40 Not Out! Proof that estate agency is a people business

A well-known Yorkshire estate agent is celebrating 40 years working at the same firm - and he’s marking his involvement in no fewer than 10,000 transactions!

Ian Bradbury is Dacre, Son & Hartley’s area director in the Aire Valley, having joined the firm in 1983.

Two years later he progressed into a sales role and in 1991 he was promoted to branch manager. By 1995 he a shareholder in the business and was made a director in 2002.

Ian says: “I’ve only ever had two job interviews but accepting the role at Dacres was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn the trade from several very good and experienced people, who always took the time to offer me help and advice, and it was five years before I did my first solo valuation.

“The most important thing they taught me is that estate agency is a people business. Buying and selling a property is usually the biggest financial transaction people make, so buyers and sellers want to work with people they trust, and this is something I always instil on the next generation of estate agents and our new starters.”

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, comments: “Ian’s undoubtedly sold far more property than anyone else in and around the town and has sold many homes several times over. 

“One client recently phoned the office wanting to sell and specifically asked for Ian because they’d bought the house off him and remembered what a good job he’d done even though it was 20 years ago. 

“Ian is a key reason that we’re so successful in the Aire Valley. He’s lived locally all his life, so knows the area very well and he regularly supports local events and community initiatives with his time and office sponsorship. He’s the consummate professional.”