A few simple questions for your letting agent
Abbie : Lettings Manager : 05 September 2008
It's my turn this week to say a little piece and I'm just back from my honeymoon so I wanted to start with a huge thank-you to everyone for the lovely messages for my wedding. My new hubbie John and I had a truly fabulous day & it was, indeed, the best day of my life! We honeymooned in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpar, Penang & Borneo & had an amazing time; so if anyone wants tips on where to go, what to eat & what NOT to eat, feel free to give me a call!
Now, back to work and some gloomy news! I have returned to hear of a number of Letting Agents collapsing in the UK, which is very upsetting for all involved in the industry and I have already spoken to some worried Tenants and Landlords who know of, or have heard of, people losing their money when an Agency goes bust! I thought I would let you all know how to avoid this type of disaster by asking your Letting Agent a few simple questions before agreeing to rent with them:
1) Are you members of a professional body?
2) Do you maintain separate client accounts?
3) Are you bonded?
4) Do you hold professional indemnity insurance?
5) Are your staff qualified?
6) Are you joined to a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme?
I cannot stress enough how important it is to ask these questions and, if your agent cannot answer YES to ALL OF THE ABOVE AND show you some proof in the form of certificates & policy documents, then, quite simply, steer clear. I am proud to say that Parkheath Lettings CAN answer yes to every question and can show you all the proof you require. Most importantly, a BONDED agent is insured to cover all clients’ money, if (heaven forbid) something terrible happens.
I feel that the only way to build a successful company is to have happy clients and that means safeguarding the clients’ money at all times. Don't be one of the people to suffer financially, by risking your business with an agency who may not be quite so vigilant at keeping their client money safe and untouched!
Please give me a call to discuss any questions you may have on 01923 721900 or log onto www.arla.co.uk for help & advice.
Do you think that Investment buying is a thing of the past with the current ‘Credit Crunch’?
Rochelle Latham : Property Manager : 05 September 2008
Do you think that Investment buying is a thing of the past with the current ‘Credit Crunch’?
We at Parkheath disagree.
Since we opened in 2002, the Lettings office has never been so busy and with the downturn in the Sales market, if you have ever considered buying a property to rent it out, we believe this is the time to do it.
With perfectly suited rental properties available at bargain prices why not snap one up and then reap the benefit of letting it out and achieving optimum rental income?
Parkheath will assist you every step of the way, from your initial sales enquiry, to progressing the sale. Upon nearing the Exchange date, our Lettings Team will step in to find you a tenant ready and waiting to move in upon Completion of the sale.
An example of an ideal rental property is the one pictured, at Alexandra Court in the Reeds Development, Watford. Our Sales Manager in Watford had a similar property in the same block and sold it for £212,000 5 years ago! Parkheath are now marketing it at just £210,000. It’s not going to be on the market for long at that price but do not fret, as there are many more examples of properties like this… Call our Sales office on 01923 776400 / 252505 and quote ref RL2008 for information on current Sales lists or call 01923 721900 to discuss the current Letting market.
