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" Nicholas was incredibly helpful,efficient and easy to work with. I would definitely ask for his help in the future and mention him to others. "
NatashaMarch, 2018
Docklands" Nicholas has been very professional and friendly. A big thank you for him for answering all my inquiries promptly and even - after a few last minute changes - sacrificing his Sunday morning and driving over to give me the keys to my new flat. Fantastic service, I would recommend him to anyone looking for a new place. "
Captain DashenkaFebruary, 2018
" 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
Limehouse" It has been a complete pleasure renting our property from Franklyn James and Dovile. Dovile is always quick to reply to any queries we have and is extremely helpful. She is very open and honest so provides all the information you need to know about a property. The whole experience of renting was stress free with her help. "
EmilyMay, 2018
Limehouse" Tristan was awesome. He understood our needs quickly and showed us four properties - all of which we were very happy with. Once, we had chosen a place, Tristan completed the discussions with the landlord over the weekend so that we could quickly go ahead with the next steps in the process. Overall, we had a great experience with Tristan and Franklyn James and would recommend him strongly! "
VijayJanuary, 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
" 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
" 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 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" Stephanie provided a professional service through out the whole process. She kept updated with everything that was going on. Will recommend to others. "
Z.YApril, 2018
Limehouse
Docklands
