Opening The Gates To More Listings

ตอน

• Episode 302: Frances Bowling 01.06.2026 54นาที

  Today's guest is the Operations Director at Moss Properties and Fine & Country York.She started as an estate agent back in 2012 and has worked her way up the ranks ever since.In this episode we discuss the pandemic era, proptech adoption, work ethic and career progression, communication, culture, loyalty, market cycles, activity discipline, personal brand, content strategy, education, data, reviews, execution, different market segments and AI. Definitely check out this conversation with someone who is heading up a team that is one of the most positively reviewed agents across the UK on Google and you can learn from them on how this has been achieved.
• Episode 301: Opening The Gates X The Complete Agent Part 4: The £100K Mistake Agents Make When Pricing Homes 28.05.2026 56นาที

  In episode four of Open the Gates to More Listings meets The Complete Agent, the focus shifts to the full lifecycle of getting a property sold, and why top-performing agents are achieving around 80% completion rates versus a UK average closer to 55%.The conversation makes one thing clear from the outset. Selling homes is not luck. It is a structured, repeatable process built on pricing strategy, marketing quality, buyer management, and strong sales progression.It starts in the living room. Rather than “valuing” a home, the approach is to educate the seller using data. Price per square foot, market cycles, supply and demand, and affordability all remove emotion and opinion. This reframes the conversation from “what do you think it’s worth?” to “what will the market pay?”From there, everything flows into strategy. Properties are not rushed onto portals. Instead, a pre-launch phase is used to test pricing, gather real buyer feedback, and build early demand. This avoids wasting the crucial first few weeks online and reduces the need for reactive price reductions later.Marketing is treated as a key differentiator. Not just listing a property, but positioning it properly through presentation, storytelling, and targeted exposure. Done well, this creates demand. Done poorly, it forces reliance on price drops.The episode also highlights that communication is what keeps deals alive. Sellers are kept informed, expectations are managed early, and pricing conversations are framed as market-led decisions rather than agent error. This is a major factor in maintaining client trust and reducing fall-throughs.Negotiation is another defining point. Strong agents control the process, set expectations with buyers, and actively work offers rather than simply passing them on. The difference between an order taker and a negotiator often comes down to tens of thousands of pounds.Finally, the importance of sales progression is emphasised. Getting a property “under offer” is only half the job. Managing chains, working with solicitors, spotting risks early, and maintaining momentum is what ultimately turns agreements into completions.The core takeaway is simple.High completion rates are not about working harder, but working smarter across every stage of the journey. From pricing and positioning through to negotiation and progression, consistency in process is what delivers consistent results.
• Episode 300: Simon Gates Special (Featuring Matt Baldock) 27.05.2026 1ชม. 10นาที

  Today's 300th episode special sees me joined by my very good friend, Matt Baldock, who kindly agreed to interview me on my journey to 300 episodes.We discuss the podcast origins, power of consistency, building a personal brand, strategic insights for estate agency success, episode reflections, memorable guests, key learnings and much much more.Thank you so much to all of you who listen to the podcast and to everyone who has appeared as a guest over the 300 episodes, you have no idea how much it means to me.Bring on the next 300 episodes!
• Episode 299: Sean Newman 25.05.2026 48นาที

  Today's guest is the CEO of The Experts group, Director of Fine & Country Midlands and Franchise Owner of the Mortgage Advice Bureau. He works with aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to start their own business - offering straight-talking guidance, practical tools, and real mentorship to help them build something of their own.With over 30 years experience in estate agency, he provides the opportunity for people to start and grow their own estate agency business (sales, lettings and auctions) and has helped 100's of people double their income, work more flexible hours to suit their lifestyle and provide clients with a better service and achieve better results. In this episode we discuss the upcoming Estate Agent Success Summit on 18th June and topics such as being the best known agent, the importance of attention, becoming a key person of influence and why you need to practice more than you play.The Estate Agent Success Summit is going to be a one-day, high-impact event designed to help estate & letting agents shift from chasing business to attracting it - through positioning, authority, and smarter marketing.I will be taking to the stage to discuss 10 ways to attract sellers to your agency in 2026. You will also get to hear from the likes of Chris Watkin, Toby Martin, Sally Lawson, Tyler Newman and the world class real estate trainer, Tom Panos.Having attended and spoken at the previous two events, I know how amazing they are from my own experience, so if you're interested in securing a ticket and want access to my discount code, please send me a DM.
• Episode 298: Opening The Gates X The Complete Agent Part 3: The Mindset Shift That Doubles Your Estate Agency Fees 21.05.2026 53นาที

