Would My Client Rent a Flat Like This?

It’s a Monday morning in January and I’m waiting for an estate agent to arrive to show me around a 3 bedroom flat in a leafy part of Central London. On first impressions I’m feeling positive; the road is in a great location and the private entrance looks good. Once we go inside I’m impressed by the large drawing room, and a kitchen bigger than any of the last 10 places I’ve viewed. I’m not so impressed by the more than slightly dated bathroom and the garden that looks like it hasn’t been lucky enough to be visited by a gardener in a few years. Out comes my camera, and my notepad.

Sadly I’m not looking for myself, but on behalf of a client with a lack of time and a long list of requirements that need to be fulfilled. I search for properties for my clients, email them detailed property summaries of what’s available and view the places they pick out. I even take my own set of ‘candid’ photographs of each property which I then send through to my client as soon as I leave the front door. It appeals as my clients cut out the long hours of viewing properties that would never make it to their short list and are just left with things that really match their requirements. It’s perfect for the person who doesn’t want their limited spare time on a Saturday spent visiting a list of properties as long as their arm!

What can be the problems of searching for property on behalf of someone else? A client that has an unrealistic view of what is available can be difficult, along with a budget that is too low to come up with what they have in mind (although I’d like to, I can’t perform miracles). It’s also important to get into the mindset of the client; what we might like personally can be a million miles away from the preferences of a client.

Searching for property is greatly rewarding and one of the favourite parts of my job. I enjoy finding out exactly what’s on the market, viewing some wonderful properties in London, and reporting back to my clients. The best part though is when a client calls to say that they’re going to rent something I have found. Then the work starts organising their move…..

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A guest post by Emma Fletcher, Director of a London based Lifestyle Management company, providing PA & lifestyle management services to clients on an hourly basis with no membership fee. Follow My Lifestyle PA on Twitter or call 0300 900 1000 for more information.