Direct Dealing Versus Hiring a Letting Agent

By James L Harrison

Property sellers usually have to go through a series of complexities while renting out their home. Since people do not want to spend much in this age of recession, it is wise to give the house on rent rather than selling it on a cheap price.

Selling a house is becoming less attractive for property owners as compared to renting. Through renting, people are relieved to get a set income every month. Top of all, owners own their property and also gain returns on it.

Recession has made it impossible for property owners to get a good deal for their property. Hence, many are moving towards renting out their homes till they get the desired price for it. People, who need to leave their home for work purposes for a short period of time, can simply rent out their home. This is the best way of keeping their asset while getting a fixed income on it.

Property owners can select from two options, selection of either of which depends upon their convenience. One is that they can take care of the entire dealing with the buyers themselves, and can have a face to face meeting. It will give them the opportunity to judge the tenants personally and their decision making can become easier and quicker. Although it seems to be quite attractive and cost-effective, it can also put a large burden on the property owner.

Hiring a letting agent is the second option available for the property owners. The agreement decided between the two parties, that is, the property owner and the tenant, is done through the letting agent. They provide this service in the United Kingdom and compile up the agreement, known as the Tenancy Agreement, between both parties. For this service the letting agent charges a fraction of the monthly rent, as a fee.

Employing a letting agent tends to be more beneficial since they have the expertise and the skills to handle the responsibility. The job of the letting agent is to ensure that they select the right and trustworthy tenants for you. They have the skills and the experience to find out about the background of the probable tenant. Apart from this, they also have good public relations, which help them in circulating the news about the available property.

Usually, the services of the letting agents bring great advantages for the property owners since there is less hassle for them. The agents easily get the best tenants available at a good deal for the property owners since they have many contacts. Also, they make sure that the tenants are reliable, and get reference to confirm their profile. This job can be risky hence, should be done by professionals.

It would not be wrong to say that hiring a letting agent would be a better option if you can afford it while keeping the above points in mind. However, it is important that you hire someone reliable from a reputed agency.

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