It takes some courage to leave your job as an estate agent and open an office of your own just across the road from the office you worked in for nearly 25 years.
But, after all, the mantra of estate agency is Location, Location, Location and that, according to Helen Somauroo, is as important for where your office is as it is for the properties you’re selling.
The corner spot on Mutley Plain is ‘a brilliant position, nothing beats a corner site’ said Helen, who – along with business partner Dan Collier – recently celebrated a year since the launch of their estate agency DC Lane.
She and Dan have worked in corporate estate agency for decades and realised there was a place for a much more personal way of doing things and that’s how DC Lane was born.
Of course neither of them dreamed that their first year would include dealing with buying, selling, letting and managing properties in a pandemic but, typical of the pair’s can-do attitude, they immediately rose to the challenge.
DC Lane has also played a really practical role during the lockdowns too, working with charities throughout helping to secure property for a variety of tenants.
“Because of the investment we made in our IT and digital infrastructure when we opened we were very easily able to make the transition from working from home when the first lockdown started and that has continued during the subsequent lockdowns,” said Dan.
They are continuing with their COVID-safe viewings sticking to the very rigid procedures they have instituted since the start of the pandemic.
“We are minimising those, though, by using our innovative technology, video and virtual tours during this lockdown,” he said.
The office also lends itself well to being divided into two COVID-secure areas for clients to be safely accommodated when they arrive for pre-arranged appointments.
“Our office is so welcoming – people wave at us as they pass by or from the bus because we look friendly because you can see us,” said Helen. “We took the decision not to fill our windows with property details, we want to retain that open, welcoming feel.”
And there is also a large banner of Helen on the side of the building which they know helps attract clients.
“It took a bit of getting used to,” laughs Helen, “but I’ve been involved in property in Plymouth for a long time and it makes it easier for past clients to find me and it’s a bit of a talking point too!”
So what do Helen and Dan think is different about their approach?
“For me it’s about that seven-day-a-week contact,” said Helen.
“Our clients know they can contact us any way they like, when it’s convenient for them, whether it’s Messenger, WhatsApp or over the phone – the traditional constraints of traditional agency don’t apply at DC Lane.”
They also have high standards about the type of property they will have on their books for lettings.
“We support quality housing and we simply won’t offer housing that is sub-standard,” said Dan.
There are many ways their first year hasn’t panned out as they anticipated when they first opened their doors – but in the face of the pandemic DC Lane has ended its first year 30% up on their own forecast for their first 12 months and their initial staff of three has now expanded to six.
“We really have picked the best in the business – each member of our team is excellent in their own right,” said Helen.
The team also works closely with another local business Velvet Shaw who ‘dress’ properties so they look their best when the photographs are taken.
“We really want our buyers to be able to envisage what it would be like for them to live there and the team at Velvet Shaw are so creative and clever and do a fantastic job of doing that,” said Dan.
So the new year ahead is more of the same – more hard work and, hopefully, more satisfied customers. Opening further offices is also part of the plan but this will only happen Helen says, unsurprisingly, if the location is perfect.
Helen said being on Mutley Plain – especially during the pandemic – has demonstrated the strong community spirit of fellow traders.
“We’ve had cakes dropped in and all kinds of offers of help,” she added.
“The independent businesses are all so supportive of each other and the community wants us to succeed and our clients are telling their friends about us because they want us to be successful too.”
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