A Good News Post. Where We Are Now – and Where We’re Going

This time there are no rental-related questions to ponder, and no expert property advice (although modesty aside, we are rather good at that).

Read on for some positive vibes coming your way, courtesy of our Managing Director Talitha Burgess. New developments bring out reflective thoughts.

Good news for us means even better news for you. Find out why

The Headlines

*Shuffles papers on desk*

Welcome to Clarity Property Management, and here is the News.

We’re growing.

Indeed we are, and I could NOT be happier, both with our company as a whole, and my team. From founding the company on my own just a few short years ago, we are now five people, working hard to provide the best possible service to landlords like you who place their trust in us.

After a pretty difficult couple of years – note the restrained British understatement here – I’m delighted to report that we’ve taken on a new Apprentice. (I say difficult years, we managed admirably; we just had to think differently and work smarter, which paid off for landlords, tenants, and us.

Take a look at some of our blogs from 2020 and 2021, if you’re keen to read more about how we coped.)

Anyway, I digress.

New Person on Board

Keen as mustard to learn the ropes, our newest member will be fully supporting our business whilst getting to grips with all sorts of unfamiliar processes and tasks.

Not to mention a whole dictionary full of strange property-related phrases like “void periods”, “Section 8 Notices”, “Section 21 Notices” and much else besides. And then there are countless confusing acronyms such as ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) and PRS (private rented sector).

This will of course become second nature, and we’re keen to offer our new recruit the warmest of welcomes.

Pause for Thought

For Clarity, 2022 has been, as wine growers would say, an exceedingly Good Year.

We’ve stayed strong, increased our turnover and profits, and not lost any of our incredible staff. They are without doubt our greatest asset and I’m so grateful to all of them for their commitment, dedication, and their resilience. In fact, in a hard sector, they quite literally make our company what it is.

To be fair, the world of property rentals is ultra-competitive, especially in the South East where demand outstrips supply. People come and go. They jump ship, and move on. There’s an accepted high turnover; it is what it is.

But with the team here at Clarity, we’re still here. Nobody has left, which I think says a great deal about who we are, how we work and how like-minded we are. These excellent people apply themselves every single day. And, they add value.

No Losing of Landlords

No, I don’t mean we’ve misplaced or mislaid them – that would be most unfortunate.

Seriously though, thanks in no small part to sector knowledge, our attention to detail and thinking-ahead customer service, we’ve fully retained our client base – and even grown it.

And, we plan to do more of the same next year.

It Pays to Be Qualified

In this ever-changing sector, NOT investing in staff development and training would compromise everything we stand for. We have to get things right, every time. And, we always do.

Why? Because it’s vital. As MD at Clarity, I aim to foster personal growth and development. I’m a full MARLA member means that you, as a landlord will be fully supported in your role, and prevented from making mistakes that could cost you dear. But, this applies to our team, too, with their studies all funded by the company:

Ted Mckecknie, our Senior Negotiator joined us in a junior role a few years ago, and now has a Level 3 Pass – Property Mark “Residential Letting & Property Management”

Tracy Adams, Senior Property Manager: (Student) PropertyMark member – subject to 12 hours CPD per annum.

Imogen Trevett, Property Assistant, having started with us as an Apprentice, is hard at work, too. She has a Level 3 – Pass, Apprenticeship “Housing and Property Management”

And, our newest member has started his qualifications, too. Things are looking promising.

Do all property rental businesses undertake accreditations and qualifications such as these? The short answer is: no. It’s not a legal requirement. But, it takes our business to the next level and keeps it there, which is where it’s always going to be.

Team Work Makes…The Dream Work

I simply cannot believe I just wrote that. Nevertheless, it’s true.

We’re strong links in an even stronger chain, with no duplication of responsibilities, and a positive “all-hands-on-deck” approach. Plus, we’re always planning ahead to ensure that we’re fully equipped with the tools we need to excel – whatever they may be

In my mind’s eye, we’ve Tefloned the business – through determination and doing everything to the highest possible standards.

And How About You?

How’s your year been so far?

As a busy landlord, there will no doubt have been some ups and downs; the rented property sector responds rapidly to fluctuations in the economy. And then there’s the issue of mortgage rate rises. In addition, the rules and regulations regarding maintenance, health and safety, and much else besides are exacting – and will remain so.

Life for tenants in the South East has surely gone from expensive to more expensive. We recognise that things aren’t easy. Yet, the standard of properties is good; there are plenty of well-maintained houses and flats for the would-be renter.

As ever, we’re here to help, so do get in touch with us if you need some advice.

We’re looking forward to further success throughout 2023, and to working with you throughout next year and beyond.

A well-performing property business ensures that we deliver the attention to detail that you need, and that you deserve. We can find excellent, long-standing tenants, maximise your rental income, AND offer you peace of mind when it comes to rental legislation.

Similarly, the team knows what to look for in property inspections, and will always respond quickly to tenant issues.

Our high standards are your high standards. It’s just the way it is. And, just how it should be.