Q&A with David Adams, Managing Director, Cavendish Estate Agents & Cavendish Rentals
We chat to David Adams, Managing Director, Cavendish Estate Agents & Cavendish Rentals
David Adams with The Seller’s Playbook
Tell us a little about yourself...
I’m the Managing Director of Cavendish Estate Agents and Cavendish Rentals, covering Chester and North Wales. Over the last 24 years I’ve helped thousands of people buy, sell and let property across the region.
Alongside running the business, I’m an Amazon bestselling author, podcast host, regular property commentator and a passionate advocate for helping homeowners make better decisions through education. That’s really why I write books, host events and create content - to help people avoid costly mistakes when it comes to property.
When I’m not talking about houses, you’ll usually find me spending time with my two young boys, George and Freddie, my partner Millie or exploring Cheshire with our dog Gordon.
Your first book, ‘The Landlord’s Playbook’, was a huge success just over a year ago. Looking back, what was the most surprising piece of feedback you received from landlords who read it?
What struck me most was how many landlords told me they wished they’d read it years earlier.
Not because of the legislation, although that’s changing constantly, but because it gave them permission to run their portfolio like a business rather than a hobby. Many had been making decisions on instinct or fear. Hearing that the book helped them think more strategically, rather than reactively, was probably the feedback that meant the most.
What can readers expect from your newly published book, ‘The Seller’s Playbook’?
It’s a practical, evidence-backed guide to selling in today’s market, which is far less forgiving than it used to be.
Too many homeowners still believe selling is simply a case of finding an agent, putting a board up and waiting for offers. The reality is that around a third of agreed sales still fall through before completion.
The book combines behavioural psychology, market data and lessons from more than two decades in the industry to help homeowners price correctly, launch effectively, negotiate confidently and significantly reduce the risk of their move falling apart.
What are your thoughts on home staging when selling a property?
I’m a huge believer in presentation.
Buyers make emotional decisions before they make logical ones. Most decide how they feel about a property within seconds of seeing the photographs online.
The good news is that staging doesn’t need to be expensive. Decluttering, improving lighting, creating a sense of space and helping buyers picture their future in the home can have a remarkable impact on both viewing numbers and buyer perception.
What are the best ways to refresh a home before putting it on the market?
Start outside.
Kerb appeal sets the tone before a buyer even reaches the front door, so tidy the garden, clean pathways and make the entrance feel welcoming.
Inside, declutter ruthlessly, deep clean every room and fix the small jobs you’ve been putting off for years. Buyers often see minor issues as clues about how the rest of the property has been maintained.
The aim isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers focus on the home itself rather than the distractions.
P.S.
What’s your average weekend like?
A mixture of family time, coffee, exercise. You’ll usually find me running after my two boys, walking our dog Gordon, or cycling if the weather is kind.
What’s your dream property purchase?
A character property close to the river.
Favourite Cheshire hangout?
Sprout Kitchen Garden in Ledsham. It does the most amazing brunches.
The Cavendish team
Hungry for more?
Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.
About The CHESHIRE Magazine
We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.
If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.
