Tag Archives: Castle Estates

26Nov 2010

The Castle Blog explained

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By Steve Roulstone

We have been operating our Blog now for over six months and I thought it time to put some explanation behind the near 50 blogs we have so far posted which will of course continue to climb as the weeks pass. The idea is to post blogs under specific headings, covering both Property Lettings and our Franchise so that all aspects of our business are covered. We could of course increase the number of headings and may do so in time, but I feel we have managed to cover the whole aspect of our industry within the headings used, so I feel, to use a well known saying,  we can indeed claim to deliver, exactly what it says on the tin! So the individual headings:

Franchise News

‘The tin’ in this case is anything revolving around the running of the Franchise, including Industry news and views. The recent National Franchise Exhibition for example was always going to be linked as Franchise News, as are reports concerning the Lettings Industry such as trading trends, or anything which affects our group nationally, such as the recent Launch of our new ‘To Let’ boards. It has also included Blogs about our trading partners such as the banks, as well as training related news.  

Rental Issues

This is the section that sweeps up all breaking news surrounding Letting property, including legislation, where it is being reported in its broadest sense, rather than the effect any legislation has on property or Landlords. It could also be described as the Tenants section, not purposefully, but when I look back at Blogs that have been included in this section information relating to Tenants does appear in this section more often than elsewhere!

Property Landlord advice

This can rightly be described as the main section and has been left to last intentionally. This is the main reason the blog was created. Customers for Letting Agents are, by law, our Landlords (Because we act under the law of agency on the Landlords behalf) It is under this section, that the intention was from the start to advice and inform the Landlords throughout the UK of the problems and trends affecting this industry of ours, to keep them well informed and in tune with market trends. Under this section we have written Blogs covering legislation effects, housing opportunities, warnings about property scams, explaining about our Industry and how we operate and the advantages of the services provided through Professional agencies.

In summary

I hope that helps and I hope it assists you in finding the posts that are more relevant to you as individuals. In writing and reviewing our Blog, I have noticed how many times we use the word professional. I do not apologise for this, rather, I expect we will continue to promote Professionalism in our industry. Enjoy reading them and please let us know your thoughts or indeed requests for further information or new topics for us to add. and finally, Thanks for visiting our site.

16Nov 2010

Franchise News: New Board Launch

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By Steve Roulstone

Twice a year all of the Castle Estates offices get together for a Network Day and later this week we will be holding our autumn meeting in Birmingham. These are days that I always look forward to and once again we will have a busy day ahead of us, with presenters from all aspects of our Industry and new ideas being discussed whilst old acquaintances catch up with each other.

Network Day agenda

We will be looking at new Landlord marketing ideas as well as reviewing the plans discussed last Spring, discussing the Tenants Deposit Scheme with a senior representative from one of the Government approved schemes, looking at how an Insurance and Referencing Company who we do not currently employ can possible give us better service and discussing new training methods as well as catching up with the current training schedule and planning. Not forgetting to mark the progress we continue to strive for in our web profile. A busy day for all!

Board Launch

But the most exciting part of the day for me, will be the launch of our new ‘To Let’ board, pictured above. Of course, as offices have needed to replenish supplies, they have started to use the new board over the last two months, but we still need to mark that official moment in time when the old boards are no longer available and because we have advertised the event, with most offices having the ability to comment about the design over the last six months, our offices will be ready for the change and order new stock without delay.

Marking the new era.

This is what is most significant for me, as a group we are now focused with the future in mind and the new board for me is the centre of that focus, significant in its message and new style of design, it mirrors the way in which Castle Estates has changed over the last 18 months and is a visual declaration of our intent to move in to a new era of style and Management. Bring on the future!

21Oct 2010

Franchise News: Franchising appealing to younger entrepreneurs.

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By Steve Roulstone

I have been attending the National Franchise Exhibition for several years now and there is no doubt in my mind that the age of those attending is dropping year by year, with for me, a definable difference this time around. I have already commented in these posts that the quality of attendee was very high this year and therefore having spoken to many people between twenty and thirty years of age, it confirms that the younger entrepreneur is no different in researching the potential offered by Franchising than anybody else.

Recognition for the Industry.

