The Cat That Got The Cream!

Ever wondered why some properties never seem to be on the market very long? Ever thought why a prospective tenant didn’t like your property when they viewed it? Ensure that you are always at the top of their list when it comes to property selection by using our check list below:

1 – Be clean…

Even if the property is still occupied, make sure that it has been cleaned to an excellent standard before any viewing. Everybody has their own “individual way” when it comes to cleaning – whether that’s having all the tea towels lined up or having the knifes and folks aligned correctly. You cannot prepare for these personal perfections but you can however ensure that the property is cleaned to a high standard, not forgetting those hidden areas such as behind the furniture, under the kitchen cupboards and behind the sink. At the end of the day, if you demonstrate how you want your property to be looked after you are more likely to have it handed back to you in the same way.

2 – Be Clear…

Ensure that you clearly detail what “is” and “isn’t” included as part of the rental. For many people the costs can add up quickly when moving and the additional bills for white goods, furniture and storage may mean that they are looking at properties out of their budget. Be clear from the beginning about what is being offered to ensure there are no issues at a later date.

3 – Is it working..? 

It’s very easy to look at a light switch and assume it works but are you ever really sure without testing it? Make sure that everything is in working order so that you are presenting the property in its completed state. This will additionally make your inventory easier once your tenants move in.

4 – Would you live there?

Take a step back. Once you have your property “ready for viewings” walk outside, shut the door and then start all over again. On entering the property what do you see? What do you smell? What is your first thought? If it’s anything negative which you can change then do it now.

Maybe your previous tenant liked spicy food; can you still smell those spices now? A simple plug in air freshener switched on 10 minutes before the viewing could help with that. What if it’s an ugly picture staring at you down the hall? Consider the décor and make it as neutral and spacious as possible. Does that window look clean? Simply cleaning the windows will increase the light and feeling of space within the home, a small job if it helps you rent the property immediately.

5 – Remember the basics…

You’re selling a show home; an ideal; a lifestyle and a dream! Make sure that you make you prospective tenant not only want but “need” your property as their home. Turn the lights on, open the curtains, use mirrors to create space, add flowers to the table and demonstrate a lifestyle. The more you can do to make this a “show home” the better your results will be.

For more information on our rental properties or the services that we can offer contact us on 0161 368 2066

Active Lettings 🙂

Ever wondered why we bother with property inspections?

Here is our list to the key reasons why we recommend that you inspect your rental properties at least once every 6 months:

Your Insurance…

Check your fine print as some Landlord Insurance Policies state that you have to inspect your property at least once every 6 months and that failure to do this can invalidate your insurance. Furthermore, through carrying out inspections on the property you can ensure that there is nothing unusual or illegal going on behind the closed doors.  Prior to inspecting the property you will need to ensure that you have notified your tenants in writing and that you keep a copy of any correspondence for your own records.

Your tenants’ peace of mind…

We sometimes forget the feelings of the tenants but most would welcome a visit from their landlord every now and again. A visit not only shows that you care about your property, but it also allows for them to feel that you care about them too. Ask how they are settling in? How are they finding the neighbourhood? Are they enjoying their home? Furthermore it gives them an opportunity to tell you of any potential issues, before they become your problem.

Your peace of mind…

A name on a piece of paper doesn’t necessarily spell the truth. A bi-annual inspection will allow for you to check who is living in the property. It’s not uncommon for people to sub-let, or for them to invite friends and family to stay. Even if you are ok with this, wouldn’t you rather know?

Your best friend…

Pets!

To some landlords this would spell disaster, but to others it may not be an issue. Whichever side of the fence you fall on wouldn’t you rather know the truth? Carrying out inspections will allow you to check for animals in the property. In addition, they will allow for you to check whether anything else is being kept in the home which shouldn’t be.

Your back pocket…

Whether you allow your tenants to decorate or not it is most important that you monitor what they do to your home. Some tenants’ tastes may not be similar to your own and it will help you to make sure you maintain the value in your property by ensuring that their decorations are agreed by you.

For more information on our property management services please call us on 0161 368 2066. http://www.activelettingmanchester.co.uk.

Who are we?

Our Company…

Active Lettings, 100% lettings, 100% of the time.

Due to our years of experience we are confident that we know what landlords want and we have shaped our services to deliver to landlords expectations. You can be assured that in choosing Active Letting we will focus on your property and your requirements.

Our reputation for providing a quality service has been instrumental in the increase in our portfolio of clients by way of recommendation. We offer a free, without obligation, confidential valuation service to discuss all aspects of the letting and management of your property.

Our mission…

Here at Active Lettings Manchester we know that it’s sometimes hard to understand fees…Our aim therefore is to provide you with all of the information and costs up front.

By working with us, a dedicated lettings specialist, we are best placed to tailor a service which best suits you, your property and your tenant.

With over 20 years’ experience, we can provide you with the peace of mind that you won’t be receiving any surprise bills at the end of the month. In addition, we offer a range of bespoke services including our Rental Income Guarantee, ensuring that you will get paid, even when your property is empty. Our Rental Guarantee also extends to cover tenant payments ensuring that we will still pay you even if your tenant doesn’t pay us.

Finally, if you move your property/properties over to us we will give you the first 3 months at 0% management fee. If for any reason, your property is empty and we do not let it within 14 days of taking over the management, we will give you the first 6 months at 0% management fee.

Our aim is to work with you to ensure that you achieve your aims. We are your bespoke management company, offering you the peace of mind you need at a reasonable cost.

Our Charges…

Due to our experience we have developed a management package which benefits all of our landlords. It’s both simple and cost effective, see below:

1 – Tenant Referencing Fees*

• £150 for first applicant
• £75 for any additional applicants
• £75 for each guarantor

2 – Landlord Fees

Let only Package…

• Costs are charged at 60% of the first month’s rent subject to a minimum of £299

Let and Management Package…

• Costs are charged at 50% of the first month’s rent subject to a min of £279.00. Thereafter, a management fee of 8% per month (based on the monthly rental income) will be charged subject to a minimum figure of £39.99.

Why not give us a call today on 0161 368 2066 and see how we can work with you?

 

Hello world!

Welcome to the Active Lettings Manchester blog. This is our very first post so we wanted to take the opportunity to just say Hi :-)!

We will be using our blog to post articles relating to our industry and provide you with information and guides on how to maximise your lettings portfolio.

We hope that you will find our posts interesting and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

Active Lettings Manchester