Rubbish = ARLA. Indeed the client would have an extra person to speak to, but very doubtful anything significant would come of it.

Rubbish. Being a member of ARLA does not ensure complete security for the client - should the agent stop paying for their CMP insurance, or member subscription they're useless. Even then what's the...

Anything financial indeed, an inventory however would not apply.

Put simply no, though they may still have it on computer. If you've paid for it as part of their service they should be able to forward it without a charge.

Exactly. Talk of increasing revenue = agent fees increased = fees to landlords have to increase.

There is hope of an agent owned portal with fixed pricing, though it looks to be a while off yet.

Good tips, google is usually the place to start. Ask about fees for renewals and whether they add anything to repairs, most do.

My letting agency is based in central Manchester, but we cover the...

I started off the same way, but did have a couple of my own properties plus a a few from my parents to help - I had previously been working in lettings/sales for 6 years though. Essentially you need...

CFP not cheap? They quoted approx £2.5k for the software plus monthly 'support' costs. Couldn't believe what I was hearing when they said that at the end of their presentation.

Have a look at Gnomen too, we've just started using their software. Takes a while to get used to it all, compared against Excel etc, but the website integration - for tenants and landlords to log in...

My question though, how can a Manchester based company effectively manage a property in London? Do they have satellite offices, or staff in other areas?

The agents local to the property might...

I think I know which company it might be, would recommend searching for a few reviews first. If your property is in London you should really go through an agent local to the property.

I'd recommend reading Estate/Letting Agent Today, frequently stories of agents going bust who claimed to be members, and may have been at some point. Paying for a logo to be put on your site doesn't...

Doesn't guarantee safety to be fair, undoubtedly they will have been members at some point and just stopped paying their subscription = no protection for landlords/tenants.

The insurance will cost the agent circa £60 for a 6 month term, their mark up is rather expensive! Find out who the referencing company is and get a quote direct, just make sure the agent takes photo...

You've essentially dug your own grave with that one Simon. I too have my own properties and started up an agency a few years ago, however I had previously worked in the industry for almost 10 years....

Those costs are ridiculous, make sure you leave them a review on google etc. With regards to the 48h that obviously means from receipt of the application.

Hang on, do you mean the energy performance certificate (EPC)? If so they are valid for 10 years, sounds more like what they've asked for.

I'd be happy to join the transparent scheme they have but they want their logo at the top of my website, on every page! They so far have only one 'transparent' agent in Manchester, most of the...

How much extra are we talking about here though?

Google/google places is a good start. allagents is a bit of a con, can see them trying to be the next RM shortly.

Options are really either 10 months upfront, or 6 month term with 6 months upfront, then possibly consider monthly payment for the final 4 months if they've been ok. Do not touch if they don't have a...

Have a look for some reviews of the agency and see how they present themselves on their own website, Rightmove etc. We charge 8% in central Manchester, the multiples are 10-12% on average, and we...

We generally do one or two leaflet drops on targeted buildings per year, however we address landlords/vendors as well as buyers/tenants, so it's at least slightly relevant to all parties. It helps to...

You have to be slightly wary of the reviews but they are generally a good indication. If you are in the area of the property you could even do a bit of mystery shopping to see how they treat...

It's just lazy, not a good omen for a potential client. Another line I always notice is - "the company has always used computer technology", seen this dozens of times on RM etc, utter idiots.