Journey to success in Estate Agency

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.

Why Break Away from Corporate agency?

Mark spent over 20 years in both corporate and independent estate agency roles, but over time, he felt like he was losing his identity. “I was being encouraged to take a different route than honesty and transparency,” he shares. That realisation pushed him to go self-employed, where he could serve clients the way he truly believed was right.

One of the biggest differences he sees? Clients are surprised that he’s the one handling everything from start to finish. In corporate agencies, sellers often meet a senior agent at the valuation stage, only to be handed off to less experienced staff for the rest of the process. With a self-employed agent, the client gets personal service from start to finish, leading to stronger relationships and better results.

Find out how you could break away from corporate agency

Winning Listings Fast: Mark’s Proven Strategies

Mark has built his business at an impressive pace, and he credits his success to a few key tactics:

🔹 Leverage Your Network: His first move was reaching out to past clients and contacts. “One lady has used me multiple times over the last 20 years, even when she moved miles away,” he explains.

🔹 Offline Marketing Still Works: While digital marketing is powerful, Mark strongly believes in door-knocking and leaflet-dropping. “If you target the right areas, your success rate skyrockets,” he says. Meeting potential sellers face-to-face builds trust instantly in a way that digital ads can’t.

🔹 Listen More Than You Talk: “It’s not about me; it’s about them,” Mark emphasises. Understanding a seller’s personal motivations allows him to tailor his approach to their needs, rather than forcing them into a rigid corporate process.

The Importance of Consistency

Mark’s success isn’t just about effort—it’s about consistent effort. “If you leaflet a property once, it’s unlikely to work,” he points out. Instead, he follows up with additional visits, providing useful information each time, gradually building rapport with potential clients.

One of his most effective habits is what he calls “vendor love.” Every Tuesday, without fail, he calls all his sellers to update them. “They know to expect my call, so they’re more likely to answer, and I don’t have to spend the rest of the week chasing them down.”

The Power of Local Knowledge

A great agent does more than sell houses—they sell lifestyles. Marc invests time in understanding what makes each area special, from school ratings to transport links to the best local coffee spots. This in-depth knowledge helps him guide buyers to the perfect home and makes him a trusted expert in his market.

Final Advice for New Agents

If you’re just starting out, Mark’s advice is simple:

1️⃣ Have a clear plan. Know your target area, marketing strategy, and daily activities.
2️⃣ Learn from those around you. “Our network is growing—lean into it. There’s so much advice available if you just ask.”

Self-employment can be isolating if you let it, but Mark reminds us that success comes from collaboration, consistency, and genuine client care.

Find out how you can create your success in agency