Tenancy Deposit Schemes – A few new rules

Posted on January 20, 2012 by admin

A few changes landlords should be aware of . The new changes will mean that tenants will still be able to make a claim against their landlord after their tenancy ends, it will also block the loop hole that allowed landlords who were prosecuted for not placing a deposit in any of the registered schemes to sign up posthumously before the case comes to court. The advice from us is don’t try and avoid it!

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Testimonials – March 2011

Posted on March 31, 2011 by admin

MARCH TESTIMONIALS

I have just completed the sale of my flat in North West London and am proud to say that I used an internet estate agent which saved me about £6000. I chose Urban Sales and Lettings because I have used them in the past to find tenants for rental properties. The service was excellent, fast and helpful. I had a professional floor plan, an EPC and a street sign within days of first making contact. This service certainly works. Thank you. Please take down both my listings, I have now let the flats. Great service – many thanks!

SR London

Please kindly be informed that the property has now been let out. I’ve been very impressed with the service as a whole and will be back when I next need to secure tenants.

HK Reading 

For your information, the house is now let. Please remove all marketing ASAP.

I was very pleased to see the house advertised in so many different places, the marketing certainly did the trick!

The advice from the letting team regarding pricing was very helpful and much appreciated.

Many thanks for all your assistance throughout the whole process.

KL Luton

Thanks for the latest lead but we have now signed contracts, please stop all marketing. Can’t believe how much interest our ad generated we will be back when this tenant decides to move on.

BM Leeds

Just to let you know he house is now let. Thanks for your help, will definitely use your service again.

TG London

I successfully let the property yesterday. Kindly cease advertising the property. Thanks for such a speedy let!

KP Manchester

Please be advised that this property is now let.  Thank you for your assistance.

AW Leeds

 Just to let you know that I have now let my property through one of your contacts. I should be grateful if you would now cease its marketing.

 Thank you very much for the service you have provided. There has been lots of interest through your organisation and I will certainly use you again when the property next becomes available.

 DH Liverpool

Please note that I have now let this property.
I thank you for your assistance with this and ask that you now please remove the property from the websites. We have had a few more enquires come through this morning and have notified them the property is no longer available. Many thanks for your assistance throughout the entire process, your service really represents great value for money!

SM Usk, Wales
We have once again successfully let out one of our properties through your tenant finder plus package.

Great response as always, each time we list we get flooded with feedback.

Not only does the marketing work like a dream your staff are always on hand and very helpful.

We couldn’t ask for more and will be back again soon!

TW Kent

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Testimonials – February 2011

Posted on February 25, 2011 by admin

I write to advise that the property has now been let on a 6 month lease.Many thanks for a speedy let, we will be back in six months.

TH Leeds

First of all I just wanted to say a big thank you!We have now secured tenants for the house. Can’t believe what a difference there was between our first listing and the listing we amended after receiving your marketing guides. As soon as it was live with the info the leads were coming through steadily. We signed contracts just 12 days after changing the advert. Your assistance was very much appreciated. We will most certainly be back in July to re list.

SC London

Hi, Just a line to say please cease marketing as we have now completed. Thank you for all the information you provided along the way.

Mr & Mrs M Manchester

I have just completed the sale of my flat in London and am proud to say that I used an internet estate agent which saved me about £6000. I chose Urban Sales And Lettings because I have used them in the past to find tenants for rental properties. The service was excellent. Fast. Helpful. I had a professional floor plan, an EPC and a street sign within days of first contact. This works. Thank you.

SR London
 

The property has been let today. Thank you very much for generating so many viewings. I will definitely use your service again.

HM East Sussex

I have had so many viewing requests… I have had to put the price up….Proof of the excellent service you provide! Many thanks.

MO London

Dear sales team, We have now sold the property, we completed yesterday. Many thanks for a great service!

SE  Ramsgate

Hi, Cant quite believe we have let in 72 hours! We will certainly use your services when our next let comes up for renewal. Thanks for sending over the tenancy agreement so quickly.

BL  Stockport

Please now remove my listing. I just wanted to say how pleased I am that this advert was so successful! We have secured a tenant in just over a week and have two further enquiries today. Many thanks for all your assistance with the pricing.

