​How to choose the right letting agent

Posted on: Category: Landlord

Our 3 top tips for finding your perfect property partner

Property is one of the largest investments we make in life, so there’s a lot at stake when it comes to entrusting an agent to look after it. Add into the mix the horror stories regarding nightmare tenants and increasingly complex and restrictive legislation, and you can understand the importance of finding the right agent to reduce your risk and stress levels.

But how do you go about finding the right residential letting agent for your property? Here’s our quick guide to help you make this crucial decision…

  1. Research
    Meet with at least 2 - 3 agents before selecting the one you want to work with. First off, not all letting agents are qualified and certified, it’s worth checking. Secondly, think of your relationship with the agent more as a partnership rather than a supplier-client arrangement. With that in mind, having an agent that is sympathetic to your feelings and requirements makes for a strong foundation going forward. Agents who just see you as commodity are unlikely to offer the care and attention that you might expect for the fees. It’s a competitive market with plenty of options, so a good agent will expect you to be looking at various providers and not be precious about it.

  2. Recommendations
    You may already know someone who has properties that they let out, and asking for feedback or recommendations can be a great way of shortlisting suitable agents – particularly if the people you’re asking share similar values and views to yourself. But what if you don’t know any other landlords? One of the few positive things to come from social media is groups created for like-minded individuals in all manner to subjects and topics, including residential letting. There are dozens out there, so consider joining a few and getting to know your fellow landlords. The right groups will have members that are happy to share their own experiences and suggest which agents you should (and possibly shouldn’t) approach.

  3. Reviews
    Following on nicely from the previous tip, the internet has blessed us with more options than ever before when it comes to property management. But while the lure of using an online agent is tempting from a convenience and cost saving standpoint, it’s still worth considering and choosing local. Letting markets can vary from region to region, so having someone who knows the lay of the land and is already well connected with a trusted network of trades and contractors can make all the difference when things need resolving. Whether you choose an online national provider or a local specialist, take some time to check their reviews. Google, Facebook and TrustPilot are just a few free online resources that can help you find a good agent and avoid a bad one.

For more tips and information on letting your residential property, please follow Turner Scott on Facebook or alternatively, subscribe to our e-newsletter.

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