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From an online false start to a thriving 400-unit managed book, brothers Matt & Neil Baldock share how they rebuilt their estate agency around lettings, systems, and people. After six years outside the industry, Neil returned to join Matt in creating a values-led, community-driven business that now leads in HMO and professional co-living.

We explore how lettings became their ballast for steady growth, why structured hiring and emotional intelligence transformed their team and how real networking, not clichés, built credibility that compounds especially when it comes to selling.

If you’re ready to future-proof your agency with the right systems, culture and service mindset, this conversation is your blueprint.

🎙️ Listen now to learn how modern agency success blends technology, trust, and human leadership.

HMO Network

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

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When ten AI scouts prospect thousands of properties in under a minute, the rules of estate agency change overnight.

In The Blockbuster Moment for Estate Agency, Mark and Rob break down the first AI workflow that truly shifts the economics of running a branch, from live-market scouting to personalized outreach at scale.

Discover how to flip your model, raise revenue per employee and redeploy human time to the work that actually wins instructions.

We cover EXA 10 insights, the startups vs. incumbents gap and how to systemise the predictable while humanizing the exceptional.

If you’re ready to modernise your agency, move beyond portals and turn AI into a real competitive advantage, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

Breaking barriers isn’t just what Megan Eighteen does, it’s who she is.

From her “accidental” start in estate agency as a temp between ski seasons to becoming the youngest ever ARLA president, Megan’s journey rewrites the industry playbook.

In this episode, she opens up about managing 14 offices single-handedly during COVID, hitting burnout, and how that experience led to a complete transformation, personally and professionally. From losing seven stone and finding balance to becoming one of the most authentic voices on TikTok, Megan shows what modern leadership really looks like.

You’ll also hear how her social media presence led to being invited by the Ministry of Housing to advise on the Renters Reform Bill and why her presidency at Propertymark is about creating a future where agents value wellbeing, education, and innovation over outdated burnout culture.

This is essential listening for independent agents, leaders, and self-employed professionals who want to thrive in tomorrow’s estate agency.

👉 Listen now and discover how Megan is breaking barriers and building balance in the property world.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

Why do some estate agents thrive while others stall, even with the same tools and knowledge?

In this episode, Simon Gates, industry consultant to 200+ agencies—reveals how closing the execution gap turns ideas into results. Starting his career at 16 during the 2007 crash, Simon learned early that success isn’t about knowing what to do, but acting faster and smarter than the competition.

You’ll discover:

• Why every appraisal is worth £1,000
• How data uncovers hidden conversion opportunities
• Why your database is your most valuable growth tool
• The small execution shifts that separate top performers from the rest

If you’re an independent agent, owner, leader or self-employed agent, this episode is a blueprint for sustainable, predictable growth.

👉 Listen now to close your execution gap.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

Marc and Shane, co-founders of Harris + Wood Estate Agents, are living proof that it’s not about history, it’s about vision, clarity and action. In this episode, they share the full story of how they launched one of the UK’s most exciting independent agencies, growing from three people to 47 staff across three offices, plus a mortgage business, all without a traditional blueprint.

Their story challenges everything you think you know about partnerships, planning and profit.

Before opening their doors in 2017, Marc and Shane spent nine months building the foundations of their business, not rushing, not guessing, but intentionally preparing to lead. That discipline paid off but the journey wasn’t without its pressure points.

At one stage, they were both earning less than their branch manager. Rather than panic or retreat, they made the counterintuitive choice to expand, investing in growth when most would have pulled back. It’s a decision that reveals one of the most powerful lessons in agency building: sometimes scale is the solution, not the reward.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why trust doesn’t require a backstory but it does require shared standards
• The critical moment they chose to scale, not shrink
• How mentorship from Russell Jervis shaped their thinking
• The bold billboard campaign that made their brand unmissable
• The struggle of delegation and the mindset shift it demands
• How their decision-making process keeps the business moving forward, even when they disagree

Marc and Shane also unpack how they’ve shifted from working in the business to leading above it, creating a sustainable structure where the brand doesn’t rely solely on them to thrive.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling past your first office, this is a brutally honest look at what it really takes to lead an agency that doesn’t just survive but sets a new standard.