  In part three of Open the Gates To More Listings meets The Complete Agent, Simon Gates, James Kendall, Dave Warburton and Ian Storey unpack the journey from low-fee, high-volume estate agency to consistently commanding 2% plus fees, five-figure commissions and upfront payments.The episode explores the mindset shift required to move away from “cheap and cheerful” agency towards a premium, value-led model. The discussion highlights that higher fees are not just about confidence, but about building a brand, service, and client experience that justifies them.Key themes include the importance of learning from better operators, surrounding yourself with higher-performing agents, improving marketing quality, and creating a consistent, high-end client journey from the very first phone call through to completion. They also break down how to present value properly, how to position upfront fees as a commitment rather than a cost, and why better service naturally leads to better instructions.The overall message is clear. You do not jump to premium fees overnight, but with the right belief, structure, and delivery, any agent can move upmarket and charge what they are truly worth.
• Episode 297: Simon Leadbetter 18.05.2026 1ชม. 17นาที

  Today's returning guest for a now unprecedented 11th appearance is the founder of We Are Unchained, a strategic marketing consultancy that helps businesses grow faster by enhancing their market insight, strategy, activity, and talent.Over his 8 years experience in the estate agency industry, he has worked with Countrywide, Fine & Country, Keller Williams, and Knight Frank. He's also a mentor at Agents Together, Propertymark Trust Ambassador and Fractional CMO for Lemon and Lime Interiors.With over 30 years of marketing experience across multiple sectors, from startups to FTSE100, he has turned failing marketing teams around, and educated hundreds of people on the science and art of marketing.His mission is to make quality strategic marketing and practical advice accessible to every business, whether they need a virtual CMO, a one-to-one mentor, or a marketing trainer.In this episode, we discuss the results of part three of the Voice of The Agent 2026, covering topics such as tech and AI adoption, hype cycles, implementation gaps, the future of tech in the industry, and what growth agents do differently. If you've not already read part three of the report, please do contact me for a copy of it and I will happily share it with you.
• Episode 296: Opening The Gates X The Complete Agent Part 2 - Why Direct Mail Still Beats Most Estate Agent Marketing 14.05.2026 50นาที

  In part two of Opening the Gates to More Listings meets The Complete Agent, Simon Gates, James Kendall, Dave Warburton and Ian Storey break down how estate agents can use direct mail properly to win better instructions, higher fees and more trust with homeowners.The episode explores why direct mail still works, especially at the mid to higher end of the market, and why the quality of the envelope, handwriting, paper, content and consistency all shape how an agent is perceived before the homeowner ever picks up the phone.The conversation covers quarterly market updates, on-market letters, withdrawn property campaigns, VIP buyer letters, and why direct mail should educate rather than simply advertise. The key message is that prospecting works best when it feels like a service, not a sales pitch.They also discuss how direct mail links with social media, why older high-end homeowners often respond better to print, and how agents can use handwritten, highly targeted communication to separate themselves from generic leaflet drops and AI-generated content.
• Episode 295: Andy McMenemy 11.05.2026 1ชม. 2นาที

