Estate Agent Showdown

Matt Giggs

Estate Agent Showdown is the ultimate debate show for real estate agents, property industry professionals and investors worldwide. Hosted by the dynamic and insightful Matt, this podcast delivers bold discussions on the hottest industry trends, game-changing business models, and the challenges shaping the future. Each episode brings together two expert guests for unfiltered conversations, real-world insights, and the strategies you need to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Whether you're scaling your portfolio, refining your sales tactics, or navigating industry shifts, Estate Agent Showdown keeps you informed, inspired, and ready to win. My mission is to challenge the comfort zone of estate agency, one honest conversation at a time.

  1. 11H AGO

    Beyond the CRM: Implementing an AI Operating System for Maximum Profit -with CRM Expert

    In this deep-dive conversation, Matt Giggs is joined by Mark Burgess, CEO of Iceberg Digital, to discuss why the traditional estate agency model is fundamentally broken. Mark reveals a sobering reality: estate agency has exceeded the capacity of what is possible for a human being within the current team structures. As technology continues to evolve, many agents feel they are working harder than ever but remain stuck in a loop of "unfinished work". This episode explores the difference between a CRM and a true Operating System, the myth of "instant AI results," and the catastrophic risk facing agencies that fail to redefine their purpose by 2029. Key Takeaways The Systemic Failure: The problem in modern agency isn't the people; it's a system where revenue per employee is too low to sustain growth. Most agents "accidentally scale the profit out of the business" by adding headcount to handle administration that doesn't generate new revenue. The "Deflation" Concept: In most industries, technology causes deflation (making things cheaper and easier over time). In estate agency, we’ve added tool after tool on top of existing models, creating an overload of "unfinished work" instead of saving time. CRM vs. Operating System: A CRM is essentially a "diary" that tells you what happened in the past. A true AI Operating System looks at the entire business ecosystem to decide what you should do next, prioritising high-value human interactions over manual tasks. Finding Your Purpose: Most agencies fail to define their purpose beyond "selling houses". Mark argues that identifying who you specifically serve and what problems you solve is the only way to build a scalable business that isn't middle-of-the-road. The 2029 Ultimatum: Mark issues a stark prediction: by 2029, agencies that do not adopt a centralized, data-driven ecosystem will simply cease to exist because they won't be able to keep up with the efficiency of automated competitors. Systemise to Humanise: The goal of AI is not to replace the best estate agents, but to replace below-average behaviors and "heavy lifting". This allows humans to focus on the "exceptional" parts of the job—conversations and problem-solving. Time stamps 01:00 – Why the current estate agency system is fundamentally broken. 03:16 – Understanding technology-driven deflation and why agency missed the curve. 06:18 – The "Unfinished Work" problem: Why tools created more work than they saved. 12:16 – The Revenue-Per-Employee trap: How hiring more staff can kill your profit. 24:37 – Where to start: Defining your company’s purpose before buying more tech. 39:38 – The technical difference between a CRM and an Operating System. 51:06 – Meet "Fraser Estates": A real-world demo of how an AI operating system guides a human agent. 01:15:59 – Cutting through the "AI B******t": Why you need an ecosystem, not just tools. 01:21:43 – Reflecting on Mark's 2015 predictions: Where the industry has gone in 10 years. 01:26:02 – The 2029 Prediction: Why most current models will be obsolete in three years. Resources Mentioned Iceberg Digital: The team behind Life Cycle and the new AI Operating System. 7-11-4 Principle: Google's research on building trust through multiple touchpoints. Books by Mark Burgess: Where Did My Industry Go? (2015) and The Estate Agency Revolution (2018). Social Links YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/⁠⁠ Mark Burgess Links https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mark-burgess-ba905419 This podcast is distriubted by Disruptive Media