If you’re tired of surface-level tactics and ready for real conversations about leadership, growth, and building a business with meaning... this one’s for you.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

What does it take to walk away from a toxic workplace and build an estate agency entirely on your own terms? Julie Burns knows. After 15 years in property feeling “spoken down to” and controlled, she left it all behind, swapping sales for a master’s in photography, travelling to Palestine, and working on film sets. Those experiences reshaped her view of work, leadership, and freedom.

When she returned, she did it differently. Naming her agency after a Viking warrior goddess, she launched Freya North in 2021 with zero capital, funding it through property sourcing until completions came in. She posts her fees openly, personally handles every transaction from valuation to completion, and refuses to expand faster than her service can keep up. If the client experience slips, she simply stops taking on more stock.

Her strategy is just as unconventional. Instead of setting up next to other agents, she put her office beside a protein shake shop buzzing with young professionals, tomorrow’s buyers and investors. It’s a masterclass in finding an edge by ignoring industry habits.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt trapped in a culture that didn’t value them, or who dreams of building a business that truly reflects their values. Julie shares the principles that guided her: start with revenue-generating services, obsess over the client experience, and never be afraid to write your own rules.

The property world doesn’t need more copycats. It needs more innovators willing to reimagine what’s possible.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

What does it take to build and sustain a thriving independent estate agency for over three decades? Mark and Jacqui from Jacksons Estate Agents reveal their extraordinary journey from the pre-internet era through to today's AI revolution.

Their story begins with Mark's humble entrance into the property world, volunteering weekends at an agency after buying his first home, eventually founding his own franchise in 1992. Jacqui, initially planning to temporarily manage the office while Mark attended university, found herself stepping into partnership for what became a 21-year (and counting) adventure.

Running a business as a married couple presents unique challenges, but their approach is refreshingly pragmatic. Operating in different departments with clear boundaries, Jacqui handling sales and team management, Mark overseeing lettings and finances, they've developed a formula that works professionally and personally. Jacqui candidly reveals their secret: "Do what Jackie says and you get an easy life," with Mark adding, "I've got the final say, but Jacqui is in charge."

The technological evolution they've navigated is staggering. From paper diaries and forms to sophisticated CRM systems and now AI, they've repeatedly transformed their business through decisive action. When implementing electronic diaries, they simply announced "there is no diary for next year" and switched off the old system. After six weeks of "tantrums and tears," their team adapted completely.

Perhaps most valuable is their unwavering stance on charging premium fees in an industry prone to discounting. "Absolutely believe you're worth it," Jacqui insists, explaining that they've trained their valuers to overcome fee objections without reducing prices. This philosophy stems from deep conviction: "I absolutely believe I am the best person in our postcode to do that job, without exception."

Looking ahead, they offer a compelling vision of how independent agencies will thrive in the AI era through faster adaptation and maintaining the human connection that technology can't replace. As Jacqui puts it, "When something goes wrong, you want to talk to somebody."

Ready to transform how you think about your estate agency's value, technology adoption, and future direction? This episode delivers wisdom that only comes from decades at the forefront of an evolving industry.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

Thirty years in estate agency teaches you some hard truths. For Matt Giggs, one stands above all, you must choose between being an exceptional estate agent or building a business that works without you.

The relentless 60+ hour weeks of estate agency demand total commitment, yet many practitioners find themselves trapped in a cycle where they ARE the business. When Matt started Giggs & Co in 2012, he deliberately avoided this trap by immediately hiring a team rather than trying to do everything himself. This fundamental decision reflects a perspective gained from years in the corporate world, understanding the structural foundations needed for sustainable growth.

Matt pulls back the curtain on why so many self-employed models fail to deliver on their promise. Too often, agents jump ship from traditional agencies because they're unhappy, only to recreate the same problems in a new context. "The distractions are your downfall," Matt explains, highlighting how easily estate agents get seduced by the latest industry trend rather than solving the core problems in their existing business.

The conversation takes a profound turn when discussing personal motivation. Matt challenges listeners to ignore social comparison and truly define what success looks like for them. Is it spending more time with family? Taking regular holidays? Building passive income? This clarity becomes the compass for business decisions, preventing the chase of goals that weren't even on your radar until you saw someone else achieve them.

