New to Renting- Everything you need to know as a tenant

Posted on by Jamie Howell

Starting out as a new tenant can seem like a daunting prospect.

Trying to find the property you want, getting the relevant paperwork and references together, raising the funds needed for a deposit and arranging to move home, all of which can seem like a mountain to climb.

 

 

 

We understand that searching for the right rental property can be tough, especially if this is your first time so here are our  top tips to make things a little easier.

3 top tips for new tenants

1- It’s the details that count

When starting your search for the right rental property and letting agent, get a basic plan together of your details (including anyone you will be renting with).

Information such as full names, date of birth, proof of residency for past 3 years, proof of I.D,  National Insurance numbers, employment information, references, guarantor information (if required) should all be completed and ready to hand over on a piece of paper or via email directly to the letting agent.

2- What are you looking for?

Formulate a clear idea about the type of property you want to find.

Make sure you specify your minimum requirements for a property along with a budget that you are working with so that the agent can understand which rental properties will  best suit you.

Consider location, number of bedrooms, if you need a garden, is parking essential or are you near enough to public transport for your daily commute (if applicable).

3- Ask relevant questions

By asking important questions at the outset you can save a lot of time and money, as well as avoiding potentially stressful situations further along the line.

Here are some key questions to ask your agent?

  • What fees and costs will be charged and when will payment for these be due?
  • Are they accredited through any professional organisations? ie: ARLA, UKLA, NALS
  • How long is the tenancy for and what happens with renewals?
  • Do they offer a tenancy deposit scheme also know as TDS?

At Middleton Estates we promise to give you clear and fair advice to ensure that you are in safe hands with your new home. It’s in our interest as much as yours to help you understand the lettings process before entering into a tenancy contract.

We offer free no obligation advice and are happy to help over the phone or you are welcome to come into the office to speak to a member of our lettings team. Take a look at our online lettings portfolio to see what we currently have available.

Get in touch  on 01273 454878, email info@middleton-estates.co.uk or come in for a coffee and discuss your requirements.

We look forward to meeting you!

Jamie Howell, Lettings Manager

 

Meet the Lettings Manager and find out about our Landlord Incentive

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Meet Jamie Howell- Lettings Manager

It’s hard to believe we are in April already and it is already proving to be a busy month for the Middleton Estates team.

Our Sales and Lettings department have been kept on their toes with new enquiries, and team meetings have been focused on listening to client feedback to find out what you would like to see more of in the coming months.

 

 

 

One key area that we are keen to continue developing as requested by you, is our lettings portfolio and we are proud to introduce our newest member of the team Jamie Howell.

Jamie has gained market knowledge working in both corporate and independent backgrounds helping people sell or let their homes, and has also worked within the investors industry offering tailored services to suit the needs of property investors who are looking to build their own portfolio or expand their current portfolio. Jamie has already proven himself to be an asset to the team and is hard at work helping our local tenants and landlords.

Landlord Incentive Reward

Alongside developing our lettings team we are also offering a fantastic incentive to reward our current landlords for their loyalty, and to help introduce new landlords to Middleton Estates so we can work together to provide even more quality lets from recommended landlords in the local area.

We are offering a FREE bottle of Moet & Chandon to any landlord who recommends a new Landlord to Middleton Estates. (Middleton Estates must sign up the new landlord for the offer to apply).

 

 

Why use Middleton Estates to let your property?

  • Fast Lettings– Our average letting time is 6 days from the time you instruct us to getting the contracts signed.
  • Quality Tenants– Finding quality, reliable tenants and getting them into your property fast is our priority.
  • Tenant Find Service– £399+VAT.
  • Unrivalled Marketing – We market your property on every available platform. Local magazines and newspapers, popular online property portals, website, social media and email marketing to a vast client base as well as at our prominent office location in Shoreham high street. Professional Photography and Floorplans as standard- includes aerial photography
  • Full Property Management with rent guarantee and eviction insurance – We take the stress out of lettings process by taking care of the management and administration for you (more information is available from our dedicated move managers)
  • 24 Hour Property Management.

To recommend a landlord or to find out more about how we work with our  landlords, then please get in touch with Jamie Howell today on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

 

 

 

Unlock the door to your new home this Spring

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Spring is almost upon us and we have noticed a surge in new buyer activity as the days are getting lighter and the weather is slowly starting to brighten, bringing a more optimistic mood with regards to the property market.

We realise that the level of stock versus the number of buyers looking for a new home is still disproportionate as is often the case, so as a team we decided to find a solution to this problem so that both buyer and estate agent could benefit from a positive and proactive approach to help with what has historically been a frustrating problem within the housing market.

