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.
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" David is hands down the most professional agent I've ever dealt with. I've had the pleasure of working with him on quite a few transactions over the years. Most recently David helped us complete a sale in a fairly complicated chain and in a challenging market and I am certain that it would have broken down if it weren't for his involvement. Thanks again David "
GregJune, 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
Blackheath" 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
Limehouse" David was a pleasure to deal with. He was open and honest throughout the purchase process and managed expectations well. I'd be happy to sell with him when the time comes to move on. "
MarkMay, 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
Docklands" Stephanie helped me to buy my first property in London. She is always available to take my call and its good that she can speak Chinese and put me in touch with Chinese speaking solicitor. "
ASMay 2018
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
Blackheath" 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
Docklands
Blackheath
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