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.
" Mark and his colleagues are excellent. My husband and I bought our property through Mark and he helped us find the tenants within a week! We have dealt with different estate agencies previously, and I have to say Frankly James are the best! They proactively understand our exact needs and execute the plan effectively. We highly recommend to anyone!! "
SheilaAugust, 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" Efficient, reasonable, friendly and professional- couldn't ask for more!!! Nicholas went above and beyond to assist. Highly recommend :)
Nicholas has been excellent in dealing with email queries - very responsive, diligent and was extremely helpful checking the progress of the property letting process/ stage 5 stars! "
DomApril, 2018
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
Limehouse" Kylie and I cannot thank you enough for the level of service, help and support you have given us over the last 6 months. I really can't begin to say how much we appreciate yours and Antony's help. It was so nice to have an agent we could connect with on a personal level as well as a business one. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future. "
JakeFebruary, 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
Docklands" We used Franklyn James to purchase our flat. Stephanie was very helpful and polite throughout the process and always made herself available for additional viewings and always answered our queries in a timely manner. Thanks to the frequent communication, the negotiation process went very smoothly. "
SaraJune, 2017
" 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
" I have been completely thrilled with the service that Mark has provided.
He handled all negotiations with such professionalism and was able to secure a fantastic price in a very uneasy market.
Mark's ability to read people meant that all appropriate leads were followed up and he didn't waste time where it was clear people were not interested. Once the offer was in Mark continued to work tirelessly to ensure both parties were moving forward and remained positive and friendly throughout. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend Mark Kimber to anyone who needs to sell a property. "
J JibbAugust, 2017
" Mark was very helpful and prompt with helping me on renting a flat.
He was very proactive and performed a very professional liasion between myself and the landlord.
The process was very straight forward, professional and hassle free. "
DealdiggerAugust, 2017
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Docklands