    1h 41m
  2. FEB 12

    How GetAgent and eXp are Redefining the Estate Agency Success Path

    In this episode of Estate Agent Showdown, Matt Giggs is joined by Adam MacKay (muvin by eXp UK) and Colby Short (GetAgent) to discuss the shifting landscape of the UK property industry. We dive deep into the transition from corporate branding to the "Personal Agent" model and how data-driven comparison sites are changing how vendors choose their representation. From the "hustle" required to launch a tech giant to the financial realities of running a modern brokerage, this conversation cuts through the noise of self-employment and explores what it actually takes to survive and thrive in 2026. Key Takeaways The "Personal Agent" Revolution: The industry is moving away from big corporate company brands toward personal brands where the individual agent is the primary USP. Data-Driven Selection: GetAgent uses hard data—such as percentage of asking price achieved and speed of sale—to help undecided vendors find the best performer rather than just the agent who "shouts the loudest". The Brokerage Solution: Adam McKay explains why many agents are moving under "umbrella" models like eXp to remove the headaches of compliance and high fixed costs, allowing them to focus on the "joy" of helping sellers. The Reality of Self-Employment: Success in the self-employed model requires more than just freedom; it demands energy, resilience, and a "Day 1" plan that covers everything from lead generation to personal well-being. Kindness vs. Being Nice: Matt and the guests discuss why "being kind" means telling a client the difficult truths they need to hear to get moved, whereas "being nice" often leads to over-valuing and failed sales. The "Hustle" Behind the Tech: Colby Short shares the reality of scaling a property tech business, including spending nearly £700,000 on leads and bridging massive gaps in working capital to ensure business growth. Timestamps of Key Moments: 00:24 – What is GetAgent? How comparison sites use data to help vendors choose the right agent. 02:21 – The Rise of the Personal Agent: Why individual brands are becoming more powerful than corporate logos. 08:10 – Searching for a Solution: Adam McKay on why he moved from a traditional model to a brokerage. 12:13 – The Failure Rate Reality: Why 50-70% of agents struggle in their first year and how to avoid the "d******d environment". 18:44 – The Financial No-Brainer: How moving to an umbrella model can save £60k-£90k in fixed business costs. 32:32 – The Early Days Hustle: Door-knocking estate agents in Surbiton to launch a tech empire. 45:00 – Attribution and ROI: Why many agents don't actually know their cost-per-market-appraisal. 01:13:00 – Facing Business Challenges: Adam shares the personal and professional impact of his right-hand man’s near-fatal accident. 01:26:13 – The Definition of Kindness: Why the truth is an agent's most valuable tool in a shifting market. Social Links Adam Mackay https://uk.linkedin.com/in/acmackay https://muvin.co.uk/ Colby Short https://uk.linkedin.com/in/colbyshort https://www.getagent.co.uk/ Social Links YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/⁠ This podcast is distriubted by Disruptive Media

    1h 35m
  3. FEB 5

    The 1% Agent: Master Mindset, Accountability, and Marketing with Simon Gates

    In this "off the cuff" special of Estate Agent Showdown, Matt sits down with industry veteran Simon Gates to dissect what truly separates the top 1% of estate agents from the rest of the market. Moving beyond simple market trends, this episode dives deep into the psychology of success, the danger of "comforting lies," and why your diary is the ultimate predictor of your future earnings. Whether you are an independent business owner or an ambitious negotiator, this conversation serves as a "reality check" on accountability, the importance of continuous learning, and how to reframe market challenges as opportunities. Key Takeaways The Mindset of the 1%: Success isn't about market conditions; it’s a choice. Average agents blame the economy, while exceptional agents double down on their activity and mindset. The Power of the Diary: Your success leaves clues in your schedule. If you show a top-tier mentor your last seven days of activity, they can accurately predict your next 12 months of earnings. Kindness vs. Being "Nice": High-performing agents prioritize kindness (telling the truth to help a client move) over being nice (telling the client what they want to hear). As Simon notes, "I’d rather comfort you with a lie and hurt you with the truth" is a trap that kills listings. Continuous Learning is Non-Negotiable: To remain relevant in 2026, you must commit to roughly 250 hours of study per year. Relying on "20 years of experience" is useless if it's really just one year of experience repeated 20 times without growth. Practice in Private, Perform in Public: Don't use the public as your "guinea pigs" for fee negotiations or valuations. Dedicated role-play and practice on difficult conversations will directly increase your fee percentage and walk-away figures. Leveraging Data for Authority: Agents must know more than just "the market is busy." Understanding mortgage approval trends, house price-to-earnings ratios, and local demographic shifts allows you to provide tangible ROI for your clients. Social Links YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/ Simon Gates https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simon-gates-235a1a135 https://www.youtube.com/@openingthegatesltd

    1h 33m
  4. JAN 29

    Leading with Vulnerability — A Women in Estate Agency Special

    In this powerful episode of Estate Agent Showdown, we are joined by the board members of Women in Estate Agency (WiEA) for a frank and often moving discussion about gender dynamics, leadership, and the power of community. Kirsty Franks, Verona Frankish and Ben Madden share the origin story of a community that grew from a lonely Facebook group during lockdown to a 5,000-strong "Hype Squad". We tackle the "uncomfortable" topics head-on from the lack of female representation in senior C-suite roles to the "invisible" privileges men often overlook in the workplace. Kirsty shares her radical approach to leadership, including the moment she opened up about her menopause diagnosis to a male-dominated boardroom to foster psychological safety. Key Takeaways: The Power of Vulnerability: Why leading with your authentic self builds deeper trust than the traditional "armoured" CEO stereotype. Flipping the Lens: Understanding the different daily challenges women face, from safety concerns to being asked to "take the notes" in meetings. The WiEA Mission: How the "Not a Conference" event in March is redefining professional development through emotive storytelling and connection. The 50/50 Goal: Why the industry needs a balance of masculine and feminine energies in leadership to achieve the best business outcomes. Social Links YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/⁠⁠ Kirsty Franks https://www.instagram.com/kirstyfranks/?hl=en https://wearefrankmarketing.com/ Ben Madden https://www.instagram.com/thatbenmadden/?hl=en https://www.fineandcountry.co.uk/ Verona Frankish https://uk.linkedin.com/in/veronafrankish https://www.yopa.co.uk/ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1h 2m
  5. JAN 22

