MANAGING THE RISK With Insurers facing ever escalating claims costs and clients demanding minimal premiums it is inevitable that those firms who are able to demonstrate superior claims experience and high quality risk management procedures, are those who will be most sought after by insurers. Due to the limited number of rated providers and the quality of data retained by insurers, it is highly likely that many underwriters will have received risk presentations from the same clients or prospective clients year after year. In some cases this can be through a variety of brokers which enables them to build a historic risk profile. With this in mind it is more important to demonstrate to insurers that firms have robust procedures in place which will prevent claims from happening, rather than insurers assuming that a firm simply may have been fortuitous in avoiding claims to date. Claims are seen from a variety of areas such as administrative errors, routine clerical mistakes, pressures of work volume, poor recording of client instructions, client selection, giving advice in areas without sufficient expertise, and training. Insurers should be advised that not only
have these risks been identified by firms, but that there is a culture of embedded risk awareness throughout the firm, rather than as an after-thought. Partners should be aware of their responsibilities, that there are procedures of risk management in place, and these are reviewed to ensure they are effective with a clear chain of responsibility with named individuals to ensure prevention, or early recognition of instance which may give rise to a claim. A good quality insurance broker will not simply gather information to complete the proposal form. They will take the time to discuss and understand their clients and potential clients’ business, and pass these positive features on to the insurers. There is of course a Commercial consideration for doing this, because they are looking to present clients in the best possible light and differentiate themselves, not just from competing brokers but also from any previous information an insurer may hold for a firm. For further information on any of the above content above please contact:Tristan Webb, Managing Director, Aspire Insurance Services Limited, 0845 270 6720
OPEN HOUSES A BIG HIT WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS Open house events are a highly effective way of selling your home and getting the best price in the current housing market, according to estate agency Fox & Sons based on Wimborne Road in Winton. The local team has seen an influx of buyers registering their interest in purchasing a home since the start of the year. Open houses offer a fantastic environment in which to showcase properties to their full potential and to as many buyers as possible; as well as getting the best price as buyers look to out-bid the competition. Indeed, Fox & Sons recently secured a sale for a property on Poole Lane in Bournemouth by holding an open day on Saturday 22 February which attracted a lot of interest from would-be buyers. “The housing market has changed so much over the last year, in fact it is almost unrecognisable when you consider there are now more, higher loan-to-value mortgages available and schemes like Help to Buy, both of which have culminated in many more buyers looking to purchase a home,” says Michael Stillman, Senior Negotiator for Fox & Sons. “A
different market requires a different approach to selling and open houses are a fantastic way for us to get the best sale for our vendors.” Fox & Sons’ open house in February enabled interested buyers to attend and have a good look round the fantastic property on offer. The team were available to answer questions and offer advice so potential buyers can take their time and look at everything the home has to offer. On the back of its success in selling the property on Poole Lane, Fox & Sons was instructed to sell the property next door. “I hope to help lots of sellers get the best possible sale of their property through one of our open house events,” Michael continues. “If you have a property to sell and would like to discuss holding an open house like the successful event we held on Poole Lane, please call the Fox and Sons office for a chat.” If you have a property to sell and would like to arrange a free market appraisal of your home, please contact the team on 01202 512606 or email: winton@sequencehome.co.uk
RENTAL DEMAND HIGHER THAN EVER After a very strong start to the year, Goadsby are in need of more rental properties in the local area. Jessica Morley is our Lettings Manager for Wimborne and Blandford and shares from an article she read on propertywire.com “New tenancies across the UK increased by 15% in the last 12 months. Buy to let mortgage applications increased by 17% annually as the appetite for property investment remains strong.” She adds “Anyone who hasn’t had dealings with the
rental sector would be forgiven for thinking it’s a slow market. This truly isn’t the case. We frequently find ourselves running very low on properties to offer good quality tenants. Generally speaking there is often more than one person wanting to apply for the same property, meaning many lose out and remain keen to find an alternate. We’ve also found that now the sales market is starting to improve, a number of ‘accidental’ landlords are selling their properties
after being forced to rent them at short notice - meaning there are more and more applicants fighting for the same properties as they become available. As an agent it is our job to ensure we obtain the right tenant for your property and is something we take very seriously.” If you are thinking of investing in the area or have a property that you are considering letting, please contact Jessica Morley in our Wimborne office on 01202 848984 or Jessica.morley@goadsby.com
Jessica Morley,
NEW ADMINISTRATOR JOINS WATERSIDE PROPERTIES Ashley French has joined the Waterside Properties (Bournemouth) Team as an Administrator to assist Will Wright at the office in Southbourne. She brings with her experience from a number of property sectors including PA to the Senior Partner of an Estate Agents, Surveyors and was a Relocation & International Assignments Advisor for a blue chip company, where she ran their Company House Purchase Scheme. Ashley lived most of her life near Guildford, Surrey until she spent weekends in Bournemouth. Ashley fell in love with the beautiful coastline and friendly Dorset people and finally moved here permanently in 2011. Will Wright (Director) of Waterside Properties (Bournemouth) has said “Ashley is a great addition to the team and with the help and support of the Waterside network we will be building her skills to get her out and about and gain those valuable instructions, sales and lettings.” Please do come to the office at 23 St Catherine’s Road, Southbourne to see what we have on the market for sale or let, or if you wish for a valuation of your property, the kettle is always on.
Wimborne Lettings Department
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