Needle & Haystack Podcast

  Blazing a trail for female estate agents on Needle & Haystack, this episode features Tracy Thornton, owner of Thornton Robson Estate Agency in Rugby, Warwickshire. A culture that appreciates strong work ethic in the staff, but one committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys their work and contributes to the success. What makes the business of estate agency so rewarding for Tracy? Listen in to this episode and find out.  

A fascinating chat with Darren Richards, owner of respected NW8 estate agency, The Estate Company. All of Darren's working life has been spent in this area, working for some of the most well-known names in the estate agency sector. "I believe in listening to our clients needs and understand that good working relationships need care and consideration." A quote from their web site, but one that is backed up by Darren's desire for open, honest communication that puts the vendor first. Toward the end of this episode, Darren explains why vendors should choose The Estate Company. Listen closely!  

Transparency is the first step to building trust and in this episode we hear from Kevin Richardson, Managing Director of Lime Estate Agents in Preston,and what that means for him. It's often ‎difficult for vendors to know the questions to ask the estate agency, but Lime Estate Agents are there to help whether you are simply looking for advice or for an estate agency that puts the interests of  homeowners, first. Listen in and enjoy.

In this episode, we chat with Mikail from Chiltern Hills Estate Agency in Mayfair, London. He outlines why his firm has lasted 25+ years and why the basics, of what every agency should do, are so important. Communication, transparency and a strong belief that "every little helps" are fundamental core beliefs.  

Constant & Never Ending Improvement In this episode, we catch up with Richard Morris, M.D of Hartleys Estate Agency, Leicestershire. Richard's constant and never ending quest for improving his agency can best be summed up with a quote from Tony Robbins. "We only learn our limits by going beyond them" Having an agency that is truly focused on the needs of the vendor is essential - having one that seeks to improve performance, day by day, is what adds value and differentiates.  

Transparency is the first step to building trust and in this episode we hear from Kevin Richardson, Managing Director of Lime Estate Agents in Preston,and what that means for him. It's often ‎difficult for vendors to know the questions to ask the estate agency, but Lime Estate Agents are there to help whether you are simply looking for advice or for an estate agency that puts the interests of  homeowners, first. Listen in and enjoy.

The directors cut from episode 9 again featuring Nick Crayson from Notting Hill estate agency, Crayson. Nick's core beliefs, values and convictions are demonstrated in this abridged version. If Episode 9 (at just under the hour) was too long, this edited version still tells you nearly everything you need to know about the man and the business.

Authenticity, honesty and integrity are key requirements in any estate agency. Listen to Nick Crayson expand on his core beliefs and on why it's essential to put the client before the company.Crayson offers a bespoke agency service in the Notting Hill area of London and their exceptional use of narrative and photography combine to showcase any property to its maximum effect. A lengthy interview, but one that highlights, from start to finish, the values convictions and enthusiasm of agency founder, Nick Crayson.

John Waters of Knight Frank office in Chelsea explains what teamwork means to the office and why continuity matters to clients. Each and every team member giving of their best to ensure year on year growth. The brand is known the world over, but it is also very much about the teams behind the brand. Listen to John and hear how one of London's finest agents makes it happen.

What personal qualities do you look for in an estate agency? Robert Conquest, one of our greatest writers and Ryan Fletcher, an inspiration whose mission in life is to "create a movement of movements" have personal qualities that I greatly admire. Listen in and see if you agree.

James provides a very clear understanding of WHY he does WHAT he does and HOW he makes it work so successfully.Often those estate agents that shout the loudest actually have very little to say and it can sometimes prove to be a poor decision choosing them. A successful agency on the other hand has no need to shout; vendors can recognise quiet confidence, a strong work ethic and empathy when they make their choice. Rice Chamberlains are at the top of their game through a clear strategy of starting with the WHY.

Online estate agency, traditional high street, or a combination of both? Needle & Haystack discusses the pros and cons of each. Is online estate agency ahead of the game, or is it a short-lived inconvenience to the more established estate agencies? Listen and decide which is right for you.  

Warren Buffet said it: " If you're looking to hire someone (in this case an estate agency), look for three things:Integrity, Intelligence and EnergyIf they don't have the first thing, the other two will kill you".This episode focuses on that first characteristic of Integrity. Listen to this raw unedited version with an estate agent that "has your back" and is most definitely on the side of the homeowner. A rare thing in estate agency and, therefore, one that we consider most definitely "a needle".

We live in an age where the consequences of our decisions seem less and less important. "Like us on Facebook", "Follow us on Twitter" and "join our circle on Google+". Awards from publishers and professional bodies are becoming "ten a penny", virtually worthless except to the estate agency themselves.Does it make sense any more to rely on the opinions and reviews of complete strangers, especially when you are choosing an estate agency that will hopefully sell your biggest asset?This episode looks at review sites and the abundance of fake reviews they contain. Placing your faith in a complete stranger has never been more scary.

  Too many vendors choose the wrong estate agency, first time. Listen to this episode and find out why brand awareness leads to poor choice. Are you to blame for the lack of trust in the estate agency sector? Having a relationship with your agency is key to a successful sale!

Think you know your local estate agency? Think again - To really know, like and trust your estate agency, you need time to ask them probing questions. In these episodes, we will be interviewing local estate agents to find out their character, integrity, negotiating skills and communication skills. We also comment on interesting stories within the estate agency sector in order to provide homeowners with the full picture.