Just four months into trading, new Hale estate agency Sheppard & Co has already put 32 properties on the market and sold 20 of them, with more under negotiation.
It's a flying start that owner Jordan Sheppard attributes to one simple philosophy: putting customer service at the forefront of everything they do.
"Anyone that comes on board, it's not just that you can contact me by phone or email," explains Jordan, who has nearly 25 years of experience in Cheshire's property market.
"I'm setting up a WhatsApp group between myself and clients, and I'm contactable pretty much whenever. The person who goes out doing the valuation and explains what they're going to do is the same person who'll handle the viewings, get the feedback, negotiate the sales, and chase it through to exchange and completion. It's me."
The 41-year-old's determination to be personally involved in every transaction stems from his appreciation that for most people, their home represents their biggest asset - and often carries significant emotional baggage.
"I appreciate that this is the person's biggest asset, and there's a lot of emotional attachment to a house or home," he says. "Just showing that kind of empathy throughout the transaction is really important, and I think people recognise it. That's where the word of mouth comes through."
Jordan recalls one of his very first valuations coming from someone who had heard positive feedback from not just one, but two separate sets of friends who had dealt with him previously. "I think when people see that you care about what you're doing, and you're not just trying to do a deal or sell the house and move on to the next one, it makes a real difference," he says.
Based in the heart of Hale village on Ashley Road, Sheppard & Co covers the greater Altrincham area including Hale, Bowdon, Altrincham, Hale Barns and Timperley.
In a first-floor office above the former Franks Jewellers, Jordan has assembled a trusted team of staff, some of whom he has reunited with from former workplaces.
The agency has found a particular sweet spot in the £400,000 to £1 million market, though they've recently listed their biggest property to date at £1.75 million.
Jordan's extensive local knowledge comes from more than two decades in the industry, with 13 of those years spent specifically as an agent in Hale.
That experience has taught him the importance of honesty and transparency, qualities that aren't always associated with estate agents. "It's a stressful situation and certain things can go wrong," he acknowledges. "But I think as long as you're honest with your clients, there's always a way of working it through."
Jordan’s original target was to get 45 properties on the market within the first year and sell 50-60% of them. He's already well over halfway to that target in just four months. "Without blowing our own trumpet, I think we're already showing that we're on the right track," he adds.
The agency combines traditional values with modern marketing techniques, advertising on all major property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla, and Prime Location. They've also invested in Rightmove's full package, ensuring featured listings that sit at the top of search results.
Jordan has ambitious plans for Sheppard & Co, but not at the expense of his core value. "The goal isn't to have so much that we can't manage it properly," he adds. "It's about being the agent that people know they can trust and that's going to provide exactly the service they expect."
Sheppard & Co is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), adhering to Property Ombudsman standards. For more information, visit sheppardco.co.uk or pop into the office at Sheppard & Co, 1st Floor, 179 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SD.
