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" Kylie and I cannot thank you enough for the level of service, help and support you have given us over the last 6 months. I really can't begin to say how much we appreciate yours and Antony's help. It was so nice to have an agent we could connect with on a personal level as well as a business one. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future. "
JakeFebruary, 2018
" As a first time buyer, Franklyn James and in particular Mark Kimber was extremely helpful with the entire process. Mark was friendly, easy to contact, always on hand to give useful advice and I'd recommend him and his services in future. I experienced a few estate agents across my property search and Mark was by far the best. I thank him personally for helping us purchase our first property.
"
Amy DaviesNovember, 2017
Limehouse" Friendly and professional team at Limehouse. Lee, Tristan and Gary Provided information promptly and addressed any queries swiftly. Would recommend. "
D JohnsonOctober, 2017
Docklands" Efficient, reasonable, friendly and professional- couldn't ask for more!!! Nicholas went above and beyond to assist. Highly recommend :)
Nicholas has been excellent in dealing with email queries - very responsive, diligent and was extremely helpful checking the progress of the property letting process/ stage 5 stars! "
DomApril, 2018
Limehouse" Tristan and Lee on the letting side were brilliant. Knowledgeable, responsive and going above and beyond what I expected to get my property listed and let in a rapid timeframe, for the asking price.
I have confidence in the on-going management of my property under the direction of Gary given my experience with the firm so far. "
Nick DeakinMay, 2017
" Mark did a great job of arranging our viewing, showing us the property and answering all of our follow-up questions. Mark was very quick to respond to email, which was greatly appreciated. "
JoshApril, 2018
" Mark and his colleagues are excellent. My husband and I bought our property through Mark and he helped us find the tenants within a week! We have dealt with different estate agencies previously, and I have to say Frankly James are the best! They proactively understand our exact needs and execute the plan effectively. We highly recommend to anyone!! "
SheilaAugust, 2017
" Mark is fantastic estate agent and negotiator. From the moment the property went on the market he provided excellent service. Mark's ability to read people and the market meant he was able to get the right people in to view the property and achieve some amazing offers in a difficult climate.
He is very responsive and very easy to contact. He is easy to talk to and listens to what you are looking for.
As a property investor I often work with estate agents to buy and sell property and without doubt Mark is the most skilled and professional agent I have worked with.
If you need to sell a property go to Mark! "
Sofia ThomasNovember, 2017
" Kate from Franklyn James was excellent to work with. This being our first home, she supported us throughout the process and kept us updated regularly. I would wholeheartedly recommend Kate & Franklyn James, friendly, caring, considerate and professional. "
The FédiasJune, 2017
" Mark and Philip helped me in the renting process from start to the end in an extremely professional way; their approach is proactive and you can feel from the beginning how professional they are and how much they care about their clients. Constant communication, associated with an excellent suggestions throughout the process, make Mark and Philip (and obviously Franklyn James) the best choice if you want to rent or sell your property! "
PiergiorgioDecember, 2017
Limehouse
-700.jpg)
Docklands
