyle for prospective buyers to aspire to. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her two horses and competing in local show jumping competitions.

Business Link:

The Optimist Bar and Kitchen, 59 Uplands Crescent SA2 0EZ Swansea

The Optimist Bar in Swansea are on the Dawsons Reward Card

The ever-popular, uplands bar and kitchen The Optimist has been a part of the Dawsons reward card scheme from the very beginning. With quality food and drink, excellent service and upbeat vibes The Optimist has established itself as one of Swansea best venues, whether it’s for mid-week brunch or weekend drinks, The Optimist is the place to be.

RAN:

Summer is upon us and the buyers are out and about, so it seemed a good time to introduce another RAN Focus Day to help not just local buyers with a property to sell but those from out of the area as well.

Dawsons Property Blog August 2019It took place on Wednesday 17th July. All of our sales offices worked frantically, helping clients with their relocation to new areas. We managed to assist 13 different clients to relocate and find their dream homes both in and outside of Swansea.

These focus days are a great opportunity to build relationships between agents and let everyone know how the Network helps customers relocate across the UK, whilst delivering great service.

Dawsons helped 13 clients relocate both in and out of Swansea, we are extremely pleased with that figure. Remember if you are thinking of relocating please call us.

Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) update:

Dawsons Property Blog August 2019

Our Mortgage Advisers all pride themselves on speed and service when it comes to arranging your mortgage. Last week Shaun Sturgess submitted 5 Applications, 7 days later the happy customers now all have full Mortgage Offers and are speeding along the road to owning their dream home! All this after negotiating with local estate agents and achieving the best price for the customer.

To see if Shaun or our other advisers can help you with the same level of service please get in touch.

Careers @ Dawsons:

WE ARE HIRING

Are you considering a career in Estate Agency, Property Management or Surveying? Click HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS IN KILLAY
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Killing It In Killay

Video

Going the extra mile is our motto at Killay Branch.  It is an absolute pleasure to make our clients happy, that’s what our jobs are all about after all.

It is probably due to this fact that our Killay branch is absolutely “killing it” and smashing our targets for sales and lettings.

Watch Callum Thomas (our sales negotiator) on his very first video, talking about the property current market, the asking prices being achieved, the speed at which property is being sold, some of the best areas (for instance Gowerton, Elmer Estate, North Gower) and how Dawsons are the market leaders.  We think that Callum is a total pro in front of the camera, so watch out for many more videos to come!

Callum and Sharon from our Killay Branch pictured on a valuation and measure-up at a property in Penclawdd North Gower.  The house had so much land that the vendor requires 4 tractors! Of course, the Dawsons guys had to have a go and get a picture with them!

DAWSONS KILLAY ESTATE AGENTS

If you have a property (or a farm!!) to sell or rent in the Killay area, why not contact Callum or his colleagues:

419 Gower Road
Killay
Swansea
SA2 7AN

Tel: 01792 298014

Email: ki@dawsonsproperty.co.uk

http://www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk/killay-branch.php

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 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

Nicola Fulford
Dawsons, Gorseinon, Relocation

Nicola celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent specialist.

Nicola Fulford from Dawsons branch in Gorseinon is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent specialist

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

A national network of independent estate agents, of which Dawsons is a member, RAN introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

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

“Of course, having RAN specialists in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

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.

For those relocating to Gorseinon and the surrounding areas, 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. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Gorseinon, 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.”

Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Senior Negotiator. talking to new landlords at an open evening at the Marina Office
Dawsons, Lettings

Dawsons hosts successful open evening to welcome new landords

Dawsons has held a very successful open evening at their Marina Office to welcome new landlords.

Dawsons acquired Marina & SA1 properties in mid-June, and it seems the landlords and tenants alike have taken to this merger with ease.

“It has been a very smooth transition for all involved and we have very much enjoyed meeting our new customer base in recent weeks both by phone, email and face-to-face in our office,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Lettings.

