NORTH EAST LETTING BLOG

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

Administrator — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:08:20 +0000

We let and manage property for a wide variety of clients, including: private landlords, companies, estates and property investors. We have branches in Gosforth, Newcastle and Durham, along with our dedicated property management centre which deals with all aspects of property management, letting, tenant referencing, accounts and day-to-day tenant enquiries. Although we don't have multiple branches throughout the region we employ Personal Agents who are based all over the North East ready to carryout tenant viewings and landlord valuations providing a professional, personal service to all our clients. We let and manage properties throughout Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside.

Unlike national corporate chains and traditional estate agents we employ the latest technology to not only manage your property but also to find quality tenants. The likes of twitter, facebook and You Tube were once seen as a novelty for agents, however we now communicate and let properties via these social network sites and class them as an essential part of our on-line marketing.

You may well be attracted to agents who constantly advertise their services and properties in glossy magazines and local property newspapers, however these types of media are the fastest declining media for property hunters, the web has simply obliterated their presence that's why we spend most of our marketing budget on-line and only a tiny percentage on print based media - this helps let your property quicker and helps us to stay ahead of the competition. Remember agents who only use newspapers and magazines and have very little web presence will not be marketing your property to the widest audience and you will be helping pay for their advertising in the fees you pay as traditional newspapers and magazines are still hugely expensive to use.

Cheap Letting & Management Fees - The Pitfalls...
The old saying, 'you get what you pay for', is certainly true when using a letting agent. Many agents offer cut price fees, unbelievable monthly management fees of 4% and 5% and in some cases agents will even manage your property for free. Many landlords and investors are seduced by these low price offers to make a little extra every month, however in most cases agents who offer these deals are generally only interested in getting your business once and meeting their targets. If you think about how much it costs a professional agent to operate a high quality service each month you soon realise the cheap deals will only last a very short time or in some cases landlords find themselves simply dumped when the agent goes bust. We speak with lots of landlords who have received bad and incorrect advice from fly by night agents and it often costs landlords more in the long run to put things right. We do run special offers, however we ensure we can still provide a first class service to clients.

Your property is a very expensive asset and should be handled carefully and professionally to ensure you receive the maximum return on investment - stick to an agent who can prove their service is as good as they say it is and if it's not simply switch.

For further information on how we can help you call 0191 215 4570.

CAFELETZ NOW OPEN FOR LANDLORDS

Administrator — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:06:09 +0000

CafeLetz is our exclusive coffee bar for Landlords located at our head office on the Team Valley...

Sit back relax and discuss your letting and management requirements while enjoying a complimentary coffee, latte or cappuccino and slice of delicious cake.

Our dedicated professional agents will be available to discuss your property in detail and advise what service will best suit your needs - there's no need to arrange an appointment simply pop in anytime Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

CafeLets can be found at:
26 Kingsway House
Kingsway
Team Valley
NE11 0HW

A BUSY START TO JANUARY

Administrator — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:37:23 +0000

As January draws to an end we have received record requests from tenants to view rental properties throughout the region. What was traditionally a quiet time for residential lettings 2012 has started strong and we are looking forward to a busy year ahead.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES 2011

Administrator — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:12:29 +0000

23rd December Close at 4.00pm
24th/25th/26th/27th Closed
28th/29th/30th Open 9am to 5:30pm
31st December Closed
1st & 2nd January Closed
3rd January 2012 Open 9am to 5:30pm

We would like to wish all our clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

DECEMBER SEES DEMAND CONTINUE

Administrator — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:37:35 +0000

As we near the end of the year we are still letting properties everyday, demonstrating the lettings market is still very busy. We have seen a huge increase in rental demand across the year and usually begin to see a reduced demand for property in December, however this year the demand has continued. We are letting properties daily and have scheduled check-ins for between Christmas and New Year which is a first.

We are looking forward to a busy start to 2012. Landlords with empty properties or who are looking for a new agent with proactive marketing and new ideas for letting property quickly…look no further than North East Letting – call us on 0191 215 4567 for full details.

We would like to wish all our clients a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

TIME IS TICKING IF YOU WANT TO MOVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Administrator — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:30:03 +0000

Tenants wishing to move into a new property before Christmas should be prepared to act fast! Traditionally November starts to see the rentals market slow, however with the current economic climate and house sales flat we are still very busy letting property and processing applications which means your application will need to be made sooner rather than later.

Our final day to guarantee* a check in before Christmas is December 12th. After this date it is unlikely you will move into your new home until January.

Our advice, once you decide on which property you would like to rent call our agents as soon as possible to pay your holding fee and make your application on-line via our website.

