Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, Dave Warburton, James Kendall, Ian Storey and Michelle Smith discuss the reality of putting yourself on camera, dealing with self doubt, and why video is now non negotiable for estate agents who want to build trust and authority.

Michelle shares her honest experience of stepping into a professional content day with Digital Sparks, despite not being naturally comfortable on social media or video. The conversation opens up into a deeper discussion around anxiety, overthinking, internal self talk and the practical ways agents can push through discomfort to do the things that move their business forward.

The team also touch on the current property market, with valuations slightly lighter in some areas but strong buyer activity, good listings, active offers and continued demand for well presented, correctly priced homes. There is also a useful discussion around sensitive client conversations, including probate, bereavement and the importance of being human first.

The main takeaway is simple. Video is not going away. Confidence comes after action, not before it. If agents want to build a stronger personal brand, create trust before the valuation and stay relevant in 2026, they need to start showing up.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, Dave Warburton, James Kendall and Ian Storey unpack what it really takes to move from average fee estate agency into the mid to upper end of the market. The conversation starts with the usual weekly catch up, covering a strong run of listings, sales, off market opportunities and the cash flow realities that still come with running a growing business.

From there, the episode shifts into a bigger discussion around mindset, positioning and what actually separates agents who stay stuck from those who build premium, profitable businesses. The lads reflect on their own journeys, from low fee, high volume agency into charging stronger fees on better homes, and explain why this was not about luck or geography. It came from consistency, investment, training, better marketing and a willingness to change how they thought about their value.

A big theme throughout is that you do not need to jump straight from small terraces to multi million pound homes. The more realistic first step is often improving your proposition, raising your standards and getting better fees on more attainable properties in the five hundred thousand to one million pound range. That is where confidence builds, reputation grows and momentum starts to compound.

The central message is simple. You can absolutely do this, but you have to commit to it. Better fees and better homes do not happen by accident. They come from building a brand, improving your marketing, learning how to articulate value and refusing to stay on the same treadmill forever.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Complete Agent Podcast, James Kendall is joined by Michelle Smith and Ian Storey for a conversation focused on training, culture, leadership and what actually drives long term growth in an estate agency. Alongside a quick catch up on the week’s listings, sales and market conditions, the discussion goes much deeper into why so many agencies stagnate despite doing the basics well.

A major theme throughout the episode is that training is not an event, it is a habit. Michelle explains why most agencies get this wrong, confusing one off sessions or tick box learning with real development, while Ian and James share how consistent coaching, clear weekly meetings, accountability and the right culture can transform both performance and morale.

The episode also explores the role of leadership in setting standards, how behaviour flows from the top, and why great businesses do not happen by accident. There is a strong emphasis on practical implementation, from improving Monday morning meetings to building autonomy in the team, recognising the right behaviours, and keeping everyone aligned around clear commercial goals.

One of the most powerful takeaways is that the best agencies are not the ones doing flashy training for the sake of it. They are the ones embedding small disciplines consistently, creating the right environment, and helping good people become even better.