What makes a Good Agent?

How to tell if an agent is any good.

Firstly pretend to be a client.

Dorset Coastal Cottages Statements
Check by searching on Google type in holiday cottages Dorset or something similar and see which agents come up.
Dorset Coastal Cottages should come up on the first page. We often also have a pay per click advertisement.
Select a few and see if you like their websites test the ease of use and search facilities.
Our website is frequently voluntarily praised by clients.
Select 2 or 3 and ring the companies chosen: Ask for a brochure and note how long it takes to arrive. Send them an email and check the speed of response. Ring the enquiry line and give a difficult reservation request, check the charm, patience and knowledge of the staff.
We obviously hope you will ring us! Brochures are sent 1st class in next post. Our staff are good humoured, knowledgeable and local. They know the cottages.
Look in the national press and a selection of magazines to see if the agent appears.
We keep up a presence in quality weekend papers and magazines.
Now return to being the Owner: Ring the chosen agencies and speak to the person who deals with new properties. Ask what areas the agency covers and why what types of property they specialize in. How big are they, how fast have they grown. Do they know your area well?
Usually speak to Jeremy Smith. We have grown slowly as we only accept village or rural cottages/barn conversions within 10 miles of the Dorset coast in good locations, with gardens.
Who maintains the contact with owners?
Primarily office Manager Jennifer Owens.
Describe your property or ask advice about buying.
Jeremy can advise on suitability and knows the market.
Ask about typical occupancy (with full availability) on your (or intended) property.
Depending upon location we expect to let 20-30 full weeks plus 10-15 short breaks.
Ask what the commission rates are and what a typical return is to the owner, after commission but before other costs.
15% + VAT on School Holiday weeks and 20% + VAT on the remainder. A well-located 2 bedroom cottage should yield £13-14,000.
Ask for a prospective owners pack.
In the next post or view on line.
After reading it arrange for a meeting at the property.
Ring Jeremy (or Jennie or Charles) it is a family business!
Discuss all issues of housekeeping, gardening and maintenance. Ask how quality in general is maintained. Ask what help is available in the event of e.g. boiler breakdown.
There are tried and tested systems for all these issues. Questionnaires are sent to clients after their holiday. We man the phones every day and help the Housekeeper solve the problem.
Ask about restraints on Owner Bookings including periods of availability, subsequent Owner Bookings placed during the year.
There are virtually no restraints on Owner Bookings but we maintain the diary ring to see if the week is free and book it.
Enquire about timing of payments of rent does the agent hang on to your money?
Rents are paid to owners 8 weeks prior to the clients arriving.
How are client complaints handled?
Rapid response by Housekeeping Manager.
How are owner complaints handled?
Initially by Office Manager referred to Director as required.