Currently, Matt finds himself in a transitional phase, moving from inspiration-based training to establishing concrete systems and processes. He's candid about his own struggles, the "years in the mud" where even successful business owners can lose direction after achieving their initial goals. This vulnerability offers valuable perspective for agents at any stage of their journey.

Whether you're just starting out, considering a self-employed model, or looking to scale your established agency, Matt's insights provide a roadmap for intentional growth. His coaching success stories from bedroom businesses to thriving agencies, demonstrate the power of having a clear vision and making decisions aligned with your authentic goals.

Ready to gain clarity on your estate agency journey? Subscribe now and join the conversation about building a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

What does it take to thrive as an independent estate agency in the heart of London for over 22 years? Rob Hill, founder of Greater London Properties, reveals the surprising journey that transformed a temporary six month venture into a flourishing business with central London offices in Soho and Bloomsbury.

Rob's story begins with an unexpected twist, armed with nothing but a Sainsbury's bag full of keys and a mobile phone, he entered the industry almost accidentally after 9/11 disrupted his original career plans. That temporary solution evolved into a values driven agency competing successfully against London's property giants.

The secret? Rob likens his independent agency to a "speedboat" maneuvering nimbly around corporate "cruise liners" that struggle to change direction quickly. This agility allows his team to adapt rapidly to market shifts, new legislation, and emerging technologies, providing a distinctive advantage when servicing both individual and corporate clients.

Throughout our conversation, Rob reveals how his commitment to authentic customer experience shapes everything from how GLP handles property management to their strict stance against Airbnb rentals. His refreshing perspective on valuing professional services – "Don't be scared of charging your worth" – stands in stark contrast to the race-to-the-bottom pricing prevalent in today's market.

We explore the challenges of building a values aligned team, with Rob sharing candid insights about recruitment, training through shadowing and the courage to part ways quickly when someone isn't the right fit. His approach to technology exemplifies balanced innovation, embracing AI's potential while maintaining that "moving home is a personal journey" requiring human connection.

Whether you're running an independent agency facing corporate giants, considering a career in real estate, or simply fascinated by entrepreneurial journeys, Rob's story offers valuable lessons about staying true to your values while building a resilient business that stands the test of time.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk

Send us a text

What happens when you dare to charge what you're truly worth? 

Laura Howey's journey from struggling estate agent to thriving business owner reveals the transformative power of mindset and vision.

Laura co-started Love Property during the 2008 recession with modest goals, earn enough to avoid returning to corporate banking and have flexibility for her young children. For nearly a decade, she operated like countless other independent agents, working long hours, charging industry standard fees and essentially owning her job rather than a business.

Everything changed when Laura confronted a limiting belief many agents share, that her rural Yorkshire market couldn't support premium fees. "Am I limiting my future by the way I'm thinking?" she asked herself. This question sparked a remarkable transformation that allowed her to create a business that now runs without her daily involvement, commands fees she once thought impossible and attracts clients who are genuinely delightful to work with.

The secret? Laura recognised that emotional connection, not transactional services, drives value in real estate. "We are emotionally marketing people's houses to enhance the value and we manage that relationship," she explains. While most agents focus on logical features (floor plans, photography), Laura estimates her approach is 90% emotionally based. She designed a customer experience that addresses clients' deepest fear, catastrophe during their property transaction, rather than simply listing services.

Perhaps most powerfully, Laura embraces complete accountability: "Every problem you have in your business is a leadership problem." This mindset shift transformed how she approached challenges, from staff alignment to client selection. By niching down to serve specific clients rather than trying to be everything to everyone, she created a business that's not only more profitable but more enjoyable.

Ready to transform your own estate agency? Listen now to hear Laura's practical insights on creating vision, building value, and leading your business to new heights.

Sponsors of this podcast, Iceberg Digital are setting the standard in a world full of PropTech noise and AI buzzwords. 

With AI prospecting that finds listings before your competitors, marketing that wins instructions by putting your brand front and centre and a CRM that transforms how your team works, this isn’t just another tool, it's what leading estate agents use to stay ahead. 

www.iceberg-digital.co.uk