So, What DOES a Senior Negotiator ACTUALLY do all day?

Ever wondered what happens at the cutting edge of the lettings sector? This month, we’re putting newly promoted Ted Mckechnie firmly in the spotlight. And, he’s got some excellent news to share.

We Know This Much is True

If there’s one thing that we know, and Ted Mckechnie certainly knows, it’s just how hard it is to pass ARLA exams.

Not only is there a massive amount of legal information to absorb and learn, it’s also essential to be able under pressure to recall – in various scenarios – all the must-do processes and procedures involved. From valuations and marketing, through to negotiating, finding and vetting tenants, letting properties and managing them on behalf of landlords, there’s a LOT to know, and always plenty to do.

For best practice, renting out and looking after houses and flats on behalf of other people demands knowledge, knowledge, and a bit more knowledge. And, attention to detail. Plus, the understanding that everything is likely to change in a few months’ time.

And all this whilst working full-time in a demanding role, here at Clarity Property Management.

Good News Alert

So, do indulge us.

We’re super-proud and nothing short of absolutely DELIGHTED to report that Ted Mckechnie has, to quote almost every single programme on TV at the moment, completely smashed his exams to become an accredited member of ARLA, otherwise known as the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

(Small “whoop”. Thank you.)

As a result of his new qualifications, he has now been promoted from Lettings Negotiator to Senior Negotiator, and is loving his new role.

And, we’re recruiting a Lettings Apprentice to help a younger person into their first job in property, whom Ted will manage.

We’ve mentioned previously just how important it is for us to be ARLA accredited. In a difficult, complicated and, to be fair, competitive area of business, like Caesar’s wife, we have to be “above suspicion”. Therefore, proving and demonstrating that we do things properly, fairly and fully within the law relating to property lettings puts us ahead of the curve.

Not all rental businesses are ARLA accredited. We’ll leave that one there.

So, over to Ted:

Have you always worked in this sector?

More or less, yes! I joined a large rental agency and estate agent when I was 17. To say that I was a bit green is a bit of an understatement. However, I soon learnt the ropes, worked hard and did well.

I decided to join Clarity after about five years. Why? Because I could see that my previous role didn’t offer me a particularly strong career development path. My then-colleagues thought it was odd for me to join a smaller agency, but I knew I’d made the right decision.

Why do you say that?

Because a) it was, and is a wonderful place to work, not least because our MD, Talitha, trusts us to do the right thing, encourages self-reliance, and is keen for us to grow our skills, b) the work ethic here is extremely strong, and c) we all get on well, and pull together as a team.

So, what does a Senior Negotiator do over and above the role of a Lettings Negotiator?

It’s a more strategic, sales-centric, client management-type role, involving some stretching KPIs and growth targets.
Not only am I now responsible for liaising with landlords about valuations, booking viewings, putting forward offers and managing the administration in the lettings process, I’m also accountable for developing new retained clients, and increasing existing landlord spend.

That is, negotiating and winning a larger piece of the proverbial pie! Or, to be more formal, boosting market share.

Can you explain?

A landlord who engages us to look after one property, but who in fact has several properties, perhaps with other agencies, should DEFINITELY be with us for his or her entire property portfolio.

The reason?

For across-the-board customer service. Dealing with one agency – especially one that knows what they’re doing – is by far the best way to go.

We have immense attention to detail, we fully understand property legislation, and we have a second-to-none property management team. They look after landlords’ houses and flats carefully and cautiously. The team will never recommend unnecessary, expensive repairs – keeping costs down is essential. Yet, they’re still ultra-aware that the property is someone’s home – so it needs a bit of TLC now and again to keep the tenants happy and paying their rent.

I’m looking forward to getting to know our clients, finding out about their longer-term plans, and recommending ways to support their goals.

What else will you be doing in your new role?

It’s a mixture of senior-level administration and business development.

I have a marketing budget to manage, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our suppliers.

Plus, I’ll be ensuring that we respond promptly and professionally to new inbound enquiries.

As this role is all about relationships, I’ll be in regular contact with our existing landlords, dealing with any questions or concerns they may have.

And, you’re going to be managing someone?

Yes, I’m so looking forward to developing my skills to motivate and mentor our future new recruit. In fact, I think it’s what I’m most excited about. You never forget your first job, do you – and how your boss made you feel!?

We plan to employ a Lettings Apprentice who will take over some elements of my old role, helping me to concentrate on my new challenges. Our Apprentice will help with viewings, diary and time management, ad hoc admin tasks, and supporting the endless plate spinning that happens in a busy company like ours!

The Clarity team is close-knit, and like-minded, so we need someone who’s consistent, with a strong ability to build rapport with those around them, and with an eye for detail, of course.

What do you think of this area of the property market?

I really enjoy working in the lettings sector, especially in Sussex. It’s a crowded area of business, and I’m proud of our values and our approach. Property rentals are endlessly fascinating, and it’s great to know that we have influence on people’s lives every single day.

In effect, I’m going to be the Clarity Ambassador, representing the business as its absolute best. I can’t wait.

Well now. We can’t say fairer than that, can we? Good luck in your new job, Ted. And…well done on your exams.