A little more than a year ago, two good friends and former work colleagues decided to utilise their 40+ years’ combined experience within the property rental market by launching their own property lettings agency, writes Matthew Robinson.
King Lettings is the Knutsford-based mobile property lettings and management company jointly owned by Dawn Smith and Elayne Bagnall, both of whom previously worked for Meller Braggins estate agents, and both of whom possess considerable experience in this sector of the property market.
Knutsford resident, Dawn, a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (MARLA), said: “Whilst we focused primarily on the Knutsford and Wilmslow areas initially, already we are managing properties throughout Cheshire and south Manchester.”
Elayne, from Mobberley, is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). She told me “Most of our new business is coming via ‘word of mouth’, with existing customers recommending us to their families and friends.”
Setting up a new business in any market sector, at any time, is a demanding prospect but Dawn and Elayne have gone about the process in a very methodical and effective manner and this is reflected in the rate of growth achieved, which has exceeded their first year expectations.
“By working from home initially we are able to keep our overheads down to a minimum” Dawn explained. “And we are passing on the cost-saving benefits to our clients. Currently, we are offering new clients a fifty percent reduction in fees.”
In addition to the potential financial benefits, Elayne believes King Lettings offers clients further advantages over traditional property letting agencies. “Our landlords and tenants benefit from dealing directly with the owners of the business.
We are not limited to 9.00am to 5.30pm office hours; we will meet landlords and tenants at a time and a place of their choosing and we can make quick decisions without having to refer back to others.
This means our clients’ exact needs can be assessed and actioned immediately, irrespective of the time of day.”
The business partners believe they offer a modern approach to property management; highly competitive fees (with no VAT added) and traditional values when it comes to overall levels of customer service.
The two property management entrepreneurs are now broadening their main catchment area to encompass Alderley Edge, Bollington, Chelford, Hale and Bowdon, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Pickmere, Prestbury, Tytherington, Wilmslow and surrounding villages. https://kinglettings.co.uk
