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, including any fees, 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.
Docklands" Stephanie was very helpful and she was constantly keeping us informed about the sale of our building. She's reliable, punctual, professional and eager to assist. "
GraceApril, 2018
" I rented a flat from Gary and his team at Franklin James for over seven years. From the initial viewing to the final closing they always acted in a highly professional manner. Maintenance issues, such as a broken appliance, were handled quickly and efficiently. They were always pleasant to deal with and I have no hesitation in recommending them. "
Peter DJuly, 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 was an extremely helpful in the buying of our first property. Friendly, informative, always available and quickly responsive to help us through the process every step of the way. I would thoroughly recommend his services as an estate agent. Thanks Mark! "
William BatemanNovember, 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
" We are very grateful for service provided by Mark and Phil from Blackheath office. With our property being unusually large for the area, it was a challenging task to rent it out, but Franklyn James found us tenants in less than 2 months (and that was over Christmas!) Mark was also very patient and reasonable in negotiating the details of the financial let-only arrangement. "
Dr Sasha MitrofanovJune, 2017
Limehouse" David has provided great support throughout the whole process of selling our flat from the outset with his understanding of the local area and market conditions through to coordination with all parties at each stage and keeping us fully informed. I would certainly recommend David and Anthony at Franklyn James to anyone seeking a thoroughly professional and supportive service. "
LimehouseFebruary, 2018
Limehouse" Great service, kind and fast responder. Glad to have done businesses with him! He helped us going beyond his duties. "
LuisDecember, 2017
Docklands" Antony was friendly, helpful and efficient. I couldn't fault the service we received and would happily recommend him to other prospective tenants. "
AMApril, 2018
Limehouse" I would like to express a note of thanks for Lee Alter. I am very pleased with all the work he has done. I highly recommend working with Lee, as he always answers emails on time, offers the best possible solutions, very kind and lovely person (which is very important quality for the time of job he does), knows well what is going on the market, very professional and has advanced knowledge in the time of work he does. Many thanks! "
Natalia KalenovaJuly, 2017
Limehouse
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