E S TAT E A G E N T S A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E
MEET THE ESTATE AGENT What is it that makes a good estate agent? Some of Cardiff’s best tell us what they do – and why you should use them
BRADLEY DAVID
SARAH JONES
So – how long have you been established? We have been established over 20 years with our office in North Cardiff, strategically placed in the heart of Whitchurch Village. We are a local family-run business, living and working in the area.
What do you specialise in? Moginie James has five offices across Cardiff, each specialising in residential sales, lettings, property management and investment markets. I specialise in lettings, but my experience of working in sales in the past has come in handy in our busy, dual-discipline, bilingual office in Pontcanna. As well as being named Cardiff Life’s best estate agent of the year 2016, I feel particularly proud to work in the Pontcanna office, as we are currently rated 8th best estate agent in the UK for customer service by RaterAgent.
We recommend works that need to be carried out, which have to be orchestrated in a timely fashion before the new tenants take occupation. Alongside the two processes, I check everything to ensure that the landlord, and ourselves, remain compliant in terms of our legal and statutory obligations which can involve checking gas safety, PAT certificate, EPC, electrical certificate, HMO licence if applicable and Rent Smart registration. I then draw up the tenancy agreements and liaise between all parties to ensure the move goes well.
What does your role involve? Before our new tenants move into the lovely new homes that we’ve found for them, they have to undergo a stringent referencing process which includes credit, affordability and employment checks and a landlord reference. We monitor all these checks, and continually update the landlord. While this process is ongoing for the new tenants, there is a simultaneous ‘move out’ process going on for the outgoing tenants which involves a thorough final inspection and check-out report.
What is the biggest misconception surrounding what you do? I’m sure many people think we simply show a potential tenant a property, they like it and move in. In reality, however, there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than people realise (as above)! The property rental market is hugely diverse and due to the nature of lettings, there is always a time element in everything we do, which is what I love so much about my job – no two days are the same and I love the constant challenges in each new day!
Chambers Estate Agents Tel 02920 522106 chambersestateagents.co.uk
What do you specialise in? We have dedicated departments specialising in the complex world of property, residential sales, new homes, commercial, residential lettings and property management, to ensure the best possible service at all times. What is your favourite element of the job? Our relationship with our clients and all matters relating to the property market. We are passionate and knowledgeable about the area, which is why we are certain to increase our clients’ opportunities to sell or let their properties.
RHYS GOULD
Head of Residential Sales Watts & Morgan Estate Agents Tel 01446 773500 wattsandmorgan.wales
Branch Manager, Moginie James, Pontcanna Tel 02920 344434 moginiejames.co.uk
76 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
How long have you been established? Established in 1857, Watts & Morgan is a one of a kind in South Wales. With a vast amount of local knowledge, we offer extensive services on virtually every aspect of property related matters: residential sales and lettings, commercial property and agricultural property markets. What is your favourite aspect of the job? Helping people. Moving can be a stressful experience, and I strive to assist my clients by taking away the stresses and strains of selling their home. I find it really awarding when clients have a positive experience, and are delighted with the service that my team and I offer. What advice would you give to potential buyers? Make sure you’re registered with an estate agent. If you are an active buyer in the market, we need to know your requirements and build a clear picture of what it is that you are looking to buy. Not every property goes on to the website portals (i.e. Rightmove and OnTheMarket.com) and we sell properties without them having to go on the ‘open market’.