News – Crucible Sales and Lettings

Meet our amazing apprentices

In April last year we teamed up with the careers service at Ecclesfield High School to talk to young people about pursuing an apprenticeship with us. We were delighted to take on Megan and Leyla in August 2016 and since then they have been working hard to develop their skills and forge a future for themselves in the property industry.

Alongside working full-time in our Chapeltown and Hillsborough branches, Megan and Leyla are balancing their time with completing work for their Business Administration Qualification. So far they have submitted a range of modules on diary systems, industry policies and office professionalism, and over the course of two years they will receive an accredited qualification.

Going straight from school into a professional working environment is one of the biggest challenges and learning curves for apprentices. But eight months on you would never know that our apprentices, who are both full of enthusiasm, confidence and expertise, have only recently finished school.

Megan particularly enjoys the responsibility of working in a team.

“It helps you develop a new working attitude instead of a school attitude and I like knowing that what you do each day has a huge impact for everyone in the company, and the people you’re helping.”

Leyla enjoys developing brand new skills and loves the supported aspects of the apprenticeship.

“I knew nothing about houses and selling until I started working here – sometimes you don’t realise how many great things you’ve been achieving and learning until it’s pointed out to you and then you feel amazing.”

Both our apprentices feel like they’ve matured quickly and have loved being able to soak up all the knowledge of their experienced colleagues. And we can’t deny the positive impact that Megan and Leyla have in our branches – they’re keeping us all young!

Our Managing Director Phil has also been really impressed with how quickly they’re both developing.

“Helping to shape the rest of Megan and Leyla’s lives is an enormous responsibility but they’re already proving themselves as valuable members of the team and that is amazing to see. I’m incredibly proud of them both.”

For anyone considering taking an apprenticeship then Megan and Leyla’s advice is, go for it! If you feel unsure about whether it’s the right choice for you then our apprentice stars are more than happy to share their experiences.

Pop into our branches any time for a brew and a chat and you could start to change your life too!

Crucible Sales and Lettings support Stars of the Future!

Here at Crucible Sales and Lettings we’re really proud to sponsor a number of local sports teams in our communities and we love keeping up to date with their progress throughout the season.

We’re so excited to hear that Alfie Dunn, Ecclesfield Red Rose Under 9s Goal Keeper, is starting a 6 week trial with Rotherham United Football Club Academy!

This is an amazing achievement and we can’t wait to see how you get on. Here’s a picture of Alfie looking smart and ready for action in his kit.

You can also check out Alfie’s signature on the signed shirt we were lucky enough to receive from the team last year. This really could feature the future England team’s autographs on, so we’re keeping it safe!

To see the shirt displayed in pride of place, you can pop in to our Chapeltown office in Sheffield. We welcome everyone for a cup of tea and you never know, you might also bump into one of our stars in the community!

Good luck with the next few weeks at Rotherham United Academy Alfie, and if there are any aspiring footballers out there you know who to ask for tips!

Breaking News – Lettings Agents Fees To Be Banned

Lettings agents in England will be banned from charging fees to tenants “as soon as possible” under plans announced in the Autumn Statement.

Mr Hammond said he would take aim at the charges letting agents can levy on tenants for services such as administration and referencing. The government believes the ban – to be brought in “as soon as possible” following a consultation – will help millions of households in private rented housing by sparing them what can amount to “hundreds of pounds in fees”

We have seen these fees spiral, often to hundreds of pounds,” Mr Hammond said. “This is wrong. Landlords appoint letting agents and landlords should meet their fees.”

But how will this affect Landlords and tenants moving forward?

If the costs are levied at landlords, will rents increase therefore tenants could well end up footing the bill anyway?

Will it drive up competition from potential tenants there the demand could be higher and rents may increase?

Thomas Crouch, Lettings Manager for Crucible Sales and Lettings said “I think that the announcement in the autumn statement that letting agents will be banned from charging tenant fees, will encourage more tenants to rent properties. I especially think this will entice first time tenants, such as younger people leaving their family home as the upfront costs for moving into the property will be reduced.

However I don’t believe this will be a good idea in the long run. In my opinion, I think that this will cause letting agents to increase the fees that they charge landlords, to compensate for the loss of income from tenant fees. Then in turn landlords will naturally want higher rents for their properties to cover the cost of the rising agent fees. This will end up costing tenants more in the long run, than having to pay agents fees would have in the first place.

Letting agents do need to be paid for the mainly administrative work done to move tenants in. I think it would have made more sense for the government to put a cap on fees charged to tenants, instead of banning them all together.”

Are you a landlord and have questions on how this might affect you?

Are you a tenant wondering if this will have an affect on you over the course of a tenancy?

