Emmerson Homes: Johnstone’s estate agency making a difference
Leading with community at their core, Emmerson Homes are looking to make a difference in people’s lives, not just turn a profit, Ethan Barlow finds out more…
Based in Johnstone, Helen Emmerson’s award-winning brand has maintained their early successes after becoming an independent estate and letting agent in September of 2024.
Emmerson Homes has prided themselves on taking care of clients within the community and offering the best possible customer service as they attempt to help individuals find the homes that are the best fit for them.
Reflecting on the past year, Helen spoke of her journey into running her own prosperous business and what she and her colleagues, who she describes as “family”, can do to help anyone looking to purchase a property.
Helen originally hails from down south but after moving to Renfrewshire with her son Tom and daughter Jess, she took on the opportunity to lead the Penny Lane Homes Johnstone franchise, her former branding name for 17 years. However, this was never part of the original plan. “I’m from a hospitality and early years child care environment and came up originally to work with in a local nursery and then a primary school in Houston,” Helen reflected.
“I started off as branch manager of the office from the first day we opened, based up the top end of the street. For two years, I was helping run the branch, leading to the question of ‘do you want to run a franchise?’”
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Under their branding, her franchise was nominated for ‘Best Estate Agency Awards Renfrewshire and PA5’ for the last five years but it hasn’t always been easy.
“It was a tough few years when I took over the franchise, I started with about 25 let properties, and about 15 sale properties.”
It’s been almost a decade since Helen moved down Johnstone High Street to number 36 and after becoming a successful Penny Lane Homes’ franchise, she was delighted to change the brand name to her own business name.
“We were over the moon to go independent because we have such strong core values,” Helen proclaimed. “We’re local and community-based. It’s not just about selling their home; it’s how they’ve come to that point and how we can help them. “We are thrilled to have constant repeat business and then helping their families too – it’s a great line of work to be in.”
Helen is grateful for the team she’s built and recognises the roles they all play in maintaining the business’s good standing.
“We’ve built up a trusted reputation over the last 18 years which the team are all very proud of. Kellie (Deans) has been here with me from the first moment and assisted building the branch over 18 years, I am grateful she agreed to be my co-director.”
Helen is full of admiration for Kellie and their team’s achievements declaring, “We are very proud to be women in business, but it’s not a case of we only employ women. It’s just a case of how life happens for us all and we’ve all landed here together, including my daughter Jessica, so a true family business.”
Kellie Deans (left) and Helen Emmerson
“It’s not just about selling a house, it’s why they’ve come to that point and what else can we help them with”
As mentioned previously, Emmerson Homes pride themselves on helping members of the community. When considering their ethos, Helen explained how they always have their client’s best interests at heart.
“We are transparent with our services for sales and letting,” Helen detailed. “We are happy to provide details on first enquiry without a home appraisal. There are no hidden fees, commissions or percentages, just fixed fees with the VAT included. From the get-go, people know exactly where they stand and where their finances will be.”
To emphasise this, Helen gave an example of the personal touch and time her and the team give to help their clients and the personal connection that is fostered. “I had a lovely young couple, first time buyers, that had viewed a lot of properties and were overwhelmed with the process. We guided them through the viewing and what to look for. The couple offered on one of our properties which was accepted, and we were so pleased for them,” Helen beamed.
Emmerson Homes manages around 250 let properties across the Renfrewshire area and their portfolio continues to grow with the help repaid by the community.
Emmerson Homes, 36 High Street, Johnstone, PA5 8AH, 01505 331114, in**@***********es.com, visit the website