BD Dorset

The cottage has now been let, thank you. Would you please remove the advert. Really pleased with the response your marketing generated for us, many thanks. Regards

TP Glasgow

Emailing to advise that the house is now let. Great service and a speedy let for a remarkable price. Really glad I took a chance and will certainly be back again! PC Uxbridge

 Please be advised that our property is now let. Wanted to say thank you for all your assistance throughout the process. Your team were really helpful and the advice they gave really made a huge difference. Don’t know how you provide such a high level of service at such a low cost.

Mr and Mrs MB Richmond

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Selling a flat in Balham

Posted on January 30, 2011 by admin

Just 15 minutes from London Victoria it’s no wonder Balham is fast becoming a south west London property hot spot. Not only does the area have excellent transport links it also benefits from a lively high street full of restaurants, wine bars and boutique shops. If you have property to sell in the Balham area a short walk down the high street will leave you dazed with all the different estate agents each with their different commissions.

Thankfully there is a simpler and far more cost effective way to sell your property in Balham. Here at UrbanSalesandLettings we are offering no commission fixed fee rates of just £189.95 +VAT. That’s right no commission just a one off upfront fee with nothing at all to pay on completion!

Our basic sales package includes a valuation report, fully installed for sale board and a floor plan. We also have an advanced sales package available at a one off upfront fee of just £249.95+VAT which also includes an EPC and professional photography to show off your property to its full potential.

 Within 24 hours of upload you will be contacted by our surveyors to arrange a date and time that is convenient for the visit and floor plan, if you have chosen our advanced package they will also arrange your EPC and photography for you. Once you have approved your floor plan marketing will begin.

We market your property for you on over 400 different property portals including all the most important high traffic websites such as Rightmove and PrimeLocation. With more and more buyers using the internet it really is vital that your marketing strategy is comprehensive.

All viewing enquiries are dealt with by our team. The sales team are on hand to assist you from the day of instruction right through to completion. If you have any questions about our amazing sales services why not give us a call today and find out how UrbanSalesandLettings can help you sell your property in Balham for just £189.95 +VAT.

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Testimonials – January 2011

Posted on January 20, 2011 by admin

The sale has now gone through so please cease all marketing ASAP. We are really glad we chose your service to help us sell the place. Really appreciated the feedback calls you did for us after our viewings, that was really helpful to us. All in all a big thank you for helping us sell so quickly and not to mention cheaply! Mr & Mrs M, Hampshire

I just wanted to mail and say thanks so much, and to let you know we have now completed. I really appreciated your help with pushing the sale through. I have recommended you to a couple of people already. I have saved a small fortune by using your service and am really happy with the service we received. Keep it up! JT London

When we decided to use your service to sell our flat we really did expect to have to compromise on the service we would receive due to your low costs. We have been amazed that this hasn’t been the case at all. So impressed with the high level of service and sending you our thanks for getting everything sorted out so quickly. We will certainly be recommending you to friends and family in the future. JA Manchester

We have now filled our flat with a tenant. Please could you stop the advertising.Many thanks for an excellent service. SA  Sidcup

Please take this email as confirmation that I have now let out the house. Just wanted to say a big thanks for all your assistance, I will certainly be using you when my next property becomes vacant! LM  Leeds

Thank you so much for the two leads you sent over to me this morning but please would you stop marketing the house as we have now found suitable tenants. This is the second time we have used your service, and it was an even more speedy let than the first time round. Thanks for such a brilliant level of service! SK  Hastings

We have a tenant for the flat now thanks to the number of leads generated from your websites. Please could you remove the ad. I have been really impressed with the service throughout, I will reactivate this marketing in 6 months time when this tenancy ends.
IP Liverpool

Just to let you know, this property is now let. Thanks for all your help finding a tenant. AP Bolton

True to your word the first week of Jan we had loads of enquires and subsequently have now let the house. Many thanks for your good advice to be patient and hold to our price over the Christmas period. LP Sussex

I’ve signed the contract with the tenant today so please take down our ad. Thanks for getting the reference pushed through by the weekend for me, much appreciated. TL Cardiff

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Sell property in Norfolk

Posted on January 16, 2011 by admin

Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and unique Broads coupled with its thriving industry are just a few of the reasons why more and more people are looking to buy property in Norfolk. Here at Urban Sales and Lettings we are now offering sellers in Norfolk a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of this, and sell their property. . …with no commission to pay.

