Friday, April 24, 2015

What to Remember in Leasing Agreements

Are you planning to lease your property? If so, then you must learn the things to consider in putting a rental agreement together. A rental agreement is a set of rules that both the landlord and the tenant agree to follow in their rental relationship. This legal document contains rules and agreement such as how long the tenant will be occupying the property and the amount of rent due each month. Here are some of the information and agreements that need to be included on the rental agreement:




Name of all the Tenants

All of the tenants should sign the rental agreement. This makes each tenant legally responsible to all the terms of the property.

Limits on Occupancy

The agreement should also indicate who lives in your property; all those who signed the lease and if applicable, their minor children. This guarantees you as a landlord that your property is safe and housed by the people you have screened and approved.

Term of Tenancy

Every rental document is required to indicate whether it is a rental agreement or a fixed-term lease. Rental agreements commonly run from month-to-month while leases typically last a year.



Rent

You should also specify the amount of rent, when it is due and how is it paid. This will help you and the occupant(s) avoid confusion and disputes.



Monday, April 20, 2015

What a Property Manager Can Do for You

Investing in real estate has many benefits, but deciding to place a home for rent is a task that has many responsibilities attached to it. Becoming a landlord for your own lettings comes with a lot of hard work and, sad to say, headaches. From dealing with rude tenants to fixing minor household problems, these seemingly small tasks can pile up to become burdensome. In cases where you own more than one property, an estate agent can happily endorse you to an accredited property manager.




Hassle Free Lettings

Property professionals that have been accredited by the right organisations (SAFEAgent and ARLA) are dedicated to helping both landlords and tenants. These are some obligations property managers should uphold:

  • Managing everything from the smallest repairs to full refurbishment.
  • Help prepare properties for the rental market.
  • Introduce you to the best contractors in the area.
  • Arrange various safety certificates such as: gas and electrics.
  • Manage the property throughout the tenancy.



A Property Manager’s Work is Never Done!

Entrusting your home to a property manager ensures that all your worries will be put to rest. These ARLA trained professionals will care for your property and give you updates during routine maintenance checks. A full inspection report that includes photos will be handed to you by the managers as soon as possible. The best thing about hiring an estate agent as a property manager is the lack of unnecessary downtime between lets. Don’t waste the opportunity to put your property on the market. It the hands of property managers, your investment will not go to waste.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Remembering the 3 P’s of Property Management

Hiring a property manager or an estate agent plays an important role in your property purchase. If you are planning to hire one, you should find the best of the best. And what better way to get the best candidates than to know the golden rules that they must adhere to? An effective and efficient property manager must possess the 3 P’s of property management: Philosophize, Prioritize and Personalize.



Philosophize

This is what sets a good property manager apart from other property managers. It is not about how a property manager sends his platitudes to his client; rather this is how he manages the process in his own style, his own view. A good property manager knows how to listen and has an objective. Having an open mind also helps a property manager in handling the whole process.

Prioritize

Another important trait is the ability to make each second count. A good property manager must make his own time table and plan that will exhaust all the time that he has. This also means using resources effectively for research, planning and so on.



Personalize

Finally, a good property manager must learn how to engage interaction and make a connection with all the people the he works with and works for. This will make the property manager more knowledgeable in working with various types of people.


Friday, April 3, 2015

Requirements Needed to Rent with Finlay Brewer

Most estate agents do their best to make the letting process go faster and less complicated for their future renters. In order to help the estate agent and yourself, there are a few documents and other requirements that you should prepare in advance. The more prepared you are, the sooner you will get to move into your new flat.



Money Matters

These are the following payments every tenant is expected to meet:

  • 6 week deposit – this initial deposit will be held against any damage that occurs within the tenancy period. Any dilapidations and damages done will be deducted once the inventory check out report has been completed.
  • 1 month rent advance – weekly rent is multiplied by 52 (weeks in a calendar year) and divided by 12. This plus the deposit must be paid using clear funds before the tenancy starts. Please be advised that personal or company cheques are not accepted. 
  • Admin Fees – A £150.00 per person (occupier) will be charged, this fee includes an independent credit search on each applicant. 
  • Holding deposit – to make sure that the property you are interested in does not appear back on the market a 1 week of the 6 week deposit is required.

