Me and Alex Sewell, Managing Director
Last week I completed my work experience at Sewell & Gardner Estate Agents. I wanted to experience a work environment and find out a bit more about what estate agents do. Over the last 5 days I have spent time in each office and department and learnt about what they do. Here is a little about what I did-
Day 1– I had an introduction to Sewell & Gardner and learnt about the company values and history. This included a tour around the four offices, where I met all the team and found out what they do. In the afternoon, I accompanied Jackie out on a valuation of a house in Rickmansworth. I learnt what a valuation is and what it involves which was very interesting. Most importantly, we won the instruction!
Next it was time to experience my first viewing. Emily Morgan and I headed out to a 4 bedroom, town house in Northwood, a very different style of property to the previous one. When I got back to office I was shown how to register an applicant and find out what their requirement are and match available properties to these.
S&G Rickmansworth Office
Day 2– This morning I was based in Chorleywood and had a look through all the properties they have available and went out on a viewing with Maria, the Property Consultant in this office. It was interesting to learn about the different pricing across the areas in which Sewell & Gardner cover. Then it was back to office to learn a bit more about how properties which S&G sell are presented online, looking at uploading photos and creating brochures.
In the afternoon it was time to experience a completely different department; one which I wouldn’t have known existed before, the land department. Sammy and I drove around a few different areas looking for potential land opportunities and I learnt what to look out for. We then went back to the office to look into them a bit further. It was a really fun afternoon which I took a lot away from.
Day 3– On Wednesday I started the day in Watford, a completely different market so going on viewings here was insightful. We also had a look at the diary and they taught me about the importance of diary management, something which I think will be very important in a work environment in the future.
In the afternoon I headed out with Martyn, the Head of Media Production. I particularly enjoyed learning how to edit photos and videos and everything that goes into making sure a property is displayed in the best possible light. This was once again so different to the other departments I had been in. I have definitely realised how much variety there is in Estate Agency!
Day 4– Day four was time to spend some time in the fourth and most recently opened office, Croxley Green! The viewings I went on here taught me about some reasons why people do and don’t like certain properties. It is definitely a matter of personal preference a lot of the time. Chris also taught me about sales progression it was fascinating learning about the different steps of the sales process and an estate agents role at each point. Sewell & Gardner have a great focus on excellent customer service which Chris gave examples of as well.
Day 5– Finally on Day 5 I spent some time with the New Homes department. I really enjoyed looking round all the new developments they are selling at the moment; I think Hempstead Road was my favourite! They also showed me some ways in which they advertise these new build developments.
A development of luxury 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Hempstead Road, Watford
In the afternoon Hannah, the Marketing Manager, talked me through her role and showed me the key ways in which they advertise Sewell & Gardner as a brand. I learnt about editing & updating the website, how they use social media, Google advertising and blogging.
Overall I really enjoyed my week at Sewell & Gardner and was grateful to be able to spend some time with so many different departments. I have learnt a lot about what as estate agent and why the Sewell & Gardner team enjoy their jobs so much. Thank you for having me!
Liam Bugler