Preparing your property

It's that time of year when we all need reminding that our properties need some TLC to keep them maintained during the winter months - even more so if you are thinking of selling in the New Year. Do you know, that Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year on property platforms such as Rightmove! So take a look below at just a few articles that we think will help you and your property get sale ready and be the first in line in 2022. But don't delay, contact us to book in a free valuation now.

Avoid cold weather costs with your property

74% of homeowners agreed that their property costs more to maintain in the autumn and winter months.

So, just what's behind the spike in your spending?

Energy bills – winter utilities can add an additional £110 a year onto your bills.

Remember to look for cost-effective options to insulate your home and to switch providers when needed in search for a better deal.

Broken boilers – a boiler repair will cost around £250, whilst a replacement can cost up to £1,800.

Whether you own or let the property, ignoring a problem can lead to a huge cost later down the line.

Blocked guttering – getting guttering cleared costs around £100.

A leaking roof – fixing a leaking roof can cost anything between £100 and £1,500, depending on the extent of the damage.

Additional garden upkeep – hiring a gardener to rake leaves and sort your winter gardening will cost around £30 per hour.

Burst pipes – fixing burst pipes can cost around £310.

61% of homeowners said that they would undertake preventative measures to avoid encountering these issues in winter.

This includes having your boiler serviced regularly, bleeding all radiators to ensure maximum efficiency, and checking the roof and windows for any damage.

Are you looking for a new place to call home this winter? Contact us today for a free valuation.

*Property Reporter

Selling should always come before buying...

House hunting takes time and effort, so when you've finally found a property you want, it can be crushing to lose out in favour of another buyer.

In a competitive market such as the one we've experienced so far in 2021, homeowners have their pick of offers and buyers, but there are a number of factors that you could consider in order to stand a better chance of being chosen.

First and foremost, whilst it's a negotiation, you want to be careful not to lowball them and risk offending the seller, especially where the house is fairly and accurately priced.

It also helps to have already sold your property or purchase without a chain holding you back. By being in this position, you will benefit from the following:

Sellers will take you more seriously

Having your current property listed on the market or Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) will demonstrate your motivation to progress quickly with the sale.

You'll be able to avoid making any hasty decisions

If you secure your new purchase before finding a buyer yourself, you might find that you're willing to accept offers far below your expectations.

You have a better insight into your budget

If you anticipate selling at £250,000 but your agent helps you sell above asking price, you have additional funds to put straight into your next purchase, meaning you may be able to afford the home you want rather than settling.

In need of our expert advice? Contact us today to discuss selling, whether you're looking to start right away or in the new year.

Click here to read Selling should always come before buying....

Top tips to avoid damp and other damages

Caused by a lack of proper ventilation or condensation, damp poses severe health issues to inhabitants where left untreated.

With the problem more prominent in the colder months, we take a look at some of the precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself and your home.

Clean down windows and sills every morning

Mould can’t grow and thrive without moisture, so it’s important to dry wet areas where condensation has formed as soon as possible.

A kitchen towel, window vac or a squeegee will work very effectively.

Contain steam from cooking

When cooking, ensure you cover your food, pots and pans.

Closing the kitchen door whilst cooking is also a good idea, as this prevents steam from escaping the kitchen.

Get rid of bathroom moisture

Showering or bathing can cause a large amount of steam and moisture to build up.

To prevent this from happening, open the windows wide enough for the steam to leave the room or use exhaust fans to channel moisture to the outside of your home.

In order to avoid the growth of mould, clean bathrooms with mould-killing products.

How to get rid of rising damp

If damp and mould happen to get out of hand, speaking to a qualified surveyor is the best solution.

They will take a moisture reading in your home, identify the issue and give you advice on how you can resolve the situation.

Want help managing your property investments? Talk to us.

Top 10 reasons a buyer will walk away

When it comes to purchasing a property, eight in ten Brits admit to being 'picky buyers', with research showing that a poor Wi-Fi connection is enough to put a third off a new home.*

Other contributing factors can include having noisy neighbours, creaky floorboards and thin walls.

Of those surveyed, 22% would be deterred by an unruly garden with overhanging branches, with a third agreeing that dogs barking in the area would be a deal breaker.

If you're looking to sell your property in the near future, it's a good idea to determine what elements inside and outside could be picked up on by prospective viewers.

Where able, you should also complete any outstanding DIY jobs or renovations, as this will help you to secure a better offer in a shorter time frame.

Top 10 reasons for a buyer walking away from a deal:

Noisy neighbours – 47% 

Loud area – 45% 

By a main road – 44% 

Thin internal walls – 43% 

Near an airport – 41% 

Hard to park nearby – 40% 

Lack of storage options – 38% 

Ceilings being too low – 35% 

Steep stairs – 34% 

Poor Wi-Fi – 33% 

At this time of the year, activity from buyers only increases in the run up to Christmas, with many wanting to unpack the last box before getting into the holiday spirit.

Whether you're looking to sell or let, we're ideally positioned to maximise marketing exposure for your property and help buyers see its best qualities.

Contact our team today for your up-to-date valuation.

*First Mortgage