Sales

As we write this blog, the temperatures are rising to the mid 20°C, the air is filled with the scent of barbeques and sales of sunscreen are soaring. We are, however, about to break the early summer spell by mentioning the C word. Christmas.

If you have a passing interest in property, you will know that some people ‘stage’ their homes during the marketing phase in order to increase the appeal. Common tactics involve dressing sofas with stylish cushions, removing bulky items of furniture to create more space and using vases of flowers to add colour. There is, however, a more unique trend that’s found its way into the national press.

Everybody needs good neighbours but what if the people next door are a nuisance? When it comes to selling a property, the requirement for full disclosure means admitting if you’ve ever complained about the people living either side of you, or if you’re currently involved in a neighbourly spat.

We often talk about ‘adding value’ to a property but what does this actually mean? In residential terms, it means making changes or alterations to a home that increases how much it may sell for. A crucial aspect, however, is ensuring the amount of value added exceeds the cost of any work completed.

As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and the mercury rises, many of us rush to improve our outside spaces. We do, however, have to be mindful of what we grow and build in our gardens, as it can have a detrimental effect on the property’s overall value and general appeal.

When we think of first-time buyers, we often think of young couples and fresh-faced professionals picking up the keys to their first home but recent research shows the reality can be very different.

What happens when you reach the top of the property ladder? It may be time to consider taking a step back down again. In this blog, we answer some of the most common questions we are asked about downsizing.

While estate agents are the most qualified to generate interest and turn enquiries into viewings, and eventually sales, there is a growing movement among home movers that can help boost the sales process.

How long do you think you have to impress a potential buyer when they arrive at your home? Five minutes? Until the end of a viewing? If you guessed either, you could be in for a surprise.

How do Artex ceilings, avocado bathroom suites and rotten window frames make you feel when looking at properties for sale? While some purchasers will recoil at the prospect, others relish the opportunity to rip out, refurbish and make their own mark.

After a long period of stability, mortgage rates have hardly been out of the news headlines. In September, everyone held their breath as the Bank of England – responsible for UK-wide monetary policy – made its latest announcement.

As estate agents with many years of experience under our belts, we have continued to help buyers and sellers whatever the market conditions. People will always need to move home but why people move very much depends on the market and wider financial implications.