Owning a buy-to-let can be a challenge, especially in the current market.
If you’re looking for a letting agent to help you let or manage your property successfully, here’s how to find the very best one.
Firstly, do they work in your area? Are they the local experts?
It may seem obvious, but there’s no point in using a letting agent who doesn’t specialise in the area where your property is located. Or one who doesn’t know it well.
Do a little searching for houses or flats in the same area as your property. Look for agents that actually have properties to let (or recently let) in the same location.
You could also check whether they have a good selection of ‘To Let’ signs on the streets. (Even better if they have plenty of ‘Let’ signs.)
What’s their online presence like?
Having a smart High Street office is one thing, but remember that today many tenants start their search for a new home online.
So put yourself in a prospective tenant’s shoes. Search online for a particular agent’s listings and take a close look at them.
What do each letting agent’s listings look like? Are they professional, with clear property descriptions and good photos? Do they look like they would persuade prospective tenants to call up right away and book a viewing?
Don’t forget social media too
Again, social media is used by many prospective tenants to find a home these days. So check out what the agent’s social media presence is like.
While not every agent will be on every social media platform, take a look at sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
See how well the agent uses them to market their properties to prospective tenants.
Agent comparison sites
There are some websites where you can pop in a postcode, find the letting agents that operate there and get quotes for property management fees.
Just bear in mind that these sites have their limitations. They often focus on finding the lowest landlord fees, rather than the agents who offer the best service.
What do their reviews say?
Check out letting agent reviews in places like Google and Trustpilot. In particular, focus on what other landlords say about their experiences of using this agent.
Reviews don’t always tell you the whole story. (People who have had a negative experience are more likely to post reviews than those who have had a positive experience.) But they can be a useful information-gathering tool.
Recommendations and referrals
As with any other service, recommendations and referrals can be an excellent way to find a good letting agent.
If you have friends or colleagues who are landlords, ask them if they can recommend someone.
If you don’t know any other landlords, then local landlords’ groups might be able to help you.
It’s good to talk
While it’s always advisable to conduct some background research, the best way to find a good letting agent is to speak with them. Here are some things to consider.
How do they answer initial enquiries?
Do they respond to phone calls, emails and social media messages promptly and efficiently?
If so, that’s a great start.
How knowledgeable are they?
Ask your prospective new letting agent about the local lettings market.
What sort of properties are in demand? Do they have tenants ready and waiting to move? What are local rent levels like?
Make sure they’re knowledgeable about the latest lettings procedures and regulations. Check they’re up to date on things like referencing, deposit protection, safety compliance and the new financial sanctions rules.
Speaking to an agent is also the best way to get a lettings market appraisal for your property and an up-to-date rental valuation for it.
This might also be a good time to ask them about the pros and cons of lettings only or lettings and management for your rental property. And to discuss things like their fees.
At the end of the day, there are many methods you can use to find a good letting agent in this area.
We hope you’ve found this article interesting and useful. If you know of any landlords who are looking for a letting agent, please feel free to share it with them.