I have searched the internet for proof of my beliefs through the written word or quoted statistics, but can find nothing to back up my feeling, but for me, being convinced through what I experienced myself, it looks as if the facts behind the ability for Franchising to offer such a higher success rate for new Business is beginning to be seen and hopefully appreciated by a younger market.  

New Initiatives?

And with new initiatives supporting  the Industry due to be announced  in November as well, although as yet the context and content is not known, good support schemes can only legitimise the Franchising route to being the owner of your own Company for a wider market of would be entrepreneurs.

Age should be no barrier.

It is of course just as important for us to treat everybody in the same way when as Franchisors we look at the attributes of every applicant we see, regardless of age or any other definable characteristic. But experience has to be taken in too account and without being ageist, I will continue to consider the individual qualities of every potential Franchisee I meet. It would be a tough call if like the X Factor, I had to recommend to somebody that they ‘Came back next year’ or something similar but because Franchising is very much a two way street, I would continue to take this approach with everybody who approaches us.

Franchising will be the benefactor.

But normal evaluation aside, I firmly believe that a younger more dynamic age group seriously considering our market place has got to be good for the whole industry. Whatever sector is considered, a drop in the average age of Franchisees has got to be welcomed.

01Oct 2010

Franchise News: The Importance of Block Management.

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By Steve Roulstone

When considering a Franchise in any industry, there may be more than one way to generate income that may be available through the business to hand. The Lettings Industry is one of those industries and it is Block Management that is a natural outlet for any good Letting Agent.

A natural fit

What needs to be recognised at the start is whether the Franchisor is happy for additional industries to be part of the Franchisees business. At Castle Estates we not only allow but actively encourage entrepreneurs to get take advantage of any opportunities that come their way and will actually offer training as part of the Franchise.

Landlords want our help.

And that is the point, it is normally Landlords who ask for our assistance as many traditional Block Management Companies are somewhat distant from the communities they serve and by being the Local Agent who services the area concerned, Letting Agents can offer a better feel and better communications for the leaseholders involved. Now from where I look at this, if a Landlord approaches my Company and asks for help and I can offer that help, then I do not want to be the person who says no!

And we have the knowledge.

But because our main field of operation is the Lettings Industry, it does not mean that we cannot supply something extra, in fact, I would go as far as to say that Letting agents can make better Block Managing Agents, because in a market so heavily populated by Buy to Let properties, our knowledge can offer better solutions to situations simply because we do know what to do in such scenarios.  

Giving better advice.

Only this week, I was present at an Annual General meeting where a question was raised about HMO’s on site. Now this happens to be an area that I have a good depth of knowledge and I was quickly able to confirm the law relating to this situation, ensuring that safety was maintained for everybody living in this block. Now Block Managing Agents may already know the answer and some surely will, but my guess is there are as many as would not recognise this potential problem and would not be able to supply the correct answer.

Resulting in Additional Income.

So look at the possibilities, diversification is good in any business and I believe by encouraging involvement in this sector, allowing our Offices to earn additional income and spreading the earning potential in a field which sits so well with our industry, we are adding another worthy string to our bows.

15Sep 2010

Franchise News: Training Letting Agents.

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By Steve Roulstone,

Business develops so fast today, that no matter what industry you are in, training and ensuring Staff and Company systems are at the front end of both Business and people trends has never been so important. When I first started in business in the mid 70’s nothing really changed for many years and whilst you had to be much smarter to be ahead of the field, today we need to be aware of the possibilities that the electronic age has afforded every business in the world.

How to achieve the best return.

This is where I believe Franchising really delivers results. There are of course many scenarios where Companies get together to train their staff. But the only situation where it matters so much to every outlet or office, that I am aware of is Franchising.

Because it matters!

Franchising delivers because the people who are being trained need and appreciate the importance of delivering whatever they are being trained for, to ensure their business continues to perform and stay ahead of the competition. Of course some multi outlet National Companies are managed by people who also care, but I seriously doubt they care as much as those who have put their own future on the line by starting their own business!

The links that make the difference.

Of course there are as many who do so, on their own, but that is where they differ and would struggle to be so well informed. Franchise organisations have the not insignificant backing of the Franchisor, who can arrange training at reduced and more cost effective rates, and because it is not only in the interest of the Franchisor that the business succeeds, but also that they stay ahead, the Franchisee can rest assured that the training will be offered when needed and by professionals.

Hence the difference.

