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.
" Phil and Mark did a good job of selling my flat in difficult market conditions. I spent some time researching estate agents in the Greenwich area and interviewed half a dozen different agents before deciding who to go with. Franklyn James stood out because of their straight-talking honest approach, good value, and flexibility.
They managed to sell my flat within 6 weeks in tepid market conditions. We initially put the flat on the market for offers in excess of £375k, but interest was disappointingly low - we received less than a handful of enquiries in the first 4 weeks. Mark advised dropping the price a little to spark more interest - a strategy which ultimately worked well. With a couple more potential buyers through the door, Mark managed to find a very keen buyer in the final days of FJ's contract. After some negotiation, we agreed an eventual sale price of £366.5k - a figure I was happy with.
Phil and Mark and the rest of the team at Franklyn James were also very good at following up throughout the rest of the process and showed great flexibility in getting the final sale over the line when dealing with difficult demands from the buyers and delays from their solicitors.
If you're looking for a no nonsense, straight talking team of estate agents, who charge reasonable fees and are always on hand to help, then I'd recommend Franklyn James. "
TSmithAugust, 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 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
Limehouse" Friendly and professional team at Limehouse. Lee, Tristan and Gary Provided information promptly and addressed any queries swiftly. Would recommend. "
D JohnsonOctober, 2017
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
Limehouse" Dovile was Excellent.
Booked a viewing with her towards the end of December, she made every effort to work around my busy work schedule, unlike other estate agents she actually turned up and was knowledgeable about the property she was showing. She would pick up calls after hours and during her day off to answer any question I had.
She made this whole process very enjoyable and by end of January I had moved into my new flat. "
Miss JohnsonJanuary, 2018
Limehouse" In one word "Perfection". Dovile's services were second to none.
From day one she was happy to help with any query of ours. She was literally always there throughout the whole renting process. Not only did she contributed for the whole process to run as smooth as possible but also she always had a smile on her face which is vital for customer satisfaction.
Cheers Dovile!!! "
George/EleniApril, 2018
Docklands" Stephanie was always very professional and committed. Always available to help and kept me update throughout the entire process. I highly recommend her. "
TiagoMay, 2018
" After providing Mark a brief criteria over the phone he scheduled viewings for that afternoon and even stayed late for me to attend after finishing work.
Mark had listened attentively and clearly knew his market as all properties I viewed had potential and I made an offer for one on the spot The apartment had just come on the market that afternoon, Mark provided great advice on how to act and worked incredibly quickly to secure the property before i'd even had breakfast the next morning.
Having been in the property a couple months' Marks remained in touch and checked that everything is going okay which highlights his personable approach.
I'd highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for honest and helpful advice in their next search. "
Jack A'BearApril, 2018
Limehouse" David provided an excellent service from viewing to completion on our recent purchase of a flat in Bow. David was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions thoroughly. He also went out of his way to be useful and we are very grateful for his help. "
MarcusSeptember, 2017
Docklands
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Limehouse
