Sally Lawson at the Landlord Show

During the show, property investors were given the opportunity to have their most pressing landlord and lettings queries confidentially answered, on a 1-2-1 basis, by spending direct time with property industry experts, in an all day Landlord Clinic.

Sally Lawson, who is recognised as one of the UK’s leading residential letting experts, as well as being the ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) Regional Media Spokesperson, Level 2 Qualified Member, and MAF (Members Advisory Forum) Regional Representative for all ARLA Lettings Members’ within the West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Hereford & Worcestershire, was invited to join the Surgery Practitioner panel of experts.

Sally said: “I was delighted to be invited, especially lending my professional expertise during these more challenging times in our industry’s history. I found myself discussing topics as wide ranging as investment tips, achieving higher rents, running a buy-to-let business, property insurance, property standards, tenancy agreements, landlords legal obligations, to name but a few. In fact, some of these specific topics are also covered in my special lettings report ‘The Housing Act – Made Simple’ which is available free at www.housingact.org.”

The Birmingham based show, www.landlordshow.info, which is the largest and longest established private rented sector show in the UK, took place on 16th & 17th October, attracting over 2,300 visitors. Its primary focus is on offering great landlord focused products or services and being a place for landlords, property investors, and property professional to meet, network, learn, and discuss a whole myriad of property related news, views, and opportunities, as well as being a centre point to find the best deals on the market.

It was designed to ensure a high level of interaction and engagement, and in addition to the free 1-2-1 Landlord Clinic, it also including many thought-provoking open educational sessions that addressed today’s property challenges.

Sally’s training company, Lawsons Lettings Academy www.LawsonsLettingsAcademy.co.uk, also had a stand at the show, along with 40 other industry suppliers. Sally’s senior team spent time with landlords exploring their knowledge gaps, and how the Academy could help.

Senior Lettings Specialist, Karen Mills, who is part of Sally’s advisory team, said: “We were promoting 3 key service levels at the show. Our ‘Buy-To-Let Advisory Service’ which is a 3 hour first stage workshop for small groups of 3 to 6 investors. Our ‘Lettings Breakthrough Programme’ which is a 12 month programme of lettings advice, support, and coaching. And finally our ‘Lettings Audit & Review Service’ which is a short, sharp, trouble shooting consultative review that takes a 6 weeks snap shot of those that have either a Lettings Business or large property portfolio.”

The show returns to Birmingham for the fourth time on 17th-18th November 2010, with new midweek timings to attract even more of the industry’s serious landlords and letting professionals.

If you’re interested in either expanding, or getting involved in, your own buy-to-let property portfolio, Lawsons Lettings Academy hold a series of Landlord Advisory Workshops showing investors Where to buy? What to buy? When to buy? and how to ensure the property is as rentable, safe, & secure an investment as possible. Please visit the Lawsons Lettings Academy website at www.LawsonsLettingsAcademy.co.uk or www.SallyLawson.co.uk, or if you have any immediate questions or requirements, please contact Karen Mills on +44 (0)1902 428098

End of Press Release

Sally, who is both a successful businesswomen and a UK property lettings professional, gained her wealth of experience over the last 19 years by owning and running one of the West Midlands leading independent firms of letting agents, namely Lawsons.

Also being both an ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) Regional Media Spokesperson and ARLA Members Advisory Forum Regional Representative, Sally said: “So many people kept on saying to me; Sally you know all this housing legislation like the back of your hand. Why don’t you write it down in a handy, easy-to-understand guide so we can all get to grips with it ourselves and use it to help us sort out all our problem tenants?”

So, Sally decided to take the pain out of the Housing Act 1988 and 1996 www.housingact.org and wrote down all the things Landlords need to know, delivering some simplified information that any Landlord can use and benefit from today. She spent hours reading and digesting the legislation, plus researching the views of other top lettings industry experts, to compile it all in this convenient special report. Sally, having rented properties for many years, teaches countless property investors on the complex Landlord and tenancy laws. She assures you that by reading this excellent special report you’ll learn the most relevant pieces of legislation. It’s now available to download, and for free, at www.housingact.org.

