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.
" As a first time buyer, Franklyn James and in particular Mark Kimber was extremely helpful with the entire process. Mark was friendly, easy to contact, always on hand to give useful advice and I'd recommend him and his services in future. I experienced a few estate agents across my property search and Mark was by far the best. I thank him personally for helping us purchase our first property.
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Amy DaviesNovember, 2017
" It was a pleasant surprise to find Philip after the poor treatment that I'd had from my first estate agents. Phillip's interest in the house, experience and knowledge of the area led to a sale agreement after only a few weeks of asking him to become joint agent. It was brilliant to be able to do business with such an amiable and efficient agency. "
Robert RussellAugust, 2017
Docklands" Nicholas has been very passionate and professional all the time and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me. With friendly manner, he rang me first a couple of times wanting to show me properties which isn't even on the market yet that I'd be interested which I really appreciated. He knows exactly what he's doing and I can tell he thoroughly enjoys his job. Don't hesitate to contact him if you're looking for a property to rent in E14, you'll get everything you deserve. "
JooJuly, 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 has been amazing and completely professional in our first property purchase. We wanted to see the property a number of times before deciding and he has been so accommodating. David is/was very easy to reach and always contactable for any questions throughout the whole process. David is probably the most patient and down to earth estate agent I've met - Thank you David! I would recommend to anyone. "
RachelleJanuary, 2018
Docklands" The team at Franklyn James have been responsive and helpful throughout my letting process. The procedure from marketing to agreeing the letting was stress free and required minimal involvement from me as the landlord. "
R WalkerOctober, 2017
Limehouse" The team at Franklyn James has been very professional and proactive. Lee was particularly helpful and always responded very promptly whenever we had any queries, which made our lives less stressful! A very satisfying experience overall in renting our flat. "
IonianOctober, 2017
Limehouse" Tristan and Lee on the letting side were brilliant. Knowledgeable, responsive and going above and beyond what I expected to get my property listed and let in a rapid timeframe, for the asking price.
I have confidence in the on-going management of my property under the direction of Gary given my experience with the firm so far. "
Nick DeakinMay, 2017
" 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
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
Limehouse
Docklands
