Scouting Trip - contact letting agencies?

Hi all,

My husband and I will be in London in May for a scouting trip and we want to look at some flats/houses if possible.  Would a letting agent get pissed off if we are 'just looking?'  (I have no problems with lying and saying we're more than just looking!)  Do they charge a fee to show you properties?

Any recommendations for specific agencies that will be willing to do this?  Also, how far in advance should I contact them?

Eventually, we'll need a 3 bedroom, cat-friendly place.  Ideally in North London.

Thanks in advance!
Di

Don't tell them that you are just looking.  Decide on a story in advance - that you will be moving for work in July for example - and call away.  Don't mention cats until you are there, otherwise many will just say that they can't accommodate this and won't show you around.  And you must certainly not pay to look at flats - they are being paid to find tenants, and don't need paying twice.  If you tell them you are flexible about the moving date and are really waiting until you find the right place to live, then there will be more for you to see.

I would say that, as this is just a scouting trip, use the bigger agencies who can afford to have their time wasted, not the smaller agencies.  So, try Foxtons, who are particularly evil and have a lot of properties to show!

Where in North London are you planning to move to?  Or is this the point of the trip?


Vicky

It depends exactly when you are looking to move. No lettings agency in London charges for viewings (and if they do you should go elsewhere). There is never any harm in looking early. Just make tell the agency that you are looking to move in within the next 4-6 weeks, and they should be happy to let you view.

Just a word of warning though. Avoid viewing anything on a Saturday as this is most offices busiest time with the majority of them booked up. I'd personally book a week in advance, and no more than that.

Some helpful websites:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk
http://www.findaproperty.com

And I agree with Vicky. Call Foxtons as they are bloody awful and no one minds if their time gets wasted! 

Thanks for the tips!

Foxton's may be shite, so I'm happy to use them for research purposes.     I love that their website shows floor plans and square footage.

Part of our goal for the trip is to narrow down the areas we like.  We've got a list that ranges from Muswell Hill to High Barnet to Finchley.

That's my patch!

Anything you would liek to know about the area, feel free to pick my brains.  There are a couple of others from this way on the board as well.

And if you do decide on the Finchley/High Barnet area, I can put you in touch with a great estate agent who could help you. 


Vicky

We're near Muswell Hill in Crouch Hill. We'd be happy to help as well. Don't know when you're looking to move, but our flat will be available in the fall.

Thanks so much, Vicky & Terri!

We have a toddler, so schools are definitely important to us.  We're not too picky about being close to a Tube, but definitely bus access is important as it's unlikely we will have a car.  DH will probably be working in Central London.

Timeframe is probably not for 9-12 months.