“Our most recent event saw our newly-acquired landlords relaxing and enjoying a nice glass of Pimms with nibbles, and catching up with Irene, who has joined us in the merger with Marina & SA1 properties, and also meeting our well established rental team.

“It was a very busy evening, full of positive discussions on how Dawsons will continue to manage the landlords’ properties with the great customer service they had previously received.

“Along with that there are some extra benefits which include: access to a wider scope of contractors, our links nationwide with other well established agents and our technical reporting system providing the landlords with online property visit reports, giving them the ability to see the internal condition of their property throughout the tenancy.”

Dawsons Senior Lettings staff member Leon was there to welcome all Dawsons’ guests and talk them through all aspects of the transition in management.

Also on hand was Legionella Risk Assessor Ian who was able to answer any questions regarding the recent need for risk assessments of property water supplies.  Dawsons’ Marina office senior administrator Laura was able to assist some landlords with any Rent Smart Wales queries.

Added Ricky: “Our staff in the newly merged Marina office have worked extremely well together throughout the coalition of both companies and look forward to the future as one even bigger team with even greater experience and property knowledge to boot.”

Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons with the Land & New Homes Team, Viv Jones, Janey Harris and Lisa Davies at the award-winning Bethany Lane development in Mumbles by Hale Homes
Dawsons, New Homes

Dawsons selected to join exclusive national land and homes network

Dawsons has been selected by the Land and New Homes Network (LNHN) as the leading estate agent continues to develop its expertise in the booming land and new homes sector.

The Land and New Homes Network (LNHN) is a UK-wide organisation which brings leading estate agents together to offer developers, property investors and home buyers an unparalleled service based on knowledge, experience and integrity.

Dawsons was selected for their: “professionalism, experience and their focus on delivering results for clients”, and by being chosen by LNHN it has strengthened the firm’s position in order to provide land and development consultancy to clients and a specialised new homes sales service.

“We are very pleased to be selected as the LNHN’s agent for Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and the surrounding areas,” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons.

“Being in our 11th year as a dedicated department, we are already well-established as the area’s only land and new homes specialist, however this selection means we can deliver even better results for our clients.

“The Government has made addressing the housing shortage a priority so with thousands of new homes needed we’ve been proactive to ensure our clients will benefit from the best advice and coverage available.

“The network’s national coverage means we have relationships with builders, developers, investors and estate agents from across the UK. This is good for anyone selling land or new homes with us, as it increases the amount of potential buyers enormously.

“And it means more choice and better quality for local people looking to buy a new home.”

Ian Stratford, Land and New Homes Network’s Managing Director, said: “We are really looking forward to working together.

“Dawsons is exactly the type of agency we want as part of the network. They were selected for their professionalism, experience and their focus on delivering results for clients.”

If you own land or a property that you think might have development potential please call Dawsons’ Land & New Homes team on 01792 653100 for a confidential conversation.

CAPTION: Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons, with the Land and New Homes team, Viv Jones, Janey Harris and Lisa Davies at the award-winning Bethany Lane development in Mumbles by Hale Homes.

New Investment

My view on recent EU events – by leading estate agent Chris Hope

Whilst for months the question leading up to the EU referendum revolved around whether you were in or out, the query currently on everyone’s lips, no matter what their personal or professional standpoint, has to be – “what now?” Here Chris Hope, Partner at Dawsons Estate Agents, provides his view on the UK’s recent exit from the European Union and helps you figure out what’s next for you, your clients and the wider property market…

Business as usual

My view on our recent Brexit is simply business as usual, but for professionals everywhere, regardless of their niche or agency size, it is important to remain clear and positive when it comes to our immediate business future.

Following the momentous decision of the British people to leave the EU I have discussed the potential ‘fall out’ calmly and positively with many of my RAN business contacts across the UK to give both fellow industry insiders and our clients a local expert opinion to help maintain confidence and ensure that we have a clear message to offer to all of our audiences.

