Tag Archives: Dawsons Property

Dawsons sponsor the MUMBLES RFC Crackers Sevens
Dawsons

Dawsons Property at The Cracker’s 7’s

Dawsons at the 2019 cracker 7's

Dawsons Property continued their longstanding sponsorship of the ever-popular Cracker Sevens at Mumbles RFC this year.

As always, the 3-day festival of rugby took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, August 24-26, in Underhill Park, Mumbles.

The Dawsons loyal sponsorship spans more than two decades and partner James Dawson has been associated with the tournament for many years, having played in the event in his youth and continuing as a sponsor.

“Being a player in the Cracker Sevens and to then go on to sponsor the event year on year is a privilege,” said James. “The event is an annual must for the Dawsons partners, their families, our employees and our business associates.  It really is a thoroughly enjoyable event come rain or shine…  but we were extremely lucky this year to have a scorcher!”

Dawsons at the 2019 cracker 7's

CRACKER 7’s 2019 Matches

Friday 23rd August – 1st XV .v. Swansea Uplands.

Saturday 24th August – U16’s .v. Swansea Uplands

Youth-friendly .v. Swansea Uplands

Charity game organised by Huw Evans and Stephen Hughes.

The Sweet William Invitation XV managed by Wales International Paul Moriarty vs. Rockefeller Rugby XV managed by former Wales Head Coach Mike Ruddock.  Many former players on the pitch!

Sunday 25th August – The 31st Jimmy Cracker 7’s!

Dawsons at the 2019 cracker 7's

Dawsons at the 2019 cracker 7's

Dawsons Property Auctions Swansea
Auctions

Top tips on what to do before bidding at Auction

It is so important to do your due diligence before you take the plunge and bid at an auction, so here are some top tips from our Auction Company EIG:

When considering purchasing a particular property at auction it is essential that you prepare by doing your due diligence research in advance. It is your responsibility to be completely satisfied with the property before the auction so you can make an educated decision whether to bid for the property or not and what your maximum bid would be.

Doing your due diligence includes:

  • Viewing the property
  • Ascertaining the likely sale price
  • Reading the legal pack

Then, if it is a property you wish to pursue it is prudent to:

  • Instruct a property survey
  • Ask your solicitor to review the legal pack
  • Viewing a property

It is important to view every property you are interested in prior to the auction.  Contact the auctioneer to arrange the viewing which may be arranged as fixed time slots for group viewings (open house viewings) or individually arranged.

It may be useful at this point to bring an experienced builder or knowledgeable friend with you to the property who can spot any potential problems that would need to be included in your financial calculations or may mean the property is no longer of interest to you.

When looking at buying any property it is advisable to view it at least twice, during the daytime and at night which may be just a ‘drive by’ viewing.  The plans and photographs published in the catalogue are there to aid identification of the property only, the plans may not be to scale so you need to verify them.

What to take to a property viewing:

  • Camera
  • Tape measure (preferably a laser as much quicker especially if viewing is busy)
  • Notepad or iPad
  • Torch
  • Binoculars (to check roof, gutter and chimney)
  • Portable ladder (to access loft space)
  • Suitable footwear (you may need to climb!)
  • Contact details of the auctioneer and research notes for further investigation in the area e.g. an unidentified building(Important #: Don’t forget to follow up and ask questions that arise from the viewing)

Points to evaluate:

  • Leasehold or freehold property, any additional ground rent or service charges?
  • Parking, garden, access and property boundaries?
  • Neighbours, traffic and noise?
  • Nearest shops and public transport?
  • Heating, insulation, plumbing, electrics?
  • Council tax band, energy efficiency rating?
  • Any structural issues or recent extensions?
  • Vacant or tenanted and history of the property?

Viewing in an unfamiliar area?

If an area is new to you, speak to the auctioneer and ask as many questions as you can.  It is also advisable to look online at crime sites, google the address and street, using some of the best online platforms, for example:

  • www.checkmystreet.co.uk – average rentals
  • www.streetcheck.co.uk – nearest schools
  • www.checkmyarea.com – area profile
  • www.police.uk – crime rate
  • www.rightmove.co.uk – for rental and sales prices
  • www.gov.uk/find-government-property – find government owned property
  • www.gov.uk/private-renting – private renting

Still interested?

If you decide that you are still interested in the property after viewing it, then now is the time to contact your solicitor and arrange a property survey in advance of the auction.

Dawsons Auctions powered by the Essential Information Group

Article Written By Beth Fox

 

 

See what is coming up for sale in this week’s Swansea Auction by clicking here

https://www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk/auctions.php

The Marriott Hotel, Swansea Marina
Wednesday 27th February 2019
Start time – 3pm

Relocation Agent Network
Staff

2 Relocation Agent Specialists Join DAWSONS

Please join us in saying a big congratulations to Danielle Thomas from Dawsons in Mumbles and Sam Partner from Dawsons in Llanelli who are both celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent Specialists.