    The 2026 Estate Agency Roadmap: 4 Strategic Pillars for Success

    In this solo episode of Estate Agent Showdown, Matt cuts through the "noise" of the property industry to provide a clear, actionable strategy for 2026. Drawing from a year of intense debates with industry leaders, this episode synthesises the most effective habits and technologies into four strategic pillars designed to help agents move away from the fragmented tactics of the past decade. We explore how to transition from being an "order taker" to a value-driven professional, how to leverage AI to become more human-focused, and why your personal brand is your most valuable asset in a transparent market. Key Takeaways & Strategic Pillars: Pillar 1: The Value-Based Fee Structure The era of standard percentage-based fees is over; your fee is now directly linked to your ability to articulate the Return on Investment (ROI) for the client. Pillar 2: Precision Marketing over Mass Noise Move away from "scattergun" advertising and focus on niche markets to build a defined brand. Pillar 3: The Human-AI Operating System "Systemise the predictable to humanise the exceptional"—use technology to handle lead qualification and routine updates so humans can focus on empathy and negotiation. Pillar 4: Personal Brand as a Primary Asset The company brand attracts, but the personal brand converts; the 2026 consumer is looking for a trusted local authority, not just a corporate logo.. Use "GIGGSHOW" @ ICEBERG DIGITAL: https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/ Social Links YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    17 min
  6. JAN 15

    Don’t Go Self-Employed Until You Watch This: The Brutal Truth of Brokerage

    In this London special of the Estate Agent Showdown podcast, Matt hosts a lively discussion with esteemed guests Ollie Howard of OHRE and Damien Jeffries of Jeffries London. With over three decades of combined experience in the real estate industry, they delve into their journeys, the evolution of estate agency, and the challenges of starting a brokerage in a competitive market. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, the shift from traditional high street models to self-employed brokerage, and the role of social media in attracting buyers. They also explore the realities of financial pressures faced by new brokers and the necessity of consistency and hard work in achieving success in the industry. Key Takeaways Experience Matters: Both guests have extensive backgrounds in the real estate industry, with one having over 30 years of experience and the other 8 years. This highlights the importance of experience in building credibility and success in the real estate market. Shift in Focus: There is a noticeable shift in the real estate industry from traditional high street models to brokerage models that emphasize understanding client needs and building relationships, particularly with buyers and selling agents. Importance of Consistency: Consistency in outreach and follow-up is crucial for success in the brokerage model. Many agents struggle because they lack a structured approach to maintaining contact with potential clients. Financial Preparedness: Entering the self-employed brokerage space requires significant financial preparation. New brokers should ideally have at least six months of living expenses saved to sustain themselves while building their business. Collaboration Over Competition: The discussion emphasizes the value of collaboration within the industry, particularly with buying agents and other brokers, as a means to enhance business opportunities and market reach. Use "GIGGSHOW" @ ICEBERG DIGITAL: https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/ Social Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/ Ollie Howard https://ohre.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/oliverhowardldn/?hl=en Damien Jefferies https://jefferies.london/ Host Bio Matt Giggs is a visionary property professional, industry leader, and the dynamic host of the Estate Agent Showdown Podcast. With 30 years of hands-on experience in real estate, Matt has built, grown, and inspired countless estate agents and businesses to reach new heights. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep industry insights, he brings a fresh perspective to every episode, sparking candid conversations with top experts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in estate agency. Whether dissecting market trends or uncovering game-changing strategies, Matt’s passion for the industry and commitment to elevating professionals make him a must-listen voice in real estate. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1h 14m
  7. JAN 8

    From Order Takers to Order Makers: Mastering Real Estate Sales Mindset with Tony Morris & Steve Carroll

