Naive Questions from Landlords?
I was always taught that there are no daft questions and that being concious of ones own naivety is a step towards wisdom.
Last night I received an email from an established landlord who said he no longer wanted to receive our Newsletters as he felt the questions raised by forum members were naive, below his level of intellect, and that he felt Property118 was no longer for him.
This made me very sad because Property118 was created to share experiences and best practice so that we could all learn from each other. Nobody knows everything and by helping others and sharing experiences we can all learn something new and useful.
I’ve been in this business for 25 years and I still learn something new every day from comments posted on Property118 by other landlords. Some people have more experience than I do but I still learn things from the fresh thinking of newbies because they challenge my thought processes and keep my mind fresh. There are always new ways to deal with things and as the property market is ever changing and evolving, so is best practice.
This is an extract of what he said …..
“I also consider myself a professional Landlord and find some of the questions posted by some of your readers very naive and showing a very amateurish and cavalier attitude to the job that carries a great number of responsibilities. I simply do not feel I have much in common.”
He also said …….
“I feel that a lot of the responses go in the sense of pushing some various services (such as letting agents/ legal services such as Landlords Action) etc. This may be necessary for a number of amateur Landlords or people who cannot commit the time into the research and learning their job properly.”
I would be very interested to read the thoughts of other members on this.
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 36 - Articles: 1
11:26 AM, 14th August 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “13/08/2014 – 21:30“:
well I’m shocked, such a well established landlord and he doesn’t even know a local handyman. In my opinion as a landlord one of the first things you do get a good team behind you, saves you alot. Unless of course you let the estate agents manage it for you however I still use my own handyman even then, as estate agents take their cut too usually about 10%
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 49 - Articles: 2
1:15 PM, 14th August 2014, About 12 years ago
What a shame.
My first thoughts were ‘ we can do without him’ and I suppose we can.
But hey I suppose he has something to contribute!
We’re all in this together and I would encourage any landlord, experienced or not, to ask any question whatsoever.
Someone once told me that if you don’t ask naive questions you will remain naive!
I’ve been in this industry for 13 years and I learn more and more through this website.
The job that Mark has done in getting his idea to it’s current status is fantastic.
I have recently become one of Marks private clients and have met with him in Norfolk. The advice given and contacts made are coming to fruition. We frequently speak by phone and email and I would recommend his services to any landlord, experienced or ‘naive’!!!
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
1:31 PM, 14th August 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Lyndon Whitehouse” at “14/08/2014 – 13:15“:
Thanks Lyndon, much appreciated 😀
I have just spotted that you have a business sponsor profile too. Very impressive! As all your staff have their Landlord Accreditation via MLAS you must know my good friend Mary Latham?
When we spoke the morning I was delighted to hear that you will soon be opening a new office in Wednesfield. As you know, that’s where I was born and many of my family still live there and own properties in the area. I will be sure to pop in for a cuppa when I’m next visiting relatives or making a trip to Monmore Green for the speedway.
A few hundred yards from your new shop used to be a cycle speedway track. I spent most of my summer holidays racing around that as a kid LOL
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Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 49 - Articles: 2
3:12 PM, 14th August 2014, About 12 years ago
Thanks for that Mark, you will be most welcome to pop in and reminisce!
Yes I do know Mary very well. I am also a member of the NLA and she is a representative in the Midlands.
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 33
9:35 AM, 15th August 2014, About 12 years ago
I have been a landlord for nearly 40 years…many questions on this site are naive and sometimes one has to wonder if the questioner really should be in the business or contemplating entering it.
However the more you know the more you realise how much more there is to know.
I am constantly impressed by Mark’s rational and reasonable approach to the business and the wise and general advice he gives to his readers….and his willingness to pass on to more specialist advisors when the technicalities are beyond his expertise.
I learn a little more every time I read the site….for instance that there really are some arrogant pillocks out there.
Keep up the good work Mark and don’t let the bastards grind you down.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
9:54 AM, 15th August 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Nick Faulkner” at “15/08/2014 – 09:35“:
Cheers Nick and thank you for all the advice you have given to me over the years. We can’t all know everything.
I remember when I first met you about 20 years ago, I knew very little about being a landlord back then but I did know a lot about finance and we both learned from each other 😀
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Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 9
10:50 AM, 15th August 2014, About 12 years ago
You can’t please all the people all the time! The majority of comments above prove that most visitors are interested in offering advice etc., and if something of not of interest, no one makes you read it.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
11:11 AM, 15th August 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Hazel Taylor” at “15/08/2014 – 10:50“:
Hi Hazel
Good points made 🙂
The ratio of reader to commenter though is around 500:1. A year ago it was 1,000:1 so people are getting a bit braver and wading in with questions, opinions and advice a lot more. I’m hoping that this time next year that we have a lot more readers and the reader to commenter ratio will be 250:1 or better. Fingers crossed, it will certainly keep our sponsors happy if it happens 😀
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Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
11:13 AM, 15th August 2014, About 12 years ago
The certified metrics for Property118 can be found here >>> http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/property118.com
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 66
8:13 AM, 16th August 2014, About 12 years ago
I have always found the services Mark has offered helpful. Even if it is about a mad dog!