While recuperating from brain surgery in February 2019, London’s Clare Hughes also contemplated changing her estate agency affiliation. Things weren’t going well with Purplebricks and she had plenty of time to research other brokerages. While surfing LinkedIn profiles, she stumbled upon agents who work at eXp Realty.
“A few (eXp) agents caught my attention with their success stories, so I dug a little deeper,” said Hughes. “I found that eXp agents have control of the design of their own business and every agent chooses their target market, fees, terms and approach to marketing. I was also particularly attracted to the equity share program, which is available to all eXp agents for simply doing their job. I felt the model could offer me the freedom to do things my way, and I haven’t been disappointed.”
Hughes’ period of recovery from surgery and the COVID-19 lockdown allowed her to reset her estate career with a brokerage that provided her more autonomy, ability to expand and set her own fees. eXp was the answer to everything she was looking for.
Determination is a big part of who Clare Hughes is. She is a marathon runner (ran the London Marathon three times) and a year after her surgery, she managed to run 12 miles, despite vertigo from permanent hearing loss as a result of surgery. She has facial palsy as well — a lopsided smile, she says — but that has not stopped her from doing videos and starting anew with eXp.
“eXp is allowing agents to provide a complete service to clients and there’s no need to go to office,” said Hughes. “The culture is better at eXp. The tech is brilliant, there’s equity, and the retention is genius.”
Clare Championing More Women to Join eXp’s ‘Safe Environment’
March is International Women’s Month and Hughes is keen to help women infiltrate “an intimidating atmosphere” in estate agency in the U.K. She would love to see more women join eXp, where “it’s a safe place for women to also have a seat at the table.”
As a matter of fact, she is determined to build a team of women throughout the world and champion those who have dropped out of the job market to raise kids and take care of a family. She feels eXp’s culture is the perfect place to get back into the game.
“I’m particularly excited about my collaboration with (London eXp agent) Liana Loporto-Browne where we aim to develop a support network for women in estate agency in the UK,” said Hughes. “Our recently launched Facebook group has been very well received and we have already interviewed some amazing women.”
Learn more about Clare Hughes:
Years in real estate: Since 2000
Gross sales and transactions in 2020: Main business was lettings (rentals)
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Oct. 2020-current)
- Purplebricks (Aug. 2015-Sept. 2020)
- Independent High Street agents
Main territory: East London
Main focus: Single-family homes
What makes eXp special to you?
“Without a doubt, the people and the support have been incredible. We are all connected through well-utilized technology and if I have questions then Adam Day (who leads eXp UK), or practically any agent in the business, is there to help. I’ve embraced video to a large extent throughout 2020, something that I believe will become a cornerstone of my business and I have my colleagues at eXp to thank for their help, encouragement and guidance in allowing me to come out of my comfort zone. I work for myself, not by myself.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“The virtual Christmas party with Chesney Hawkes as special guest – awesome! Also, the brilliant nightclub (Virbela’s virtual speakeasy) — I was dancing!”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“The speed of expansion — at least five new territories have been added since I joined! I have been speaking to a female agent in Hong Kong and a couple of contacts in South Africa. With eXp, you can build a global team. At Purplebricks, you had a territory. It felt like a job. With eXp, I have fallen in love with agency again.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“I met Liana Laporto through eXp. She is a very experienced agent on the other side of London and president-elect of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents, a membership organization for estate agents). Together we are working to provide an arena for women in estate agency and associated services to share experiences and access support and guidance.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Know your worth. As an independent agent, you have the ability to really add value for your client.”
10 Fun Things About Clare Hughes
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Holidays with the family, which is getting increasingly difficult to organize as they all have such busy lives.
Who is the person you most admire?
My longest, dearest friend, Alison. She has survived cancer three times and lost her only son three years ago at the age of just 25.
One thing you can’t live without?
My mobile phone! How sad am I?!
One trait that has led to your success?
Determination.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Julie Walters.
Pet peeve?
Unmade beds.
Little known fact about yourself?
Clare is actually my middle name – my parents changed their minds but not my birth certificate!
Song you never tire of?
“Love Will Tear Us Apart,” by Joy Division.
Favorite meal?
Sorry, can’t choose one — I just love food!
Your epitaph will say:
I told you I was ill.
__________
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