This is why I absolutely DON'T recommend using the services of Parkers Estate Agents. If you don't want your energy wasted and peace of mind shot to pieces, don't use their services. Never have I seen lack of common sense and complete disregard of people's time taken off work, effort in research and risk going out in these hard times. I contacted Parker's after seeing an advert on Rightmove on Monday 14/12/2020 inquiring about a 4 bed in Reading, called them up and asked if it's available, the lady who picked up (H.) told me it is available for viewing and asked me when can I see it. We agreed on the time and day 5:45pm on Tuesday 15/12/2020. I asked (H.) exactly what are the steps needed if I like the property and would like to sign it, while she was asking all the usual screening questions. She said I would call them up and get the process started online on the same day. And that another person has already put an offer but the landlord would see the offer(s) later and decide. Went on to add that my chances are better since we're only 2 people looking to move. I specifically said, I don't want to be going all the way there from South of London zone 5 to Reading in the west to have the other potential tenants' take it the next day before I even decide, because it's happened to me before. (H.) said don't worry we'll let you know on the day so you don't go through that and save the trouble of coming to viewing it. The next day, on the day of the viewing, 15mins into my train reaching Reading station I get a text alert that a voicemail left by (H.) to tell me "Hi there, it's (H.) from Parker's. Unfortunately the property has been let. Please call me back." I call while onboard the train in absolute shock, her colleague picks up, I explain that I'm on my way and ask to verify that the property has been let. He responded with yes I'm afraid so. I plead my cas to no resolve or offer of any outcome other than sorry it's been let, the live version. I call again after I walk out the station, ask the colleague who picked up to let (H.) call me back. She calls, to reiterate her message again. Absolutely no resolve once again to anything we spoke about before, anything that can be done for a counter offer from my end, no other properties to see while I'm already there. Complete and utter failure of a business and who they let work there. Advise anyone who is searching for properties in the Reading area or west of London not to use Parker's estate agents.

"I have no idea how it is..."

I have no idea how it is possible to make a straight forward landlord-to-landlord purchase as lengthy as this. Nine months for a simple, no-chain flat purchase, with funds in place and ready to go. As the buyer, I probably did benefit from the appalling pictures used to advertise the place though, as I imagine a lot of people wouldn't have bothered viewing.

I have no idea how it is

I have no idea how it is possible to make a straight forward landlord-to-landlord purchase as lengthy as this. Nine months for a simple, no-chain flat purchase, with funds in place and ready to go. As the buyer, I probably did benefit from the appalling pictures used to advertise the place though, as I imagine a lot of people wouldn't have bothered viewing.

as a tenant, avoid avoid using Parkings. We rented a house for many years and it was old and run down. We chose for the location. Big mistake. The landlord told me he doesn't want Parkers to manage it as Parkers charges 15% management fee. But during the years he failed maintain the house. He is very old and been in hospital a lot. Most time can't reach him and he didn't want to spend a penny to repair things. So the windows (single glazed old wooden) got moulded. Mould on the ceilings and walls. I did everything to clean it but the mould left stains. Kitchen cupboards broken...the landlord was very rude when I reported issues. Siad he had trouble understand me. Although Parkers didn't make fee from him, they are on his side. Someone called mark called me very aggressive said we trashed the house. Yet he didn't care the landlord never cared to look after the house. For 8 years things will get worn. Carpets were old at the beginning and they expected they are the same after those years? What a joke. Before we were moving, parkers sent someone to take photos try to prove we didn't look after the house. We were packing why did I bother to tidy stuff? After we moved out, Parkers found some contractor, to do the cleaning, and rubbish removal. I would say the contractor ripped the landlord off. Firstly the invoice isn't detailed, only gave a figure. Secondly, it's way too much for professional cleaning and a bit rubbish removal. I guess the reason Parkers on the landlord s side is that they can rip more money from the landlord. He is not capable of doing the works for the house,that gives the opportunity to them to rip him off. Very despicable agent.

Poor

Was a tenant with Parkers for a number of years. Avoid this company at all cost. The property was let to us in a horrific state and the property manager failed to respond on a number of occasions. When the property moved from Samuel James to Parkers, they lost the keys on the move over and we had to arrange getting the keys cut to give to them. They did not replace the lock, putting us in a huge security risk. They also left a huge hole in the front door when they changed a faulty lock leaving us at risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parkers failed to follow their own guidelines and staff attended with no PPE including no face masks or sanitiser, putting me at risk. In a complaint, the Managing Director did not wish to comment, nor did they answer any of the complaints raised. They left us with a shower that ran between scalding hot and freezing cold and spat limescale at us, a fridge that would freeze food and a washing machine that flooded the kitchen when put on a 60 cycle. The company is an absolute shambles, and has lied to me and tried to blame me for the majority of the issues raised. When looking for rental accommodation, avoid Parkers at all costs, their staff do not care about paying clients. Look elsewhere and save yourself the bother.

"Poor..."

Was a tenant with Parkers for a number of years. Avoid this company at all cost. The property was let to us in a horrific state and the property manager failed to respond on a number of occasions. When the property moved from Samuel James to Parkers, they lost the keys on the move over and we had to arrange getting the keys cut to give to them. They did not replace the lock, putting us in a huge security risk. They also left a huge hole in the front door when they changed a faulty lock leaving us at risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parkers failed to follow their own guidelines and staff attended with no PPE including no face masks or sanitiser, putting me at risk. In a complaint, the Managing Director did not wish to comment, nor did they answer any of the complaints raised. They left us with a shower that ran between scalding hot and freezing cold and spat limescale at us, a fridge that would freeze food and a washing machine that flooded the kitchen when put on a 60 cycle. The company is an absolute shambles, and has lied to me and tried to blame me for the majority of the issues raised. When looking for rental accommodation, avoid Parkers at all costs, their staff do not care about paying clients. Look elsewhere and save yourself the bother.

I’ve rented with a total of 5 lettings agents and never have I been met with such incompetence, negligence, and apathy as when I rented with Parkers. They are incredibly hard to get a hold of, and when they do finally answer the phone, they are rude and patronising. They ask to send documents which you’ve previously given them and do all they can to suck any money out of you without an ounce of empathy. If I ever have to rent again or am in the fortunate enough position to rent out a property myself, Parkers would be the very last company I choose. Frankly, I hope someone takes over the management and teaches them all a lesson in good customer service.

"Totally..."

Totally unprofessional. Did not turn up to viewing after making appointment. Didn't even bother to call. Finally called back 2 days later and got the wrong name and asked how the viewing went. Totally clueless. There are much better estate agents in Reading so I would definitely avoid Parkers.

Totally

Totally unprofessional. Did not turn up to viewing after making appointment. Didn't even bother to call. Finally called back 2 days later and got the wrong name and asked how the viewing went. Totally clueless. There are much better estate agents in Reading so I would definitely avoid Parkers.