Referencing procedure by Martin & Co - Be very CarefulReview: Marin & Co -Newport Subject: Return of referencing feeReason: Was not made aware of procedure/mislead by agent Note: The property was listed as detached- it is detached but you have someone living next door.It's like calling a block of flats detached, yes the building is but you still have people living next door.Be very careful when paying for referencing, ask them exactly what the referencing companies criteria is. To make it clear...1. If you are self employed and have been trading for less than a year ( and have no audited accounts ) they will not take into consideration any income generated by said company, even offering bank statements, invoices and proof of income they will not accept it.2. If you are paid any bonus, linked to your annual income , they will only accept 50% of the bonus, even if guaranteed.3. You must be able to prove income of £25,000 or over, if you cannot you will fail the process.They do not and did not make the criteria clear and are refusing to refund the referencing fee of £275.00. It would also be useful to get a break down of this 'fee' and how they get to this amount, ask them before agreeing to anything. From what I can see the referencing company sends out a few emails and very basic forms to employers and current landlords ( my landlord stated that it is very basic ) Also be careful not to tick the boxes that Martin & Co include on a very poorly scanned document that is emailed over, the boxes relate to them getting commission from utility companies who will then contact you to discuss switching.Also, to date I have received 8 sales calls from Homelet who conduct the referencing, asking me if I would like insurance from them for the new property I am moving into!.My advice...use another agency, with so many around do not risk utilising Martin & Co, the process is poor. The manager of the Newport branch that I have been in touch with regarding this case, has also felt the need to give me lessons via email on business accounts, mortgages and HMRC, thus deflecting away from the main issues that I have bought up. The profile on the Martin & Co website states:"he knew he could offer landlords and tenants a better service than they were currently receiving."Not once has he phoned to discuss in person, says it all really.OCT 2018