Beyond The Old Agency Model

The traditional estate agency model is being challenged by a new generation of operators who think differently about growth, service and efficiency.

In this episode of the Estate Agency X Podcast, Mark Burgess speaks with Josh Smith from JAGS Property Group in Gravesend about his journey from corporate agency, through the self-employed model, to building his own independent estate agency brand.

What stands out in this conversation is not simply Josh’s career progression. It is the way he thinks about the business of estate agency.

Josh explains how his time in corporate agency taught him the value of intensity, discipline and asking better questions but it also showed him the cost of spending too much time on non-revenue-generating tasks. Admin, poor systems and stretched support teams pulled him away from the work that actually created growth.

That lesson shaped how JAGS operates today.

Rather than building a traditional high street agency with outdated assumptions, Josh has focused on creating a lean, systemised and highly visible business. His team uses social media, video tours, database marketing, automation and strong operations to create a better experience for sellers while keeping the business efficient.

One of the strongest insights in the episode is the importance of building a real database, not just relying on portals. Josh talks about matching properties with active buyers, using data intelligently and showing sellers how demand can be created and managed more effectively.

The episode also explores how professional video and consistent social media have helped JAGS build visibility at scale. Josh explains that video is not just about selling individual homes. It is also about demonstrating standards, building trust and attracting future sellers.

There is also a valuable leadership lesson around recruitment and culture. Josh shares how building the right team has been central to the agency’s growth, especially when hiring people who genuinely care about estate agency and are motivated by the opportunity to grow.

For independent estate agents and agency owners, this episode is a practical look at what it means to move beyond the old agency model. It is about using technology without losing the human touch, systemising predictable work so the team can focus on exceptional service, and building a business that can grow without cutting corners.

Watch the full episode or listen on Apple Podcasts to hear how Josh Smith is building a modern independent estate agency with clarity, focus and operational discipline.