    In this global episode of Estate Agent Showdown, Matt sits down with two industry heavyweights to bridge the gap between the UK and Australian real estate markets. Joining us are Tony Morris, an international sales trainer and founder of Agency Titans , and Steve Carroll, former Sales Director at realestate.com.au and expert on digital branding. We dive deep into why 80% of success is mindset , the "danger zone" of the comfort zone , and why the most successful agents are the ones who never stop training. We also peel back the curtain on a topic often ignored in real estate: mental health and the power of flipping the mask to show your authentic self. Key Takeaways The "Order Maker" Philosophy: Why relying on a "good market" makes you a complacent order taker, and how to build your own market regardless of the economy. The Digital Shop Window: Steve Carroll explains why your online presence is your modern storefront and how out-of-date profile photos are the #1 way to lose trust with sellers. Vulnerability in Business: Tony Morris shares his personal journey with Bipolar and ADHD, and why having the courage to speak about your weaknesses is a leader's greatest strength. The "Rise" Movement: Insights into the Australian movement tackling mental health and suicide prevention within the real estate industry. AI and the Future of Lead Gen: How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to find the right agents and automate admin so you can focus on high-value conversations. The Thailand Charity Bike Ride: Steve shares details on a unique 2026 cycling event designed to take the ego out of real estate while raising money for children in need. Social Links YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/⁠ Tony Morris https://tonymorrisinternational.com/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonymorrismd Steve Carroll https://digital-live.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverobertcarroll/ Host Bio Matt Giggs is a visionary property professional, industry leader, and the dynamic host of the Estate Agent Showdown Podcast. With 30 years of hands-on experience in real estate, Matt has built, grown, and inspired countless estate agents and businesses to reach new heights. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep industry insights, he brings a fresh perspective to every episode, sparking candid conversations with top experts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in estate agency. Whether dissecting market trends or uncovering game-changing strategies, Matt’s passion for the industry and commitment to elevating professionals make him a must-listen voice in real estate. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1h 24m
  8. 12/18/2025

    The Great Estate Agent Debate: Politics, Pricing, and the Future of Property

    In this Christmas Special episode of the Estate Agent Showdown, Matt engages in a lively discussion with industry titans about the recent budget's impact on the housing market, the challenges facing landlords, and the ongoing race to the bottom in estate agency fees. With guests including Ian McKenzie from the Guild, property PR expert Russell Quirk,Yopa CEO Verona Frankish and founder of Kerfuffle Simon Whale, the conversation delves into the complexities of the property market, the influence of politics, and the necessity for agents to justify their value in a competitive landscape. Key Takeaways Impact of Budget on Housing Market: The recent budget has been perceived as negative for the housing market, with concerns about the government's approach to economic management and its effects on property transactions and sentiment. Landlord Challenges: Landlords are facing increased taxation and regulatory pressures, which could lead to higher rents for tenants and further strain the private rental sector, especially in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Market Resilience: Despite economic uncertainties, there is a belief that the housing market remains resilient, particularly for properties under £1 million, while the higher-end market is struggling due to excessive taxation and regulatory burdens. Agent Fees and Value Perception: There is a consensus that many estate agents are undercharging and failing to justify their fees, leading to a race to the bottom in pricing. Agents need to better communicate their value to clients to avoid this trend. Rightmove's Increasing Costs: The rising fees charged by Rightmove are not seen as justified by many in the industry, as the value provided does not seem to match the increasing costs, leading to dissatisfaction among estate agents. Social Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/ Iain McKenzie https://www.guildproperty.co.uk/ linkedin.com/in/iainmckenzieceooftheguild?originalSubdomain=uk Russell Quirk https://properpr.co.uk/ linkedin.com/in/russell-quirk?originalSubdomain=uk Verona Frankish https://www.yopa.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronafrankish/?originalSubdomain=uk Simon Whale https://www.kerfuffle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonwhale/?originalSubdomain=uk Host Bio Matt Giggs is a visionary property professional, industry leader, and the dynamic host of the Estate Agent Showdown Podcast. With 30 years of hands-on experience in real estate, Matt has built, grown, and inspired countless estate agents and businesses to reach new heights. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep industry insights, he brings a fresh perspective to every episode, sparking candid conversations with top experts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in estate agency. Whether dissecting market trends or uncovering game-changing strategies, Matt’s passion for the industry and commitment to elevating professionals make him a must-listen voice in real estate. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1h 31m

About

Estate Agent Showdown is the ultimate debate show for real estate agents, property industry professionals and investors worldwide. Hosted by the dynamic and insightful Matt, this podcast delivers bold discussions on the hottest industry trends, game-changing business models, and the challenges shaping the future. Each episode brings together two expert guests for unfiltered conversations, real-world insights, and the strategies you need to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Whether you're scaling your portfolio, refining your sales tactics, or navigating industry shifts, Estate Agent Showdown keeps you informed, inspired, and ready to win. My mission is to challenge the comfort zone of estate agency, one honest conversation at a time.

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