In an industry plagued by poor service standards and fly-by-night agencies ranging from the incompetent to the unscrupulous, it's understandable why estate agents have such a bad reputation. For this reason, whether letting or selling your home, the importance of using a professional, regulated and established estate agency could not be greater. At Marsh & Parsons, we promote a culture of integrity; our reputation is of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to delivering an excellent, reliable and proactive service of which we can be proud.
In what is becoming an increasingly complex process, our ARLA qualified lettings team have the sound legislative knowledge and practical experience to ensure our landlords are up-to-date and comply with all the necessary legal requirements to let a home. For tenants, using a regulated, established agency is equally important with increasing numbers of stories of tenants falling victim to 'scams' on private ad websites, as well as small, unregulated agencies going bust – taking their tenants' security deposits with them. Likewise, it's just as important that buyers and sellers choose an agent that is regulated by a reputable industry body.
Here are some of the reasons you can feel safe when dealing with Marsh & Parsons:
NFOPP/ARLA
Marsh & Parsons are ARLA certified. The majority of our managers are qualified, and at least one person from each lettings team holds a qualification. Our associated departments, including Property & Tenancy Management, Renewals and Corporate & Relocation Services are also qualified. We follow the recommended ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ whilst maintaining a commercial approach to our business. We are active members, attending quarterly meetings and our client accounts are audited annually by our company accountants, Ernst & Young. 35 members of staff have already completed the advanced NFOPP Technical Award, with many more currently currently studying for it.
Ombudsman
As a member of The Property Ombudsman, we follow the code of practice for residential sales which has been approved by the OFT under the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. We are also members for lettings related matters and can resolve disputes referred by landlords or tenants fairly via the Ombudsman. All members of staff are made familiar with the ‘Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents’ and with a comprehensive internal complaints procedure, the need for the Ombudsman has rarely arisen.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Since April 2007 we have registered all deposits held in respect of Assured Shorthold tenancies with The Tenant Deposit Scheme. As members of The Dispute Service (one of the three scheme operators) our commitment increased in October 2010 in line with legislative changes, when the Assured Shorthold Threshold rose. As a firm we absorb all costs associated with membership of the scheme, meaning both tenants and landlords alike are afforded the benefit of a completely cost free deposit arbitration service where needed.
Money Laundering
Marsh & Parsons has a Money Laundering Officer (Aneta Boski) and Deputy (John Medway) who ensure that all Money Laundering regulations are adhered to. All new members of staff are required to complete an internal examination and it is obligatory for all sales and lettings staff to complete a revised examination yearly. Latest guidelines issued by Marsh & Parsons and examination are included in the supporting material.
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
All staff in the Professional Services Department are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, whilst Roger Doncom is also a member of the Expert Witness Institute.
Property Misdecriptions Act & Consumer Protection Regulations (CPRS)
All sales staff undergo comprehensive training in CPRS and are required to complete an annual examination about restrictions regarding property advertising. Copy of examination included in the supporting material.
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