For a one off upfront fee of only £189.95 we will completely manage the sale of your property for you, just as your high street estate agent would. The only difference is that we will not sting you with a large commission payment on completion.

We will provide you with all the essential tools you will need in order to successfully market your property for sale in Norfolk.

Our basic sales package includes a valuation report, fully installed for sale board and a floor plan. When it comes to marketing your property our coverage is extensive, including advertising on over 400 UK property portals including websites such as Rightmove, Findaproperty and PrimeLocation. This amazing coverage will ensure that you property is seen by millions of prospective buyers each and every week.

Here at UrbanSalesandLettings our service doesn’t end with a comprehensive marketing strategy. Once we have secured an offer on your property we will deal with your solicitor to help push the sale through.

If you have any questions regarding our sales services please give our team a call, or watch our video for more information on how UrbanSalesandLettings can help you sell your property in Norfolk for just £189.95!

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Professional inventory – is it worth it?

Posted on January 10, 2011 by admin

For many landlords renting out property can prove to be a stressful exercise. There are many steps you can take to ease the pressure. When it comes to your inventory why not engage the services of an inventory clerk to give you one less thing to worry about.

Damage to rental properties such as broken windows or damaged flooring can leave the landlord in a sticky situation. The issues need repairing before the new tenants take occupation but often issues with tenant deposits can take time to resolve. Making use of a professional inventory clerk for check in and check out can be very helpful, protecting both the property and the tenant’s deposit.

An inventory clerk will take detailed notes on the properties contents and condition before tenants move in. Some companies will offer a mid tenancy service but most deal with the start and end of the tenancy. Using this kind of service reduces the likelihood of any problems arising when the tenant vacates the property. The inventory must be agreed by the tenant and the landlord on the move in date.

Make sure that your inventory lists everything from fixtures and fittings to decorative order. Many companies now use photography or even video to record the condition of decor and furniture. Obviously normal wear and tear on a property will be taken into consideration on check out.

You can expect to pay upwards of £40 per hour. Pricing will depend on the company you decide to use and on the size of your property. A furnished property inventory will be more expensive than an unfurnished property. There will be extra costs if you wish to have the clerk present at the time of the tenants checking in and out. Don’t forget to shop around; there are a wide variety of companies out there offering inventory services so make sure you obtain a few quotes before deciding.

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Maintaining your property – Painting and decorating

Posted on January 10, 2011 by admin

It’s common knowledge that a lick of paint between tenancies can do wonders when it comes to finding new tenants and achieving the best rental rates for your property.

Many landlords are just too busy to be able to decorate their investment properties and hiring a professional can seem a daunting task. Although undertaking the work personally will save you money, sometimes it really is better to leave it to the professionals. Cost will vary depending on the extent of the face lift you want to give your property. A lick of emulsion is always going to be cheaper than glossing, coving, wallpapering etc.

When it comes to deciding on which decorator to use it’s always a good idea to get recommendations from friends and family. You can also obtain a list of painters and decorators in your area from The Painting and Decorating Association.

Once you have made your decision on who is going to carry out the work you need to choose your finish, wallpaper or paint? Paint is very versatile, cheap and is available in an amazing array of colours and finishes. Wallpaper is very fashionable at the moment, you may want to consider a feature wall in your living room or master bedroom for viewing wow factor.

With your desired finish decided on its time to get your quotes. It really is well worth going through this process to make sure you know exactly what you will be paying for the work and you can get an idea of a reasonable cost for the work.

Ensure that your chosen professional will be using high quality products and that they are aware of the level of finish you require before agreeing to begin work. All monies should be paid on completion when you are 100% happy with the job.  It is not common practice to pay a deposit for painting and decorating.