Senior Lettings Specialist, Karen Mills, who also heads-up The Lawsons Lettings Academy www.lawsonslettingsacademy.co.uk said: “Not knowing what you need to know can be dangerous, and the information Sally covers in this special report is simply invaluable. I’ve seen so many Landlords innocently fall outside the law, suffered very hefty penalties, and sometimes jail sentences, due to their own ignorance, simply because they didn’t know they were breaking the law.”

In ‘The Housing Act 1988 & 1996 Made Simple’ Sally has covered such areas as; Section 8; Section 21; How to avoid the most common mistakes made by Landlords; How to use the 17 most straight forward grounds to evict your problem tenant; How to set things ups so the law is working on your side, instead of the tenant; When, how, and what notices to serve your tenant; and What key steps you need to take if you get a Fair Rent Assessment thrust upon you.

If you wish to relax, safe in the knowledge that you have all the Housing Act legislation facts, right at your fingertips, and only the one’s that are relevant and appropriate to your particular needs, then visit www.housingact.org or www.lawsonslettingsacademy.co.uk or if you have any immediate questions or requirements, you can contact Karen Mills on +44 (0)1902 428098

Ten teams from prominent companies across the region took part, swapping their briefcases for the battle ground at Kinver’s Closer to the Edge outdoor learning and development centre.

Competitors had to get their hands dirty, with new challenges including throwing a life rope to ‘save Sam’ adding to the staple list of climbing, shooting, orienteering and problem solving activities. There was plenty of healthy team rivalry and the Natwest team finished the victors, but everyone left as friends.

Sally said: “The idea behind the day was, of course, to raise money for a very worthy cause and we’re extremely proud of our efforts, with £6,000 pledged to Compton Hospice in sponsorship. But it also had the added bonus of connecting people in the corporate community.

“We’ve found taking part in the physical challenges a unique way of linking with a wide range of people, from various industry sectors, and it has proved an extremely positive experience both personally and professionally.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s challenge which will take place in early November. Anyone interested in entering a team should contact Sally.

Last November participants from across the region spent the whole day in damp and chilly conditions climbing, shooting, orienteering, problem solving and competing in other outdoor activities.

This week representatives of the event’s main sponsors, Sally Lawson of letting agent Lawsons and Mel Ellis from Closer to the Edge, relived exhilarating moments from the day itself as they presented a cheque to Karen Bowyer, Corporate Fundraiser for the Hospice.

The challenge, brainchild of Wolverhampton letting agent Lawsons, was conceived as a way of raising funds for Compton Hospice whilst encouraging local companies to get to know each other better in an informal environment.

“We were amazed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the teams.” Said Sally. “The day was such a success we’re already planning the next challenge!”

16th March 2007
For more information contact
Hannah Hall
Telephone: 07967 342465

With property price increases, Dave (55) and wife Wendy were able to release the equity growth in the first house, giving them the deposit for the next purchase. Ten properties and ten years later, they have amassed sufficient wealth to head off to warmer climes and a slower pace of life.

“The most amazing thing is that aside from having made each of the purchase decisions along the way, I’ve had very little to do with it” says Dave. “Lawsons gave me all the investment advice, found the right tenants, guaranteed and collected the rent and paid me once a month for their trouble!”
In addition to the monthly income, the property price increases mean that their equity has grown exponentially giving returns that you just couldn’t get elsewhere. Having recently completed on their dream villa in Spain, Dave and Wendy are now down-sizing their portfolio and looking forward to a more leisurely lifestyle.

“I always wanted to retire early and just enjoy life with no mortgage worries and no concerns about income. By making the right investment decisions, buy-to-let has been a self funding scheme for us and is allowing us to live the dream” Dave added. “Lawsons have been crucial in this equation and I genuinely wish everybody else making these decisions the same success that we’ve had.”
End

15 January 2007
For more information contact
Hannah Hall
Telephone: 07967 342465
MPM Solutions Ltd

Since joining as a Lettings Negotiator, Jo (36) has worked her way up through Senior Negotiator to the position she holds today. She now heads up the department, taking responsibility for the Lettings Team. Qualified to ARLA Level 1, she will take higher level exams in due course and is currently receiving 1-to-1 coaching to further develop her management skills.

Jo’s progression through the Company is something managing director Sally Lawson is very proud of. “We try to offer all our staff the opportunity to continue in education and grow in their roles”, she said. “The ongoing investment we have made in Jo has really paid off both for her and for Lawsons.”

