Sam and Phil reflect on Ashdown Jones’ Q2 2025 and look ahead as Q3 approaches. Find out why regular reflection shapes performance, and why you should prioritise planning, even during quieter market periods.

Hear about the current market challenges, staffing adjustments, revenue targets, and the value of direct mail. Explore property sales trends, fee averages, and the impact of lost instructions, highlighting how estate agents can adapt to fluctuations and setbacks.

There are six strategic thinking questions AJ uses in their review which has been a useful tool for agency growth and clarity, finds out what they are as well as getting insights into new revenue streams, recruitment, and how to sharpen operational focus to maintain momentum.

Quarterly reviews and goal-setting contribute to transparency, team alignment, and measurable results, so listen out for strategies to navigate tough quarters and keep your team engaged.

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Quarterly reviews and transparent planning help your agency handle changing markets and team challenges.

➡️ Tracking KPIs, like valuations, listings, and revenue gives estate agency owners the tools to adjust quickly.

➡️ Streamlining operations and exploring new revenue streams supports consistency and growth.

Some great moments:

✅ "If you're listening to this and you never do reviews, then this is probably the bit that you need to listen to because I think they're really important to review and plan."

✅ "When revenue is good, that's when most people don't look at costs. They take their eye off the ball."

✅ "Every time we come to planning, we're like, well, we could do this or this or this or we can just buy properties."

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Are you using AI to help write property descriptions? Find out why you should be! Replace traditional property description clichés with a story-led approach to help your agency stand out from the crowd.

Using the right prompts can give you more time to focus on growth while maintaining the quality vendors expect, especially in the high-value home market. Sam shares tips for building effective AI prompts to produce copy in your own style of writing.

Whatever your AI platform of choice, you can streamline your workflow just by following Sam’s advice.

Read the BLOG POST that Sam wrote about this topic

Get hold of Sam’s 5 ESSENTIAL AI PROMPTS

Here’s how we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

Find out more about COSMO and take advantage of our exclusive podcast offer!

LISTEN to another episode

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Connect with a community of ambitious agency owners on our private AJ Mastermind FACEBOOK PAGE

For your questions, reach out to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk OR phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Stay updated on our upcoming EVENTS

Key takeaways:

➡️ AI can reduce your copywriting workload but needs precise prompts to work effectively.

➡️ Evocative, story-led property descriptions attract both vendors and buyers and set your agency apart.

➡️ Estate agency coaches and mastermind communities provide proven growth strategies and support.

Notable moments:

✅ “Great property descriptions are more than room lists, they’re about painting a picture of life in the home.”

✅ “The results you get from AI are only as good as the instructions you give it.”

✅ “A great description not only brings in buyers but also shows the vendor how well you understand their home.”

Blog post: https://www.samashdown.co.uk/ai-property-descriptions/

5 Essential AI Prompts You Need in Your Agency, and How to Use Them! :

https://ajmastermind.co.uk/5-ai-prompts-video-series-free-access

Cosmo: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/cosmoignite

Listen: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Upcoming Events: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events/

In this episode, we discuss building an overseas team for your estate agency. Georges Verdis joins Sam to talk about digital assistants, especially those based in the Philippines, and how they can support agency operations while managing costs.

Sam and Georges share their journey of hiring virtual (or digital) team members, with a transparent look at salary structures, recruitment sources, and integrating remote professionals into a UK-based team. The episode takes you through the process of recruiting, training, and managing overseas staff, highlighting the logistical details and mindset shifts required. Find out why clarity in role descriptions, cultural understanding, and ongoing coaching lead to better retention and productivity.

Georges also champions productivity tools like Asana and Slack, while discussing the impact of work culture on loyalty and motivation, and why offering a competitive salary in the local context can transform both your business and the lives of your remote team.

Here’s how we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

Find out more about COSMO and take advantage of our exclusive podcast offer!

LISTEN to another episode

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Connect with a community of ambitious agency owners on our private AJ Mastermind FACEBOOK PAGE

For your questions, reach out to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk OR phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Stay updated on our upcoming EVENTS

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Remote recruitment can double agency output and sustain high standards while being cost-effective.

➡️ Transparent processes, cultural adaptation, and communication tools are vital for integrating an overseas team.

➡️ Estate agency growth often depends on coachable team members and leadership willing to implement new ideas.

Some great moments:

✅ “The digital team can literally run the office. The only thing they cannot do is let contractors in to pick up keys or do viewings.”

✅ “You cherry pick the best of the best of the best.”

✅ “Hiring your first digital assistant is exactly the same journey as hiring your first person in the UK. Countdown 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—turn the thought into action.”

Ready to modernise your estate agency? Tune in and discover how to build a winning team that works for you, wherever you are.

Cosmo: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/cosmoignite

Listen: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Upcoming Events: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events/