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Selling a house or flat in Crawley

Posted on January 9, 2011 by admin

Urban sales and lettings are offering sellers in Crawley a fantastic zero percent commission estate agency service. If you are selling your house or flat why not consider our online estate agent options? For just £190 we will manage the whole process of selling your property, providing you with all the tools you need to need to successfully market your property. Our basic package includes a valuation report, for sale board and floor plan. We also market your property on over 400 UK websites including all the largest property portals such as Rightmove, ensuring that your property gets the best exposure possible. Of course our service doesn’t end there, once we have secured an offer on your property we will manage the sale through to completion just as your high street agent would, but there are no large commissions to pay at the end!

Crawley offers a wealth of facilities to the demanding buyer of today’s market, modern housing, great shopping at County Mall and lots do to with the cinema and the Hawth Theatre on hand. Many professionals from nearby Gatwick, as well as commuters from London, and locals are looking to get into the housing market in Crawley.

The large range of websites we market on such as Rightmove and PrimeLocation receive millions of hits every day. These websites really are the first place people look when they are searching for property in today’s internet age. If you have never instructed an internet estate agent you may have lots of questions so please feel free to give our team a call. Alternatively you can watch our video to find out more about selling your property through UrbanSalesandLettings.

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Maximising space when selling or letting

Posted on January 8, 2011 by admin

Sometimes size matters…when selling or letting your property the size of the rooms really is important! Small rooms can feel claustrophobic and unwelcoming, not the impression you want to create when trying to sell or let.

But don’t despair if you own a property that is on the smaller side or you have a troublesome box room there are many things you can do to maximise the feeling of space. Great for whilst you are living in the property and perfect for when it’s time to move on. An attractive spacious room will always make your property easier to sell or let so why not follow our top tips to transforming your smaller rooms.

The position of furniture in the room is crucial. Manoeuvre your furniture around to see what works best for your room, often placing things at diagonal angles and be surprisingly effective. You need to be realistic don’t buy the sofa you fall in love with if it is going to take up 80% of your floor space! Keep things to scale, take a tape measure with you when you go shopping for large items to help. Often showrooms are so large they make the furniture appear smaller than it is in reality, not a pleasant surprise on delivery day! When it comes to shopping for furniture also consider the material you are buying, chrome and glass topped coffee table are practical but appear to take up far less space in a room than a wooden table.

Colour is so important if you wish to create a space that feels larger than it is. We all know that dark colours will make a room feels smaller so remain true to light and fresh colours which really will give your room a spacious feel. If decorating your property in order to rent stick to neutral shades, you can always add personality with art and furniture. Light colours reflect natural light, so if you are going for a darker feature wall don’t use the wall opposite your window. A white ceiling is essential, so if yours is any other colour get the roller out!

Mirrors can be used to great effect. Cheap and instant the right mirror really will trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it really is. In a cramped hallway a floor to ceiling mirror mounted directly to the wall can look amazing as well as doing the job of making the hall feel double its size. Most glaziers will be able to cut and fit a mirror to size for a reasonable fee. Placing wall mounted mirrors opposite light sources maximises their space enhancing ability, it will also reflect the view you see outside your window which will help to create the illusion of space. If the room does not have a natural light source don’t worry, place your mirror opposite a free standing lamp.

When it comes to the floor the number one rule is not to break up the space, so no rugs! Using the same flooring preferably a light carpet or blond wood without breaking it up will give the impression of space. If you are having wood flooring laid consider using diagonal or vertical lines, which will be longer to the eye than horizontal ones.

On viewing days ensure that all blinds and curtains are drawn fully back to allow as much light as possible into the room. Make sure that all light fittings are working and turn them all on before viewers arrive.

If you need help selling or letting your property UrbanSalesandLettings work on a 0% commission basis. All our fees are paid upfront so there are no nasty surprises lurking! With lettings packages starting from just £49.95 and sales services from an amazingly low £189.95 you really can achieve great exposure and professional advice for a fraction of the cost your local estate agent would charge. Why not give us a call or email for more info, 0845 299 7265 or info@urbansalesandlettings.co.uk. Visit our website at www.urbansalesandlettings.co.uk .

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