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This top tip guide is to help you find the right professional letting agent for you.
How to choose a Letting Agent
The growth of Buy-to-Let is getting stronger increasing the popularity of rental property as a long term investment. 20% of households were renting in the private sector in 2015-2016, that has more than doubled since the 1980's/ 1990's. Since 2000 2.5 million more households now rent.
Most landlords will appoint an agent to handle the rental. There are a considerable number of letting agents. Given that the agent will be responsible for financial and legal matters you need to make sure you are happy with the agent you choose.
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Buying and Selling Over Christmas
Online Presence
Dinsdales know the importance of online presence, so we make your home live and visible on major property portals. For example Rightmove and On the Market. To have your property live and ready for Christmas/ the new year you need to be instructing your agent sooner rather than later. At Christmas people have more spare time to browse properties online due to the festive season. Property portals statistically show that there is a substantial spike on Boxing Day. Agents appreciate it is a busy time of year so they offer a 'DO NOT DISTURB' policy. This is when your property is live and enquiries are being generated ready in preparation to book viewings in the new year. As estate agents we believe sellers should take advantage of the busy time of year. Buyers are often looking for properties over Christmas ready to buy in the New year. You want them to see your property before more sellers make their houses live in the new year.
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Our Guide to some Lettings Rules and Regulations
- All deposits must be placed in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Any deposits must be placed in a designated government backed tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of the tenancy commencing or the deposit being received. Dinsdales use My Deposits (https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/). Failure to do this is a criminal act and may make the landlord liable for a fine at court of up to 3 times the deposit sum. Putting the money into a separate bank account doesn't qualify. Failure to place a deposit fund within a scheme will terminate any section 21 Notice (Eviction Notice) which the landlord wishes to serve.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR is when an Electrician inspects all the properties wires for fraying or damage. They also note where wiring has or could become unsafe. It is the responsibility of the landlord to make sure every tenanted property they have, has a valid EICR (an EICR is only valid if carried out by a registered Electrician). They are valid for 5 years and typically cost between £100-£250. Under the Landlords and Tenants Act (1985) you must ensure the electrical Installation in a rental property is maintained. It is Law to have the EICR done at least every 5 years.
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Damp is a problem that affects millions of properties so here are our top tips for a dry and healthy home.
There are many causes of damp so here's our quick guide on how to combat them...
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Selling your home is not always about how quick it can be sold. Making sure your property is presented properly is very important when selling your home.
Here are some ways to help you
1. A lick of Paint
It might sound simple but a coat of new paint (keep the colour neutral) can make a house feel cared for and clean. While you're at it, if your front door is looking tired make sure you replace it. Any rotting windows or loose tiles will need replacing. Giving the front flower beds a de-weed will make the garden neat and presentable.
