20 things we've learned in 20 years
By The Cooper Adams Team
Subscribe to newsletterFrom the era of dial-up internet to the reign of TikTok, my 20-year journey owning Cooper Adams has been like navigating through all seasons of "Game of Thrones"—full of surprises and valuable lessons. Winter came, and so did these 20 insights.
Location, Location, Location:
It still reigns supreme in real estate value. In the area for most properties the value increases being closer to the sea. Other factors are the type of properties around you, size of your property and condition. Shaun & Nicola love the area so much that in 2022 they moved here, in the middle of their three branches!
Market cycles matter:
Understanding the ebb and flow of market trends is critical. Since we opened in 2004 – average house prices peaked in 2007 then due to subprime lending the world economy crashed – UK prices dropped, they levelled in 2010 and by 2014 were back up again. They rose until the end of 2022 then fell back. We share monthly roundup articles about the developments of local property market insights across West Sussex to help you with your property journey. Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out.
The power of staging:
A well-presented property can significantly impact its saleability. Click here to find out more about ‘What is property staging and should you do it?’
Digital marketing is key:
Digital marketing has revolutionised the way we connect properties with potential buyers and tenants. In today's fast-paced world, where the average person spends hours online daily, having a strong digital presence is not just beneficial—it's essential. Effective online advertising can reach a vast audience quickly. However, after 20 years, the most important tool in our industry remains to be the telephone, other than a face to face meeting, the telephone is the best way.
Client relationships are everything:
Building trust leads to referrals and repeat business. It takes time but the rewards are undeniable when you invest in and nurture these relationships. Another unbeatable tool that further supports our clients is our Reservation Agreements, which have been around for 4 years now!
Regulations constantly change:
Keeping up-to-date with laws helps avoid costly mistakes. It also enhances your credibility and reputation as an industry leader.
Energy efficiency gains traction:
Buyers increasingly value eco-friendly home features.
Property photos make a difference:
High-quality images are essential for first impressions. Properties that look best get the most buyer-attention – which can mean a speedier sale and a better price. Find out how we make this happen here.
Diversification is beneficial:
Cooper Adams offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your specific needs. See the full list of our services.
Continuous learning is essential:
Ongoing education keeps an agent informed and competitive. Knowledge is power and can give you the confidence to challenge and try new things. Did you know that Cooper Adams was the first local agent to provide floor plans? I’m passionate about learning something new and growing as a person and a business owner every day. And that’s a passion shared by our team.
The impact of technology:
From virtual tours to AI, tech has transformed how we sell property. It might be unnerving at first but there’s no reward without a little risk involved.
Community involvement pays off:
Engaging in local events builds brand recognition. It is one of our core values and why we introduced the #CommunityMatters initiative. I bumped into a local the other day who personally thanked me for all that we do in the community - from litter picking to sponsoring local sports teams, it doesn’t go unnoticed by residents.
You have to learn to ride the wave:
Since we opened in 2004 there have been ups and downs but we rode the wave, stayed true to our course and remained successful to the point of expanding into the 3 branches you will see today, in Angmering, East Preston and Rustington. I’m a fan of the marginal gains philosophy that British Cycling and Team Sky has adopted and used so brilliantly. It’s all about working hard to become better at what we do and focussing on small but important details which I can attribute to our success so far.
Flexibility is Crucial:
Adapting to clients' needs and schedules sets you apart. Our mantra is ‘How will this benefit our clients?’ We are constantly looking at ways of improving every detail of our business, keeping our clients needs at the front of our minds.
Presentation Matters:
Personal presentation and professionalism influence client perceptions.You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression so you need to make it count and don’t let standards slip.
The Growth of Buy-to-Let:
This sector has expanded rapidly, offering new opportunities. We offer FREE rent guarantee and legal cover for all our landlords. Find out more about our landlord letting service.
Conveyancing Can Delay Deals:
Efficient processes and good solicitors help prevent this, as do our Buyer Information Packs. To help digest some of the jargon that you typically see with conveyancing, we created a conveyancing glossary designed to help both First Time Buyers & experienced movers alike.
Invest in Good Software:
CRM systems can streamline operations and improve client management. It’s a less glamorous side of the job but it’s significant and can be an advantageous productivity tool.
Global Events Impact Markets:
From recessions to pandemics, external factors can dictate market conditions but there are always ways to adapt and overcome them. Covid stopped the housing market and after covid people decided their home needed to change – this coupled with a stamp duty holiday fuelled demand and pushed up prices. Prices cooled again in 2022/2023 with world inflation and high interest rates, this has so far stabilised in 2024.
Passion Drives Success:
A genuine love for property makes overcoming challenges easier. When we first opened, a local competitor jibed at a client that we would only last six months. We proved them wrong. As a successful independent office agency based in East Preston we went on to expand to 3 branches. We opened our Angmering office on 16th June 2017, and four months later, on Monday 2nd October 2017, we opened the doors of our Rustington office for the first time and haven’t looked back.
As we close the chapter on these 20 years of property adventures, it's clear that every lesson learned has been a stepping stone towards greater expertise and service. The real estate landscape is ever-changing, but my commitment to navigating it with you remains steadfast. Whether you're looking to create your own "Downton Abbey" in West Sussex or simply seeking a cosy nook to call your own, I stand ready to assist with the same passion and dedication that have been the hallmark of my career.
I mentioned before that I’m passionate about learning something new and growing as a person and a business owner every day. This passion is shared equally by our team and it goes without saying that Cooper Adams would not be the business it is today without them. I’m so proud of every member of the team and the genuine pride they take in doing such a great job and treating everyone we meet respectfully and honestly every single day.