| Author |
Message |
    
Letting
Concerns
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 10 December, 2003 - 01:47 pm:
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Dear all,
I have recently been looking into
running a letting agency,and have look at the Southcourt's Complete
Business Package i am wondering does this work is there any of you
out there that have used it and been successful by it. is there any
other good guide to help me set up. more to the point is it going to
be worth setting up this style of business any feed back much
appriated.
James |
Editor
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 10 December, 2003 - 02:30 pm:
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You may be lucky but it is unlikely that you will receive
feed-back from Southcourt clients on the Forum - they are probably
all too busy making a living to be providing answers here.
My
advice is to contact Southcourt and ask them to put you in touch
with some of their existing clients.
We have had very positive
feed-back in the past from some of Southcourt's clients, completely
unsolicited.
In my view this is a very professional service at a
reasonable one-off fee, unlike franchises where you are committed to
continuing payments. |
Letting
Concerns
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 10 December, 2003 - 02:33 pm:
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Thank you for your advice i am looking forward to
venturing into this new world |
blackie77
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Thursday, 11 December, 2003 - 02:27 pm:
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James, I´m in exactly the same boat as you. I am
seriously considering setting up my own letting agency. I´ve used an
agent for a few years now with 2 properties I have, and he makes
almost 100 pounds a month from me for doing almost nothing!
I
think I will do as "Editor" says and contact "Southcourts" direct as
I´m a bit unsure about shelling out 495 big ones.
Please use
this forum to share any info gained, and I will do likewise.
Good luck.
Blackie |
Sunny
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Sunday, 14 December, 2003 - 09:57 am:
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I was thinking about going for Southcourt's Package but
im in two minds, I would like feedback first from people who have
bought the package before I go any further. Its quite expensive
& not sure if it would be worth my while
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Deirdre
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Tuesday, 16 December, 2003 - 02:52 pm:
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I was also interested in Southcourt Complete Business
Package. I contacted them and asked if I could speak to their
clients re the package but this was not an option, although the guy
was quite helpful. Again I would be interested to hear comments |
amateur_landlord03
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 17 December, 2003 - 11:38 pm:
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I am also looking into the possibility of starting up a
letting agency? Initailly from home, and to manage my own
properties. How many packages does Southcourt have?
I am also
looking into packages that enable the letting agent to put property
details on a website, with easy to use features for landlords and
tenants?
Does anyone know an existing southcourt customer? So we
can "see what one gets", before parting with the cash.
Regards,
Av
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debycoles
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 17 December, 2003 - 11:40 pm:
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I too would be very interested in finding out users
comments on the training package. I asked for a sample lesson, or to
buy on a see and return basis but this was not allowed. I was
surprised because I thought that in buying anything unseen by mail
order that you were normally allowed 14 days or so to decide on your
purchase, or return it unused. This response from them did put me
off - if they are so confident in it, why not let me see some first,
or send it to me on a sale or return basis? I can't really afford
£495 if I find it is not for me when I see
it. |
Hang_Man
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Thursday, 18 December, 2003 - 03:40 pm:
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It could be a RIPP-OFF
They dont seem helpful
to me
I asked them weather they can give me a sample of a page
or something I can see
They wrote back that they cant do
such thing
only reply back if you are interested in buying
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Mike
Hathaway
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Saturday, 20 December, 2003 - 06:48 pm:
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Hi all
I've split this into 2 posts as it was
over the permitted size.
My attention has been drawn to this
discussion concerning our highly successful Complete Business
Package, http://www.lettings-opportunity.co.uk/ and having
read the above postings it is clear that some input would be
appropriate from Southcourt. I'll deal individually with the points
raised (sorry Editor - bit long I'm afraid):
Letting
Concerns
You ask of our Complete Business Package 'Does this
work?' The honest answer is 'No, not on its own -- you have to help
it along!' We have an extremely high success rate, but as with any
new business, without your own input of motivation, enthusiasm and
hard work it will fail. You ask 'Is there any other good guide?' No,
not from a practising UK letting agency, unless you fancy a
franchise. They start at £15K, and in my opinion are a total waste
of money.
blackie77
You are 'seriously considering
setting up my own letting agency', but are 'a bit unsure about
shelling out 495 big ones.' You need to ask yourself how seriously
you are considering. You're going to have to make a commitment, or
you'll foreverbe a wannabe. 495 is peanuts for such a comprehensive
and well-proven package.
Sunny
'quite expensive &
not sure if it would be worth my while.' 'Trading 11 months now, net
profit over £65K. Once again many thanks for...' Mr O, S London.'
I wonder sometimes if the doubts people have are really
about our Business Package, or in their own abilities.
