Lunchtime Learning

Estate Agency in the AI Era: Why Your Digital Plumbing MattersIn this episode, Ben and Idive into how the rise of AI search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini is changing the way vendors and buyers find estate agents. Whether you are looking to future-proof your agency's lead generation or simply understand the essential "digital plumbing" required to rank in the new era of search, this conversation with Google My Business and AI expert Ben Marley covers all the essential details.What you will learn:Why AI-generated leads are highly qualified and dramatically reduce your local competition.The vital importance of EEAT (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness, Education) and how to feed the machine.The surprising reason why claiming your Bing profile is crucial for showing up on ChatGPT.Make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review if you enjoyed the discussion.

Welcome to the show.Today, I’m joined by Michael Alan Sears, Managing Director of Sealeys Walker Jarvis, a respected leader in the UK property industry with over 30 years of experience.Michael began his career in London Docklands in the early 1990s and has gone on to become a fully qualified member of both the NAEA and ARLA. In 2022, he was elected to the Board of Propertymark, the industry’s leading professional body representing over 17,500 members nationwide.In this episode, we dive into Michael’s journey through the property world, his approach to mindset and adapting to change, and why being part of industry networks is more important than ever.We also explore the real challenges in today’s home buying and selling process, how agents can better educate landlords and tenants around the upcoming Renters' Rights Act, and Michael shares insights from his book along with practical advice for estate agents looking to grow and succeed.This is a must-listen for anyone serious about raising their standards and future-proofing their career in property.Let’s get into it.

Claire Scott is the Operations Director at Preston Baker. Claire shares tips on building genuine relationships with clients and prospects, including using "Tiny Noticeable Things" to show you care and emphasized the importance of thorough preparation before client meetings, understanding their needs, and delivering a premium service. Claire discussed how to handle rejection, stressing the need for resilience and not being afraid to fail and shares insights from working with industry leaders like Ian Preston, highlighting the value of mastering your craft and putting in the hard workKey Takeaways:Prioritize understanding your clients as people, not just numbersConsistently follow up and stay in touch, even after a deal is doneBe willing to go above and beyond, even referring clients to competitors if it's the right thing to doEmbrace failure as part of the journey - success comes from pushing outside your comfort zone

Anneke Babber, with 25 years in the property profession, shares her insights on building a successful self-employed career. Key tips: leverage your network, focus on high-quality communication, and continuously learn. Anneke also discusses the importance of industry qualifications and giving back as a PropertyMark regional executive. Great listen for aspiring or experienced agents.

In this episode, Dan Channer, Group Managing Director of Haslams and Michael Hardy, shares his insights on building a successful estate agency business. Dan discusses his unconventional path into the industry, the key qualities of top-performing agents, and strategies for creating a strong brand and company culture. He also addresses the industry's reputation challenges and provides advice for new agents looking to improve their skills. Additionally, Dan and host Stephen Brown explore the impact of the Renters' Rights Act on the lettings market and ways for agents to continue growing their portfolios. This episode is packed with practical tips and industry expertise for anyone interested in the world of residential property, lettings and sales.

From Rock Star to Real Estate Ace - Lessons in Resilience and ReinventionIn this episode, I sit down with Ryan Stanton, Area Manager at Fisks Estate Agents, to explore his fascinating career journey. Ryan shares how he transitioned from the music industry, where he toured with major bands, to finding success in the world of real estate.Through his experiences, Ryan reveals the invaluable lessons he learned about the power of hard work, preparation, and dedication - whether it's rehearsing with a band or prospecting for new clients. He emphasizes the importance of being curious and constantly learning, rather than adopting a "know-it-all" attitude.Ryan also discusses the importance of finding the right work-life balance, highlighting how his passion for music and family have remained central, even as he's climbed the ranks in estate agency. His insights provide a roadmap for aspiring agents looking to take their careers to new heights.Join us as we dive into Ryan's story and uncover the strategies and mindset that have fueled his remarkable rise from rock star to real estate ace.Key Takeaways:The parallels between the music industry and estate agency in terms of resilience, hard work, and dedicationPractical tips for continuously learning and improving your skills, even as an experienced agentAdvice on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing your passions alongside your career

In this episode Jamie Aspland shared his journey from struggling with A-levels to becoming an estate agent, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. He discussed the challenges of entering the industry, the significance of building relationships, and the value of communication skills. Jamie highlighted the impact of technology on his work, the importance of time management, and the need for basic follow-ups to create "magic moments." He also touched on the lessons from coaching football, such as managing expectations and the importance of praise. We also discussed leveraging social media and podcasting to expand your network and reach.

