Client Round Up
2021
The Round Up COVID-19 still impacting on our High Streets, almost 2 years on. New OMNICROM variant hit the UK. Re-introduction of face mask wearing in-office and limited access for safety purposes. New way of working for Shepherds – see following pages Sales figures for 2021 – remain strong but are down on 2020. The market has remained fairly consistent throughout the year and sales have remained strong, with multi viewings and potential buyers going after the same property. Lettings – Equally strong and consistent throughout the year, but renters have been pickier and more selective. Market trends suggest through COVID, tenants have become more aware of their environment and what is on offer locally to them, should we revert to another lock-down.
New Technology for Autumn 2021 We are pleased to share some exciting news. After months of planning and many more months of integration, we went live on our new computer and property software systems in late autumn.
Whilst there were many tears and hiccups along the way, pushing staff to their limits, we are happy to say we are now fully operational. System advantages - As a fully cloud-based product, it does allow for access flexibility, through remote working, if necessary. In addition to the agent's upgraded functions, coming soon in 2022 will be the CLIENT LOGIN facility. This will give Vendors, Landlords, Tenants, and Buyers 24/7 access to: relevant sales & lettings progression, certain documents, certificates, statements, etc. So will become a useful addition for Sales Progression and for landlords accessing statements and current certificates.
2021 / 2022 Charity News
For the coming year, Teens Unite is our chosen charity, who offer support and experience days, arts and crafts, and a drop-in center for young adults, living with cancer and terminal illness. They are located in the old Hoddesdon Police Station.
Empty Property - Over Christmas
We politely remind landlords and vendors, if they have an empty property over the Christmas period, it is important that they check pipes and heating, to ensure the property does not freeze, which may cause a burst pipe or damage. It is advisable to keep heating on a low level during these times.
Christmas Shutdown and Proceedures Please note the opening times over Christmas. When our offices are shut, enquiries will still be monitored, as properties remain fully available on all portals. Urgent enquires will be responded to.
Lettings -
In the case of lettings, all tenants have 24/7 access to our out-of-hours reporting system
They have been provided with the Tenant guide to reporting protocol over the holiday period and what to do in the event of a real emergency. We remain fully contactable for tenants during this time. If there is a need to instruct trades during this time, we will follow our standard process.
Instructing Trades It has become apparent, due to the high demand of trades people, lack of materials and general shortages brought about by COVID, that prices everywhere have gone up, as have trade costs. We are obligated to use accredited tradespeople with the relevant qualifications and training, who can offer sufficient insurance liability cover. If landlords are unhappy with the trade services we use, we are happy to instruct any trade the landlord provides as their preferred trades people.
Payment of Trades Under the operating regulations of the new property software system we use, we are unable to pay any tradesperson unless there is sufficient funds on the rental account. For example, if a new boiler is required and costs £1800.00 and the rent expected for the month is £1000.00, the landlord would need to pay an upfront/on account payment to us or advise the tradesperson prior to commencement of the work, that they would be unlikely to receive payment for 60 days plus, as we can no longer ‘offer’ the facility of covering landlord expenses. Many trades would not work on a 60-day payment term; hence this is an important factor to consider.
Awards Earned in 2021 We have been blessed to win several awards this year:
British Property Awards, Best Letting Agent in Hoddesdon
British Property Awards, Best Selling Agent in Hoddesdon
London & South East Prestige Awards, Residential Estate Agents of the Year
Finally, we would like to wish all our customers a happy and prosperous 2022. We thank you for your custom and continued business and extend our best wishes to you all and your families. We hope you all remain safe and well.