Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

Chris Watkins speaks with industry legend John Hards about what made Countrywide a UK property powerhouse. They explore leadership, culture, training and simple disciplines that drove success, and the practical lessons today’s estate and lettings agents can still apply.

Should estate agents be paid commission? Sam Ashdown and Phil Jones share insights from running a successful Lake District agency, exploring why commission can demotivate, how alternative rewards boost morale, and how to balance fair pay, strong culture and client focused performance.

Discover how Ashdown Jones founders Sam Ashdown and Phil Jones help estate agents earn beyond commission. From smart property investment to systemised agencies and alternative income streams, they share practical ways to build wealth, freedom and a lighter touch business.

Think millennials can’t cut it in estate agency? Think again. I speak with Simon King to debunk generational myths and unpack what truly makes a great agent. From resilience and people skills to understanding value. We explore today’s talent challenges, why mindset matters, and how to build a team that genuinely attracts the best.

The Renters Rights Act has faced years of debate and delay, but could it be a major opportunity for letting agents? Oli Sherlock from Goodlord explains how smarter agents are shifting mindset, using regulation, compliance and better landlord conversations to drive growth and stand out.

At Sean Newman’s Estate Agency Conference in Birmingham, Tom Panos reveals why small UK agents can outperform the giants. Learn how speed, focus and smart strategy can beat size, plus a simple script to win more vendors.

Feeling like David among Goliaths? UK estate agency coach Josh Phegan explains why being small is a strength, not a weakness. Learn how agility, honest positioning and smarter post-instruction calls help independents win listings and referrals.

Join the Newton family—Mark, Grace, and David—as they dive into launching their estate agency, David Grace, in Grantham. With Mark's corporate acumen, Grace's fresh social media strategies, and David's deep local roots, they're set to revolutionize the market. They discuss blending traditional methods with modern marketing, enhancing visibility with bold branding, and ensuring a personal touch through responsive service. Their commitment to community and client care shines through as they share their vision for a new beginning in the property industry.

John Hards, former Group Lettings Director at Countrywide, shares fascinating insights on the company's rise and fall. He discusses how a people-focused approach fueled growth, contrasting it with the pitfalls of treating agencies like retail. Hards emphasizes the importance of service over product, advocating for hiring based on attitude and proper training. He warns about the rise of OpenRent and its implications for landlords, while also highlighting the need for competitive salaries to retain skilled property managers. His recommendations aim to future-proof modern estate agencies.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Ashdown, a high-end estate agent and mastermind coach, teams up with Phil Jones, an estate agent known for his door-knocking success stories. They challenge the notion that door-knocking is outdated, revealing it as a powerful tool for securing high-value instructions. Discover how to embrace discomfort as a signal for opportunity, win over clients with creative mailings and even cupcakes, and transform door knocking into a routine, KPI-driven habit for real estate success.