Sometimes you just know it’s the right time to do something different.
It could be personal circumstances, market trends or just a feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you feel certain you’re ready for a change.
Whatever the catalyst, the overwhelming desire to take that plunge can either be too tempting to resist, or too risky to take a chance.
Step forward Liam Irving, director of his own independent estate agency business powered by eXp which he set up in 2022 after spending 16 years working for a large agency.
Based in Carlisle, Liam Irving utilises his past experience across valuation, mortgages, sales and residential management, offering a 360-degree estate agency service that has made a huge impact on the property market in the Carlisle area.
With well over 100 listings for the year to date, and over 40 currently sold subject to contract, the 37-year-old former Harraby School pupil is pleased to have made the transition from employee to business owner.
“I’ve always been a hard worker, and if you’re putting the effort in to the best of your ability and have confidence in what you’re doing, you will reap what you sow,” he said.
Liam’s wife Gemma is also an estate agent with almost 20 years’ experience across the full spectrum of property services and trained Liam as a sales negotiator when they first worked together.
She has recently joined the business after spending a few years working part-time for an estate agent in the bespoke property market and looking after their two young children.
Now the Carlisle estate agency power-couple are working together and learning a new set of skills as business owners.
“We met when we were working for the same estate agency, without them I wouldn’t have my wife, two beautiful children and the career I love,” said Liam.
Liam notes that the market has changed significantly in the 20 months since he started his own business.
“There is a lot of movement at the bottom end of the market. Property in this part of the country is more affordable than elsewhere and there are plenty of buyers seeking that first or second step on the ladder.
“The higher end of the market is slower, but I expect the next few months to be more difficult across the board.
“Mortgage rates are high compared to what we have become used to. This leads to a surplus amount of stock on the market, price reductions and fewer buyers due to market uncertainty,” explained Liam.
Meeting Liam and Gemma, it isn’t hard to see why the pair work so well together – in life and in business. They share a clear passion for property and for helping people to buy and sell their homes.
“We take great pleasure and satisfaction in helping people, whatever their circumstances, whether it be a probate sale, a delicate marital situation, a move abroad, upsize or downsize or a relocation to pastures new, we’ve seen it all and we’re on your side,” said Liam.
He credits Gemma with helping him overcome the stress and anxiety he experienced during the first few months of launching the business.
“There were very early starts, very late finishes, a lot of uncertainty going from a standing start. Even though I had years of experience, I still felt like the new kid on the block, with no stock, no portfolio, just determination and a belief in my skills,” said Liam.
Using social media and his wealth of contacts built up over 16 years in the industry, Liam had listed six properties within his first week and hasn’t looked back.
The business now enjoys a significant market share of the properties currently available in Carlisle and the surrounding area, and Liam says there is plenty of business to go around the new agents, as well as the more established firms.
“The industry has changed as the world has become more digital. There are more estate agents, and customers are now using social media and the internet to find their properties, sell their assets and research the market more than ever before,” said Liam.
Online platforms such as Rightmove and Zoopla mean that customers are far more informed about the property market, and more realistic about the value of their homes, or how far their budget can go if they are buying.
“Properties can be marketed as new seven days a week now. In the past, most estate agents focused on advertising their stock on a Friday, however the internet means that properties can be listed at any time.
“Because we know the market has adapted in the ways people look to buy or sell property, so too has the approach of estate agents. I am essentially on-call at all times, even at weekends,” said Liam.
Since joining the business in July this year, Liam says that Gemma has been “a fantastic addition,” helping with the administrative and social media aspects, including sales progressions, client contact and accompanied viewings, giving Liam more time to focus on appointments and property listings.
Talking to them, it’s clear their strongest asset is themselves; their personalities complement each other perfectly and it’s not hard to see why customers warm to them so easily.
“People buy people, I do what I say I will and hold myself to very high standards. That’s why my face is on the for-sale boards, it makes things more personal and people know who to expect when I arrive for an appointment.
“I want to maintain our USP of fantastic customer service, attention to detail and tailored plans for every property we work with and on behalf of,” Liam said.
“The best bit is we make all our own decisions – for the business, for ourselves and for our family, and we look forward to what the future holds for us.”