The market’s reaction

It would appear that the money markets had not anticipated the ‘out’ vote, however, the Governor of The Bank of England, Mark Carney, has addressed the press with a very calm and confident statement reassuring all that there are contingency plans in place to shore-up the banks and avoid any immediate turmoil.

Key points to takeaway in light of our recent exit from the EU include:

  • The Bank of England has huge reserves & plans to react positively to the vote
  • The stock market has not crashed and it has been lower this year!
  • Intent from ‘overseas money’ clients to buy property has been immediate
  • We still have a 500,000-person strong population growth and evidently they have to live somewhere
  • The majority of the Great British public are very positive about the result

All the points mentioned above offer some reassurance for what for many has been a shock result, but what’s next for our economy, our security, our relationships with the rest of the world and, more importantly, factors that affect us and our clients a little closer to home?

In short…

Well maybe not that short! There may well be a period of re-adjustment, but people will always need a home and will still need to get on with their lives. If prices do need to adjust, we need to remember that if you lose £10,000 on your own house, you will gain it on whatever you buy next. There continues to be strong demand to live in this area and that will never change because this is a nice place to live.

Are people really wanting to put their lives on hold? I doubt it very much. Clients need to be thinking about other factors rather than just the financial consequences of not moving, such as not getting into the right school area, living in a cramped environment etc., plus what goes down will come back up – it’s just a timing issue. Most purchasers don’t purchase with a short time period in mind.

Will property still remain an asset?

The fundamentals underpinning property as an asset are largely unaffected by the vote. In fact, the UK’s population will continue to rise even if EU immigration is curtailed. But the fact remains we are still not building anywhere near enough new homes to meet the rising demand. These supply-side failures continue to cushion property values from other negative influences.

Currently on offer is a 5-year fixed, interest only mortgage at 2.45%, and potentially rates might come down even further. These are once in a lifetime mortgage deals and considerably offset any price reduction.

What’s next for you and your clients?

If you or your clients are waiting for a market that allows them to buy cheaply, with prices then rising, with low interest rates and a huge selection to choose from then they’re dreamers. That market has never existed, and our job is to highlight the pros and cons of current market conditions and make sure that our clients make informed decisions.

Whatever does happen next, the market will find its equilibrium. People will still die, divorce and decide to move, and whether they choose to rent or buy, let or sell, we shall still be in a position to give them professional advice enabling them to make the right choice to suit their circumstances. A difficult marketplace will mean a successful marketplace for us, and those without the knowledge, confidence and experience are likely to fall by the wayside leaving only the strong agents to deal with the transactions.

The market is what it is and as always Dawsons will find a way to make the best of it. We are very good at that having successfully traded for 25 years!

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA
Auctions

Dawsons hammer home the success of auctions

This year has been a hugely successful year for Dawsons Auctions! Whether you are looking to sell a property with potential or purchase that perfect project property an auction could be for you.

In the past year Dawsons has been taking project properties and selling them to the highest bidder with great results.

An increased demand for both vendors and purchasers has been proved in the yearly results. In the past 12 months Dawsons Auctions has been hugely successful – 91% of properties on the auction book sold! At the last auction on 7th October, 94% of properties sold.

For a vendor looking for a speedy sale and certainty that a buyer won’t pull out auctions are the way to go. Once the hammer falls, the buyer puts down a 10% deposit and is given one month to pay the 90% of the cost.

Auction is also the perfect environment for buyers who are looking for a project property that they can then live in, convert for a rental income, or fix and re-sell.

“Buying a house or flat at a property auction is a much more transparent way to buy a house. You’ll see other bids as they are made, rather than having to take the estate agent’s word for it,” said Julie Lawry of Dawsons Auctions.

With the last auction for 2015 just finished, Dawsons Auctions has no intention of slowing down next year. To find out what all the excitement is about join us for next auction in 2016, 24th February at 3:00pm at the Swansea Marriott Hotel.

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