We’re open for inspection
A good property manager leaves nothing to chance. We’ll do everything in our power to secure the best available tenant and protect your property so that you can enjoy a stress free investment. With a focus on customer service we appreciate that you, or your property may have unique requirements. We will be happy to discuss how these can be incorporated into your property management service. Talk to your local hockingstuart Property Manager about your investment today. We welcome your enquiry.
The hockingstuart Process
After establishing that you indeed own the property (your notice of council rates will suffice) we will determine exactly what you need. The ‘Owners Instructions to Agent Form’ provides us with all the information we require to successfully market and manage your property. We will also discuss Landlord Protection insurance requirements and suggest options if desired.
Finding suitable tenants
We will organise to have photographs taken, to present your investment in its best possible light. Your property will then be advertised on the major real estate websites and in the hockingstuart rental lists. Details of your property will be emailed directly to thousands of Early Alert members who we know are looking for property in your area. We can arrange the placement of lease boards, to attract passing traffic. Open for inspection is by appointment only. We understand that you don’t want strangers wandering through your property so we don’t hand out keys. We qualify prospective tenants and personally greet them at your front door. Naturally you will be updated regularly on the progress of inspections.
Choosing the ideal tenant
Tenant application forms are screened before we present them to you. We check all references including employment, rental and credit history, national tenancy database history and personal references. This is designed to ensure we select the most suitable tenant. We prepare documentation including the lease agreement, and detailed condition report, together with lodging the bond. Tenancy is confirmed when: the lease is signed; the first month’s rent and bond is paid and lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority; the condition report is completed; keys and other relevant information are provided.
Protecting your property
We will conduct routine inspections every six months and report back to you. If maintenance is required we have a reliable, cost effective team of trades people available at short notice. Any tenant request will be discussed with you and your approval sought before any work is commissioned or undertaken.
A constant vigil
We will monitor tenants’ payment schedules to ensure they pay their rent on time. Rent is paid to you via direct credit or cheque, along with a monthly posted or emailed statement. We monitor the rental market and discuss rental reviews with you before the end of the fixed lease, or after twelve months. Before the end of a fixed lease we will discuss your future intentions and, if agreed, arrange to renew the lease for another period.
Furnished or unfurnished?
It’s up to you. Generally it will depend on your wants and needs for the property in terms of rental income, security and access. If you prefer the security of long-term tenants you can supply your property unfurnished. Naturally it should still be neat and well maintained to ensure that it can attract suitable tenants. Offering an unfurnished property means you don’t need to purchase extra furniture and risk it being damaged. If you want to maintain access to the property for periods of the year, you may prefer short-term lease options such as holiday rentals or corporate leases, however these generally require higher degrees of comfort and maintenance. Based on your requirements we will be more than happy to advise you on how to best present your property for lease.
Defining ‘furnished’
If you want to offer a furnished property there are a number of options to consider: partially furnished, fully furnished, corporate leasing and serviced. Partially furnished properties may include such items as a couch, bed, fridge, microwave, washing machine, dryer, TV, DVD player and coffee table. Fully furnished properties should include everything a tenant will need to live, including linen, crockery, cutlery and all the items mentioned previously. You may also consider presenting your property as serviced corporate leasing: fully furnished with all services provided and a professional weekly clean.
Protecting your furnished property
If you have a furnished property to lease it will be reassuring to know that we look after more than just the bricks and mortar. With our detailed condition report, full inventory list and photographic documentation, your investment is in the best possible care.
Considerations
Before offering a furnished property for lease there are a number of things to consider:
- Make sure you have contents insurance to cover your belongings.
- Supply complete matching sets of crockery and cutlery.
- Choose easily replaceable items, for example purchased from Ikea or Freedom.
- Supply manuals for all electric and gas appliances. This includes washing machines, hot water services, dishwashers, ovens, heaters etc.
- Place deadlocks on all windows and doors. This will help secure your property and keep your belongings safe from theft, but it is also important for insurance reasons.
- Remove any expensive or sentimentally valuable items from the property.
- We recommend you have the property professionally cleaned prior to tenancy. Make sure you don’t leave any food behind (such as in the freezer, fridge or pantry).
- We recommend having the soft furnishings dry cleaned prior to the commencement of the tenancy and new mattress & pillow protectors supplied.
Holiday Rentals
Whether your property would suit a big family holiday with the dog or a romantic weekend escape for couples only, the hockingstuart network is well positioned to manage your holiday rental. With offices in popular holiday destinations such as Torquay, Daylesford and the Mornington Peninsular, we have extensive experience in managing a variety of property types that cater to the interests of most holiday makers.
Ticking over
When it comes to finding bookings for your holiday rental, we’re in direct contact with a few people who can help.
Red Magazine has an estimated annual readership of over 2.5 million people. Our online property search, Early Alert has over 100,000 registered members. And our website is the most visited of all Victorian estate agents, with a dedicated section for holiday rentals. That adds up to an impressive number of people. Enough to keep your holiday rental working overtime.
Marketing your investment
We can ensure the greatest number of people see – and fall in love with – your property. The size of our network allows us to pool our resources and develop improved marketing techniques. The results are often staggering. Tools like Early Alert and Red Magazine were the first of their type in Victorian real estate. They fundamentally changed the industry. Through marketing, signage and the internet, the hockingstuart brand has become one of Victoria’s most recognisable among house hunters.
hockingstuart.com.au
hockingstuart.com.au is the most visited website of all Victorian based estate agents. It has won awards for its effectiveness thanks to its easy navigation, attractive design and informative detail.
Local Marketing
Another way to address a geographically relevant audience is through local marketing strategies that might include direct mail, flyers and property brochures. These materials provide opportunities to convey a range of messages, all designed to unearth buyers from within the vicinity who we already know appreciate the area.
Property Boards
A hockingstuart property board is as effective as a stop sign at grabbing the attention of buyers. Regardless of size, our boards stand out across distances near and far.
Early Alert
Early Alert is hockingstuart’s online property match system. It was the first of its kind in Victorian real estate and with has over 100,000 registered members. Members who are looking for a property like yours will be emailed your property’s details.