Relocation Agent Network

The accreditation is awarded by the Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, entitled, ‘The Importance of Service’.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a selected member), entitled the “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.

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 Mumbles and Gower, 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.

Dawsons Chris Hope said, “We take staff development very seriously and Danielle’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 a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

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

Dawsons' Safe As Houses campaign to keep children safe during the Airshow
Charitable Events, Community, Dawsons, Staff

Estate agent sponsors special ‘Safe as Houses’ scheme to keep children safe at Wales Airshow 2018

Dawsons estate agents are sponsoring special wristbands to keep children safe at this year’s Airshow based on the Swansea sea front.

In a campaign named ‘Safe as Houses’, Dawsons’ wristbands will be handed out by Swansea Council officials to 1,000s of children attending the event over the weekend.

With more than 250,000 visitors expected to gather on Swansea’s promenade and waterfront for the action-packed weekend of June 30 and July 1, Dawsons felt it important to support the wristband campaign.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring a campaign that will help to keep safe all those children who will be visiting the Airshow on the Saturday and Sunday,” said Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“The weekend is a fun-filled, family affair and anything we can do to keep children safe and eliminate any worries for parents then all the better.”

On entering the event a wristband will be given to each child can be collected from various information points, the park and ride drop off location or our car parks staff. The parents’ mobile number will be written on the back of the wristband before being put on the child’s wrist.

Losing a child, even for a few moments, can be very distressing and the Tag Your Tots scheme can help reassure and get help fast. Parents are being advised it they lose a child or need to report an incident to look for the nearest steward who will talk directly to the security and events team via radio.

Added Chris: “The Airshow just gets bigger and better and showcases Swansea at its best and we are delighted to be associated with it especially as this year the even takes on extra significance as it is celebrating both the RAF’s 100th anniversary and the Army commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.”

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism, said: “We are delighted that a Company with such local recognition and familiarity as Dawsons Estate Agents have decided to become a sponsoring partner for the Wales Airshow 2018.  The Wales Airshow is Wales’ largest, free event for the public to enjoy.

“The show attracts record numbers of visitors to the area, with children’s safety being of paramount importance throughout the weekend. With Dawsons’ contribution, we can effectively manage the number of families with children at the event, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy this fantastic two-day spectacle.”

The Airshow has grown in popularity from 75,000 visitors in 2009 to an audience of 250,000 last year and even more people are expected this year.

Full details about the event, road closures and other information is available at walesairshow.co.uk.

PICTURE: Swansea Uplands RFC Under 7s interrupted their training session on the beach to show off the bright orange wristbands that will be used during the Airshow

Mark Matthews - the winner of Dawsons' Sell your House for Free competition
Competition, Dawsons, Gorseinon, Sales

Nurse Mark named as Dawsons’ winner of ‘sell your home for free’ competition

Dawsons Property is delighted to announce Mark Matthews as the winner of their ‘Sell Your Home for Free’ competition.

Mark, who has put his house on the market with Dawsons in Heol Islwyn, Penyrheol, for £120,000, will get his fees for free from the leading south Wales estate agent.

A nurse at Neath Port Talbot hospital Mark was the lucky winner who was randomly picked out ahead of scores of eligible Dawsons clients. Anyone who put their property up for sale were entered in to the competition with the winner paying no agent fees.

“I was absolutely delighted to find out I had won this competition especially as I have just had a bad experience with an online agent.  It’s a win-win situation for me,” said Mark.

Mark Matthews' home in Heol Islwyn
Mark Matthews’ home in Heol Islwyn

“Dawsons sold a house for me a few years ago but this time I decided to go with the online agent after being seduced by their claims of low fees, which I now massively regret, as has left me ‘out of pocket’ and my property not sold.

“Dawsons are especially pro-active with that personal touch and I think that goes a long way when you are selling a property.”

Jo Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons’ Director of Sales, said: “We are delighted Mark has emerged as winner of our competition especially as he has had such a bad experience previously.

“Being a Hight Street agent it is all about the close-knit communities we work within, so we decided it would be a great idea to try and give something back to the lucky winner by selling their home for free. It has been a great success and congratulations to Mark.”

MAIN CAPTION: L-R Competition winner Mark Matthews with Nicola Fulford, Dawsons’ BranchManager at the Gorseinon branch, and Simon McClaren, Dawsons’ Senior Sales Negotiator at Dawsons’ Gorseinon branch.

Simon McClaren
Dawsons, Relocation, Sales, Staff

Simon celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent Specialist

Simon McLaren, from Dawsons branch in Gorseinon, is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network 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), 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.

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, said: “We take staff development very seriously and Simon’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 a Relocation Agent Specialist 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, 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.”

