Are you looking for a fixed price quote for your client’s property? They aren’t always easy to come by.
As a letting agent, you are answerable to clients who often want to know the exact cost of their new boiler installation or repair. Having helped out a number of letting agents over the years, I know this is a big concern.
Because you’re often ‘piggy in the middle’, you simply can’t afford to give vague estimates of costs to your customers. If you do, they might end up distrusting you and going elsewhere, so you need someone who can give a fixed price and timescale.
Below, I’m going to give you some tips on how to get a fixed price quote for your clients:
Ask for a home visit
In order to give you a fixed price quote, a heating engineer has to actually visit the property to see exactly what’s required for labour or materials. Do NOT accept an estimate over the phone, because this essentially means they are just guessing.
Estimations can sometimes mean that there are other factors the heating engineer hasn’t taken into account while on the phone, so when they turn up to do the work, you may get a nasty surprise. You can always avoid this by ensuring they take a look at the property first.
You may have to arrange this first with the tenants and/or landlord, but it will be worth the extra effort.
Get a quote in writing
A home visit doesn’t always necessarily mean you’re getting a fixed price quote, so bear that in mind. Always check to ensure the quote you are getting is in fact fixed price, and ask for it to be detailed in writing.
Make sure the quote is fully inclusive of Vat as this is the price the owner of the property is going to pay. Forgetting this or excepting a quote which is yet to add 20% vat could be a costly mistake.
Build up a relationship
Found a reputable engineer who is able to provide you with everything you need? In my experience, I know this is oh so important for letting agents, as they like to have just one or two trusted heating engineers on their books that will give them good, honest advice.
I’d recommend building a relationship with contractors who are willing to work with you and your tenants, carry out evening visits, or arrange to pick up keys to visit the properties. As you are managing many properties, you should expect a bit of preferential treatment.
Conclusion
As a letting agent, it’s important you can secure a fixed price quote for your clients – although it’s not always easy. To help you out, simply follow my above tips.
Remember to always:
- Ask for a home visit
- Get a quote in writing
- Build up a relationship
The last one will ensure you’ll always be able to get reliable, fixed price quotes in future, as well as preferential service and good, honest advice.
Good luck!
