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 offer.
Anna’s clients benefit from a truly one-to-one service. Each vendor is added to a dedicated WhatsApp group chat, allowing for regular updates and instant communication. Whether you’re a 9–5 professional or a shift worker with late hours, Anna adapts her schedule to suit you, offering viewings as late as 9pm, as well as weekends and even Sundays.
This client-first flexibility sets Anna apart and has quickly made her a favourite among local buyers and sellers.
Born in Sutton and a lifelong resident of the Ely area, Anna knows the local property market inside out. With many years of experience in estate agency, she combines her expertise with a genuine love for the area and its people.
“Ely has a real sense of community,” Anna says. “It’s family-friendly, full of lovely things to do, and so well connected with train links to Cambridge and London.”
She also shares her favourite spots in Ely for a day out: from riverside walks and ice creams by the Maltings to play parks and the iconic Ely Cathedral, an unmissable part of the local landscape.
One of Anna’s biggest motivations for becoming self-employed was to achieve a better work-life balance. As a mum to two young children, she now has the flexibility to do school drop-offs, nursery pickups and spend quality time with her family, without compromising the quality of service she provides to her clients.
“Being self-employed allows me to be present at home while still running a successful business,” she explains. “It’s the perfect balance.”
Transitioning from a traditional employed role to self-employment wasn’t without its challenges. Anna recalls how overwhelming it felt at first, figuring out where to start and how to build her client base. But with persistence, planning, and a system that worked for her, things soon turned around.
“Now, five years on, I’ve never looked back,” she says.
Since joining iad, Anna has found new opportunities opening up. From winning a spot on the IWC (International World Challenge) to building global connections with agents in France, Italy, and the U.S., she’s able to offer her clients both local expertise and international exposure.
“The international network is a real asset, not just for me, but for my clients too.”
Thinking about making the leap to self-employment in estate agency? Take a page from Anna’s book and embrace flexibility, prioritise service, and make your business work for you.
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