A record? Young agent starts own business at just 20!

Grace Gilbert (right) could be the youngest person to set up their own estate agent firm at just 20 years old.

The entrepreneur gave up a low paid apprenticeship role at just 18, with no savings, and set up the agency in 2022.

Then in July last year she started with her agency, Grace Estates, based in Warrington, on a full-time basis.

Amazing

She says the last year has been “an amazing and challenging adventure”, and she is enjoying the work as a solo agent, the Warrington Guardian reports.

“Many people like the self-employed estate agent module since you just deal with one person rather than a whole office,” she says.

estate agent

Gilbert says she spotted gaps in the local market: I saw a trend within the local companies: a reluctance to embrace new techniques and an unwavering commitment to outdated practices.

Her father, who is an accountant, has been able to give her advice on how to establish a new business.

“The current market is a very difficult market to break into as a new agent. The local estate agents are hungrier than ever for new listings,” she says.

Strategy

Her strategy is to only list a set number of properties at any one time.

I make a commitment to handle only a limited number of properties simultaneously.”

“I make a commitment to handle only a limited number of properties simultaneously, differentiating my approach from other agencies that often attempt to manage 30+ homes at once, struggling to balance client expectations and enquiries,” she explains.

Gilbert has introduced an international dimension to her business, after marketing three luxury villas in Cyprus. And she is also dealing with chalet rentals in the north west Wales village of Abersoch.

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