Why choose Huntleys?
Design and marketing are at the heart of our approach. With most people now looking for property online, we can get our clients' properties in front of as many people as the most prominent national agents. Where we differ is in the quality of our work. We create stunning digital particulars that highlight the individual attributes of every property we market, with video tours and floorplans as standard. As a result, Huntleys are Loughborough, and Charnwood's most followed estate and letting agent. This has helped us to achieve the highest market share of Agreed Lets in LE11 and LE12 for the past three years, while our new estate agency division is the fastest growing locally YTD.
Where is your office and what are your opening hours?
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturdays, 9:00am to 4:00pm. You can find us conveniently located in the heart of Loughborough, right across from Bonkers and between McDonald's and Marks & Spencer. If you're driving, the nearest parking is available at NCP The Rushes. Our address is 7 Biggin Street, Loughborough, LE11 1UA.
What is happening to house prices in 2023?
High inflation has forced interest rates to rise, slowing the housing market and reducing the number of transactions. This will, in turn, affect what prices houses are sold for, as reduced demand means buyers will be in a better position to negotiate. So far, the slowdown has been modest, buffered by continued demand for larger homes, but it could continue if interest rates are to rise again.
We expected a modest asking price decline in 2023 of around 5%. This would mean the cost of the average property returning to April 2022 prices, which is still significantly above pre-pandemic levels. Prices are then likely to remain flat in 2024 before rising again throughout 2025.
Want to know how this affects you? Book a valuation to learn more.
What areas do you cover?
Our estate agency is located in Loughborough and serves the entire Charnwood area in Leicestershire. We have a strong presence in popular locations such as Quorn, Mountsorrel, Shepshed, Sileby, Leicester, Barrow Upon Soar, Rothley, and Coalville.
Do you offer mortgages?
While we do not offer mortgage advice directly, we have a strong partnership with the Mortgage Advice Bureau, a trusted provider of independent mortgage advice. Finding a mortgage has never been easier. Visit their website for detailed information and access to a variety of helpful calculators that can estimate how much you can borrow.
What are active and passive buyers??
Active buyers are what Rightmove, Zoopla and the other property portals cater to very well. They're buyers who know what they're looking for; they're on the internet searching for properties and will have new listings notifications set up. Passive buyers are those who are not actively looking for a new home but are open to moving if the right property comes along.
The best way to reach these passive buyers is through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. With Charnwood's largest social media following of any estate agent, we reach hundreds of thousands of these potential buyers monthly. More potential buyers mean more interest, more viewings and ultimately, a higher price for your home.
Why Huntleys rather than any other estate agent?
Most 'traditional' agents limit themselves to advertising properties on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla, with just a few offering property video tours. However, our social media reach and expertise are unrivalled in the Charnwood area. This means that with us, your home receives a much greater exposure to potential "passive buyers". Higher online views result in a greater number of physical viewings, meaning a better chance of gaining higher offers on your property.
We have gained this following due to the quality of our engaging marketing. We create stunning digital particulars that highlight the individual attributes of every property we market, with video tours and floorplans as standard. This has helped us to achieve the highest market share growing locally of any estate agent year-to-date.
Who is Rebecca Holders?
Rebecca began her career in estate agency at the age of 16, working for high street estate agencies in Leicester and North Leicestershire. Growing up in Quorn gave her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the local area, being in the know for the best places to eat, drink and socialise. She takes pride in her reliability and trustworthiness and strive to make her clients feel supported throughout the whole process. "I'm honoured that I'm trusted to not only sell a property but help and advise my clients along one of the most stressful journeys that they will take in their life".
Her approachable and hardworking attitude puts her clients at ease by taking a massive amount of stress off their shoulders, as they know that she's working behind the scenes to achieve the same end goal and a mutually desired result; to be sold and successfully moved!
You can get to know her a bit better by watching her video above. You can also see our current listings here.
My house is already on the market. Can I switch to Huntleys?
Certainly! To switch to Huntleys, you should reach out to your current estate agent and let them know that you want to remove your property from their listings. During the notice period with your current agent, we can start getting your house ready for the market, ensuring that it is prepared to be listed as soon as the notice period expires.