Away from work Jo is something of an adventurer and is currently planning a tour of Europe on her 900cc Honda motorcycle in May. She lives with partner Paul and enjoys escaping to the countryside with her 4 year old German shepherd dog, Mr Bozwell.

End

18 December 2006
For more information contact
Hannah Hall
Telephone: 07967 342465
MPM Solutions Ltd

Participants in the charity event swapped their suits and briefcases for protective headgear and arrows when business rivalry was literally, taken outside. The challenge, brainchild of Wolverhampton letting agent Lawsons, was conceived as a way of raising funds for Compton Hospice whilst encouraging local companies to get to know each other better in an informal environment.

“I believe strong business relationships are crucial in today’s environment” said organiser, Sally Lawson. “There’s a lot of mileage in spending time with other businesses – even your competitors – and looking for ways to collaborate for everybody’s benefit. This seems to come naturally to Wolverhampton businesses who have had a great time as well as raising thousands of pounds for Compton Hospice.”

Karen Bowyer, Corporate Fundraiser at Compton Hospice was on hand to present the trophies and congratulate the winning teams. Thrilled with the turnout and funds that have been promised she said, “everybody has worked so hard to raise sponsorship and then to perform on the day – despite the rain and the cold. Well done to everybody who took part!”

Participants from across the region spent the whole day in damp and chilly conditions climbing, shooting, orienteering, problem solving and competing in other outdoor activities. “This has been a great experience”, said Maria Nicol, Commercial Property Lawyer with Hadens Solicitors. “Surprisingly I’m not used to climbing up walls and chasing around the countryside with my colleagues. I thought I knew them pretty well but doing new things and undertaking physical challenges together has taught us a lot about each other and the way that we work together. We’ve really been made to work as a team and solve problems in a totally new way.”

The event, which was jointly sponsored by Closer to the Edge was held at their new outdoor learning and development centre in Kinver, South Staffs. Owner, Mel Ellis was really pleased with the enthusiasm and spirit of the teams that took part. “As a new company, we are really trying to let businesses know of the commercial advantages that this sort of day can hold for them.” He said. “Improved working relationships, leadership skills and problem solving abilities are all part of the package.”

For more information contact
Hannah Hall
Telephone: 07967 342465

“These figures confirm what we have been saying for a long time.” Said Sally Lawson of Lawsons Let. “It’s not too late to make good money from buying properties to rent out. The Midlands is a great area to invest in and properties here are significantly outperforming London and the South when it comes to achievable rents as a percentage of outlay.” She added.

The report showed that most buy-to-let owners are not professional landlords with extensive portfolios. On the contrary, more than half of all owners nationwide have just one or two properties and have been attracted into the business by the combined benefits of rental income and capital appreciation or by the desire to create a nest egg for their long term future.

Many of these people are opting to have their properties fully managed for them which means that their income is guaranteed and they have none of the day to day hassle of dealing with tenants.

Independent Financial Advisor, David Prior of Wolverhampton firm Crombies agrees that buy-to-let is a useful tool for investing in property and saving for the future. “We always advise clients to make a range of investments and ensure that they have a broad and even balance.” He said.

“We will probably never see a return to the heyday of buy-to-let when soaring house prices made people very rich overnight” warns Sally. “But for anybody with as little as £10,000 to invest, the returns are so much better than you could get anywhere else.”

More than 60% of Lawson’s clients are hoping to buy another property next year which is yet another indicator that Midlands landlords are fairing well from their investment decisions!

Full copies of the report are available from Lawsons.

For more information contact Hannah Hall 07967 342465 MPM Solutions Ltd

“We’re all guilty of taking our fortunate circumstances for granted” said Sally Lawson of Lawsons “This campaign focuses us on the shelter and living conditions of the less fortunate which stand in stark contrast with the properties and lifestyles I deal with on a daily basis.”

Joining business men and women from Wolverhampton’s BNI breakfast meeting, Mr Marris was impressed with the spirit of the group which meets weekly to help each other find more business and provide mutual support. “This has been quite an eye-opener for me,” he said. “It’s good to see businesses working together in such a formal way and supporting each other with events such as this.”

