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Estate Agency, Meet The Team, Properties For Sale
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent
Meet the Team – Jenny Martin – Estate Agent Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As a negotiator I bring properties to the open market, manage enquiries and negotiate offers. How long have you worked at Cairn? 9 months at Cairn but in property for 6 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Team. I know it’s a cliché but we really are like a family. Everyone is very supportive of one another. The best thing about working in the property industry? As a negotiator I still get excited about closing dates. Each day is always different too which keeps things interesting. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I am a black belt in both Karate and Judo. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? The real hero’s inside of business are those who are willing to help out a fellow colleague in a pinch. I also look up to those who have taken the time in their lives to become proficient in excel spreadsheets. Outside of business I would say my sister in law Victoria for putting up with my side of the family whilst balancing a demanding job alongside raising the 2 most amazing children. I have never heard a single complaint from her in my life. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Don’t take any of it too seriously. Tomorrow is never promised. Also do not over pluck your eyebrows. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, compassion and solid problem solving skills. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Gleneagles If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? 0141 270 7878 and option 2 for sales or my email jenny@cairnsales.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager
Meet the Team – Victoria Craig CIH Level 3 – Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am property manager and have a portfolio of professional letting properties along with HMO properties. How long have you worked at Cairn? I have worked at Cairn Letting for around 3 years. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team! I love how close we all are, inside and out of work. The best thing about working in the property industry? It is always busy! I learn something new every day. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I have qualifications in Primary School Teaching, Sport, Health and Nutrition and I am a qualified eyelash technician. On top of this, I have my Letwell Qualification. Letting is definitely my favourite role! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? My siblings – all 6 of us are so different but they inspire me to be the best version of myself. One piece of advice you could give your younger self Live in the moment and have fun, tomorrow is never promised. What qualities do you most admire in others ? Loyalty, kindness and humour. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Aviemore – a wee village up North. If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch ? victoria.craig@cairnletting.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector
Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? I am mainly based out with the office, carrying out routine inspections and fire safety training with our HMO tenants. I also deal with move outs, deposit returns, inventories and all sorts in between! How long have you worked at Cairn? I have been at Cairn for over 5 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn team… I am lucky to work with a great bunch of people who are passionate about what they do. We have had plenty of good times along the way! The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same, it’s fast paced and exciting. I get to meet people from all walks of life which can be interesting! Give us an interesting fact about yourself. I am a big football fan (especially of a certain team in Glasgow!) Sky Sports is always on in my house. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, I admire anyone who despite their successes remain humble and down to earth. Outside of business, I would say Louis Theroux – the man is an icon! One piece of advice you could give your younger self. Not to be so worried about what other people think of you… life is short, live it! What qualities do you most admire in others ? Humility, honesty and compassion go a long way for me Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ventured any further than Edinburgh – hoping to explore more of Scotland this year! Perhaps I’m biased but for me, you just can’t beat good old Glasgow. If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details) – fiona.campbell@cairnletting.com
Landlords, Property Investment
Landlords, Worried about Rent Arrears ?
Landlords, are you worried about rent arrears? Do you have a rental property where the tenant is in rent arrears? Are you worried that your agent is not doing all they can to recover the rent or follow the legal process? Are you managing the property yourself and are unsure of what is legally required before you can start eviction proceedings? Not to worry, Cairn is on hand to assist with all your rental worries! With the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, more and more landlords are finding themselves in difficult situations where the tenant cannot afford to pay rent or is refusing to. The eviction ban is also impacting landlords leaving many feeling helpless with little options available to them. So, what can you actually do? Firstly, if the tenant is struggling to pay rent, you should try to work with them as much as possible to arrange a payment plan. Cairn currently provides an income and expenditure form to our tenants which allows them to work out their incomings and outgoings each month to establish what disposable income they have leftover for the repayment of debt. It is also important to make your tenant aware of all the additional help available to them, including contacting Citizens Advice, Universal Credit, the Scottish Welfare Fund, and the Discretionary Housing Payments through the Scottish Government. If there is a Guarantor in place, make sure you contact them as they will also be responsible for the payment of rent per the terms of the tenancy agreement. Conducting inspections is also important, this allows you to establish that the tenant is still residing in the property and maintaining it to a reasonable standard. If you have exhausted all avenues above and the tenant is still refusing to pay, unfortunately the only option left is to start eviction proceedings. With the current eviction ban, tenants must be in substantial rent arrears (6 months plus) for an eviction order to be granted. Landlords must firstly serve notice on the tenant to vacate and ensure they are complying with the governments ‘pre-action requirements’ for rent arrears. What are ‘pre-action requirements?’ As a result of changes to legislation, any landlords applying to the First-tier Tribunal to evict their tenants for rent arrears need to be able to demonstrate that they have complied with pre-action requirements outlined by the Scottish Government. Before applying to the tribunal, a landlords must: 1. Provide to the tenant clear information relating to: the terms of the tenancy agreement, the amount of rent for which the tenant is in arrears, the tenant’s rights in relation to proceedings for eviction (including the pre-action requirements set out in this regulation), and how the tenant may access information and advice on financial support and debt management. Make reasonable efforts to agree with the tenant a reasonable plan to make payments to the landlord of: future payments of rent, and the rent for which the tenant is in arrears. Give reasonable consideration to: any steps being taken by the tenant which may affect the ability of the tenant to make payment to the landlord of the rent arrears within a reasonable time, the extent to which the tenant has complied with the terms of any payment plan agreed, and any changes to the tenant’s circumstances which are likely to impact on the extent to which the tenant complies with the terms of any payment plan agreed. Cairn currently has a strict rent arrears process in place which includes template letters for staff to send to tenants, complying with the above legislation. What happens at the end of the notice period? If the tenant does not vacate the property, you will be required to apply to the Housing and Property Chamber, First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for an eviction order. This involves completing application paperwork, providing evidence of the eviction ground and also demonstrating that you have complied with the pre-action requirements. Before submitting the application, you will also need to issue a section 11 notice to the local authority. During the application, the landlord / representative will also need to attend one or more case management discussions with the Tribunal before any order is granted. It is important that landlords have a strong case at the Tribunal as legal members are required to now conduct a ‘reasonableness’ test on the tenants and landlords’ circumstances before granting or rejecting eviction applications. This process can be very time-consuming and complicated, especially if defended by the tenant, landlords can defend themselves at hearing, but many do employ the services of a lawyer to act on their behalf. Landlords can also apply to the Tribunal for an ‘order of payment’ for the debt owed by the tenant. Again, this involves submitting application paperwork along with the required evidence and attendance at one or more case management discussions. At Cairn, we have an in house Compliance Manager on hand to assist landlords with eviction and civil applications at the Tribunal. Should you wish advice or more information on this service please email enquiries@cairnletting.com
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant
Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? My role at Cairn is to process financial transactions, from tenant rent payments to landlord and contractor payments. I support the teams in working towards achieving targets each month and processing all the information that comes with this. How long have you worked at Cairn? I started at Cairn in July 2012 so 10.5 years – more than a third of my life! What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The friendly, dedicated team and the flexibility of home working is great for work life balance, allows me to work around my two young children. The best thing about working in the property industry? Each day is different, they days bring new challenges and an interesting story or two along the way. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? A piece of art I drew is featured in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and has been for many years. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, anyone who aspires to work hard and get the job done, a good work ethic is a great quality. My hero outside of business is my mum, she inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself and is always there to listen or help when needed. One piece of advice you could give your younger self ? Do not worry what others think about you, do what makes you happy. Live and let live! What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, ambition and a positive attitude in others. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Glasgow for sure, such a wonderful city, especially in the summer sun! If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details – kerry-ann@cairnletting.com 01412707878
Meet The Team, Portobello, Staff
Meet the Team – Jack Steele Branch Manager Portobello, Edinburgh
Meet the Team – Jack Steele Branch Manager Portobello, Edinburgh Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? My role at Cairn is to oversee the Edinburgh Portobello Branch to expand the business there and ensure the office runs smoothly. How long have you worked at Cairn? I’ve been at Cairn for 6 Years now. I was financial controller in our Glasgow office where I dealt with financial transactions from tenants paying rent to paying Landlords and everything in between. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn Team are fantastic and I enjoy the flexibility of part working from home allowing me work life balance. The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same which presents different challenges but enjoy this. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I used to play the double bass in an orchestra and I am capped for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland Club XV. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of Business I like Mark Cuban and outside of business it has to be the Gypsy King Tyson Fury. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I don’t feel the need to try and follow the curve, everybody has their own path to follow. What qualities do you most admire in others? I admire honesty, integrity, and accountability. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? I enjoy spending time in Edinburgh.