Deirdre
We used to give out the phone numbers of agents
who said they were happy to receive occasional enquiries about our
Package, but we now rarely do so, because it has been abused several
times. Some callers, trying to obtain key information for free, ask
commercially sensitive questions about marketing methods and tricks
of the trade, which places the agent in a compromising position
('Southcourt said you would explain how this works...'). Others
simply prove to be very long-winded.
If our product was less
than genuine, do you not think I would have put my brother-in-law on
commission and be giving out his number to everyone?
continued... |
Mike
Hathaway
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Saturday, 20 December, 2003 - 06:52 pm:
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...part 2
amateur landlord03
Our Complete
Business Package is very popular and we have helped numerous
individuals and companies to set up in, or diversify into,
residential lettings & management. Many operate very
successfully from home. As for displaying property details, if you
look at one of the website designs we now include in the Business
Package, http://www.southcourtproperty.co.uk/ you'll see
that all of our properties are on the rightmove.co.uk website
(easily the busiest property portal in the UK). We'll show you how
to do this free of charge. Alternatively you can put them on your
own site as per this simple example: http://www.lettings-opportunity.co.uk/template1/properties.htm.
debycoles
Once again we have learned from experience on
this one. We used to offer a '30 day money back guarantee' but that
too was abused. Of the few packages that were returned, most were
pulled apart, some with photocopier feeder marks on the pages, and
the software had usually been read (and probably copied). We are not
prepared to tolerate this - we would rather lose a sale than have
our material stolen in this way. The Distance Selling Regulations
actually provide an exemption from return refunds for material which
is capable of being copied. But did you know that if you pay by
credit card, and have a genuine complaint (say goods misdescribed,
or not fit for the purpose) then the card company will always decide
on the consumer's side and you'll receive a full credit?
Ah!
Hang_Man
Last but not least! (Rip-off usually has just the one
'p' by the way). Do you really believe that the widely experienced
Editor of this superb site that is landlordzone.co.uk would
associate himself with, and give such a favourable write up to our
Complete Business Package, if there were any sniff that it was a
rip-off? I don't think so. 'only reply back if you are interested in
buying.' Well, we've all searched and searched, but cannot find that
or any similar phrase in our outgoing email records. Certainly
doesn't sound like the usual sales talk utilised by either me or my
staff, but if you care to forward the email reply that you speak of
to enqs6@southcourt.co.uk
I shall look into the matter. In the meantime, if anyone would like
a sample page they need only ask by email. Just say which of the 7
Sections of the Manual you would like it drawn from (see our
prospectus under 'Some of the subjects we cover...').
Have a
very nice Christmas holiday everyone!
Sincerely,
Mike
Hathaway (Proprietor)
Southcourt Property
Management |
(Contact details removed due to excessive emails) Property Management
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| Posted on Friday, 02 January, 2004 - 12:05 pm:
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Hi All.
I was very fortunate to come across
Southcourt, just before shelling out £12000 on a letting franchise.
I have now built up my business over the last 2 years with
Southcourt's help and haven't looked back. I can understand some of
you having doubts about it, but let me assure you it is by far the
best £500 I ever spent. I have now got over 60 properties on my
portfolio, still working from home and with lots of competition from
the high st! ( I work no more than 25 hrs per week )I also have Mike
Hathaway's help on the phone when ever I need any advice.
The
package has eveything you need to set up your own business. Please
email me on info@---------.com if you
would like any more info on this.
Paul ------
Proprietor
--------- Property Management. |
Chin
Hu
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Friday, 02 January, 2004 - 03:38 pm:
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sounds like a great idea to me. I know letting agents a very busy round my way. |
Steve
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Friday, 02 January, 2004 - 03:44 pm:
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Just to chuck in my two peneth. £500 to start up a tried
and tested business is cheap. A cynic like me might be asking why it
is so cheap. That wasn’t a suggestion that there is a problem with
the business plan though. I would suggest to any body that thinks
£500 is a lot of money to waste on a business that may not work
should not really be considering starting a business. Being self
employed or running your own business carries a certain degree of
risk and believe me, £500 is not a very large one.
If the
business is half as good as we are told, and I personally have seen
no bad comments about it, then anybody who at present uses a letting
agent to manage their properties would surely gain by being able to
do the job themselves. Apologies Paul F and the like, not trying to
take the bread from your mouths.
The following section has
been cut from Mike Hathaway’s reply and I think is the most
important answer he has given.
Letting Concerns
You ask
of our Complete Business Package 'Does this work?' The honest answer
is 'No, not on its own -- you have to help it along!' We have an
extremely high success rate, but as with any new business, without
your own input of motivation, enthusiasm and hard work it will fail.
--------- Property Management has come forward recommending
the package. If you are interested in this package may I suggest
that you look at their website and then look to see what the
competition is like in their area? Do your homework and be ready for
some hard graft getting set up.
