CHRISTMAS 2020 UPDATE
…and in the 12th month
of business DC Lane became… Plymouths fastest growing Property Agent!*
Wow, what a whirlwind our first 12 months in business have been! – Who would have known that a world-wide pandemic would turn everything on its head just 3 months into our new adventure at 99 Mutley Plain.
We wanted to take the opportunity of the short festive lull to give you a brief update of both our progress as a business and how the property market has performed in 2020.
Since lockdown 1 ended in May, The West Country housing market has been hugely buoyant. We have been incredibly busy here, reflecting the quick bounce back of the market and a continued growth in ‘market share’ for our Business.
A MASSIVE & HEARTFELT “THANK YOU” TO ALL OUR CLIENTS AND SUPPORTERS!
Both Helen and Dan are immensely grateful for the incredible support shown by all of our new Landlords and Venders who have believed in us and believed in our brand. As a new business, building reputation is at the forefront of our mission, and it is your kind instructions and plentiful support through reviews & recommendations that has got us to this point at 12 months… So THANK YOU.
THE TEAM HAS GROWN!
From our humble beginnings with just the two of us wiping off the windowlene from our shiny new office on 28th October 2019, we have been lucky enough to have welcomed some incredibly talented people to DC Lane. We are now a high energy, professional and fun team of 6! You can read a little more about Amy, Emily, Emma & Jaymie on our website.
THE DC LANE APPROACH
Knowing we all have an abundance of enthusiasm and energy together with plenty of experience, we initially launched with a specific core value that set us apart from our more traditional competitors.
“The Client Comes First”When asked what this meant in terms of benefits for our clients, Dan said:
“There are 2 specific points of difference with DC Lane. Firstly we offer an unparalleled service by blending the most modern technology with a tireless ‘can do’ mindset; and secondly all property that we list for sale or let is advertised to the widest audience and presented in a way that appeals to the heart of any potential suitor”
Our staging service in association with Velvet Shaw Design has helped us introduce buyers when other agents have failed. This innovative service has been incredibly well received – Just talk to us if you want to know more!
BUILDING A STELLA REPUTATION
So far our approach has paid dividends and we have built a great reputation in just a few months – with over 45 5* reviews, & 700 facebook likes.
“I rarely write reviews but I feel compelled to following my dealings with DC Lane. The service from all of the staff, in particular Helen and Dan is exemplary. They operate an extremely professional service from start through to completion which I cannot praise highly enough”
“In my experience, DC Lane stand head and shoulders above all other estate agents I’ve ever dealt with.”
“These guys really know how to look after you. They are super. It felt like they really went the extra mile every step of the way and you know they are working for you even when the doors close. Other estate agents in plymouth should take note and step up.”
LETTINGS UPDATE .. NO1 JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
We’ve made huge headway in lettings, with the 2nd most advertised properties and lets agreed** during 2020 out of 63 agents and we expect to hit our first 100 managed properties early in 2021.
Worth also noting we have moved over 200 tenants and have handled rental funds of over £1.7m through our fully protected and insured client account.
We are also pleased to report that as at 30th November we had no arrears from tenants introduced by us to our managed properties.
On a positive market note demand has outstripped supply, leading to quite considerable rent increases this year. Conversely, the emergency legislation intended to protect tenants who have been financially affected by the pandemic is a very broad brush, and some opportunistic tenants have taken advantage in the larger market. With six-month notice periods and a court backlog, tenant background is now crucial. If you currently use other agents, our current best advice is set the expectation high and don’t waver to pressure if you are uncomfortable with an application.
RESIDENTIAL SALES HUGELY BUOYANT, AND BUILDING OUR POSITION…
Having just launched the business, Lockdown 1 put a temporary dent in our upward march. But never to be held down for long, Helen and Amy bounced back with usual vigour and determination…
At DC Lane sales were agreed at record speed during the summer. Our plan for 2021 includes breaking into the top 10 sales agents by volume!
OVERALL EXCEEDING OUR INITIAL EXPECTATIONS
Dan and Helen are thrilled to report that despite the significant and unexpected challenges, turnover and margin were both 30% ahead of our pre-launch expectations. This is in part a result of the strength of support we have received locally, with new faces literally walking through the door or picking up the phone on a daily basis – We’ve enjoyed meeting many new clients and appreciate the onward recommendations you have given to your own wider network of friends and colleagues.
WINTER REFER A FRIEND OFFER & MORE..
We have lots of goodies to give away in appreciation of new referrals, just talk to us to find out more
KEEP IN TOUCH..
We are here to help and offer our advice if needed. While the coffee machine isn’t on for a social visit until the current tier rules allow, we are open with precautions in place. We would love to hear more feedback, and also any wishes or ideas you may have that could further enhance our service offering
You can also keep in touch by liking our facebook page!
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS 2021 – BUT ABOVE ALL, STAY SAFE.
DAN, HELEN & THE TEAM @ DC LANE
Do you have a review to share with us? We’d love to hear how we did!
Find us on Facebook or search us on Google and let us know your experience of the DC Lane approach!
Lettings Market Share2020** DC Lane 11%
*Rightmove stats, combined, 1st November 2019 – 30th November 2020.
**Rightmove stats from 1st Jan 2020 – 30th November 2020.
***Rightmove stats rolling 12 month data to 31st October 2020
