#1 ‘the agent down the road is cheaper than you and you both provide the same service’

That’s our fault because as letting agents we all seem to offer the ‘same’ service: full management, rent collect, and tenant find.

What makes us different is that we manage your asset and we review how to make the most of that asset. 

Every month we review what technology is out there to make the day to day running of a property portfolio more efficient. Recently we have started to work with a company called Depositary – in the aim to make the checkout procedure more user friendly for your outgoing resident.

We don’t just inspect your asset, we review it. We work with you on what needs to be done to make that asset work harder for you (in effect providing a better home for your resident). If you just look at cost, you will miss out on the value that we provide 

#2 ‘I can do it myself why do I need you?’ 

I get that. But isn’t your time precious? As a responsible landlord you will make sure that your resident lives in a safe and healthy environment, but things will go wrong from time to time. We are proactive. We don’t wait for the phone call.

We proactively look after your asset.

By forward planning we:

• can make sure that you get the best deals. By forward planning you are able to budget better.
• make sure that when you want to exit the market your property can reach maximum market value.
• reduce your void period.  This year we have been able to help 20 of the landlords we work with on future proofing plans and have increased their returns by 27 %.

#3 ‘I want to stay with the estate agent that I bought the property from’

Again, I totally understand. Buying a property can be a long drawn up process and relationships will be built up. However, letting a property is totally different from selling a property.

So, the chances are you will not be dealing with the same team that you bought the property from.

If you are, you should be asking yourself the question: ‘what call will get dealt with first? My broken boiler or the sales fee which will be worth about 2k in today’s market?’

The difference with us is that we live and breathe rentals. We have several different specialists in the team from legalities, valuation advice and asset management. There is no triage on incoming calls – every call is important. Our team of asset managers build up a relationship with your residents that is positive and helpful. A happy resident means a longer tenancy. Did you know that our average tenancy length is 36 months?

#4 ‘I can get maintenance done cheaper myself.’

I was recently asked to use a national company to obtain an EPC (energy performance certificate) as they advertised an EPC £30 cheaper than our contractors charge.

You can always drive a cheaper car than you have but strangely enough, we don’t – why is that?  We buy a car that has the things we want. Where am I going with this?

The reason that a national company will charge less is that they will not make the appointment with your resident, they will not pick up keys (someone has to be at the property to let them in) and they won’t give time so your resident will most probably have to take the day of work so that you can save £30. Do you think that is fair and will lead to longer tenancy? 

Our asset managers are trained to give the best possible service to your residents. We make sure they are not inconvenienced for the legal certificates required on an annual basis.

#5 ‘I’m doing fine thanks’

That’s brilliant, but are you? How often have you sat down a really gone through where you are and where you are going with your portfolio? How are your ideas challenged? With the data we pull from tons of reputably sources, we can provide you with information that allows you to make informed decisions. Once we work together, regular updates are planned in.

#6 ‘I really want to change agents, but I will wait until my residents leave’

I am so surprised how many landlords think that it’s impossible to move agents, whilst your residents are still in place.  If you are not happy with the way your asset is being managed there is no reason that you cannot move agents. The tenancy agreement is between you and your resident. 

Yes, they are legalities to be considered but we would go through the fine print with you before any changes took place. 

Once we take over the management of your asset the most important person to keep on board is your resident.

Once we understand what is needed it’s then we get to work.