Autumn 2019

37 Apr19096 Experience and Expertise Breeds Success for This Estate Agent John Smale & Co Estate Agents are an award- winning firm based in Barnstaple but provides services across the North Devon region. On the back of the agency’s success in the 2019 Estate Agents Awards, where they were named ‘Leading Experts in Sales & Lettings Services, we spoke with Owner, David Edwards to find out more. There are few estate agents that can boast the pedigree and heritage that John Smale & Co can. With a history that goes back over a century, it would be fair to say that they have certainly secured an indelible position on the market. However, despite this, they are by no means entirely old-fashioned. Ultimately, they have thrived through an approach defined by adopting the latest techniques and methods, with a foundation bound by a traditional ethos of exceptional customer service – as David explains in more detail. “We are experienced property people giving our clients the best advice for all property matters throughout North Devon. Core to our success is our mission to look after our clients from the very first visit to the conclusion of the sale or letting. We offer residential and commercial property management, block management, professional valuations and general property advice throughout North Devon including: Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Braunton, Croyde, Georgeham, Woolacombe, Lynton and Lynmouth.” “We are an old-fashioned company with modern day methods, but client satisfaction is highly importance to us. We always look to go above and beyond for our clients.” In this, the company’s small size acts as an advantage allowing the team to work in an efficient and collaborative manner that puts the client experience at the centre of their ongoing efforts. Despite John Smale & Co’s runaway success, David remains vigilant when it comes to the future, understanding that the current economical climate and uncertainty necessitates a certain proactiveness. “The property industry has had a tough time over the last two years with the uncertainty over Brexit, which, in turn, has caused a stall in the marketplace. Throughout this, we have kept our service levels high and retained clients in this tricky time. On-line agencies have, of course, had an impact, but selling a property is never easy, and people appreciate the full support network offered by a traditional brick and mortar establishment. Moreover, though the sector is stagnant at the moment, it hasn’t taken a fall – which, considering the climate, is good news. When it comes to developments in the real estate and property industries, David believes that the current landscape will change very little – barring the aforementioned difficulties surrounding Brexit. “We believe things will stay the same, as it’s a fairly old-fashioned business. However, there will be more regulation which we believe will be a good thing. For instance, we already follow strict guidelines laid down by the RICS and ARLA.” Finally, David takes a moment to offer some insight into the future of John Smale & Co: “Once Brexit has been resolved we are optimistic about the future, Online agencies have not had the hold they hoped and we believe there is a lot of pent up demand and people who wish to move.” Company: John Smale & Co Name: David Edwards, Owner Address: 5 Cross St, Barnstaple, EX13 1BA, United Kingdom Website: https://www.johnsmale.com/ Telephone: +44 (0) 12713 42000