I do of course recognise that Franchising does not suit everybody, but what it does do is offer more than just a system and knowhow and through the training offered, it can ensure that a business that is Franchised is kept at the top of the pile, and of course run by people who really care about the success it achieves.

02Sep 2010

Rental Issues: Tenants status with Letting Agents.

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By Steve Roulstone

Welcome to another heading in my Blog, highlighting issues and hopefully clarifying same for the better understanding of all concerned. My first Blog concerns the position of the Tenant when they are dealing with Letting Agents. It is something that I do not think is explained often enough and only with better understanding will problems that occur regularly be removed.

The Agent in Law.

As the link above demonstrates, when Letting Agents sign a contract with Landlords who employ them, they are both confirming the services they will provide and through this document confirming that we stand as ‘Agent of the Landlord’ in this relationship. This means that we are employed by the Landlord and in seeking a Tenant for the property concerned, we are providing the service highlighted in the contract.

The Tenants position.

We do not sign a Contract with the Tenant and therefore our relationship is totally different, especially in the eyes of the Law and that is important, because in being party to a contract with the Landlord, it is through the Law that our actions for the Landlord may be judged. The contract the Tenant signs is either 1) The Tenancy agreement confirming their status in the property concerned, how they will and must perform and equally how the Landlord will and must perform, but only in relation to the property concerned. Or 2) What we at Castle Estates call our terms and Conditions, which is also about being sure the Tenant is aware of how the process of becoming a Tenant works and again what is expected of them during the Tenancy.

In Summary for the Letting Agent.

 When I went through my initial training with Castle Estates I was given a way of summarising where we stand as Letting Agents in this triangle of relationships and it has never been surpassed as the best and easily understood way of describing it. A Letting Agent has a duty of responsibility to the Landlord and a duty of care to the Tenant. This is a statement that I have used on many occasions, not lightly, because I firmly believe in both parts and it is important that Letting agents provide both with integrity. But if this was explained to Tenants more often, then they would be better informed to understand the duty we perform in carrying out our role as Letting Agents.

09Aug 2010

Franchise News: The role of the Banks in your Business.

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By Steve Roulstone

When looking at any Franchise venture, is it important to speak with more than one Bank, or even any Bank at all if your finances are in good order? I believe the answer is a definite yes! By speaking to the Banks you will get advice from people who look at Franchise opportunities in all available types and formats of Franchising.

They know what they are doing.

Not only are you going to get good advice, but you will also get a good idea if the plan that you have put together makes good sense and follows the path that you would be expected to achieve from the organisation you are planning to join. I would say whether you need finance or not, this is a vital part of your Business strategy. To get the seal of approval from experts, I would suggest, should be part of what you need to achieve as you get closer to making that all important change in your life. 

Because they know what you are doing.

The reason is two-fold. Firstly, the Banks that we at Castle Estates would introduce you to, are the specialist Franchising Banks, where they not only look at business plans for Franchising, but understand the business itself, by investigating our systems, targets and objectives before you even speak to them. So they know us and can therefore tell you if your plan is in line with how the Franchise operates.

Because you know what you are doing!

Secondly, because they are so specialist, by getting that seal of approval from a Franchising department, it means that you will understand the operation you are putting together and therefore have good control of your whole business plan, costs and sales objectives.  The professionals that will discuss your budgets and plans know what to ask and how to judge your work and will not give any approval without confirming both the content and you as an individual.

All assistance gratefully received.

So why miss out on an independent review of your plans! I used this opportunity when I first started, even though I have did not need financial assistance from my Bank, because I recognised that the relationship could be both informative and important in the years ahead, which is exactly how it has developed. When I looked to purchase the Franchise, my Bank gave me the assistance I needed to get through the initial twelve months and I would state that it all started with that initial contact and seal of approval!

03Aug 2010

Property Landlord Advice: The Best Letting Agent in the world.

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By Steve Roulstone

 Property Letting has come of age in the last ten years, certainly when you consider the amount of legislation which has been introduced, from the Commonhold and Leasehold reform act of 2002, through the Housing Act of 2004 and the implications on legislation for Houses of Multiple Occupation, Tenancy Deposit Scheme, Housing Health and Safety ratings system and The Home Information Pack to name a few.

 Landlords first and foremost.

