ExperienceChestervideo

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Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub – making my business stronger

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As The Guardian goes on to state, “ Relocation agents, who deal with wealthy clients have been around for years, typically sourcing properties for cash-rich, time-poor executives relocating to a different part of the country. As well as finding potential properties, they negotiate tenancy terms, often help with a family’s educational requirements, and even sort out the logistics of the move.”

“But, on the other side of the divide – where tenants with little money are looking for the very cheapest accommodation – there are a growing number of companies describing themselves as “relocation agents” who simply make appointments, and charge for doing so.

Legally, letting agents aren’t allowed to charge tenants to register or to see a list of available properties. But the companies advertising these tiny – and for London, relatively cheap – properties, claim they don’t receive any payment or commission from landlords.

And that means they are exempt from the rules letting agents must stick to. Instead, they call themselves “introduction” or “appointment making” services, or “relocation agents” and say they work for the tenant, not the landlord.”

I believe there’s a place in the market for both types of agent provided the client (and the    landlord) understands who the agent is working for (usually which party is paying);          being clear of loyalties and avoiding conflicts of interest.

However the role of a Professional Relocation Agent, otherwise known as a Home-Search Consultant or Property Finder, is more than simply an appointment making service and acts solely on behalf of the client – the property ‘hunter’. The role is governed by the ARP (Association of Relocation Professionals) and members of the ARP, such as myself,  have to follow a robust process to join the Association. This includes signing up to industry regulators including Anti-Money Laundering, ICO (data protection), Property Ombudsman and also have appropriate levels of Professional Insurances. Members must also follow the ARP Code of Ethics as well as  other codes relating to the property industry, to safeguard ourselves and clients.

That said, good Relocation Agents will work closely with estate agents and Professional Landlords respecting each other’s boundaries; developing good relationships benefits both  client and the vendor/landlord. These could include greater flexibility with viewings, access to properties not on the open market, more informed, and often, successful negotiation strategies. Good news for all in the property market if it keeps properties moving.

Source: The Guardian 23 Jan. 2016

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For those looking for a property within a certain area, they will benefit greatly from someone who is an experienced property finder in that specific area, having location specific knowledge which will give them an edge in finding the right property. This will also give them the added advantage of knowing the more expensive and cheaper areas, as well as what properties have sold for in these areas previously. They can help you build a realistic picture of the best home for you and your needs, building a vision that will also help you decide on the exact property and location that will be suitable. Once they have a real grasp on you and your family’s needs, they will be able to make suggestions and question any decisions that you make – it is often very helpful to have a third party on board to make sure that you are not turning a blind eye to problems just because you have fallen in love with a certain property or area, no matter what.

Paying a fee to hire a property finder can more often than not end up saving you money. If you are relocating to another part of the country then using a property finder will help save you a small fortune on travel costs and hotel bills too. You will be able to specify timeframes and make sure that everything works out to your requirements, thus saving you time and stress also. They will consider your long term goals and help make decisions that financially depend on and favour these.

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