Sawyer & Co: Seize the day
Sawyer & Co look back at a successful first six months in business and ahead to a strong future
When Sawyer & Co launched only six months back there were those who doubted the wisdom of their actions. Massive recession, property crisis, gloom and doom was all around. But Chris Sawyer and Adam Farrell were undaunted, as they had seen an opportunity and seized it firmly.
New brand opened new doors
Since then things have simply improved, so much so that they have even employed more people. What has it been that has made this new company have such a good first six months? ‘‘Well, our new branding has certainly opened new doors. The look is far less traditional than the Tingleys brand that we were taking over. Given the economic climate at the time there were those who actually thought that Tingleys had been taken over by some large national corporate firm. Nothing could have been further from the truth. We are still proudly a friendly, professional, local independent company. And that is born out of the response we achieved to an Ombudsman Reputation Report. The selection process was random but we waited with trepidation for the results. It was nice to see the positive feedback we have obtained in the past now backed up by a formal and independent survey.’’
Staying power
So rebranding has been effective, but surely there must have been other factors? ‘‘Certainly, the branding has meant that we have solidly established our presence in the market. We have stayed there and it shows. We also believe that to successfully sell properties you have to market those properties hard, in magazines like Latest Homes. We cannot afford not to be seen by the buyers that are out there so a solid marketing strategy is at the heart of how we work and it does work.’’
Current figures being quoted show an upturn of 2.6 per cent nationally in the property market, are you seeing such a rise? ‘‘On our most recent sales there appears to have been a jump in prices of ten per cent. It’s not consistent yet but there are definitely signs of growth in local markets.’’
Buoyant lettings market
At the same time as launching Sawyer & Co you continued to run a strong lettings company, is that doing as well? ‘‘Yes the lettings market is very buoyant. There was a lettings glut after Christmas but now things are back to normal and we are meeting targets already. We are also investing in training for the lettings team so we meet the highest possible standards required in what is a very complex business.’’
So you made the right decision, I remember asking you back then if you were mad? ‘‘We definitely made the right decision. At the beginning of the year there were many people with no equity in their properties, but right now things have improved and it is worth looking at a valuation again. Also money lenders are being more creative and we now have mortgage advisor Steve Christie, Crystal Finance, working alongside us here at Sawyer & Co. After only six months trading our sales are turning over very quickly, in fact we need new instructions on a daily basis for clients desperate to buy.’’
“On our most recent sales there appears to have been a jump in prices of ten per cent.”
So despite bleak economic forecasts and global recession Sawyer & Co are proving that hard work and dedication combined with serious marketing plans and advertising can lead to success in the present property world.
Steve Christie – Crystal Finance
“Recent events in the banking sector have been well publicised with criticism of reckless lending and lack of due diligence.
“The level of advice can vary, with some flirting with personal budgets and affordability to establish maximum borrowing, providing the eager home buyer with news they want to hear. I believe the majority of people know what they can afford but some don’t and that concerns me. The lifestyle you wish to lead is intrinsic to happiness in your home and therefore all costs need to be accounted for, not just now but also when interest rates are on the rise.”
Sawyer & Co. Incorporating Tingleys Estate Agents:
46 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2FN,
01273 778844
10 Station Road, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 1GA,
01273 383830