Saving Lives with Defibrillators and Bleed Control KitsI recently had the chance to sit down with the team from HeartBeatTrustUK, a charity doing incredible work to improve emergency response in local communities.The founders, Simon Tucker and Melanie James, shared their mission to strategically place defibrillators where they're most needed, ensure 24/7 accessibility, and educate the public on using them. But what really stood out was their expansion into critical bleed control kits.These specialized kits, stored alongside the defibrillators, have been used to save lives in all kinds of emergencies - from workplace accidents to traffic incidents. As Simon emphasized, every minute counts, so having this equipment readily available and bystanders trained to use it can truly be the difference between life and death.The charity is also gearing up for Restart Our Heart Day on October 16th, 2025 - a global awareness campaign they're spearheading locally. Businesses and communities are encouraged to get involved by hosting training sessions and lighting up buildings in celebratory colors.If you want to learn more about supporting this vital work or getting your organization involved, I'd encourage you to reach out to the HeartBeatTrustUK team. Their passion and dedication to saving lives is truly inspiring.

"Speeding Up the Home Buying Process: Lessons from Australia"In this episode, I am joined by Nicky Heathcote, Chair of the Conveyancing Association, to discuss ways the UK home buying and selling process can be improved.Nicky shares insights from her recent trip to Australia, where the PEXA digital platform has streamlined the settlement and lodgment aspects of transactions. She explains how increased transparency and communication between agents, conveyancers, and lenders could make a big difference in the UK.We also explore other potential solutions, like upfront information packs and reservation agreements, that could help reduce frustrating fall-throughs. Nicky provides a conveyancer's perspective on why fees and processes need to change to deliver a better customer experience.Additionally, Nicky discusses how emerging technologies like AI are starting to automate tasks and speed up the conveyancing workflow.If you're a home buyer, seller, agent, or conveyancer looking to understand how the system could be improved, this is an insightful discussion you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Lunchtime Learning, host Stephen Brown sits down with acclaimed auctioneer, high-performance practitioner, and author Andy Reid. Andy shares his unique insights and strategies honed over his extensive career, covering topics like effective communication, negotiation skills, and developing a success-driven mindset. With his direct yet approachable style, Andy provides practical tips to help real estate professionals and entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. This engaging conversation offers listeners valuable lessons from Andy committed to making success feel more accessible

Lucy Joerin, is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Stowhill Estates, as well as the founder of the Elite Agent Mastermind and a coach for women in property. In this episode, Lucy shares her journey into estate agency, the importance of building relationships with clients, and the benefits of joining a mastermind group. She provides valuable insights on becoming a better listener, developing a growth mindset, and recommended resources for estate agent professionals. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling career in the property industry.

In this episode, I welome Michael Parry, co-founder of Frank Modern Estate Agents in Peterborough. Michael shares his extensive experience in the industry, from starting out at Blundell's and Foxton's to eventually launching his own successful agency.Michael provides valuable insights on effective prospecting and lead generation strategies, the importance of building strong relationships with local partners like solicitors, and the key role of training and mentorship in developing top talent. He also discusses the challenges of recruiting and how he has adapted his approach.Additionally, Michael offers recommendations on must-read books and podcasts, as well as the benefits of having a business coach to provide an outside perspective. This conversation is packed with practical tips and wisdom that any agent can apply to grow their business

Mandy is the business owner of Chalmers Agency. In this episode Mandy and I discuss her journey from working in the family label printing business to owning an agency, how collaboration has helped her business, setting up processes, the power of face to face meetings, what it takes to be a top performer and the women in Estate Agency Group.

From Saturday viewing assistant to founder of her own boutique agency — Grace Watson shares her inspiring journey in estate agency.Grace launched Grace Green Homes to deliver extraordinary marketing for extraordinary homes across the Home Counties — and she’s doing just that. In this episode, we dive into her story, strategy, and stand-out approach in a competitive high-end market.🔥 Topics we cover include:▪️ Starting from the ground up: lettings to sales to solo▪️ Competing against top-tier agencies▪️ Why collaboration beats competition▪️ The power of media days & creating a premium experience▪️ Using engagement fees to set expectations▪️ Storytelling as a marketing superpower▪️ Celebrating your wins — and why it mattersIf you're an estate or letting agent wanting to stand out, this one’s packed with practical insights and inspiration.#EstateAgentsLearning #RealEstatePodcast #GraceGreenHomes #EstateAgency #HomeCountiesProperty #StorytellingInSales #RealEstateMarketing #WomenInProperty #LettingsToSales #BoutiqueAgency

Danny is the National Head of Training at Mcgrath in Australia.Danny shares his learnings from starting in property management, to becoming a sales agent, then a Principal, to starting and then selling a PropTech business and then working with John Mcgrath again.Topics discussed include lead generation, fees, communication, qualitities of a top performer, what makes John Mcgrath the incredible person he is and lessons from AREC.