Having listened to our clients we have created a new Home Search Service which includes the following:

  • Free client consultation to establish specific home purchase requirements and establish preferred locations
  • Tailored and professional Leaflet drop to desired search locations
  • Regular service updates for client via phone call and email

Using our Home Search service we work on your behalf to find suitable properties in your desired location. We give homeowners an opportunity to realise that there are potential buyers searching within their area, often providing the encouragement they need to put their house on the market.

If you would like to find out more about our Home Search Service or if you would like to register as a new buyer then please get in touch on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

What can we expect from the rental market in 2017?

Posted on by Sara
Let-By Middleton Estates
Let-By Middleton Estates

The uncertainty of what is to come for the rental market in 2017 is cause for concern for many landlords and buy-to-let investors, but the reality of what happens in the UK housing market can often surprise us and contradict what many people think is likely to happen. This recent article in Estate Agent Today gives an overview of last year’s rental market changes and predictions for 2017.

As highlighted in the article “Despite changes to stamp duty on second properties and landlords’ tax relief, for many people buy-to-let remains an attractive income investment with impressive returns still achievable, at a time of low saving rates and stock market volatility, and this is reflected by the latest buy-to-let lending figures, which returned to some form of normality during the fourth quarter of 2016.”

We are expecting to see a continued increase in tenant enquiries following the reality that more people are choosing to move out of Brighton and Hove with the aim of getting a bit more for their money, whilst still maintaining the commuter links that Shoreham has to offer. Shoreham already has a big commuter demographic which we believe will continue to grow further this year.
This increase in demand will continue to see rent prices climb, but should still sit below Brighton and Hove (historically a more expensive rental market). We have seen a “second wind” of investment buyers looking to spend their money to achieve a better return compared to some very low interest rates on offer with many Savings and ISAs products.

At Middleton Estates we can provide expert advice and guidance on any rental market matter.
If you are looking to let a property or find a property to rent, then please contact our team today on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

How To Market Your Home To It’s Full Potential

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Six Top Tips To Market Your Home Successfully

When most people start to think about selling their property, the first thing they tend to do is grab tools and swiftly begin some panic DIY attempts to spruce up any imperfections that they think might put a potential buyer off purchasing their property.

Many sellers think that a property needs to be in perfect order for it to be saleable, however we have found that this isn’t always the case. A large proportion of buyers will be viewing a property and wondering how they can put their own stamp on it, quite often meaning that our painstaking decisions about what colour the bathroom or kitchen tiles should be, means very little when it come to viewings. People’s tastes differ and what one person considers beautiful another might think is less than attractive and will want to make changes.

With our extensive experience of the property market, we have compiled our six top tips to help you market your property to it’s full potential:

  1. Curb Appeal– All too often we forget about the exterior of the property, but remember that first impressions really do count. Make sure that the property looks fresh from the outside, simply washing the windows, tidying up the garden front and back (adding a few fresh flowers, even in the winter months) and clearing the pathways will help to ensure a positive impact on arrival.
  2. De-clutter– With modern lifestyles often being hectic , it’s all too easy to collect and clutter. Nothing will put buyers off more than having to try and work out what the space would be like with less “stuff.” This includes making sure your loft space and garage (if you have one) is organised and tidy. There are clever storage solutions available which can help to reduce clutter in the home, no matter how tight on space you are.
  3. Minor repairs– Fix any broken fixtures and fittings, put a coat of paint on tired looking walls and make sure all rooms are clean and dust free . Bear in mind that occasionally  buyers like to have a nosy in cupboards and wardrobes, so just make sure you don’t have anything hiding in them that you don’t want them to see.
  4. Lighting– Make sure you add some lighting to any particularly dark areas. A soft lamp light around the property can give a warm glow to any room, creating a more homely feel.
  5. Scents– Don’t overwhelm your prospective buyers with too many incense sticks, but one or two carefully placed soft scented candles, a well placed bunch of fresh flowers, freshly brewed coffee, a lit fireplace, or a fresh baked loaf of bread can help to create an inviting ambience.
  6. Warmth– In the Winter months it is especially important to invite potential buyers into a warm, cosy home. Keep the heating on just enough to warm the house, if you have a fireplace then leave it on (safely of course, don’t forget the fireguard). A cold home can really put people off a purchase so keep this in mind before every viewing.

These six top tips will really help you to market your home and appeal to potential buyers. Don’t let the colder months delay you from putting your property on the market, buyers will be searching now so don’t miss your opportunity by waiting until everyone else is competing for buyers too.

If you would like to put your property on the market and need advice, or to arrange a viewing on any of our current properties, or simply wish to join our mailing list then please contact us on 01273 454878, come and see us at our office in Shoreham-by-Sea or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk 

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