  Today's guest is a life coach who specialises in peak personal performance. He has studied and been fascinated by human behavioural psychology for over 30 years and has trained and qualified with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis and the Northern College of Therapeutic Hypnosis, earning a Distinction in both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Therapeutic Hypnosis from the Medical Hypnotherapy Examination Board.Having developed a successful 22-year career climbing the corporate ladder to hold senior management and leadership positions in £500 million- and £1.3 billion-pound organisations,  he now works with clients navigating chronic stress, psychological trauma, post traumatic stress, anxiety, panic attacks, exhaustion, burnout, depression, and the relationship strain that so often travels alongside all of it. But he also works with people who simply want to understand themselves better, unlock the resources they already have inside them, and live on their own terms, happy, content, and properly engaged with their lives. Which, when you think about it, is the brief most of us are quietly working to.He has completed the Marathon des Sables (often called the "toughest footrace on earth") and also ran 66 ultra marathons in 66 consecutive days across 66 cities all over the UK.He is the honoured recipient of the True Englishman of the Year Award, and was also honoured by the Yorkshire Society with the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration.In this episode we discuss building trust, demonstrating value, confidence in pricing, the psychology of influence, overcoming limitations, mindset, discipline, managing stress, purpose, visibility and personal growth.You definitely want to check out this episode with an incredibly inspiring person and it will certainly get you thinking differently moving forward.
• Episode 294: Opening The Gates X The Complete Agent Part 1 - Before You Charge More, Fix This First. 07.05.2026 48นาที

  In this episode, I'm joined by James Kendall, Dave Warburton and Ian Storey to break down exactly how estate agents can transition from low fee, high volume business into the mid to higher end of the market.The conversation centres around a core principle most agents struggle to commit to: selectivity. Rather than taking on everything, the panel explains how deliberately turning away lower quality stock early on helps shape brand perception and attract higher value homes.They explore the reality of starting out, including the pressure of cash flow, the role of confidence, and why many agents fail because they try to “ease into” the higher end rather than fully committing to it.A major theme throughout is how you look as a business. From branding and websites through to brochures, boards and even business cards, the discussion highlights how perception drives instruction at the top end of the market. Poor alignment between marketing quality and target client will immediately undermine credibility.The group also dives into:* Why branding often needs a full reset, not a tweak* The importance of consistency across every listing and touchpoint* How better quality marketing directly influences the type of client you attract* Why most agents’ marketing strategies last weeks, not months, despite properties sitting on the market for far longer* How to generate higher-end listings through direct mail, social media, and on-market prospecting* The opportunity sitting in unsold, overpriced stock* Why price, not marketing, is often the real issue when properties don’t sell* And ultimately, why you are the USP, not just your marketingThe episode finishes with a clear message: breaking into the mid to higher end isn’t about one tactic. It’s about clarity of brand, consistency of execution, and the discipline to do the basics better than everyone else.
• Episode 293: Simon Leadbetter 04.05.2026 1ชม. 13นาที

  Today's returning guest for a now unprecedented tenth appearance is the founder of We Are Unchained, a strategic marketing consultancy that helps businesses grow faster by enhancing their market insight, strategy, activity, and talent.Over his 8 years experience in the estate agency industry, he has worked with Countrywide, Fine & Country, Keller Williams, and Knight Frank.He's also a mentor at Agents Together, Propertymark Trust Ambassador and Fractional CMO for Lemon and Lime Interiors.With over 30 years of marketing experience across multiple sectors, from startups to FTSE100, he has turned failing marketing teams around, and educated hundreds of people on the science and art of marketing.His mission is to make quality strategic marketing and practical advice accessible to every business, whether they need a virtual CMO, a one-to-one mentor, or a marketing trainer.In this episode, we discuss the results of part two of the Voice of The Agent 2026, covering topics such as marketing, social media, content creation, video and AI. If you've not already read part two of the report, please do contact me for a copy of it and I will happily share it with you.
• Episode 292: Oliver Hewitt 30.04.2026 56นาที