For the record. I have not
seen the package, have nothing to do with Southcourt, nor have any
future plans in starting up as a letting agent.
|
(Contact details removed due to excessive emails) Property Management
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Friday, 02 January, 2004 - 04:47 pm:
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Dear all
Last year I looked into setting up a
Letting and Property Management company, and looked at all the
courses and business packages and franchises that were available for
such a venture. Franchises which can have many beneifts but do work
out very expensive, the cheapest I have found being approx £12,000,
money I didn't have to invest! I then found Southcourt Property
Management's Business package (purely by accident), called them up
and found out more info about it and had a hard long think...I
decided to go for it and purchased the package and I can honestly
say it has provided all the guidance, frame work and learning I have
needed to start my own business and successfully. You have to
remember just because you buy a business package it doesn't mean
that's your business set up and ready to go, Things just don't work
like that - if only!! Far from it, You have to do a lot of work in
setting your business up and getting a plan in order and ready to
go. There is so much to organise and arrange if you want it to be a
success. You have to decide on a name, get your stationary designed
and printed, set up your accounts, do all your market research,
advertising etc etc and the list goes on! Remember this package is a
guide to help you set up such a company the rest of the hard work is
up to you, if you have the drive, determination, creativity and some
business sense to succeed you can, and as the same in any business
the level of your returns will depend on the efforts you put in!
Continued on next posting.....
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----- Property Management
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Friday, 02 January, 2004 - 04:47 pm:
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I have found the course to be a well spent £500.00
without a doubt, Thats almost the same as it would cost you to see a
solicitor for a couple of hours!! - what you do with the information
and how you as an individual utilise it is entirely up to you. If
you want a package that is a do nothing successful busniess in a box
then this isn't for you - if you find such a thing please let me
know! If you're honestly serious about the property business and are
not expecting a quick buck then seriously look into this package,
those of you that think £500.00 is a lot of money for setting up a
business think again because the actual business, to be professinal,
will cost you a lot more (not as much as a franchise), and if you
don't realise this already then you shouldn't be thinking about it
to begin with.
We are based in Southampton, we have been
trading since last year and have seen some brilliant progreesion in
our company (not without the hard work though!), we have a good
sized client base and have recently secured a business deal with
Barratt homes throughout Hampshire, to be the sole agent for all
their investment buyers, a fantastic progressive step. Our
website is being updated in early Jan to be able
to cope with the new business influx. I can be contacted at ---@------propertymanagement.co.uk
if you require any more info, as long as it is basic and you are not
wanting any how too's and things, queries regarding the Southcourt
complete business package are most welcome.
Kindest Regards
Wayne -----
General Manager
(Contact details removed due to excessive emails) Property Management |
Jon
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Wednesday, 07 January, 2004 - 10:22 am:
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Thanks to everyone for there input on the Southcourt Letting
Package - I have just decided to purchase the package and would not
have been so enthusiastic to do so if not for your comments. I'll
give you an update when the future business is up and running!!
This time next year we'll be
milionaires |
kelly
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Sunday, 18 January, 2004 - 01:01 am:
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Jon is it any good? |
Lorraine
C
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Sunday, 18 January, 2004 - 12:34 pm:
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Hi All
I received my Southcourt Business Package
on 30 December 2003.
Having looked around for sometime I
found that a franchise was not an option for me as I didn't have a
spare £15-20,000! I came across the Southcourt package and read
through the prospectus several times before calling Mike to ask a
few questions. I found him helpful, friendly and professional.
I have 4 properties on my books so far and have another 2 to
view this week.
The package is comprehensive and very easy
to work from, the only other ingredient needed is your determination
and hard work for it to be a success. £495 for this package
represents fantastic value for money in my eyes and I'm sure I will
recover that cost in my first few months.
Highly
recommended!
Lorraine
------ Lettings
lettings@-------.com |
Hugh -----
Unregistered
guest
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| Posted on Friday, 30 January, 2004 - 03:22 pm:
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Hello
I thought I'd get involved in this debate
as I bought the Southcourt package last year and started trading in
July. I have let 10 properties and have over 20 on my books/website.
I work from home in an area where there is intense competition with
the 'High Street' agents. The niche I have found is that of personal
service, not lip service. I go the 'extra mile'(to quote one
tenant)to ensure an almost old fashioned service. My point? Quite
simply, the Southcourt Package does all it says it will and more.
However, nothing will be achieved if you procrastinate and dither.
If you are a positive, can-do, half full (and all the other
platitudes!!) type of person, you will succeed. If your not that
type of person, your are probably looking for excuses to fail! The
Southcourt package is a goldmine - grab it with both hands!!!
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