For further information please contact us on 0191 215 4567.

*our guarantee is based on our in-house procedures, however delays beyond our control may impact on your check in, e.g.…employers and previous landlord references not being returned in a timely manner.

STRONG START TO NOVEMBER

Administrator — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:12:21 +0000

November has seen enquiries from tenants still flooding into our offices, properties are letting quickly and rents are remaining strong. We require new stock to cope with the demand from tenants, if you have a property which is available to let talk to us and see how we can help – 0191 215 4567.

Traditionally November is the start of a quiet period for rental enquiries; however we are not seeing any signs of slow down at the moment.

RENTAL DEMAND SEES NO SIGNS OF SLOWING

Administrator — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:15:47 +0100

The demand for rental property has remained at an all time high during September. We have experienced a huge demand from tenants across the entire North East seeking good quality rental properties.

The increased demand has resulted in rents increasing for many Landlords and Buy-to-Let investors. Apartments in Newcastle city have seen a high increase in demand and asking price, for example, 2 bedroom apartments which 12 months ago were only achieving £650 to £675 per month have increased to £750 and in some cases £795 often with three or four potential tenants fighting for the chance to reserve the property.

Although asking prices have increased we have also seen a higher percentage of tenants looking for properties which accept LHA (housing benefit). These have not all been traditional LHA users, many are tenants who have lost their jobs and found themselves unemployed and unable to continue with mortgage payments, resulting in renting a property rather than owning. This trend has also caused many tenants to receive bad credit in the form of County Court Judgements and IVA’s or even bankruptcy. We still treat every tenancy application on an individual basis ensuring a constant flow of fully checked and approved tenants for client’s properties.

We have also received an increase in enquiries from investors looking to re-enter the Buy-to-Let market, many of whom see this as an ideal time to invest in rental properties. Our experienced team can provide invaluable insight information on the best places to buy and what rents are achievable, if you require any information call us on 0191 215 4567.

Our forecast for October remains strong as enquires from tenants continue to flood in. If you have a property to let please do not hesitate to contact us on 0191 215 4567.

DERWENTSIDE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!

Administrator — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:49:42 +0100

Our new personal agent, James Hall has only been located in Derwentside for just over 1 month and already we have received many new instructions from Landlords with properties to let, in fact we have received over 10 new instructions, proving there is a great demand for a professional letting service in Derwentside.

For more details on our letting and management service contact our Derwentside Lettings Manager James Hall on 01207 240 040 or email: james.hall@northeastletting.co.uk

DERWENTSIDE GETS ITS FIRST PERSONAL LETTING AGENT

Administrator — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:36:09 +0100

One of the regions leading independent letting agents and property management specialists, North East Letting has launched their first personal agent scheme in Derwentside, County Durham.

Rather than having multiple costly branches throughout the region North East Letting has developed a unique concept in letting. Managing director Adam Jackson explains, “The property market is constantly changing and the world of lettings is moving faster than ever before which is why we don’t want our agents sitting behind desks in expensive offices, we want to provide a fast efficient and most importantly a personal service to Landlords and Tenants”. Many clients can become frustrated when they ask an agent to value their property or try to arrange a viewing only to be told that the diary is full and someone will get back to them…A Personal Agent will already be working in the area daily and will be ready to respond immediately. Each agent will have their own mobile office consisting of a smart phone with internet access, applications forms, brochures and facilities to take credit and debit card payments meaning clients do not need to visit an office and the whole letting process is greatly speeded up benefiting Landlords and Tenants.

Derwentside will see its first personal agent, James Hall working with Landlords and Tenants from August, James comments, “I am really excited by the new concept, it gives me the opportunity to work more closely with clients and with advances in modern technology I can have everything I would have back at the office with me”.

The North East has seen many new letting agencies come and go, however, clients can be assured North East Letting is here to stay. Established for nearly ten years North East Letting is not new to the property market, they have a wealth of knowledge and professional expertise combined with an honest attitude to every aspect of the business. With high profile local advertising, a daily updated website, a commitment to providing excellent customer service and as a member of the property ombudsman - North East Letting should be your first choice for letting and property management.

For further details please contact James Hall on 01207 240 040 or email james.hall@northeastletting.co.uk

DERWENTSIDE BRANCH

Administrator — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:59:48 +0100

Our new Derwentside branch will launch on 15th August 2011 - for more details or if you have a property to let in Derwentside call us today to take advantage of our special introductory offers - 01207 240 040

RENTALS MARKET GOING FROM STRENGH TO STRENGH

Administrator — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:43:41 +0100

The first week of July has not failed to impress with record enquires from tenants looking to rent quality properties. We are seeing an increase in enquiries at all price levels and in particular properties priced between £550 to £900 have secured the most viewings over the past week.