Lawsons will be running the campaign throughout October and hope to raise thousands of pounds for Homeless International and raise awareness of World Habitat Day throughout Wolverhampton and the West Midlands.

For more information contact Hannah Hall 07967 342465 MPM Solutions Ltd

Background:

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
This year Global Observance of World Habitat Day took place in Naples, Italy with major celebrations in cities from Kazan in the Russian Federation to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. www.bniwolverhampton.co.uk

These properties are worth in excess of £120 billion and the sector contributes over £30 billion to the economy each year. This is more than is made by all the pubs, hotels and restaurants in the country and is over four times more than the contribution from the motor industry!

Buy-to-let has spread the reach of the private rented sector into areas that had little or no private renting before which has revived housing markets and assisted in inner city regeneration.

In the mid-1990s less than half the private rental stock was owned by individuals, now they own two thirds of the sector – a change largely attributable to buy-to-let and the breakthrough mortgages offered by the original ARLA panel of lenders.

A smaller private rented sector would mean less choice and lower standards. Competition between landlords in the provision of rented property has brought considerable gains to households in rented accommodation and is one of the reasons more people rent.

The benefits of renting appeal particularly to young mobile people. Changing lifestyles, affluence, employment patterns and financial circumstances have combined to encourage more younger people to rent rather than own their homes.

Whilst most tenants will eventually build up savings and buy their own property, most young people are moving to home ownership at least a decade later in life than they did previously.
End

Sally Lawson, managing director of lettings agents, Lawsons, based in Chapel Ash, and her husband Darren were invited to meet Charles and Camilla at the event on Friday (July 14) in recognition of her work with the charity.

Sally, who has been a Prince’s Trust mentor for 16 months shared the gardens with celebrities including Alan Titchmarsh, Duncan from Blue, Darius Danesh and Clive Anderson as well as the Prince, Camilla, Sarah Ferguson and Eugenie.

She said: “The royals certainly know how to throw a party. There was exquisite food and drink including cucumber sandwiches, little cakes with the Prince of Wales emblem on, Sandringham Estate apple juice and Royal Windsor ice cream.

“We arrived and left through Buckingham Palace itself and walking through the lower rooms was fantastic – as grand as you would imagine. All the house staff were exceptionally friendly and made you feel as though you were a family friend!

“We then had free reign to wander around the gardens and its statues and lake. Everyone was made to feel very welcome and comfortable.

“There was a big line up for the royals when they arrived at 3pm, and Prince Charles and Camilla tried to talk to everyone, taking over an hour to walk down the garden in the blistering heat.

“The national anthem marked the end of an excellent day. It’s definitely something that will stick in my memory.”

Since 1976, the Trust has helped half a million young people, which is equivalent to the population of Edinburgh and each day 100 more people are helped.

It is aimed at young people who’d otherwise not have the opportunity to develop their self confidence, achieve economic independence, fulfill their ambitions and contribute to the community through self employment.

Sally added: “I wanted to give something back to the community and youngsters struggling to start in business. I was fostered as a child and know what it was like to start from nothing. You have to think quick and find ways to get ahead.

“Being a volunteer mentor is a hugely rewarding thing to do so the event was a bonus.”

Issued by Linda Jones at Passionate Media (01902 791809) for more information please contact Sally Lawson on 01902 428008.

Lawsons & Company in Chapel Ash was founded 16 years ago and has an enviable reputation for professionalism and a service Landlords and Tenants can trust.

It also has one of the largest property portfolios locally and the highest proportion of qualified staff among Midlands agencies.

Now the company is rebranding as simply Lawsons and has invested in an impressive new interior plus a whole new image to reflect a more modern, fresh and uncluttered look.

Its flagship offices are being given a complete refurbishment to welcome customers and the familiar sight of Lawson property boards across Wolverhampton will also have a new look.

Lawsons, which is a member of ARLA, the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, is also urging Wolverhampton’s prospective Landlords to cash in on a shortage of homes.

The firm rents out properties across Wolverhampton and the surrounding area and says that its most urgent need is three-bedroom semis, and affordable one bedroom flats.

Friendly, professional and efficient staff at Lawsons are committed to a strong emphasis on customer care, adhering to a client services charter.

Services for Landlords include a full Buy-To-Let advisory service, guiding those wishing to invest in the rental sector. Lawsons uses knowledge gained through a wealth of experience to help Landlords find the best properties.

