Ted! ARLA have released a 5 point plan to help tenants find letting agents!

What’s ARLA? It sounds like a yoghurt.

Why on this earth would a yoghurt company be talking about lettings?!

I don’t know, why would two border terriers be talking about lettings?

Fair point, I’ll give you that. It stands for the Association of Residential Letting Agents, so they really know their stuff.

Ooooh! So what are these five points then? Come on, I know you’re dying to tell us.

Well point number one, is to get personal recommendations from friends and family.

That only works if you really trust them, the last time I trusted you, you told me that lemons are delicious…

Hahaha it was worth it to see your lemon face. Anyway, point two. Check industry credentials. Look for the ARLA Propertymark logo as an indication of tip top industry standards.

Excellent point! I sometimes like to play ‘Find the ARLA Propertymark logo’ on the Maxine Lester website

But it doesn’t move!

I know, but I forget.

Okay….. on to point three. Know what you should be charged for. ARLA have a great guide on their website, so you can educate yourself and then you’ll know whether agents you approach are telling the truth.

Lovely, next?

Speak to current tenants! They’re the ones who’ve been dealing with the agent previously, so if you can get their take on things its invaluable.

I just realised I should be writing this all down.

Don’t you worry Ted, the marketing lady who follows us round and listens to all of our conversations will be posting this on the blog for you to read at your leisure.

Ohhhh, that’s who that is!

Yep! Anyway, on to point five. Test the agent’s local knowledge. Fantastic agents will be area experts, and by asking questions about the local area you’ll get a sense for how much experience they have.

That’s a really great and helpful list.

I know, that’s why I’ve spent days memorising it. I’m passionate about the industry!

You’re usually being passionate about it from the inside of your eyelids when we’re in the office.

RUDE.

If you’d like to speak to one of the Maxine Lester team about our local knowledge or accreditations, give us a call on 01480 494 939 and we’ll be happy to help.