Properties located in County Durham have taken slightly longer to catch up with the demand we have experienced in Newcastle city and the surrounding areas, however demand throughout County Durham is now inline with our North of Tyne office in Newcastle.

Tenant type still remains mixed with a high percentage of tenants being classic first time buyers who are now renting. We are also seeing more properties let to families who have managed to sell their properties and are taking time to decide on their next move before committing to a new purchase, this coupled with tenanted properties remaining full as tenants extend their lease all adds up to demand outstripping supply.

We predict the demand over the next few months will remain extremely strong.

If you’re a landlord with property to let talk to our expert agents today on 0191 215 4560 or if you’re thinking of buying a property to let talk to us for expert advice on where to buy.

LANDLORD UPDATE

Administrator — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:57:59 +0100

June has been another incredibly busy month, with more and more tenants coming onto the market and properties being snapped up within hours. Some of our properties are not even making it onto our web site before being reserved.

We have hundreds of tenants on our database all looking for rental property across the North East, if you’re a Landlord with an empty property talk to our agents today, we are letting more and more properties everyday, the next one could be yours!

For further information on letting your property visit our services page above or call us on free phone 0800 612 5228.

DO YOU SELL OR DO YOU LET?

Administrator — Sun, 08 May 2011 09:42:19 +0100

Everyone will agree that the property market has been turbulent over the last 2 years and during this time many estate agents who before the property price crash simply sold properties are now an authority on lettings and management…or are they?

Landlords should be very careful when instructing an estate agent to handle the letting and management of their property. Agents who can’t sell property have turned their hand to letting property, but do they have the experience and industry knowledge to provide you with first class advice? Are they aware of the legal legislation involved with letting a property? Can they advice you on tax matters? Or do they simply see lettings as a quick and easy way to make some money while property sales are slow?

Lettings and property management are very different from selling a property – just because they both involve property doesn’t mean they are the same. A buy-to-let investment needs to be managed professionally, its not simply about arranging viewings and creating the tenancy agreement, its about providing the right advice to landlords and tenants, ensuring the right tenant rents the right property and the property must be professionally managed, not only to ensure the investment continues to generate an income for the Landlord but to ensure all legal obligations are met. The legislation for lettings is changing all the time, especially when it comes to maintenance, electrics and gas, you need to be confident that your agent is fully up-to-date with the latest requirements.

Landlords should also tread carefully when their current letting agent suddenly starts to sell property, after all you probably chose them because they specialised in lettings and not sales. Time and time again we hear from Landlords who are not happy with their current agent, most complaints revolve around lack of communication, slow responses to information requests, unorganised approach and the biggest complaint of all is when you’re promised a call back or email and it never arrives. Remember if your agent is not fully focused on lettings and management how do they have time to provide you with the service you expect?

North East Letting has always concentrated fully of lettings and management and providing a professional first class service to clients, that’s why since we began in 2004 we still only let and manage residential property and we’re proud of that.

We let and manage a wide range of properties throughout the North East, whether you have a studio flat or luxury country estate our service goes above and beyond what our competitors provide. We’re fully focussed on letting and managing your property.

If you would like to find out more about our service please call us on free phone 0800 612 5228.

EASTER & ROYAL WEDDING OPENING TIMES

Administrator — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:18:32 +0100

We will be operating reduced opening hours during the Easter break and Royal Wedding weekend.

The following dates and times apply to all branches:
Friday 22nd April - Closed
Saturday 23rd April - Closed
Sunday 24th April - Closed
Monday 25th April - Closed
Tuesday 26th April - Open 9am to 5:30pm
Wednesday 27th April - Open 9am to 5:30pm
Thursday 28th April - Open 9am to 5:30pm
Friday 29th April - Closed
Saturday 30th April - Closed
Sunday 1st March - Closed
Monday 2nd March - Closed
Tuesday 3rd March - Open as normal

SPRING HAS ARRIVED

Administrator — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:40:06 +0100

Normally the first signs of spring divert people’s attention from the doom and gloom of the winter months and bring moving to the forefront of their thoughts. This year we have been busy letting properties from the start of the year and it shows no signs of slowing down. The start of April has also been very busy with many properties being snapped up after only being marketed for a matter of hours, many lets have also been achieved before the property has even hit the market. However Landlords should remember that even in these very busy times for lettings tenants expectations are still very high, untidy properties, outstanding maintenance and poor quality furniture will still put potential tenants off and delay any let.

For details of our letting service for landlords please contact our letting team on 0191 215 4570 and if you’re a tenant looking for a new home why not start your search today by clicking property search above.

