Property Patter: The Age of the McAgent is Upon Us, But You Needn't Indulge

Posted on Monday, September 11, 2017

Property Patter: The Age of the McAgent is Upon Us, But You Needn't Indulge

The age of the McAgent is upon us…

What do we mean by the term McAgent? Essentially, we're referring to a faceless lettings agent fuelled by a colossal corporate machine; an entity with a fast food mentality that offers little customer service, little personality, and little value for money or return on investment.

If you're a landlord or a tenant for that matter, these McAgents are best avoided. And there are lots of them about.

Just recently, longstanding local agents have sold themselves to big chains in pursuit of expansion - and it's quite possible that when it comes to these businesses, a certain level of client care and independent charm could be lost. The problem is, when you’re a cog in a large machine, your ability to think and act freely becomes redistricted.

But there are still free-thinking independent letting agents in the local area - those that like to go that extra mile for their tenants as well as their landlords and offer far more than your bog standard service.

Why use an independent letting agent?

Fundamentally, a true independent or boutique agent will offer you real value for money and an excellent return on investment…

For one, if you go independent, you’ll receive far more attention from your letting agent, as well as a more intimate experience and relationship based on consistent one-on-one interaction.

Secondly, independent agencies have more freedom to do everything their clients ask of them, therefore, offering an experience tailored to the individual rather than a clinical, blanket service.

Traditionally, people like working with others from their local area, craving a personal touch - and real estate now is no longer an exception.

Some believe smaller niche companies are finding their feet in the market in today's world because they can focus on a single product category, instead of taking a generic, one-size-fits-all approach that you often experience with larger organisations. And of course, this results in a deep knowledge of the local market - a level of expertise that the big national chains just can't top.

Independent letting agents treat their clients as people, not just numbers, stats and figures. The bigger agents are often under such immense pressure to hit sales targets that they will overlook the finer details and fill properties at any cost.

Agents like us pay great attention to personal details and assure a stringent vetting process when it comes to matching a tenant with a property. We will not cut a single corner as we know that nothing in this industry is more costly, and time-consuming than a problem tenant.

Instead, we talk to our landlords and tenants and take the time to source the perfect people rather for a property rather than filling it. Like other local independents, our intention is to forge long-lasting, worthwhile relationships that benefit everyone.

Not only this, but agents like us offer additional benefits, value and local initiatives that the bigger boys don't.

So, if you're a North Staffordshire landlord, go independent: not only will you enjoy a healthy profit, but you'll be able to sleep easy too. The McAgent may be on the rise but don’t make the mistake of bloating yourself with a plate full of false promises.

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