Here, we speak to our Lettings Partner Sam Swinburne about how our approach to curb appeal, pricing strategies and standout marketing made all the difference for our clients. From homes that catch the eye on first glance to innovative pricing that ups the final sale value, these success stories showcase the power of tailored strategies.
First impressions count: mastering curb appeal to captivate buyers
A home’s exterior can make or break a property sale. We know the value of unforgettable curb appeal that draws prospective clients in from the first photo or viewing. “A homeowner came to us with a charming period property, but its exterior looked tired,” says Sam. “Our team spotted the potential to turn it into a showstopper. We suggested repainting the façade in a contemporary colour that would contrast beautifully with vibrant plants. With these changes in place, the effect was immediate.” Interest surged in the property as people responded to the home’s fresh, inviting look. “What might have been a subtle improvement became a ‘wow’ factor’ that helped the property stand out on listing sites and even led to increased foot traffic from passersby,” he adds.
Sometimes, it takes just a few small but impactful changes to make a property unforgettable. A fresh coat of paint, tasteful landscaping and thoughtful lighting can breathe new life into a home and increase marketability. At Ralph James, we specialise in spotting these opportunities and guiding our clients to make the most of them.
Tailored marketing that cuts through the noise
Marketing is more than a service we offer, it’s our cornerstone and passion. “It’s one of the main reasons clients choose us over other high street agents and we take great pride in this,” Sam explains. “I like to think that our clients trust us to offer expert advice and take the reins when it comes to marketing their property effectively.”
Ralph James’ team of creative trailblazers get to know the character of a property and capture its essence through pioneering videography and photography. For example, when a landlord approached us with a classic-meets-contemporary period property, we knew how to make it stand out from the crowd. “Our team took a bold approach, emphasising its unique features and giving it the bespoke marketing campaign it deserved,” Sam adds. “It’s this attention to detail that sets us apart from competing agencies.”
“In both sales and lettings, it’s all about preparing the property to a standard that you’d expect it to be returned in,” he continues. “With so many similar properties available at once, tenants are often scrolling through endless listings, seeing the same types of homes over and over. It only takes one standout image to grab their attention and turn a casual browse into a viewing. Sometimes, being bold with interior design choices can make all the difference.”
The power of a memorable image must never be underestimated, particularly in busy markets where tenants are browsing hundreds of listings at once. Our in-house team of marketing experts work tirelessly to create visuals that captivate and words that inspire.
Pricing things right: Strategies that attract maximum interest
With a fine-tuned understanding of the market, our team is skilled in pricing properties correctly. “We can aim to price high, allowing for a good lead time, and remain open to offers that come in,” Sam notes. “Or we can price lower to generate quick interest, giving us a wider range of offers to choose from. It all depends on what the landlord requires.”
“One of our clients was eager to sell quickly but didn’t want to sacrifice too much on price. Instead of listing too high or too low, we analysed the local market and chose a price that would place the property within an ideal portal search bracket,” he notes, describing how this visibility ensured the property appeared frequently in prospective buyers’ search results. “I like to think that with our marketing, we can generate interest from areas other agents can’t reach. We don’t rely solely on our database or the standard property portals. Instead, we make the most of social media, pushing it to its full potential with a creative team coming up with innovative ideas to drive footfall in ways that other agents simply can’t.”
By setting a price that fits search brackets on major property portals and leveraging social media reach, we ensure our clients’ properties get maximum exposure. Whether it’s pricing high to allow for negotiation or choosing a lower entry point to boost views and generate multiple offers, a strategic approach to pricing can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts: Helping You Succeed in the Property Market
“Our clients’ success stories are a testament to the power of tailored strategies and proactive, expert marketing,” Sam affirms. At Ralph James, we’re not just about listing properties; we’re about finding ways to enhance each home’s appeal, maximise its marketability and ultimately, help our clients achieve their property goals. Whether you’re looking to sell or rent, our team is here to offer you the expert advice and personalised approach that makes all the difference.
Speak to a member of the team today to find out more success stories, or discuss your own property journey today. We look forward to connecting with you.