GOSFORTH PROPERTY OPEN DAY EVENT 2ND APRIL 10AM TO 1PM

Administrator — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:21:55 +0100

Looking to rent in Gosforth? Now you can from only £575pcm…

We have a range of fully refurbished, spacious, upper and lower flats available to rent immediately on Granville Road and Langholm Road (next to ASDA) in Gosforth.

Meet our agents on Granville Road this Saturday between 10am and 1pm and we will be more than happy to show you around all available properties. FREE high definition camera (per property) when a reservation fee is taken on the day!

For further details please contact North East Letting on 0191 285 4782

*Free camera will be given to tenant at time of check in, after all reference checks have been completed satisfactorily and all check in fees paid in full.

FANTASTIC TENANT SAVINGS...

Administrator — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:35:04 +0000

We are currently offering a variety of offers for tenants...from reduced admin fees and money off offers to freebies!

To find out more visit our special offers page: offers
or call our letting team on 0191 215 4570

*special offers are available on selected properties, please see offers page or individual property details for full information.

OUR NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Administrator — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:47:17 +0000

We are delighted to announce our two new apprentices have now joined the company. Rhys Burrell and Josephine Patton are currently working alongside our property management team, working towards their Apprenticeship. Managing Director Adam Jackson comments, "It's really important for us as a company to continue to invest in new staff, this is the first time we have employed apprentices and so far we are extremely happy with the progress, we are working with Tyne Met College to deliver the scheme".

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

Administrator — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:11:14 +0000

Due to the ongoing demand for rental property and our dedication to providing first class customer service we are recruiting several new members of staff. The first new team member is graduate James Hall. James is currently working alongside our letting team assisting with daily tenant viewings and enquiries. Welcome to the team James!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Administrator — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:02:35 +0000

2011 is here!!!! and its been none stop so far.....

With a record number of lets going through in just 4 days we're hoping 2011 will be an exciting year for all our clients.

NO DEPOSIT AND NO UP FRONT ADMIN FEE SCHEME NOW LIVE

Administrator — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:51:57 +0000

Information For Tenants
Our new unique zero deposit scheme is now available on all our managed properties.

There's no insurance premium to pay, no lengthy forms, no delays, no renewal fees and reduced admin fees (Option 2 only). Once our standard tenant reference checks have been completed you simply pay one months rent and then move into your new property and if you select our No Deposit Plus scheme there's no up front administration fee to pay either.

Information For Landlords
In the current economic climate many tenants want to rent and need to rent but are struggling with all the fees and costs associated with renting a property.

That's why we have created a unique fully guaranteed no deposit scheme, landlords don't need to worry as we guarantee all deposit payments meaning there is no change or risk to the landlord, infact its easier if tenants choose the scheme as we can release funds at the end of tenancy immediately should there be any issues. Unlike insurance based schemes which our competitors use our scheme will also release deposit payments for missed rent (up to the value of the original deposit amount).

Both schemes below are available for 6 or 12+ month tenancies. To use either scheme simply contact one of our agents on 0191 215 4570.

REVISED OPENING TIMES - SNOW UPDATE

Administrator — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:58:24 +0000

Our Gosforth and Newcastle branch have now opened.

If you are planning to visit either branch we would advise you to telephone first to ensure the member of staff you wish to speak to has been able to get into the office. Newcastle - 0191 215 4570, Gosforth - 0191 285 4782

Both branches may close early, therefore please check our news page and our home page for future updates.

REVISED OPENING TIMES - SNOW UPDATE

Administrator — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:12:31 +0000

Due to the current adverse weather conditions in the North East our Gosforth branch and Newcastle office are operating on revised opening hours as a number of staff travel from Northumberland and County Durham and are unable to travel. Please see below for current opening times (this will be updated throughout the day):

29/11/2010 - 09:07am
Gosforth Branch
Closed all day (if you're telephoning our Gosforth branch your call will be answered via our Newcastle office)

Newcastle Branch
Due to open at 9:45am

MAKE THE MOVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Administrator — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:56:17 +0000

There is still plenty of time to move into your new rental property before Christmas. We are still receiving a lot if enquiries from tenants who wish to move before the big day. Here are our five top tips to ensure your application runs smoothly:

1 - If you see a property you like make sure you pay your holding deposit as soon as possible, without this we are unable to begin our referencing

2 - Complete our online application form, this speeds up the entire process

3 - When completing the reference form make sure you fill in all the sections, empty forms will take longer to process

4 - Inform your employer that we will be contacting them to ask for a reference

5 - Have your I.D and proof of address documentation ready for copying

It generally takes 5-7 working days to complete our referencing procedures, by following the above hints and tips your application may well take far less time to complete.

