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In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, Dave Warburton, James Kendall and Ian Storey unpack what it really takes to move from average fee estate agency into the mid to upper end of the market. The conversation starts with the usual weekly catch up, covering a strong run of listings, sales, off market opportunities and the cash flow realities that still come with running a growing business.

From there, the episode shifts into a bigger discussion around mindset, positioning and what actually separates agents who stay stuck from those who build premium, profitable businesses. The lads reflect on their own journeys, from low fee, high volume agency into charging stronger fees on better homes, and explain why this was not about luck or geography. It came from consistency, investment, training, better marketing and a willingness to change how they thought about their value.

A big theme throughout is that you do not need to jump straight from small terraces to multi million pound homes. The more realistic first step is often improving your proposition, raising your standards and getting better fees on more attainable properties in the five hundred thousand to one million pound range. That is where confidence builds, reputation grows and momentum starts to compound.

The central message is simple. You can absolutely do this, but you have to commit to it. Better fees and better homes do not happen by accident. They come from building a brand, improving your marketing, learning how to articulate value and refusing to stay on the same treadmill forever.

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In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, James Kendall is joined by Michelle Smith and Ian Storey for a conversation focused on training, culture, leadership and what actually drives long term growth in an estate agency. Alongside a quick catch up on the week’s listings, sales and market conditions, the discussion goes much deeper into why so many agencies stagnate despite doing the basics well.

A major theme throughout the episode is that training is not an event, it is a habit. Michelle explains why most agencies get this wrong, confusing one off sessions or tick box learning with real development, while Ian and James share how consistent coaching, clear weekly meetings, accountability and the right culture can transform both performance and morale.

The episode also explores the role of leadership in setting standards, how behaviour flows from the top, and why great businesses do not happen by accident. There is a strong emphasis on practical implementation, from improving Monday morning meetings to building autonomy in the team, recognising the right behaviours, and keeping everyone aligned around clear commercial goals.

One of the most powerful takeaways is that the best agencies are not the ones doing flashy training for the sake of it. They are the ones embedding small disciplines consistently, creating the right environment, and helping good people become even better.

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In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, Dave Warburton and James Kendall unpack what’s really happening in the market as Q2 begins. They discuss why so many sellers are being told the wrong story, how global events are filtering into UK property sentiment, and why agents need to stop blaming “the market” without understanding what is actually driving it.

A big theme throughout the episode is price sensitivity. There are still buyers in the market, deals are still being done, and strong houses are still selling, but only when pricing, presentation and communication are spot on. The lads explain why homes that sit too high are getting ignored, why reductions are becoming more common, and how the right strategy can still create competition even in a tougher environment.

They also go deeper on the wider economic backdrop, from the Middle East conflict and rising oil prices through to swap rates, mortgage repricing and the knock on effect on affordability. Rather than using these headlines as lazy excuses, the conversation focuses on how good agents should be using them to educate clients, frame the market properly, and help sellers make smarter decisions.

The central message is simple. This is not a dead market. It is a selective market. And agents who can explain that clearly, price stock correctly, and guide sellers with confidence are the ones who will keep winning.