  Today's guest is the Director of Sales at Duncan Yeardley & Sears Property. He has been working in the property industry since 2005, having enjoyed running his own estate agency in his 20’s and working for independent estate agents. In this episode we discuss human connection, personal brand, talent, culture, leadership, mentorship, mindset, prospecting, networks, flexible/blended fees, ancillary revenue and implementation.Definitely check out this conversation to hear from someone who in my opinion, goes under the radar in the industry, but has so much value to give.
• Episode 291: Simon Leadbetter 27.04.2026 1ชม. 12นาที

  Today's returning guest for a now unprecedented ninth appearance is the founder of We Are Unchained, a strategic marketing consultancy that helps businesses grow faster by enhancing their market insight, strategy, activity, and talent.Over his 8 years experience in the estate agency industry, he has worked with Countrywide, Fine & Country, Keller Williams, and Knight Frank.He's also a mentor at Agents Together, Propertymark Trust Ambassador and Fractional CMO for Lemon and Lime Interiors.With over 30 years of marketing experience across multiple sectors, from startups to FTSE100, he has turned failing marketing teams around, and educated hundreds of people on the science and art of marketing.His mission is to make quality strategic marketing and practical advice accessible to every business, whether they need a virtual CMO, a one-to-one mentor, or a marketing trainer.In this episode, we discuss the results of part one of the Voice of The Agent 2026, covering topics such as market sentiment, AI, sales & lettings, house prices, fees, communication, marketing, 2025 performance and 2026 outlook.If you've not already read part one of the report, please do contact me for a copy of it and I will happily share it with you.
• Episode 290: Peter Rollings FRICS 23.04.2026 52นาที

  Today's guest is an industry legend and here are just a few highlights from his CV:Joined Foxtons in 1985 as one of just 20 employeesAppointed MD in 1997 (10 offices, £10m turnover) Grew it to 17 offices and £40m turnoverLeft in early 2005 to acquire Marsh & Parsons→Sold Marsh & Parsons to LSL PLC in November 2011 for £53mThese days he work as a Non-Executive Director and advisor, partnering with founders and leadership teams on growth strategy, operational discipline, and building cultures that actually perform, not just look good on paper.Some of the topics discussed in the episode were the Foxtons era, daily structure, recruitment, recessions, business strategy, proptech/AI, mentorship, collaboration and improving the estate agency profession. These businesses include names such as Viewber and Nesti to name a couple. What he doesn't know about estate agency isn't worth knowing and trust me, you won't want to miss this one as it's an absolute belter.
• Episode 289: Tom Ashwood & Harvey Theakston 20.04.2026 1ชม. 25นาที

  Today's guests are the Managing Director and Senior Client Manager at Tom Ashwood & Co, who are proud members of The FIA. In this episode we discuss career transitions, market shifts, data, pricing, performance, fee justification, communication, the power of language, GeoCale, networking and collaboration.Make sure to check out this conversation as their first appearance on the podcast got very positive feedback and there is plenty of gold shared in this episode as well.
• Episode 288: Verona Frankish 16.04.2026 50นาที

  Today's returning guest is CEO of Yopa Property, Chair of WIEA, IWIP Woman of the Year and a board advisor for Propflo.Her journey to holding very senior positions in the property industry is incredibly motivating and I can't help but be very inspired from every conversation I have with her.In this episode we discuss her achievements at Yopa so far, her career, Purple Bricks, Women In Estate Agency, conferences, community, Agents Together, self-employment, customer retention/nurture/lifetime value, leadership, discipline, family, partnership, personal brand and continuous learning. Make sure you give this episode a listen if you want to hear from one of the top figures within our industry right now!
• Episode 287: Kate Brookfield 13.04.2026 1ชม. 3นาที