Legislation
COST OF LIVING (TENANT PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2022 – RENT INCREASE BAN UPDATE
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 – Rent increase ban update. A coalition of letting bodies and landlords have submitted a Petition to the Courts against the discriminatory and unreasonable eviction and rent increase ban in Scotland. The Scottish Association of Landlords, Propertymark and Scottish Landlord and Estates have joined forces and are seeking judicial review of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act which was passed in October 2022. Landlords and property professionals have voiced concerns over this rushed and badly planned legislation. Many feel that this is an attack on private landlords, worsened now that the rent increase ban has been removed from the social rented sector as of 1 March 2023. For the private rented sector? As of 1 April 2023, landlords can increase the rent by 3%, or apply to the rent officer for a 6% increase, to cover increases in the ‘prescribed property costs’ which are: The interest payable on any mortgage or standard security over the rented property. Any insurance premium you pay which relates to offering the property for rent. For example, landlords’ insurance. Increases in premiums for building or property insurance are not included. Any service charges related to the rented property that the tenant pays towards as part of their rent if this was agreed between you and the tenant as part of the terms of the tenancy. Not the best deal for private landlords, who are also suffering through the cost of living crisis whilst being expected to carry tenant rent arrears and pay for maintenance and compliance. Not forgetting the eviction ban! So, can I increase my rent from 1 April 2023? Yes, for PRT tenancies, a rent increase notice can be served on the tenant from 1 April 2023. However, the legislation is clear that any notices issued before 1 April 2023, still fall within the 0% cap, even if the notice does not take effect until after 1 April 2023. For Assured and Short Assured Tenancies, rent increases are still permitted and not affected by the ban as long as the tenancy agreement has a rent increase clause. Rents can be increased to the market value per the terms of the clause, unless there is a specific formula stating otherwise. In such difficult times as these, it is now more important than ever to have a knowledgeable and qualified agent managing your rental property and your interests. If you would like to discuss your options of changing agent or letting your property, please contact our friendly team on 0141 270 7878 for Glasgow and 0131 346 4646 for Edinburgh, or by email to enquiries@cairnletting.com We also have a in house Compliance Manager who is more than happy to assist landlords facing difficult letting and eviction issues.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director What your job entails? Sourcing and selling investment opportunities for UK and overseas clients. Particular focus on HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) Investments and portfolio management. Managing the Estate Agency divisions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and adding value to properties for landlords through developments and refurbishments. How long have you worked at Cairn? Coming up 12 years, the roller coaster of trends and changes in the market through those 12 yrs has helped me gain the experience and knowledge of the property market in both sales and letting. What was it about the property industry that made you want to work in it? The property market in Glasgow and Edinburgh is a fantastic sector to work in. Meeting a wide and varied cross section of buyers, sellers, tenants and helping source and secure the right property for the right people at the right time – it’s challenging but I genuinely love what I do. The best thing about working in the property industry? Every day and every property is different and the diversity of our client base is always interesting meeting people from all walks of life. It’s an ever changing market, being adaptable, resourceful and proactive makes the responsibilities both challenging and rewarding. Being a parent myself, I really enjoy working with parent investors, looking for the right accommodation and investment for their family for the short term Uni days and beyond. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The fluidity of the business, and the enthusiasm of the team makes it a dynamic place to be. One piece of advice you’d give your younger self? I think woman (particularly young women) are so critical of themselves – try and not compare yourself and your life to others – hold your head high ! What you like to do in your spare time, interests, hobbies etc? Nutrition and fitness are my main passions, running, challenges, munro bagging, open water swimming, water skiing, anything outdoors and if my little bown mutt can come too it’s a bonus! Not a lot of people know that I… Studied at New York Uni in the 90s which was an “awesome” experience! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? I try not to hold anyone up on a pedestal. I try and surround myself with positive, enthusiastic, good people, all trying to be the best version of themselves in both business and personally. Where’s your favourite place in Scotland? Caledonia ! where do I start … I can write a book on the beautiful places and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in Scotland. Mountains… lochs… islands…. Coastlines …. Scotland rarely disappoints me. My home town Portobello is special but if I had to choose my top destination it would be Barra – there is something very magical about the Outer Hebrides.
Estate Agency, Selling
Tips for Selling Your Home in January
New Year, New View: Why January Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home Does “moving home” rank high on your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t wait until spring has sprung to get your home on the market. January can be a great time to sell, and here we explain why. 3 Reasons Why Selling in January Makes Sense 1. Demand outstrips supply For many people, springtime is the time to put their homes up for sale. The weather is getting better, there are more buyers around, and the property market kicks into gear. But just because winter isn’t peak property hunting season doesn’t mean there aren’t buyers searching in January. There’s still demand for new homes, and while it’s not as great as in the spring (or autumn), you could steal a march on other sellers by making your property available sooner. 2. Serious buyers only Continuing on from the first point, the buyers searching in January won’t be kicking tyres. In other words, they’re not coming for a nose around your home with zero intention of making an offer. When viewers are braving the winter weather to look at your property, you can almost guarantee they’ll be serious about buying sooner rather than later. 3. Moving companies have better availability If one of those serious buyers makes you an offer, and you accept it, everything can move relatively quickly during the winter months — including the move itself. As you’re outside the peak season, removal companies should have better availability, and some might even be cheaper. Plus, other important aspects of moving house (such as surveys and conveyancing) can often be done faster as there’s less demand at this time of year. Our Top Tips for Selling Your Home in January Make your home cosy for viewings It’s Scotland. In January. It’s cold outside. Make sure your home is warm and inviting when a potential buyer drops by. Add cosy touches, like throws, cushions, and rugs, to your rooms, light some scented candles, and keep the temperature at an appropriate level. Essentially, you want viewers to feel like your home is an escape from the bitter winter weather. If you can do that, you might just help them picture themselves living there! Tidy up your garden/entrance Gardens in January won’t be in full bloom, but it’s vital that you don’t neglect yours if you have one. Sweep up dead leaves, scrub the patio, and arrange your garden furniture to give any prospective buyers an idea of your outdoor space’s potential when summer (finally) rolls around. And if you don’t have a garden, make sure the entrance to your property is free of any winter debris, like mud or leaves, and that the path is de-iced ahead of time. Let Cairn take the lead Finally, work with an experienced local estate agent, like Cairn. We can take the lead when it comes to staging and marketing your property, and we can also handle viewings on your behalf. And once the bids start rolling in, we can advise on negotiations to help you land the very best deal for your home. Ready to get your home on the market in January? Cairn can help! Contact us today to arrange a free property valuation.
