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" 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
Limehouse" Great service, kind and fast responder. Glad to have done businesses with him! He helped us going beyond his duties. "
LuisDecember, 2017
Limehouse" From the outset David has been a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend David for his professionalism and dedication to providing the best possible service for his clients. "
LOAugust, 2017
Docklands" Very helpful throughout the process. Special mention to Jamie who went the extra mile in terms of effort and communications to get the transaction over the line. "
Alex SAugust, 2017
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" Nicholas is very professional and friendly. I would recommend to anyone looking for a new place. Great positive attitude, flexibility, and responsiveness. Strongly recommend! "
JaneOctober, 2017
Limehouse" David found the buyer for my property, successfully identifying someone who could proceed quickly with the sale. Throughout the process David was helpful, professional and always replied swiftly to queries, keeping in daily contact. He helped to ensure a smooth sale throughout and was the key link to ensuring that solicitors on both sides spoke with each other and all outstanding issues could be resolved. He relayed messages between the buyer and myself on a regular basis to keep processes moving on the sale and keep me reassured throughout. I was really pleased with the services David provided and would highly recommend this agent. "
Ms DeenJanuary, 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" Franklyn James did an excellent job letting out my flat in Limehouse. I had previously used Foxtons but I feel their standard have dropped recently and think this is likely because they do not have an office which focuses exclusively on the Limehouse area. Franklyn James do and it shows as they really seem to understand the area and the value proposition of my property.
It is also worth noting that the level of service they provide is very high, both from the Sales team but also Property Management and Accounts Management. Swift and accurate responses at all times. "
BenSeptember, 2017
Docklands" Stephanie helped us to sell the property, Her professional and reliable service was pretty impressive, and always on the ball kept me informed every movement that was very helpful. "
CarolJanuary, 2018
Docklands
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