  Today's guest is the Founder of Kate Brookfield Limited Bespoke agency specialising in creative marketing and social media led estate agency; selling happy homes for happy people and affectionately known as the homebuyers Cilla Black.She started her journey in the property world in 2002 working within a boutique, all female Estate Agency in Belsize Park and now with over 20+ years of experience and a reputation built on quiet consistency, bold leadership and impeccable taste, she is one of London’s most respected property professionals. She doesn’t just sell homes, she curates them.In early 2024, she launched her own brand, Kate Brookfield, and became the first collaborator with Vita Collaborations. The move marked a natural evolution in her career, combining her design-led sensibility and creative marketing mind to deliver a curated and considered service focusing on interiors and lifestyle through content creation.Specialising in North West and West London, she has an instinct for homes that tell a story and has also redefined how property is presented and sold on social media. Her distinctive, design-driven content generates exceptional visibility and momentum, with listings that don’t just sell, they captivate.In this episode we discuss authenticity, marketing, modern real estate, entrepreneurship, personal branding, social media, owning a niche, plus loads more valuable content.Make sure to give this conversation a listen with one of the leading voices in the new age of estate agents on social media.
• Episode 286: Mark Buchanan 09.04.2026 49นาที

  Today's guest is a 5x Icon estate agent, eXp Agent's agent of the year twice, and 2x #International Agent for Units Sold at eXp.He is also Team Leader of the current #1 International Team for both Units Sold & Volume and has built a 6-figure estate agency in West Cumbria.Before all of this, he started his career in social lettings in 2012, joined estate agency in 2015, and then joined Purple Bricks in 2018, before finally launching his own business in 2020. This has seen him travel to places such as Lisbon and Las Vegas to speak on stage about the secrets behind his success.In this episode we discuss the power of consistency, effective time management, social media growth, leveraging video, data-driven pricing strategies, continuous learning, the importance of a supportive community and loads more incredibly valuable content.Make sure to check out this conversation with one of the highest performing estate agents across the whole of the UK as he shares the formula to achieving exceptional results.
• Episode 285: Phoebe Flook 06.04.2026 54นาที

  Today's guest is the owner of Real Surveying and is a residential building surveyor and valuer.She first got into surveying in early 2020, before starting full-time in 2022 and then launching her own business in August 2025.In this episode we discuss improving collaboration, RICS survey levels, the advantage of early surveys, buyer behaviour, renegotiations, property valuation process, being better prepared, transparency, business development, social media, imposter syndrome, business ownership.Make sure to check out this conversation to understand more about how surveyors operate and what things agents can to do to improve the working relationship between both parties.
• Episode 284: Iain White 02.04.2026 51นาที

  Today's guest is a consultant, trainer, mentor, and Non Executive Director for estate agency and prop tech companies, working across Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Dubai.With over 30 years of experience in all aspects of Estate Agency, he has a proven track record in both the independent and corporate world. A chief decision maker within Romans, serving as a shareholder and MD during his 22 years with the company and a part of this highly successful group’s growth and innovative thinking, not to mention impressive results over an extended period of time. He also enjoyed considerable success in the corporate world as MD for Countrywide Thames, running multiple brands and returning them to good levels of profit with considerable growth year on year.In this episode we discuss the evolving UK property market and estate agency scene, timeless skills, modern necessities, leadership, hiring, the power of collaboration and much much more.Make sure to check the conversation out with one of the most experienced guests I've ever had on the podcast.
• Episode 283: Nigel Risner 30.03.2026 58นาที

  Today's guest is a motivational speaker and Global Communications expert, providing talks & training to big business such as the big 3 CEO groups, where he has won business speaker of the year. With nearly 3 decades of experience, he is a world class speaker and best-selling author of IT'S A ZOO AROUND HERE & THE IMPACT CODE.He has delivered over 1,000 talks across all 5 continents and his presentations have inspired thousands of FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 delegates, school children, charities, and prison inmates, in groups of 5 to 5,000 and all over the world, into taking positive strides in their work and personal life.The results of his work have achieved the following results:Staff retention dramatically increased World class presentations that motivate teamsIncreased salesIn this episode we discuss trust, communication, leadership, negotiations, pricing strategies, an abundance mindset, learning, and loads more absolute gold!Make sure to check out this episode as it's one of my favourite ever conversations on Opening The Gates To More Listings.