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" My wife and I used Franklyn James to market and sell our property in Bow. We were very impressed with the service we received. Lee and Antony were very responsive, pro-active and diligent throughout. I would have no hesitation recommending the firm. "
Ryan Walker
Limehouse" Marks professionalism, dedication and hard work on securing our property was outstanding. His ability to cut right to the important points and get business done efficiently is a great skill that people really need from their agent when looking for a property. The fact we both had the same designer socks on that day secured the deal but not sure how he did that :) Thanks for all your help it has been a pleasure dealing with you. "
Alan Quinn-Byrne
Docklands" Franklyn James have rented my properties for many years, and whilst I get approached from many other agencies, I wouldn't go anywhere else. My properties have pretty much zero void periods, rents are paid on time, and their property management team is tip top in terms of response times and service. I used other agencies in the E14 postcode prior to Franklyn James, and am glad I signed up with them (which is now over 10 years ago). The team have been both exceptional and supportive - Lee Alter, Gary Atkins, Joanna Socko (who have been there forever (which is always a very good sign when you choose an agent). Additionally, Kweku Quagraine has been pretty immense managing my properties.
Bottom line, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Franklyn James. Great agency. "
Philip Pataky
Limehouse" Super responsive, very friendly, ultra accommodating, coming in on weekends for multiple viewings and measuring of walls in order to buy furniture. Always on top of it all! "
Rami Jawhar
Docklands" My wife and I have been assisted by George; he has been very kind and helpful and managed to find a property matching what we were looking for and very quickly.
He has also been very available and arrange us a last minute viewing outside of his normal working hours.
We definitely recommend him! "
Lorenzo Manzoni
Docklands" We had the pleasure to work with George Ward from Franklyn James and we recommend him one hundred percent. George was extremely professional and helped us find and win the apartment that we were gunning for. He also was very patient with our endless number of queries and always answered them promptly with a smile. "
Malik Siddharth
Docklands" I purchased a property through Antony. Throughout the process, Antony was very accommodating and always went the extra mile to ensure I got what I needed. There were complications along the way (out of Franklyn James’ control) and Antony was calm and pragmatic and I can thankfully say kept everyone in the chain happy resulting in me obtaining my dream property. I’ve been in the property a week now and can honestly say Antony that it is even better than I remembered! Thank you so much 😊 "
Ross W
Limehouse" I had a nice experience renting a house with George. Since the first moment of viewing to signing the contract, he made it so easy. I can truly recommend him as an estate agent if you want to rent the property quickly. "
Adam Demkow
Limehouse" Mark has been an excellent agent especially with regards to transitioning from sales to rental. His communication has been prompt, very reachable and always follows through to a good end. I would highly recommend and will continue with his services. "
Kev Taing
Docklands" Gary is an excellent manager, who always helped with various issues that arise during the time we were renting through Franklyn James. We had several things that we wanted to change in the flat and Gary helped to communicate those to landlord and achieve the outcome that was satisfactory for both parties. During the final checkout and deposit return, Gary has quickly settled any remaining questions with the landlord and deposit monies were returned promptly. Thank you very much for all your help! "
Islam Utyagulov
Important message to our Customers!
The health of our customers, colleagues and communities is of the utmost importance to us and we wish to reassure you that we are doing all we can to keep our customers moving and are adhering to the strict social distancing and health and safety measures as guided by the Government. Therefore, we will be operating behind closed doors with all viewings and visits to our offices by members of the public to be conducted by appointment only.
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