“I have the freedom to develop my own business”

Propertynest franchisee Lynne Dyer runs her business with a personal touch, providing clients with in-depth local knowledge

Lynne Dyer has lived and worked in Godalming, Surrey, for 25 years. Known as ‘Mrs Godalming’ to one or two locals, Lynne is a successful Propertynest franchisee who prides herself on providing in-depth knowledge about both the local area and the types of properties associated with Godalming.

Lynne joined Propertynest in early 2021 after a notable career working with several local agents including Hamptons, Gascoigne-Pees and Burns & Webber. She explains: “I’d been considering setting up my own agency for a while. However, when even my clients started to suggest I was more than capable of setting up alone, I knew it was time I made the move!

“I’d bumped into Doug Parks, franchisee for Elmbridge, and he recommended Propertynest. After being introduced to Vincent Anthony, founder of Propertynest, the rest is history!”

Support whilst you work independently

Lynne explains that one of the main advantages of becoming a Propertynest franchisee is that access to all the major property advertising portals – which can cost thousands of pounds per month – is all covered as part of the franchise agreement. 

She adds: “The Propertynest team are also just at the end of the phone if I need help or support. For the rest of the time, I’m able to focus on running my agency how I wish, which means offering one-to-one service, just as it should be. I manage the whole process for a client from start to finish, handling each property as if it was my own.”

Insider knowledge

Lynne knows her properties and the local area inside out and is on hand to help with any queries.

She explains: “I’m a bit of a boiler fiend so can always answer questions like ‘what sort is it’ and ‘how old is it?’. I find out about the soil, so I can advise on the types of plants that will thrive in the garden, and I have a working knowledge of where all the local golf clubs are located too.

“I’ve lived here with my family for many years, with both my boys attending local schools and Godalming college, so I have this sort of inside knowledge too. It puts clients at ease and means they know they can ask any question about the property they are buying.”

A personal touch

Godalming, sometimes known as the home of ‘muddy boots and damp dogs’ to London clients, is a competitive market for estate agents with around 10 separate brands operating in the town. It’s therefore essential to stand out from the competition.

Lynne says: “Personal service is key. I’ve recently supported one elderly client who’d lost her husband. She needed to downsize to a more manageable home and it’s tough, going through a bereavement and moving house at the same time. Thinking ahead and working closely with the family to ensure the transition went as smoothly as possible helped.” 

This client now lives in a lovely village in a comfortable property with plenty of dog walks on her doorstep.

Lynne explains: “It is rewarding being able to make a positive impact during such a challenging time. This is typical of the type of personal service I like to be able to offer and it differentiates from the competition.”

Next steps

Lynne is excited about her future with Propertynest. She says: “It’s great to be away from a rigid corporate structure. The team at Propertynest listen and I have the freedom to develop my own business, always putting my clients first.

“Inevitably, running any business there are ups and downs, but sales have been strong and momentum is building. Recommendations are coming in which is all very positive for the future.”