What happens during a valuation appointment?
We typicaly start a valuation by having a tour of your property, before sitting down to talk about your plans, our advice in relation to the value and marketing price for your property, and also the strategy we would use to make sure you reach as many suitable buyers as possible. Typically lasting 45-60 minutes, this appointment is easily scheduled here.
How do you price a property?
Our approach to pricing considers a variety of factors to ensure you receive the best value for your property. Through careful analysis of recently achieved prices for similar property types and taking into consideration market supply and demand, we determine a competitive price point. Factors such as location, condition, and unique features are also taken into consideration. Furthermore, we prioritize understanding your specific needs and timeline as a seller, ensuring that your wishes are incorporated into the pricing strategy. Be assured, our pricing process is tailored to maximize your property's value and meet your individual requirements.
Will Huntleys ask me to sign an agency contract for a fixed period?
No, we don't believe in locking you into a long contract is good for either of us. While many agents may require you to sign agreements for 12, 16, or even 20 weeks, we want you to stay with us because you're happy with our service, not because you have no choice.
Are there any upfront fees?
In general, no, although properties require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before being listed on the market. EPCs are valid for 10 years. To determine if your property already has an EPC, you can check the EPC register here.
How can I best prepare my property for sale?
To create an attractive and welcoming image, start by decluttering and organizing your living spaces. Take a room-by-room approach, optimising each area to its fullest potential. Leave lamps on to create warm lighting, keep pets away during viewings, and consider arranging fresh flowers for a touch of natural beauty. You may even brew a pot of coffee to create an inviting aroma. Take a look at your property's exterior as well. Consider whether your front door could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and if the windows need cleaning. These simple maintenance tasks can greatly enhance the curb appeal and make a positive first impression. Ensure that the lawn is neatly mowed and the edges are trimmed to complete the look.
How long will you take to market my property?
Our typical turnaround time is an impressive two days (while some agents may take up to two weeks). Once you instruct us to proceed, we'll act promptly. The only potential delay could be due to unfavourable weather conditions for capturing the perfect photos with blue skies. However, we'll always work at your preferred pace.
Do I need a For Sale board?
You don’t have to have one, but we highly recommend it as they provide continuous on-site advertising around the clock. We've seen that their presence often influences many of our sales. During your valuation, we'll cover their role in bolstering your overall marketing strategy.
Who will conduct the viewings?
The decision is yours to make. If you prefer, we can handle the viewings on your behalf. Some sellers opt to conduct viewings themselves, while others ask us to handle them or show potential buyers around when they are unavailable. Generally, the person conducting the viewings does not have a significant impact on the outcome. If the house meets the buyer's criteria, they are likely to make a purchase. However, we strongly advise against negotiating on your own behalf. That is part of the service you are paying us for. We possess more information and expertise, which increases the likelihood of securing a better outcome for you.
How long will it take to sell my property?
Assuming the price is set realistically, it is typically reasonable to expect a buyer to be found within the first two months. However, if a property is in high demand, it may attract interested buyers within a matter of days. Once a sale has been agreed upon, the average time for completion is around six to eight weeks. In summary, if the property is appropriately priced and the process proceeds smoothly, it is possible to complete the entire transaction within a timeframe of six to twelve weeks from the beginning to the end.
How much rent can I expect to receive for my property?
We price properties against the demand we receive for comparable properties and other factors, such as your priorities. As we let more properties in Charnwood than any other professional agency, we are in an excellent position to know the optimum price for your property. In addition, there is no charge or obligation with our valuations which can be conducted in-person or remotely.
How long does it take to find a tenant?
If a property is well advertised and optimally priced, we anticipate securing a tenant within two weeks, although this can often be as quick as a few days. Referencing then usually then takes 2-3 days.
How will you advertise my property?
We create stunning digital particulars highlighting the individual attributes of every property we market, with videos, floor plans and brochures as standard. We then use all the major property portals, social media, and conventional print to expose properties to the right audience.
Can I use multiple letting agents?
We don’t believe that this is in either of our best interests. We are sometimes approached by tenants who are either high-risk or inappropriate for other reasons. We have found that when turned down, they reapply through the competing agent who may present them in a favourable light so they don’t lose the business.