Give Crucible Sales and Lettings a call today to discuss your lettings requirements on 01709 300333

Job Vacancy – Lettings Manager

Due to our continued growth we have an exciting position available within our lettings department

Lettings Manager

40 hours per week

Salary £20,000 – £25,000 dependent on experience + benefits

To develop and grow the lettings business through a well-motivated team, give effective leadership and be accountable for results and people, whilst complying with Crucible Sales & Letting’s procedures and policies at all times

Key responsibilities include:

To maximise the overall income and profitability of both the Sheffield and Rotherham branches and achieve budgeted income, profit and other targets set by Head Office.
Demonstrate the standards required from reporting staff through personal performance and results.
Provide on-going coaching, training and development of team.
View and take on all property instructions from landlords. Maintain and run an effective follow up system for withdrawn instructions, lost instructions and Market Appraisal’s that have not been instructed.
Ensure all offers and conditions are communicated immediately to the landlord.
Ensure that terms agreed at the commencement of a tenancy are put in writing to the landlord and applicant.
Maintain regular contact with instructing landlords with activity report.
Brief staff immediately of any changes in landlord’s instructions.
Maintain and update an efficient record of all applicant enquiries through our software system (Jupix)
Implement and maintain an advertising / canvassing programme, to be regularly appraised and updated.
Ensure on-going and regular liaison with sales staff over potential clients / instructions
Communicate regularly with the Property Management Department to ensure issues/problems are dealt with swiftly and effectively providing the highest level of service for our clients.
Holding effective daily and more formal weekly team meetings, to include the update of the applicant and landlord registers.
Effectively manage the office diary to ensure appropriate cover in branch at all times.
Ensure staff compliance with all company administrative procedures and effect additional work systems where necessary.
At all times to project a smart, friendly, polite and professional image providing the highest standard of customer care in order to secure recommendations and further business for the Company.
To demonstrate by practice a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Fees and Terms of Business, Tenancy Agreement and associated legislation.
To ensure that no tenancy commences without cleared funds and a gas safety record in place and all relevant compliance standards are met.
To ensure office banking procedures are adhered to by staff.
To ensure that all complaints are dealt with under the Company Complaints Procedure.
To ensure that the office and desks are kept clean, tidy and that the overall presentation of the office is maintained to reflect the professional image and profile of the company.
To maintain a high standard of written presentation within the office and ensure all promotional material is accurate and consistent with the company image, the Estate Agents Act and the Property Misdescriptions Act (i.e. correspondence, window cards, boards, property particulars, lettings lists, office displays).
To ensure that staff are always punctual and that their personal presentation, standard of dress and telephone manner are in accord with the Company’s professional standards
Ensure, by at least monthly inspection, that staff cars are kept clean and tidy inside and out, and are maintained in accordance with the Company Car Policy.
To maintain an accurate Attendance Diary for holidays and sickness, and arrange cover when staff are on leave or absent.
To ensure the proper running of the office at all times.
To maintain a Saturday roster and ensure staff are present.
To attend and ensure staff attendance of any formal training sessions.
To ensure that all office equipment is maintained in good working order.
Process landlord payments, contractor payments and tenant refunds in the absence of the Lettings Operations Manager.
Ensure that all invoices have been correctly input onto our software system (Jupix).
Provide a daily report to the Lettings Operations Manager regarding any queries as requested.
Any other duties as directed by the Lettings Operations Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Qualifications – Grade A – C in G.C.S.E Mathematics & English or equivalent

Experience

Management experience across a broad range of functions with a successful record of high quality customer care

Successful record of staff management, support and team development

Multi skilled with a track record of achieving objectives and meeting targets

Writing and presenting reports

Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations

A demonstrable record of adding value to the organisation

At least 12 months experience of working in a busy lettings environment

Knowledge

Ability to understand and improve business systems and support processes

Ability to interpret and apply the legislative and regulatory requirements within a letting agency and to implement systems that ensure these are met

Sound knowledge of housing legislation, regulation, policies and procedures

Skills

Evidence of Leadership skills within a working environment

Skilled in organising and prioritising work to deliver against deadlines, often under pressure

Performance management skills – setting, monitoring and reviewing goals and objectives

Clear ability to analyse and interpret data/information and produce performance and other reports

IT literate and track record of developing internal business systems

Sound working knowledge of MS Office applications and social media in a business environment

Qualities

Stamina, drive and resilience and a track record of delivering performance improvement

Flexible and adaptable with a positive “can do” attitude and a focus on getting things done

A highly motivated self-starter taking responsibility for own and team training and development

Commitment to Crucible Sales and letting’s values

Appetite and ability to deliver a wide and varied workload in the context of a small business operating environment

To apply

Please email Ben Johnson – b.johnson@cruciblesalesandlettings.co.uk for an application form.
Please note – CV’s won’t be considered.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR A SELF EMPLOYED ESTATE AGENT

OUTSTANDING UNCAPPED COMMISSION ONLY PACKAGES – OTE £40,000+

Due to our continued growth, Crucible Sales and Lettings are looking for self motivated, dynamic and passionate people to join our team on a self employed basis.

Are you an excellent sales person? Do you have exceptional communication skills? Do you have a good understanding of the property market? If so we want to hear from YOU!

Your responsibilities as a self employed estate agent will include sourcing potential properties to sell, dealing with customers wishing to sell their homes, carrying out marketing appraisals, managing a client base and meeting targets.

You will be required to work full time business hours with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required to create a client base that will provide a high level of business and income to both you and the company.

In return Crucible can offer a very generous 33% of all sales commissions through property sales plus bonuses for mortgages, conveyancing and our premium package

We are currently looking for the right people to cover South Sheffield, Barnsley and Chesterfield.

These roles are best suited to individuals who are exceptionally good at sales with a real passion for property, if you have previous estate agency / property brokering experience this is advantageous

If you are ready for a huge challenge with excellent earning potentials then please email your CV to b.johnson@cruciblesalesandlettings.co.uk