Estate agents: The importance of finding a residential managing agent you can rely on

Much of an estate agent's success is based on the strong working relationship they have with their developer clients.

That's why it is vital an estate agent has a good managing agent they can rely on to deliver, and who will always have their back.

Here, Natalie Bottley, Business Integration Manager at Block Management UK Ltd, looks into how a trusted relationship with an effective managing agent can make a world of difference to an estate agent's reputation.

For developer clients

Keeping a developer client happy, who knows their investment will be well looked after, is crucial in maintaining a good working relationship.

As an estate agent, if you are inviting a third-party operator to service a developer's site, there are some key deliverables that need to be provided by your managing agent.

These include accurate and timely accounting, robust management reporting, a client onboarding process and a professional, corporate approach to doing business.

Effective customer service is vital, providing speedy solutions to issues through a friendly and experienced customer services department.

An estate agent must be confident that their client's development will be well maintained – and for that you need a trusted management company.

For sales

Effective site management improves the appeal of an estate, maintaining and improving its value and desirability for years to come.

The better looked after the estate, the more people will be attracted, eager to make it their home. A managing agent needs to have knowledge of trusted local contractors while being able to effectively schedule assessments, site inspections and reports.

They need to have a system that allows residents to report issues quickly and easily, and staff that can address these issues as fast as possible.

For rentals

The managing agent must keep all residents informed of charges, procedures and developments happening on site, as well as keeping on top of maintenance.

This requires a management company with experienced professionals, as well as advanced computer software, who can keep on top of all the paperwork.

Above all, an estate agent needs a management company they can trust. Do you have a large development and are unsure your managing agent can give it the care and attention it deserves?