Choosing A Letting Agent: What Thanet Landlords Need To Know
How to Spot a Top Letting Agent from a Master of Mediocrity
Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons. Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories, and disputes. And some just want peace of mind and to know that their investment property is being managed by a safe pair of hands. Whatever your motivation as a landlord, once you’ve decided to use a letting agent, it’s important to choose a good one.
Useful Tips to Weed Out the Posers from the Professionals
- Recommendations: Ask other landlords in your area who they use. Word-of-mouth endorsements can be invaluable.
- Marketing: Look at how different agents advertise rental properties and drum up business. Does their online marketing look professional? Does it target high-quality tenants?
- Rapport: Find an agent who is responsive and has a professional manner. Choosing someone with whom you can develop a solid business relationship and a sense of trust is essential.
- Value for Money: Most agents offer different levels of service, ranging from tenant selection services to full property management. When researching agents, ask for a list of fees so you know what you’ll get for your money.
- Organized: Ask prospective agents how they manage and schedule repairs, maintenance, and safety inspections. A good letting agent has systems in place to ensure their clients meet important deadlines.
- Industry Body Membership: While membership to a professional body is voluntary, it’s a sign the agent takes their job seriously and has access to training, courses, and seminars about changes in the industry.
- Legal Knowledge: The lettings sector has changed enormously in recent years, with the number of regulations landlords must follow skyrocketing. Quiz agents on their legislative knowledge; if they’re wishy-washy on the detail, steer clear.
If you’d like to know more about our property management services, contact one of our lettings managers Kelly or Kirsty on 01843 234771 today.
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