Comprehensive Step-by-Step Training / Operating Manual plus All Documentation
Part of the Southcourt Letting Agency Business Package
Written in plain language, our Comprehensive Step-by-Step Training / Operating Manual represent a complete home study Letting Agent Training Course.
We explain in detail the complete Letting Agency procedures, from when the telephone first rings to when a tenancy ends, show you our tried and tested systems, reveal trade secrets and our essential 'Top Tips', and describe the most effective and successful practices and techniques in use in the business today.
We provide the essential blend of practical, legal and back-office know-how, guidance and support necessary to quickly build your own successful Letting Agency Business.
Now includes optional written exam. Manuals are continually revised and completely up to date* (260+ A4 pages in a specially made and printed hard cover top quality 4-ring binder).
*Once you have your Business Package you can keep up to date in our Members Area.
Below are some of the subjects we cover in detail -
Section 1 - Preparing to Trade
Overview of the rental market, recent developments
Planning for success - organising for a smooth and seamless start
Choosing a trading name, your business format, opening bank accounts, vat etc.
Organising communications, preparing the forms and documents
Key care, filing system, diary management
Business plan and cashflow forecast forms included...
Section 2 - Local Research
Researching your area through the eyes of a letting agent
Sourcing essential information including local rent levels, agency fees and charges
Specially designed research sheets included
Developing the right approach for your locality, defining your working area
Identifying and targeting the major sources of business
Learning from the competition, how to get practical demonstrations...
Section 3 - Marketing Strategy
Your Unique Selling Point (USP)
Exploiting your natural advantages as a small and independent agent
Why competition doesn't matter, and how to make it work in your favour
How to 'manipulate' your fees - less is more
Optimising your all important 'telephone image'
3 essential ingredients for success
Attractive incentives to offer landlords...
Section 4 - Practical Marketing
The Boost-Start Action Plan - launching your business quickly and inexpensively
Finding landlords without advertising, including local sources you never knew existed
How to have tenants calling from day one
The most cost-effective methods explained - don't waste money on the obvious
Numerous passive, active and proactive marketing methods detailed
Optimising your printed message and maximising advertising response
Winning ways on the telephone - turning 80% of calls into cash
How other local agents can help your business
Using the internet to your best advantage
50 cost-effective ways to reach landlords and tenants - many completely free
Securing repeat and follow-up business, again and again…
"We are now set up in the above premises, and I am finding the Southcourt Business Package a godsend. I recently attended a day course run by ARLA entitled 'A Practical Guide to Setting Up in Lettings'. It made me realise how much I had already learned from your business package, but more importantly it made me realise what excellent value the package is. To gain the same knowledge and get the same information would cost me thousands in courses, and even then I doubt it would be so comprehensive. It is my indispensible bible!"
Ms D Edgar More testimonials...
Section 5 - Taking on Properties and Meeting Landlords
The event sequence, choice of services offered
Types of accommodation, categories of landlord, importance of the agency agreement
Visiting the property and meeting the landlord, proof of ownership
Impressing landlords and maximising your credibility as an agent
Secrets of instant and accurate rental valuations
Rules of salesmanship that could win or lose you business
Giving professional advice and answering queries - even with your first property
Important safety issues, about bedsits, HMO's etc.
Enhance your image and profits by offering extras
How to to guarantee the landlords’ rent without risk…
Section 6 - Registering Tenants and Carrying out Viewings
Categories of tenants and those to aim for
Understanding tenants' priorities and satisfying their needs
Qualifying the applicants, horses for courses - matching tenants to properties
Sensible security precautions when arranging viewings
Know the dynamics - maximum viewings, maximum lettings, maximum fees
The right and wrong ways to conduct viewings
Local Housing Allowance (formerly DSS) claimants, the procedures and risks explained…
Section 7 - Pre-Tenancy Procedures
The sequence of events, taking precautions to avoid timewasters
Importance of the holding (reservation) deposit
Referencing (vetting) tenant applicants - several methods incl. the easy way
Which references are important and which are a waste of time
What to do and what to watch for, reading between the lines, applicant's affordability
Guarantors, credit checks, the other references, minimum requirements
Granting the right tenancy, about break clauses, completing the legal forms
Essential information about rentals and tenancy deposits
Unsafe practices and pitfalls to avoid
Company Lets, Holiday Lets, non AST's, Lodger Licences explained (agreements included)
Preparation of the property for letting, transfer of utilities, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Handling clients' monies and the tenancy deposit, money laundering regulations
Preparing the inventory & schedule of condition...
Section 8 - Managing the Property
The key to smooth property management - 50 properties feel like one
How to check for compliance with safety legislation - and ensure ongoing compliance
Checking the tenants into the property against the inventory
Processing of rentals - paying the landlord and yourself
Administering the client account, ongoing management procedures
Periodic inspections, rights of entry for agent and landlord, what to look for and what to do
Arranging maintenance and repairs, eliminating minor repairs for the landlord and yourself
Emergency action e.g. gas leaks
The correct ways to extend, renew or terminate a tenancy, statutory periodic tenancies
When and how to serve notices, rent increases, regaining possession
Importance of pre-checkout visits, checking the tenants out of the property - points to watch
The right and wrong ways to refund the deposit
Landlords' tax issues explained, overseas landlords and the CNR
Organising for success, bonus income opportunities you can exploit - easily and legally…
Section 9 - Important Health and Safety Requirements
Essential knowledge and practical guidance on compliance with safety regulations
Including Gas, electrical, furniture furnishings and fire safety
Smoke detectors, general product safety, duty of care
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)...
Section 10 - Troubleshooting
Effective handling of occasional problems, including
Dealing efficiently and effectively with late or non-payment of rent
Tenant causing nuisance or annoyance, criminal activities
Apparent abandonment of the property, tenant wishing to leave early
Landlord's failure to effect repairs
When and how to use Section 21 and Section 8 to end the tenancy, other issues...
Section 11 - Legal Knowledge
The legal side simplified; we explain in practical terms the essentials of over 30 acts of parliament and regulations affecting letting agents and landlords from safety regulations and consumer law, through relevant tenancy law and the law of agency to the more recent tenancy deposit protection regulations, and EPCs - all covered in understandable language...
Section 12 - Maintenance of Properties
How to spot and diagnose problems caused by damp in buildings, through condensation, leaking roofs, damp course breakdown, rising damp...
Section 13 - Trade Services, Suppliers, Professional Bodies, Specialised Information
Specialised suppliers, products and services for letting agents
Tenant referencing and specialised insurance services
To Let board suppliers, professional associations and how to join one, sources of grants
Safety inspection contractors, specialised software, further studies, keeping up to date
8 sources of additional income for letting agents
Course examination - check your knowledge
Further topics including holiday lettings, company lets, and lodger licences...
Section 14 - Document Completion Examples and Standard Letters
Document completion examples, standard letters…
…and much more |