Official Documents

Have these following documents ready to avoid inconveniences and delays:

  • Proof of Address – A utility bill or bank statement that is addressed to you from 3 – 6 months ago is required for the credit search. 
  • Photo ID – For UK and EU nationals, a photo ID needs to be provided. 
  • Passport – For foreign applicants, a passport showing UK right of residence is needed for proper identification. 



These are some basic requirements needed by the estate agent to duly process your application to let a property. Completing the documentation and payment process at a timely manner can help you in calling West London your new home.



Friday, March 20, 2015

Area Guide for West London

London is a diversified city where people from different cultures live and work along with tourists roaming the metropolis. West London offers so much to so many different people. Whether you wish to go live in Hammersmith, Brook Green, Acton, Askew Rd, or Brackenbury, West London keeps you close to amenities.

Brook Green and Brackenbury Village are two affluent neighbourhoods in the Hammersmith and Fulham borough. With fantastic transport links, schools, pubs and restaurants, it is no wonder that there areas attract an interesting cross section of families people looking to add to their quality of life through the area in which they live.

Transport Links

• Easy access to M3, M4, M40 and all routes heading West. Driving to Heathrow takes under 30 minutes.

• Piccadilly and district line from Hammersmith

• District line from Ravenscourt Park and Stamford Brook

• Central line from Shepherds Bush

• Hammersmith & City line from Goldhawk Road and Shepherds Bush Market

• Overland trains from both Shepherds Bush & Olympia to Gatwick & Brighton

 

Brook Green and Brackenbury Village thrives in the social side too. With pubs, restaurants, food shops, cafes and delis, you can find fresh produce and multi-cultural cuisine available. The neighbourhood is home to a number of London’s most academically acclaimed schools including international school. Shopping, entertainment, health and fitness places are present and easily accessible in the neighbourhood.



For more information and complete list of amenities in West London, you can refer to our area guide here: http://finlaybrewer.co.uk/area-guide/

Friday, March 13, 2015

Tips for Moving to London

Moving to London from another city or country is a big step to take. Whether you’re moving to London for a job or for school, there are many things to consider before making the big move. From looking for a house or flat, public transport, culture, important documents to bank accounts, here is your guide to moving to London.
 

While many of us have dreams about moving to a different country, the first thing you need is to qualify to move there. If you come from the European Union then there’s no issue with immigration and visas. If you’re from any other part of the world, then you’ll need to get the necessary visa.

The second thing you need to know about London is how big the city is and how the different areas are described (North, East, South, West; zones; boroughs; postcodes). Wherever you choose to live in London, the whole area is well served by the public transport system of buses and the underground train system, known us The Tube or The Underground.


Once you have decided to move to London, you’ll need to decide the type of housing you’re looking for. With the help of an estate agent or friends and family members, if you have any in London, you’ll eventually find sublet to lease. Be advised that finding a place in London can be challenging due to the fast market; one day you’re in for a bid then the next day it’s gone. Having a reliable estate agent like Finlay Brewer can get you the best results.

 What other tips can you share about moving to London? http://finlaybrewer.co.uk/

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

The Three P’s in Property Management

If you’re planning to hire property managers, one important tip is to be familiar with the golden rules in property management. These are the so-called rules that they must adhere to. As one who owns and values his investment, you should know what to watch out for.

  
• Personalize. Look for a property manager or a property management company that reaches out to people and knows how to handle connections well. The people you hire to take care of your properties should be trusted enough to deal with your concerns as the owner. They should also be professional but warm enough to talk to potential renters and current tenants.

 • Prioritize. This is all about time management. This addresses our primary goals as business owners and how we should also transcend that to the property managers that we hire. This also includes how they utilize technology and delegate tasks.
 

• Philosophize. Only hire property managers who can understand your own business philosophies. Talk to different property management companies before you officially sign up for their service. This will help you know if they can fully grasp your own business principles.

 Property management is not easy when you’re on your own, especially if you are a newbie. If you’re going to hire a company, you have to make sure that you are on the same page. For a reputable property management who stands by the 3 P’s, call Finlay Brewer and let’s get your property on the hot list.