What checks will you perform on potential tenants?
Huntleys conducts the following checks where possible and will inform you of any concerns arising: Identity checks for proof of identity, such as a passport or driving license, to verify the prospective tenant is who they say they are; Credit checks to ensure that they have a good credit history and can manage their finances responsibly; Employment checks to verify that the tenant can afford the rent; and Reference from previous landlords to verify the tenant's rental history; Right to rent checks are required to ensure that tenants have the legal right to rent property in the UK.
What other charges are there for your letting services?
There are no other charges under our Fully managed service, ever. Tenancy agreements, Referencing, Inventories, Inspections, Renewals, Deposit protection and disputes are all included in our standard management fee. Nor do we apply markups to contractors’ fees. However, it is worth checking with any competing agency you are considering, as these are often charged as extras in their small print.
What is Rental Yield?
Rental yield is the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property's value. It is a key metric in comparing the rental returns of different investment properties and part of calculating return on investment (ROI). Our rental yield calculator lets you input your estimated values and calculates both the gross and net yields. It should not be considered investment advice nor be used to calculate rent.
What is your process for handling repairs and maintenance issues?
When a tenant reports a maintenance issue, we will attempt to troubleshoot and resolve it over the phone. If we establish that this is impossible, we will contact you for your instructions on how to proceed. If we can’t reach you, we will only proceed if it is an emergency or when required by law. You or your preferred contractor may undertake any work you are qualified for; otherwise, we can instruct from our bank of accredited contractors. We will endeavour to keep costs down during this process and establish liability. We can then settle any invoices on your behalf we any funds we process for you.
What happens if a tenant doesn't pay the rent?
We check and process rents every business day. If a tenant doesn’t pay, in the first instance, they will receive a simple reminder to check their account and to make payment. Then, should they fail to pay or respond, we follow up with a phone call, email and text messages as appropriate, typically twice a week. Finally, should it become evident that a tenant cannot, or will not, pay, we will present you with your options on how to proceed.
How often will you inspect my property?
Under our Fully managed service, we visit occupied properties every three months, and a brief condition report will be emailed to you. This will include photos if possible.
What happens if a tenant damages my property?
Our inventory and condition reports are evidence-based and rely heavily on photos instead of opinions. A typical 3-bed property will usually have over 500 photos. Should any damage occur to the property during the tenancy, we believe that well-documented before and after photos should put you in a better position than subjective comments such as “fair condition”. Our Fully managed service includes the inventory report and deposit disputes with the DPS.
How will you handle the end of the tenancy?
Under our fully managed service, once a tenancy has ended and the tenant vacates, we will check the property’s condition against the inventory and report any discrepancies to you. It is your prerogative as to where deductions should be proposed. Should there be a dispute with your tenant, we will collate the relevant evidence and present your case to the DPS for adjudication.
What is the process for renewing a tenancy agreement?
Under both our Fully managed and Rent collection services, we will contact you about three months before the end of the tenancy for your instructions. In addition, we will advise you on current market conditions and rates. We always recommend balancing fair rent with good tenant retention.
What makes a good yield?
What constitutes a good rental yield percentage depends largely on the property's risk profile. This typically includes location risks, other local development, prevailing market conditions, shifting demand, and your own goals. The higher the risk, the better the return needs to be to compensate. Additionally, consider long-term capital appreciation potential, the wider economic environment, and the amount of work a property will be when considering the rental yield's suitability. It is a more practical tool for comparing options as opposed to trying to calculate real-world returns.
A gross rental yield of around 5% or higher for conventional residential properties is considered good for well-established and stable markets like Loughborough. For higher risk/management-intensive options like student properties, a return closer to 10% is considered good.
We are here to provide a straightforward, ethical and innovative sales and lettings service in a professional environment with a committed and caring team.
01509 320 153
hello@huntleys.net
01509 320 320
let@huntleys.net
We are here to provide a straightforward, ethical and innovative sales and lettings service in a professional environment with a committed and caring team.
We are here to provide a straightforward, ethical and innovative sales and lettings service in a professional environment with a committed and caring team.
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