Featured Agent: Arden Property Management
This week we’re featuring another award winning agent; Arden Property Management, who recently won Gold and Silver awards at The ESTAS. We spoke to Catriona Waugh to find out more about them!
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself, your business, and what kind of properties you handle
I started Arden Property Management in 2006, along with a business partner at the time, but have run the business myself for the past 6 years.
We look after 500 properties and have a high staff to property ratio, taking a real hands on approach, with property managers actually going out to the properties, dealing with their property, tenants and landlords.
I normally have a pretty good overview of what is going on and where, helped by regular full team meetings and good staff communication. I still do the odd viewing or check in/out. We all pull together to get the job done the best we can.
We look after all sorts of properties, from one bed flats to larger family homes and everything in between. We also look after quite a few HMO properties.
Q2. What made you get into the property business?
I was looking for a new challenge after having worked in the Hospitality sector. I owned a few properties and decided to give it a go. I had never run my own business before and the journey has been an incredible experience and I am still here 10 years on, so I must be doing something right.
Q3. What is your favourite property you’ve had?
That is such a difficult question! Though we see lots we don’t actually get to live in them so don’t get the whole experience, however I love the views at Quartermile, I love the location at Devon Place, which is a hidden gem right in the heart of the city, but I think my favourite flat is a property on the corner of Chamber Street and George the IV Bridge. It is on the 4th floor so has views of the Pentlands and of the Castle and internally has an amazing double height open plan lounge.
Q4. What’s the best thing about the area you operate in?
I thoroughly enjoy the business, dealing with people, problem solving, project managing and doing the best I can for my clients makes it all worthwhile.
No two days are ever the same and because you are dealing with people, it never gets dull. There are many weird and wonderful stories about both landlords and tenants!
Our offices are in Morningside and Northumberland Street, both busy areas although in Morningside there is a lot more on our doorstep.
Q5. What advice would you give to someone looking for a rental property?
Be prepared! Before you start looking, get all of the documentation you require together and have your deposit in the bank ready to go. If you see something you like, go for it. The market for one and two beds is so competitive that you have to be on the ball.
Also make sure you don’t pay an application or referencing fee, you should always be given the choice to do it all yourself.
Q6. What did you do before you got into this business?
Back in a previous life I was a primary school teacher, then a stay at home mum for a bit, then back to University and working in the Hospitality sector, where I was Operations Director for an independent company.
Q7. What would be a good night out in your area?
There are lots of restaurants and bars near the office but I stay down at Shandon so I would say nice meal in The Fountain then onto the cinema, a walk home with a pit stop at The Caley Sample Room would be ideal.
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