But none of this has changed what we set out to do as Letting Agents. Namely, Rent a property! But not just that, as agent of the Landlord, we look at renting property with our duty of responsibility to the Landlord, correctly, uppermost in our actions.

 Agreement from Castle Estates

Residential Lettings now requires a level of professionalism never before seen in a property agent and at Castle Estates we believe that it is right and proper that the bar has been lifted and we all seek to give increased levels of service to match what Landlords rightly seek in today’s competitive market.

 Our aim is the same.

Whether a stand alone Lettings Agent, or part of a group of National Letting Agencies Landlords expect us to both be aware, and able to advice not only on legislative changes, but also on issues surrounding rulings made as the legislation finds it way in to the courts and ‘Test Cases’ reach completion.

 Make the move together.

So at Castle Estates we promote the notion that when Letting Agency is referred to as an industry, that people see more and more that we are both professional in knowledge and outlook. So I look forward to the day that all Property Agents are striving for the title of the Best Letting Agent in the world.

19Jul 2010

Property Landlord Advice: Advertise on the Web or in the Press?

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By Steve Roulstone

House or Flat to Rent?

How do you advertise on behalf of your Landlord, hopefully in a manner that keeps them happy and feeling that you are looking after their property, but does that mean we have to continue to advertise in traditional ways?

Houses to Rent or Flats to Rent?

Where do you look if you want to rent a property, my point is that so often it is a different source than where you would want to advertise if you have a property to rent! So Landlords and Tenants want to see their properties listed in different sources, Tenants will utilise the web for their search and Landlords so often want to see us present on such portals as Rightmove, but still want to see the property listed in the local papers and here is the dilemma.

Breaking News: Press turns to the Web!

Because I travel the country speaking to National Letting Agency offices, I have the opportunity to ask what local trends in the Residential Lettings market are and more and more where the income from advertising matters, local press are opening their own web sites, because we are all turning away from Paper advertising. The reason is simple, they are far too expensive even set against Rightmove charges (and I do not say that lightly!)

We only want to Rent the House or Rent the Flat, Honest!

And that is the whole point, we need to convince our Landlords that we only have their interest at heart, because if you are in an area where paper advertising still leads the way, we will still advertise in the papers. In the meantime we need to collect facts and figures to give the story behind the trends, and convince our Landlords that papers listings are no longer needed.

The answer is in your Landlord rights

But in doing the right thing our whole aim is blown apart, for it is my belief that our problem lies with where Landlords look for Agents to see who to contact and it is only in our listings of Flats to Rent and Houses to Rent that they find us, so I have just blown my own recommendation out of the water, because while Landlords still answer the question ‘Where did you find our name’ with the answer, ‘in the local paper’ the press will still get my money!!

14Jul 2010

Franchise News: The importance of looking the part!

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By Steve Roulstone

That all important first impression.

Every Company providing services today and Letting Agents are no different, need to make a good impression from the start. This means when Tenants are looking for a property to rent they will make a decision about your Company, the moment they walk through your front door. This is human nature!

Landlords know as well.

 And Landlords know that Tenants (as the customer in the triangle) will make this judgement, so they are doing the same. So what do we need to do to look the part and give a good impression? Well I do not apologise for my recommendation here, because tried and tested methods are exactly what they say on the tin; tried and tested!

 Want to let your house?

 Then present the office in the same way! An office can be full of modern furniture and new technology, but unless it looks tidy and well presented, will it make a good first impression? I say no, simple rules of tidiness such as empty desks when staff are out and just like a well presented property at a viewing (did you see the link coming?) you will get that good impression. And I have not forgotten that what applies to the office applies to your staff as well, but let’s concentrate on the office today.

 Not magnolia again!

 Oh yes, the reason we letting Agents recommend neutral colours stands just as well in our offices, we do not need to make bold statements with challenging colours, or different colour schemes with furniture that does not match. Why? Because we need it to look good, in exactly the same way we look to market a property. So if you want to give the right impression, keep it clean, keep it tidy, and present it ‘neutral’.

 Old rules are good rules.

 We do not need to re-invent the wheel when making an office look professional, we just need to do our job. If we tell Landlords how their property should look to achieve a good Tenant, after all ‘The better the home looks the better the Tenant will appreciate the home’ then we should do the same and again, I believe this simple rule applies to both.