If you haven’t used an Estate Agent before, or just need to refresh your memory on what happens next, this is where we provide a brief guide to each process. Whether you plan to sell, buy, let or rent, these guides should make the task a little easier. Print out and tick off the stages as you go.
Budget
Calculate what you can afford to pay per week on rent, not forgetting that you will also have to pay a deposit, which will be registered with an independent body until the end of the tenancy, and there will be other associated costs. A Franklyn James rental negotiator can run through with you exactly what you will need to pay for at the beginning of a tenancy.
Check that your budget is adequate for the sort of property you want in your chosen area.
Viewings
Make sure your requirements regarding the property, parking, furniture and start date are clear when you start viewing available properties. Don’t stray too far from your maximum budget. When you find a suitable property, check out the background information before making an offer. Ask to see the exact parking space, get the council tax band and availability date in writing first.
Offer
Firstly, pay a holding deposit to demonstrate that you are serious. Then make a reasonable offer based on what similar properties are renting for, or what the landlord is currently receiving for the property. Suggest your preferred tenancy start date. Once the offer is accepted, the property will be removed from the market whilst referencing is carried out. Complete forms promptly to enable referencing to take place.
Referencing
An independent referencing agency will obtain references from your employer and a previous landlord where possible. Whilst this is taking place, get the balance of funds ready for transfer.
Contract
When satisfactory references have been received, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (contract) will be drawn up and both you and the landlord will be asked to sign. Read the ASTA carefully and question, in writing, any dates, amounts or clauses which are different from what you expected. Find out which utility companies you will have to contact at the start of the tenancy.
Start of new tenancy
Pay the balance of funds in plenty of time so that it has cleared before you collect the keys from the estate agency. Contact relevant utility companies and the local council regarding new council tax liability and consider taking out contents insurance. When you receive a copy of the check-in report and inventory, read these immediately and compare them with what you see in the property. Raise any inconsistencies within five working days of receipt of the report, as any areas or items which are damaged or missing at the end of the tenancy may well be charged to you.
All information provided correct at time of publication.
Limehouse" I had a nice experience renting a house with George. Since the first moment of viewing to signing the contract, he made it so easy. I can truly recommend him as an estate agent if you want to rent the property quickly. "
Adam Demkow
Limehouse" Marks professionalism, dedication and hard work on securing our property was outstanding. His ability to cut right to the important points and get business done efficiently is a great skill that people really need from their agent when looking for a property. The fact we both had the same designer socks on that day secured the deal but not sure how he did that :) Thanks for all your help it has been a pleasure dealing with you. "
Alan Quinn-Byrne
Limehouse" Mark has been an excellent agent especially with regards to transitioning from sales to rental. His communication has been prompt, very reachable and always follows through to a good end. I would highly recommend and will continue with his services. "
Kev Taing
Docklands" Grace Pascall is a true asset to the team at Franklyn James. Incredibly hard and smart working individual. Always super helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend the whole team at Franklyn James. "
Docklands" My wife and I have been assisted by George; he has been very kind and helpful and managed to find a property matching what we were looking for and very quickly.
He has also been very available and arrange us a last minute viewing outside of his normal working hours.
We definitely recommend him! "
Lorenzo Manzoni
Limehouse" We are currently in the process of selling our flat via Franklyn James. Grace Pascall has been extremely helpful in pushing things along and making sure we are fully informed of everything. I very much recommend Grace and Franklyn James! "
Luke Walden
Docklands" We had the pleasure to work with George Ward from Franklyn James and we recommend him one hundred percent. George was extremely professional and helped us find and win the apartment that we were gunning for. He also was very patient with our endless number of queries and always answered them promptly with a smile. "
Malik Siddharth
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Docklands