New Podcast Episode: From Homeless to Letting Agent — Maxine's Journey in the York Lettings IndustryMaxine, founder of MTPC Lettings Consultancy, launched her business in 2017 after working across every level of the York lettings scene for over 20 years.In this powerful and inspiring episode, Maxine shares how experiencing homelessness at a young age shaped her passion, drive, and purpose to support both landlords and tenants.We dive into:The essential skills that make a truly exceptional letting agentHow small, thoughtful actions can make you stand outThe story behind the 100 Club and her Investor ServiceCreative ways to find and win landlordsThe value of ARLA membershipMaking each day enjoyable, even under pressureHow she manages stress while running a successful consultancyWhether you’re just starting in lettings or a seasoned professional, Maxine’s insights and mindset are not to be missed.

Donna has recently set up her brockerage with EXP. In this episode, Donna shares her learnings from 30 years of experience. Donna and I discuss building relationships, the importance of communication, building your confidence and coming out of your comfort, Donna's love of learning, having mentors, the importance of collaboration and the Women In Estate Agency Group.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Walker, the dynamic founder of Walker Hall Estate Agents Ltd in South West London. With over 25 years of property expertise, Sarah shares her journey as an independent estate agent and the lessons she’s learned along the way.We dive into: Her unwavering passion for propertyWhy mindset matters more than everThe power of collaboration and communityThe magic of "just doing it" – what have you really got to lose?Thinking big and backing yourselfWhy professionals always practise before they playHow Agents Together and Women in Estate Agency have aided her growthWhether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with golden takeaways to inspire, motivate, and get you thinking differently.Special mentions for Verona Frankish, Simon Gates and Tanya Baker.

Harry is a sales coach in Sydney, Australia and helps people enhance their process and personality to generate better revenue in their business. Harry and I discuss culture, recruitment, the Johari window, structure, time management, activity input, pipeline management and transations as well as the importance of checklists, mentors and accountability.

Over the last few days Google reviews have dropped in number. Ben Marley joins me to discuss this and what are the solutions?

Are Estate Agents really that bad? Anton and I discuss our recent experiences and what lessons Agents can learn.

Nick is a Director at Borgman Earls in Dublin. Nick and I discuss his learnings from starting as a trainee Agent, becoming a valuer, branch manager, then moving to London and working at Foxtons, becoming a business development manager and then moving to Dublin and eventually setting up his own Agency. We also discuss lead generation, fees, licensing, mentors and the importance of consistency.

Paula Higgins is the Chief Executive of the Home Owners Alliance. The Home Owners Alliance champions the interests of Britain’s homeowners and aspiring homeowners, providing unbiased and practical advice as well as services you can trust whether you are buying, selling or owning your home. Paula and I discusss a recent HOA report that reviewed 150 leasehold property listings across the 3 main portals – Rightmove, Zoopla and OntheMarket and what they found, best practise for estate agents, regulation, enforcement, upfront information, reservation agreements, buyer insurance protection, EPCs and much more.

Alex is the market centre Director at Keller Williams Oxygen. Alex and I discuss her lessons learned starting as an Accountant, knowing your numbers, lead generation, getting out your comfort zone, dealing with stress, the importance of being at your childrens special occasions, time blocking, toxic positivity, todays buyer being tomorrows Seller, book clubs, mentors and imposter syndrome.

Valerie Bannister, National Lettings Director at LSL and recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at The Negotiator Awards! In this episode, Valerie shares her incredible journey in the industry and offers invaluable insights, including: Starting and growing your career in agency Developing your skillset and embracing change as an opportunity Navigating the Renters’ Reform Bill and its implications The power of qualified specialists in today’s market Daily learning, future-proofing your business, and finding new landlords Reflections on mentorship and its impact on her success

In this episode, I’m joined by Vicki, Operations Manager at The Property Franchise Group. We dive into her experiences in the estate and lettings sector, exploring key takeaways from managing teams, overcoming challenges, and planning for business success. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from one of the industry’s leading professionals.

Jamie is the founder of Soteria Planning. Jamie and I discuss wills, power of attorney, inheritance tax and estate planning.

Hugh is Head of Surveying at the GoTo Group. Hugh and I discuss the differences between a mortgage valuation survey, Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, the traffic light system, condition ratings, how Agents can help Sellers prepare for the survey, what an Agent should provide the surveyor and down valuations.

Have you ever wondered what searches are, how long they are valid for, what is an official search and regulated search? Dan from Property Searches Direct answers these questions and much more.

Sally Botham is the Director of Sally Botham Estates In Matlock and started the agency 25 years ago. Sally and I discuss her passion for people and property, building a dream team, educating the consumer more and most importantly taking time out for yourself.

