The Kennels Agency
inc. Rural Living Agency
MARKETING YOUR KENNEL PROPERTY
If you are thinking of selling your kennel, read on!
The market cannot be described as ‘sizzling’ although it should be as kennels have proved beyond all doubt that they are recession proof.. Dog and cat owners may not be able to afford the Bahamas these days but they are still taking their holidays be it Costa Del Sol or Skegness so boarding has been, in the main, unaffected
These business are very family orientated and ideal for those with young children – working from home means that valuable holiday entitlement need not be taken due to a bout of chicken pox etc. as someone is always at home. There is no greater satisfaction than building up and improving your own business.
The problem that we face today in the kennel and cattery market is the banks’ persistent reluctance to lend. On the basis that they are requesting 50% cash deposit from any purchaser, they are really on a win/win situation so this reluctance is very hard to understand also bearing in mind the proven track record of these businesses throughout a double dip recession. I know of none that has gone under!
The temptation is for all of us is to cut costs, which is understandable but it is generally true that you get what you pay for. There are many kennel properties listed on websites – this may seem attractive to a vendor for a small fee but it is, in the main, counter productive. In many cases the kennel properties have not been properly valued. This has a number of repercussions – if a potential purchaser makes an acceptable offer and needs to borrow money – they can expect to lose money. Once the valuer has done his job any over inflation of price will result in a lesser amount of loan being offered and may indeed be a deal breaker. This will cost the purchaser in terms of valuation fee/survey fee etc and it will possibly cost the vendor in terms of survey fees on their next property. If the property is listed on these sites and remains there for several months, it becomes stale.
Overpriced properties do not assist the general market as it appears to potential buyers that kennels are not selling as they visibly remain for sale to those who are looking. Also this method lacks the selling skills of a bona fide agent, who will discuss in length their purchaser’s requirements and be able to offer immeasurable advice and guidance. Matching the kennel to the purchaser is a skill of an agent – it is not derived from a web site! Most kennel purchasers are going into business for the very first time and need as much assistance as they can get. The same applies for vendors – proper marketing advice and experience is invaluable to achieving a sale in less than ideal market conditions. A professional agent will be able to explain how they have arrived at a valuation figure and back it up with evidence of comparables.
Finally, if an agent asks for money in advance be very wary. No professional agent would ask for money to market a property save for expensive national advertising such as Country Life.
We are selling kennel properties because we make the effort. Each enquiry needs to be exploited to maximum capacity – by talking extensively to applicants and listening to their requirements we are able to help them find the ideal kennel or cattery for them. This does not happen from the page of a web site – it happens via interaction with an experienced selling agent. If you have been marketing your property via one of these websites, we would be very happy to hear from you – we are sure we can find a buyer for your property.
KENNEL FINANCE
Please call Kevin Beck at Fleet Commercial Finance on 01322 558089 or 07801 667420. Kevin can also assist with business plans, cash flow forecasts etc. He is an independent broker and can therefore go to the whole market maximising your chance of obtaining the most competitive deal. web site wwww.fleet-finance.co.uk. Well worth a call even if you are not buying through us!
