We’re thrilled to kick off Season 2 of Breaking Free!
Diving deep into the inspiring journeys of self-employed estate agents within our network. This season is all about celebrating their successes, uncovering the challenges they’ve overcome, and exploring what it takes to thrive in this exciting career path.
In this first episode, titled “The Fear of Failure,” Lee O’Brien sits down with Andy Hampton, one of our heads of constellation in the UK, based in the Southwest of England.
Andy’s story is one of courage, growth, and transformation. After years in a corporate environment, Andy decided to follow his dream of running his own business. A decision fueled by a desire for independence and a better work-life balance.
Andy shares his journey of moving from a traditional high-street estate agency to the self-employed model, which he describes as a game-changer.
One of the key takeaways from Andy’s story is the importance of overcoming the fear of failure. “Fear of failure can stop people in their tracks,”! Andy explains, emphasising that taking the leap despite uncertainties is often the hardest part.
His message is clear: there’s no perfect time to start! But, with preparation and self-belief, success is within reach.
Andy’s preparation was rooted in years of personal development—reading, learning, and cultivating the right mindset. He credits inspirational figures like Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek for shaping his approach to business and personal growth.
These tools not only helped him transition smoothly but also empowered him to support others in their journeys.
Why Self-Employment is a Win for Clients
Andy passionately believes that self-employed estate agents provide a superior customer experience compared to traditional high-street agencies.
He highlights the personal touch clients receive when working with a single agent throughout their property journey. “It’s about understanding your client and building a relationship,” he says, noting that this personalised approach sets self-employed agents apart.
Launching a business isn’t without its challenges, particularly when it comes to mental health. Andy shares candidly about the importance of staying connected,building routines, and prioritising physical fitness.
For him, daily walks and regular gym sessions aren’t just about physical health—they’re key to maintaining discipline and mental clarity.
Andy’s Advice for Aspiring Self-Employed Agents
If you’re considering the leap into self-employment, Andy offers invaluable advice:
Understand Your “Why”: Define your reasons for starting a business. Your “why” will keep you motivated through challenges.
Leverage Your Network: Start with the people you know. Let them know what you’re doing and how you can help.
Diversify Your Strategies: Use a mix of traditional methods like door-knocking and modern tools like social media to grow your business.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise every achievement, no matter how small, as part of your journey.
Looking Ahead
This season of Breaking Free promises to be a showcase of the real agents working in self-employed estate agency. The talent, resilience, and creativity within our network is huge and Andy Hampton is just the tip of the iceberg.
Stay tuned as we bring you more incredible journeys and insights from professionals who are redefining the estate agency industry.
In this edition of our Life of a Self-Employed Estate Agent series, we shine a light on Anna Smith, an experienced, passionate, and community-focused estate agent serving Ely and the surrounding villages. Anna brings a refreshingly personal approach to estate agency, combining local knowledge with the flexibility and dedication that only a self-employed agent can […]
In this edition of our Life of a Self-Employed Estate Agent series, we sit down with Lara Bradley, a dedicated and experienced estate agent operating across Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford in South Essex. With over 15 years in the property industry, Lara shares her journey from admin assistant to associate level, and how self-employment has […]
In the latest episode of our podcast – Breaking Free, we sit down with Olivier Téoule to dive deep into what it truly takes to build a property empire and ‘break free’ from the traditional constraints of the industry. Olivier shares his inspiring journey from working outside the estate agency industry to becoming a self-employed […]
In the world of estate agency, the transition from traditional employment to self-employment can be daunting. But for Lee Merrick, an experienced estate agent operating in the heart of the Black Country, this leap was not just a career move, it was a game-changer. A Career Reinvention After spending over 30 years at Lloyds Bank, […]
In this episode of the ‘Breaking Free‘ Podcast, we sat down with Marc Gravenor, who has found success in estate agency for getting homes listed and sold incredibly fast. His journey from the corporate world to running his own business is filled with lessons, insights, and strategies that every aspiring agent can learn from. ContentsWhy […]
The UK property market is on the cusp of significant changes with the upcoming amendments to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), effective from April 1, 2025. These changes are expected to impact buyers, estate agents, and the housing market as a whole. In this article, we explore the key updates, their effects on different buyer […]
Thinking of leaving traditional estate agency behind and becoming g a self-employed estate agent? In this episode, we spoke with Laura Kirby, a self-employed estate agent who made the switch—and hasn’t looked back. Laura shares how stepping away from high street agency gave her the freedom to support her family and build a business on […]
Are you in your forties and looking for more independence in your professional life? Have you ever considered retraining as an estate agent? This dynamic and rewarding career offers you the opportunity to unlock your full potential while enjoying the freedom of starting a new business at 40. ContentsWhy Start a Career in Estate Agency […]
ContentsGetting started in Self-Employed Estate Agency: Insights from Chris WebbIntroductionThe Biggest Mistakes New Agents MakeBuilding a Strong Foundation Before You StartThe Role of Coaching & MentorshipHow to Stand Out in a Competitive MarketFinal Thoughts & Where to Find Chris Webb Getting started in Self-Employed Estate Agency: Insights from Chris Webb Introduction In our latest podcast […]
You value your freedom, and you’ve decided to set up your own business. Estate agency is an ideal sector for this—rewarding, people-focused, and full of exciting challenges. It also offers a variety of career opportunities. One of the most accessible and appealing roles is that of an independent estate agent. It requires no formal qualifications, […]
Are you considering a career as an estate agent? If there is one question that everyone asks on the subject, it is the question of salary. Indeed, the property industry differs slightly from all the others, since agents are mainly paid on commission. It is possible to earn more or less money depending on the economic […]
In today’s fast-paced world, many workers find themselves at a point where they want to change career. Whether it’s the desire for a more meaningful career, a better work-life balance, or simply the urge to shake things up. The pull toward change is stronger than ever. It’s not uncommon to feel that your current role […]