Sam is the Regional Property Management Director for the South Coast of the Lomond Group. Sam and I discuss what it's like going from being managed to being a manager, obtaining buy in from your colleagues, being a proactive property manager and what makes a great property manager, Landlord events and recruitment.

Sarah Kemp has worked in property for over 15 years. Sarah and I discuss what your true north is and how you get there, asking people to tell you 3 things about yourself and why, procrastinating and the D formula to help you overcome it, personality tests, striving for excellence, trust in Estate Agency and being process driven.

Fiona is the team Leader at Sotheby's International Realty in New Zealand. Fiona and I discuss being a solution selling person, client for life policy, tracking your numbers, systems and processes, lead generation, negotiation skills, having a coach and much more.

Charlie is the CEO of Red Squirrel Property. Charlie and I discuss his recent outstanding contribution award at the Agents Giving Ball, his learnings from working in retail, being a Landlord, an Entrepreneur, core values, mentorship, recruitment and Zoe's Law.

Marnie Seinor is a Sales Agent at McGrath in Australia and was a panellist at AREC 24. In this episode Marnie and I discuss her learnings from working in letttings, property management and sales. We discuss having role models, knowledge, communicaton, fees, ideal week, negotiation, knowing your why and what lanes you are in and implementaton and accountability.

Ian is the Co Founder of Verified Trusted. In this episode Ian shares his learnings over the past 46 years in Agency, Recruitment and Supplier side. Ian and I discuss networking, importance of role models, the importance of reviews, reputation and much more

Kelly is the Branch Manager of Linley and Simpson in Sheffield and has just celebrated 19 years in Lettings. Kelly and I discuss her learnings in that time, including what skills are needed in lettings, converting let only Landlords into fully managed, managing a team of 10, reviews and helping tenants with life skills.

Andrew Bell is the Chairman of Ray White Surfers Paradise Group. Andrew and I discuss his learnings from leaving school to starting work in property management, then sales to then growing his agency from 16 people to 320 at the peak. We discuss the importance of systems and processes, discipline, implementation, building relationships, being a trusted advisor, touchpoints, how business coaches and mentors have made a massive difference, understanding who you are, how their fees have gone up to 2.76% and much more.

Sherrie works with agents and agencies to achieve oustanding results and massive growth. Sherrie and I discuss lessons from her retail career, celebrity profiles, implementaton, building trust for long term relatationships, dominating your market and community, Women in Agency and much more.

Sophie is the Owner/Director of Lang Llewellyn. Sophie and I discuss the learnings of setting up Lang Llewellyn, growing the business via acquisition, takeaways from the PropertyMark One conference, why Sophie is standing for election for VP at Propertymark and much more.

Kyla is Director of Operations at Lowe and Co in New Zealand. Kyla and I discuss her learnings from working in hotels to starting as a receptionist in a agency to becoming Director of Operations. We discuss lead generation, negotiation, recruitment, mentors, buyers and not living in fear.

Geoff is the Managing Director and Group CEO of the Agency in Australia. Geoff and I discuss his leadership skills and lessons learned working in a number of different industries. We discuss strategic planning, leadership traits, recruitment, building a culture and taking action.

Lisa is the CEO of the Barry Plant Group. Lisa and I discuss her learnings from the corporate world of Price Waterhouse and working with the Ray White Group as well as building trust, high performance teams, recruitment, adapting to change and non-negotiables.

John Cunningham is the business owner of Cunningham Real Estate. John and I discuss how to add value, the 7 keys of selling strategy, the variable fee, the confidence loop, finding yourself and much more.

Mindy is the Head of Network at Raine and Horne. Mindy and I discuss how she went from Racing Horses and working with a Royal Family to getting a Corporate job in Real Estate, listening skills, culture, motivation, fees, "Brains Trust" and much more.

Charlotte is the CEO of Stockdale and Leggo. Charlotte and I discuss communication, building a trustbank, being the teacher you wish you had, 121's, culture, lead generation, value, be relevant, what's your superpower, stay in touch policy, and relationships.

Joel is the MD of RE/Max Australia. Joel and I discuss ownership and accountability, fees, skillsets of agents, the emotional cycle of change, reputation and relationships, learning goals and much more.

Karen is a Partner of Stanley Strategic Consultants assisting Letting and Estate Agency businesses in compliance, preparing for sale, inspection and due diligence services. Karen and I discuss going from a Solicitor to running a letting business and lessons learned, lead generation, Renters Reform and Propertymark.

Ian Preston is the Group CEO of Preston Baker. In this episode Ian and I discuss what got me here, won't get me there, high skill, high tec, blended fees, premium, attitude, community, energy, a better tomorrow, and taking action.

Glynis is the Training and Development Director for the Property Franchise Group. Glynis and I discuss what it takes to be an exceptional Agent, training, the homebuying process, recruitment, the induction process, moments of magic and who inspires Glynis.