Kerry Smart

Sourcing rental properties and forever homes - Identifying properties that meet specific search criteria and preferences, whether for short-term rental or long-term living. By carefully assessing the market and analysing available options, I aim to provide tailored recommendations that align with our clients' housing needs criteria, lifestyle and budget

Negotiating adaptations to rental properties - Communicating with landlords and estate agents to discuss necessary modifications. Help to bridge any gaps between the client’s requirements and the landlord’s willingness to make adjustments. By fostering open dialogue and understanding both parties' perspectives creating a smoother transition.

Liaising with solicitors and case managers - Ensuring all parties are updated on the weekly progress of property searches helping to maintain transparency and allowing for timely decision-making based on any new developments or challenges. 'Group communication' between clients or their representatives, Case Managers and/or Solicitors and Deputies ensures this process runs smoothly.

Negotiating tenancy agreements - Discussing rent prices, tenancy durations, and any additional clauses. The goal is to create a balanced agreement that protects the client's rights while also addressing landlords’ concerns. Always striving to facilitate a positive landlord-tenant relationship, ultimately leading to a stable and supportive living environment.

Guiding clients and their family members through referencing processes - Striving to make it as simple as possible, including explaining what documentation is needed helping to demystify the process, alleviating concerns and clarifying expectations.

Arranging viewings - Scheduling appointments convenient for clients to minimise disruption to their daily lives.

Negotiating offers on forever homes - Understanding market conditions and the needs of both buyers and sellers. Conducting thorough research to establish a competitive yet realistic offer based on comparable sales in the area.

Guiding clients through the sales process - Being the single point of contact for all parties, including agents, sales progressors, and conveyancers. The aim is to simplify the complex and stressful process of home buying by providing clear, consistent updates. Additionally, providing clients with essential updates on timelines and any pending documents.

Arranging key collection on moving day - Coordinating the logistics to ensure that clients receive their keys without complications.

Preparing Market Reviews for solicitors - Gathering information from Expert Accommodation Reports and Housing Needs Reports to create a comprehensive review. Documenting the past and current rental or sales properties and highlighting properties that align with the client's specific criteria.

Attending conferences and networking events

Initially brought on board to develop and oversee the Lettings Department across two locations in Thurrock and Chelmsford. The company had outsourced the management to a third party and where planning to bring it back in-house, allowing for more direct control and development opportunities.

The business environment shifted, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my responsibilities evolved significantly. I focused on fine-tuning the lettings department, attending property valuations, and maintaining communication with existing landlords.

Working diligently to set up efficient systems to ensure a seamless transition back to in-house management.

Taking on a more prominent role on the sales side of the agency. Communicating regularly y with vendors and buyers, managing offers and preparing the necessary documentation. My involvement extended to liaising with solicitors. Prioritising keeping the lines of communication open with vendors and buyers, providing timely updates on their sales and purchases.

Ensuring our remote staff members were well-equipped and informed each day. This multifaceted approach allowed us to navigate the complexities of the market while ensuring our clients received the support they needed, despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business with a particular emphasis on growth, stability, training, and development over two branches. Ensuring that the business continues to grow by way of developing and implementing new sustainable processes and strategies.

Responsible for planning & organising the organisation's activities to achieve targets.

In charge of leading, motivating and developing the management, renewals, accounts, property management over two branches.

Liaising with officials of local authority departments and regulatory bodies.

Improving margins and keeping a high-quality service to clients.

Maintaining high levels of staff retention and training negotiators, administrators, and managers.

Reviewing, refining, and developing the strategy and direction of the company.

Carrying out staff appraisals.

Attend valuations and negotiate prices with vendors to achieve a larger property portfolio.

Manage the offices and team to a high standard.

Monitor overall and individual performance of all lettings team including property managers and administrators/co-ordinators.

Staff training and appraisals.

Liaise with Directors on staff performance, market conditions and any issues that arise.

Maintain a strong relationship with all Vendors to help acquire future business with them.

Dealing with enquiries from applicants on a daily basis including walk ins, telephone and email queries.

Oversee and contribute to any marketing ideas/campaigns.

Ensure staff are updating all details on the website/window display with current properties and any new instructions must be advertised promptly and effectively.

Promote additional services to existing clients and customers.

Be aware of competitor performance and activity.

Liaise with Sales Manager regarding marketing, advertising and touting to optimise both lettings and sales.

Manage the offices and team to a high standard.

Deal with staff training and appraisals.