NOW IS THE TIME TO LET

Administrator — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:36:42 +0100

Many property owners assume that once we enter autumn the rental market starts to slow, however with current house sales at an all time low more and more people are choosing to rent and there are no signs of demand fading. We are registering tenants daily, all wanting to find their perfect property. Here are our top five tips to ensure your property is snapped up...

1) Use an agent who can guarantee your property will be marketed to the widest possible audience, that should include on-line and newspaper advertising.

2) Make sure your property is presented to a high standard. As a minimum the property should be fully cleaned throughout, gardens tidied and any debris or old furniture removed.

3) Ensure you or your agent markets your property at the correct price, although there may be lots of tenants looking for property you still need to be realistic with your asking price.

4) Tenants should be fully reference and credit checked, if you're using an agent make sure you ask what checks will be carried out. This should include, full credit and fraud check, CCJ check, employers reference, previous landlord reference and a bank reference if applicable.

5) Finally flexible viewing times are essential. If you're conducting your own viewings you must be available to carryout viewings at short notice, if a tenant wants to view your property you must not allow them to slip through the net otherwise they will view your competitors property!

THE SEPTEMBER RUSH

Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:15:29 +0100

September has been another very busy month with more tenants than properties it's been a great month for landlords!

Tenants on the other hand have experienced a shortage of property with many tenants being disappointed as property is being snapped up, often without a viewing going ahead!

Our advice for tenants still needing to secure a property is to make your decision quickly as you may lose out on renting the property you want.

Our advice for landlords with empty properties is to talk to us today as we have many tenants still needing to rent a property.

For further information on the services we can provide please call us on free phone 0800 612 5228 or 0191 285 4782.

GOSFORTH BRANCH GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Administrator — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 11:36:33 +0100

Our relaunch event at our Gosforth branch has been a great success with a record week of new properties and completed lets. In the last week we have taken instructions from 14 new landlords with new properties to let across the region. New branch manager Stephen Evans commented, "We are delighted with the response from new and existing clients who have visited the branch".

The Gosforth branch is currently running special offers for landlords and tenants until the end of August - call or pop in today!

North East Letting | Gosforth Branch
83 Great North Road
Grange Park
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 2DQ

Tel: 0191 285 4782

GOSFORTH BRANCH RELAUNCH EVENT

Administrator — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 11:16:31 +0100

Our Gosforth branch on Great North Road will be reopening on Monday 2nd August 2010 after an extensive refit. We are celebrating the opening with two fantastic special offers for landlords and tenants:

Landlord Offers - Property management from 5% pcm - Tenant find fee from £199+vat

Tenant Offers - Get a free* 8.1 mega pixel when you rent a property from our Gosforth branch

*Offer applies to certain properties only

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MONDAY 26TH JULY 2010 ONLY

Administrator — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 +0100

**EXCLUSIVE NOT TO BE MISSED OFFER**

This Mondays offer is exclusively for Tenants

Rent any property today and pay no admin fee on any property, remember this offer is available for today only and will expire at 5:30pm.

NORTH EAST LETTING BLOG

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

CAFELETZ NOW OPEN FOR LANDLORDS

A BUSY START TO JANUARY

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES 2011

DECEMBER SEES DEMAND CONTINUE

TIME IS TICKING IF YOU WANT TO MOVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

STRONG START TO NOVEMBER

RENTAL DEMAND SEES NO SIGNS OF SLOWING

DERWENTSIDE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!

DERWENTSIDE GETS ITS FIRST PERSONAL LETTING AGENT

DERWENTSIDE BRANCH

RENTALS MARKET GOING FROM STRENGH TO STRENGH

LANDLORD UPDATE

DO YOU SELL OR DO YOU LET?

EASTER & ROYAL WEDDING OPENING TIMES

SPRING HAS ARRIVED

GOSFORTH PROPERTY OPEN DAY EVENT 2ND APRIL 10AM TO 1PM

FANTASTIC TENANT SAVINGS...

OUR NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

HAPPY NEW YEAR

NO DEPOSIT AND NO UP FRONT ADMIN FEE SCHEME NOW LIVE

REVISED OPENING TIMES - SNOW UPDATE

REVISED OPENING TIMES - SNOW UPDATE

MAKE THE MOVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

NOW IS THE TIME TO LET

THE SEPTEMBER RUSH

GOSFORTH BRANCH GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

GOSFORTH BRANCH RELAUNCH EVENT

**EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MONDAY 26TH JULY 2010 ONLY**

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MONDAY 26TH JULY 2010 ONLY