Once registered, its service includes:

Lawson and Company’s base in Chapel Ash is being given a completely new look, with a whole new frontage, and remodeled interior.

The company’s logo has also been redesigned, using the more streamlined name, Lawsons, and features on the new sign above the business, along with all stationery, and property boards across the city.

Managing director Sally Lawson, who set up the company in 1990, said the whole nature of the business has changed considerably in the last 16 years, and felt it was time the overall look of Lawsons reflected this more.

“Technology has completely changed the way we can now do business, and we are keen that the company’s whole image helps to underline this,” she said.

“We have a state-of-the-art computer system, and can offer Tenants up-to-the minute information using our website, where they can now view properties on line, register to receive updates online and then be kept updated by either automatic emails or text message.

“For instance, the system automatically sends texts to keep Tenants informed when a property matching their needs becomes available, and we send around 6,500 of these a month.

“Many of our Tenants are young professionals coming into the area for the first time, and we want to welcome them to a modern office which reflects what a vibrant, exciting business we are.”

Work on the refurbishment is expected to take around a month, during which time the offices will be open for business as normal.

“We want to stress that this won’t affect our day-to-day operation at all, and would love our Landlords and Tenants to come along and see the changes we are making,” added Sally.

The revamp also includes a redesigned and updated website, which is currently being developed, and is due to go live in the next few weeks, with a new address www.lawsonslet.com.

Ends

For more information, ring Sally on 01902 428008.

Issued by Helen Smith, Passionate Media, on 01902 791809.

Sally Lawson, of Lawson & Company, based in Chapel Ash, revealed the number of homes available had reduced from 120 in 2004 to a current 65 – at a time when Tenants are on the increase.

She said: “The number of Tenants has gone up by 50 per cent – properties are being rented out within hours.

“There has never been a better time to rent out your property or to invest in a buy to let property.”

Lawson & Company rents out properties across Wolverhampton and the surrounding area and says that its most urgent need is three-bedroom semis.

The move comes as property experts report that a recovery in the UK property market has led to an increase in the number of young people seeking rented accommodation.

Housing research and data company Hometrack has reported that there has been a fundamental change in the way people approach the market.

“First-time buyers are realising they won’t be able to buy until they are older,” said Sally.

“Figures show that almost half of the relevant population can’t afford to get a foot on the property ladder as a result of soaring house prices.

“The buy to let sector can really benefit from a recent recovery and a growing number of people are now choosing to invest in a property because of the prospect of strong rental yields.

Sally added: “Buy-To-Let Landlords will also be hoping for an interest rate cut in the coming months to give yet more fresh impetus to the market.”

*Latest figures show that Buy-To-Let property investors enjoyed a strong start to the year, with a rise in rental incomes and property values.

Demand for rented property continues to rise and Buy-To-Let Landlords are increasingly confident, reports Paragon Mortgages.

Issued by Linda Jones at Passionate Media (0870 990 1619) on behalf of Lawson & Company. For more information, please call Sally on 01902 428008.

Lawson & Company, of Chapel Ash, has ensured 31-year-old Philip’s housewarming party will be well stocked, after presenting him with 12 bottles for being their 3,500 Tenant.

Merridale Road’s newest resident was stunned to learn he was to receive a prize and said: “A lot of my mates thought it was a wind up when I told them.

“I think it’s a really nice gesture – and a great start to the New Year.

“My move has gone really smoothly even though it has come at a busy time.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Tina Pugh, my letting consultant, who has made it all very easy.”

Lawsons, set up 15 years ago by Sally Lawson, has become Wolverhampton’s largest dedicated lettings specialist with a total of 11 employees.

Sally said: “It is too easy to let these milestones pass without acknowledgment, but I think we should celebrate our successes.

“This means we have helped 7,000 people within the Wolverhampton area, including Tenants and Landlords, and that is a major achievement.

“The lettings market has had its ups and downs in the past few years, but we have seen a steady increase in business through it all.

“We are predicting another surge in investors buying to let this year and are looking forward to helping more people let or rent a home in the area.”

Issued by Katie Love, Passionate Media, 0870 990 1619, on behalf of Lawson & Company Letting Agents.

For more information contact Sally Lawson on 01902 428008.