 

 

Rhos Ladies
Community, Dawsons, Sponsorship

Dawsons-sponsored Rhos Ladies enjoy impressive first season

In only their first season Rhos Ladies, whose training tops were sponsored by Dawsons Property, finished runners up in the West Wales League.

In a fine season they also only just lost out in the final of the West Wales Cup losing to Dafen 4-3 at Britton Ferry.

In the cup final Rhos dominated for large periods of the game but were denied by the Dafen goalkeeper who pulled off a number of excellent saves.

Rhos have now been promoted and are just below Swansea City Ladies in the Welsh League.

L-R Naomi Webborn, Dawsons’ Lettings Department Coordinator, Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, and volunteers at Swansea Foodbank at City Church in Dyfatty.
Charitable Events, Charity, Community, Dawsons, Foodbank, Gorseinon, Llanelli, Mumbles, Relocation Agen Network, Reward Card, Staff, Swansea, Trussell Trust

Dawsons supporting national food collection campaign

Dawsons Property is supporting a week-long campaign to collect items for Swansea Foodbank next month.

The special collection, which is part of Relocation Agent Network’s national fundraising event called #OneThousandItemsofFood, will take place between June 14 and 21 in conjunction with the Trussell Trust.

During the week there will be collection points in all of Dawsons’ branches across Swansea & Llanelli with special bins to be provided by their Dawsons’ reward card partner Exall & Jones.

The foodbank has become part of the social landscape of society with one in five people living below the poverty line in the UK.

Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank
Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank

“We are very grateful to Dawsons to their commitment to this food collection campaign,” said Kristina Williams, Assistant Manager at Swansea Foodbank.

“We tend to have a lot of contributions around Christmas time and harvest festival, but contributions tend to tail off a bit during the spring and summer so Dawsons’ commitment is both timely and welcome.”

Swansea Foodbank, which provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis, is open in several locations around the city on different days and times.

Swansea Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s national foodbank network and is supported by churches across the city to help people in times of crisis.

Swansea Foodbank volunteers
Swansea Foodbank volunteers

Dawsons is asking customers and staff to donate two items each of non-perishable food such as tins and packet food.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this campaign as part of the Relocation Agent Network which is running #OneThousandItemsofFood throughout the UK.

Unfortunately, we live in times when foodbanks have become a necessity for a part of our society, so we are determined to make this campaign as successful as possible, therefore all our branches will be collecting items between June 14 and 21.”

To find your local foodbank visit www.trusselltrust.org. Find out what supplies they are currently in need of and what items they have enough of.  Foodbanks also accept essential non-food items such as toiletries and hygiene products. They also accept clothes and toys.

 

Kingsley Amis's old house in The Grove, Uplands
Dawsons, Kingsley Amis, Sales, Uplands

Dawsons to put Kingsley Amis’s blue plaque house on the market

The Swansea house where writer Kingsley Amis wrote his world-renowned novel Lucky Jim is going up for sale.

The house, which has a blue plaque outside with Amis’s name on, is in The Grove in Uplands and is due to go on the market for £259,999 with Dawsons Property.

Amis lived in the house between 1951 and 1956 during which time he was a lecturer at Swansea University. Lucky Jim was published in 1954. In total Amis was a lecturer at the University for 12 years until 1961.

Amis said that his days in Swansea were among his happiest and referred to Swansea as: “a place of earth I know best, better than any part of London and the place I feel most at home in.”

The blue plaque on The Grove, Uplands
The blue plaque on The Grove, Uplands

The house is currently owned by retired teacher Paul Thomas and his head teacher wife Kerry.

Mr Thomas said: “The fact that Kingsley Amis once lived in here was definitely one of the selling points.”

The blue plaque was unveiled at the front of the house, commemorating Amis’s time there in 2015. Amis also wrote That Uncertain Feeling while at The Grove which was turned into a Swansea-set movie starring Peter Sellers.

The property comprises of three reception rooms, kitchen and utility room with WC to the ground floor. To the first and second floors there are five bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “This is an exceptional chance to own a house with a lot of history. It’s not very often that properties come on the market adorning a blue plaque. I expect it to be a sought-after property.

“Kingsley Amis is one of the UK’s literary giants and the fact that the house is in Uplands, not far from where Dylan Thomas was born in Cwmdonkin Drive, just goes to show the cultural history Swansea has to offer.”

Caroline Pritchard
Awards, Dawsons, Relocation, Relocation Agent Network, Sales

Caroline gains Relocation accreditation after just months on Dawsons’ staff

Caroline Pritchard from Dawsons in Llanelli is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

Caroline only joined Dawsons in Nov’ 2017 and only began her RAN training in Feb 2018, so it is a significant achievement.

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

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “We take staff development very seriously and Caroline’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 a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

A national network of independent 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.

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 Llanelli, 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 Llanelli, 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.”