Page 33 - Redbrik: Property and Lifestyle Summer 2018

If you decide to use a Letting Agent, make sure you do your homework:
1. Are they a member of a professional standards body? The main ones are ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents), UKALA (UK Association of Accredited Lettings Agents) and NALS (National Approved Lettings Scheme)
2. Get a recommendation
3. Find an Agent that is experienced in
letting property like yours
4. Fees aren’t everything – a rock- bottom fee may mean the Agent is looking to cut corners. Poor service or marketing could cost you more money in the long run
5. Mystery shop the Agent
6. Marketing - a property without a Tenant will cost you money, so make sure the Letting Agent will be very pro-active in finding a suitable Tenant as soon as possible after they are instructed. Check that they are listing properties on all the leading internet portal such as Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket.com. Find out if they already have Tenants on their books who will be interested in the property.
Where Letting Agents can also prove their worth is through the personal connection. Communication is a
We tend to recommend
that a property is redecorated every three years – this can make a big difference to the rental value...
crucial part of estate agency, and this is often lost when different people do different parts of the lettings service.
I often hear that Landlords don’t
want to deal with separate people for the marketing, someone else for management, a different person for accounts as it becomes incredibly disjointed.
Redbrik’s service is different as we allocate one person who will deal with all aspects of the rental. The same Negotiator you deal with
on day one is the same person to carry out viewings, to agree the let, to arrange and complete the sign-up. This continues with our Fully Management Service – your Negotiator will then carry out the inspections, checkouts and deal with all maintenance enquiries. We believe in one contact for our clients.
When you do instruct a Letting Agent it is essential to ensure that they
are working hard for you and your property year on year.
The rental market has changed significantly over the last few years with rent increasing at approximately 5% per annum in some areas. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate whether you are achieving the maximum rent continuously. I see so many properties put back on the market at the same rent as the year before, yet they could be let for £50 or even £100 or more PCM higher.
After a Tenant has moved out, it is important to assess the condition
of the property. We will always advise if something needs replacing, changing or if redecoration is required. This way applications are generated quickly and at the current market rate, not just at the same price asked previously. We tend
to recommend that a property is redecorated every three years – this can make a big difference to the rental value, will ensure a quicker
let and results typically in the Tenant keeping the property in better condition.
If your current Agent isn’t coming
up with answers, the maximum rent value, or the right Tenants, then move on quickly and make sure you give Redbrik a call!
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LETTINGS