 When a prospective buyer is coming to visit your home, the first thing they’re going to see is the exterior of your property. That’s why it’s crucial you’re making as much impact with its kerb appeal as possible, because this will make sure your property is an attractive proposition for buyers who are coming to view it or are driving past.
Adding kerb appeal is also important before you take exterior photos of your property, so here are some simple tips as to how you can add to your home’s exterior style: Make Sure Patios and Driveways Look Smart In most cases, all you’ll need to do to smarten up your front garden is pressure wash the drive and tidy up the flower beds and/or lawn. Weeds, mossy driveways and unruly lawns will instantly make the house look shabby, which could put off some potential buyers straight away. Not only will a tidy patio or driveway give the impression that the house has been well cared for, but it will also indicate that the front yard is easy to maintain, which a lot of people will be looking for. Spruce Up Your Windows and Doors The windows and doors of your home will be focal points that draw attention, so if they’re looking a bit tired or dated, you may want to consider injecting some new life into them. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy new ones, but could be as simple as painting them. For example, if you’ve got wooden sash windows, you may want to make sure they’re all working properly and have been painted (companies like mighton specialise in hardware for these types of windows). Or, you might want to give your door a fresh lick of paint, opting for a bright, appealing colour that will catch the eye. Classic colours such as red, dark blue or racing green work a treat on most properties, giving your door and the front of your home a much-needed facelift. And don’t forget about the features of your door either, polishing any brass (e.g. the doorknocker, letterbox or doorknob) and replacing anything that’s beyond repair. The best thing to do is to try and look at your property as if you were a potential buyer – is there anything that looks unloved, or something that might distract your attention from the property itself, e.g. an untidy hedge? Tidying up these little features will help to capture the attention of passers-by and those who are browsing through catalogues or online searches. If you would like some assistance to find your perfect property/sell or let your property please contact Right Estate Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.
0 Comments
 In the event that you as of late obtained a more established home or you've been living in one as of now for a long while, will undoubtedly experience normal issues that happen in houses as a consequence of age. Gratefully, there are a few simple approaches to handle these issues without becoming excessively pushed all through the procedure. Look at the tips beneath, whether you're the sort of mortgage holder who might rather endeavor settling issues yourself or you want to call proficient repair organizations. One can follow the below steps to overcome those problems or can likewise buyer can go for a new house search for which he needs to find estate agent and go for property on rent or property on sale and can buy according to his pocket.
Poor Quality Insulation: Insulation in more seasoned homes is regularly not of the most elevated quality, and a few homes don't contain any protection by any means, contingent on the year that they were assembled. This implies you need to manage fluctuating great temperatures as the seasons change on the grounds that your home will be not well prepared to trap heat inside amid the winter and keep heat outside amid the mid year. Furthermore, this would all be able to bring about you feeling to a great degree uncomfortable, and also spending significantly more cash than you ought to need to on your vitality bills. Blow-in Insulation is an extraordinary answer for this issue since it takes out the requirement for excessive evacuation of your drywall to have a layer of protection included. This kind of protection requires that you only cut little openings in your walls and pump protection through these gaps. In spite of the fact that blow-in Insulation won't be on a par with fiberglass protection, it's a more moderate, and less obtrusive, alternative. Old Dated Looking radiator: When better protection is set up, you can likewise go above and beyond and update your warming framework with upright radiators that won't just pump warm viably into each room in your home, additionally look incredible and modernize your space in the meantime so your home won't look so old, despite the fact that it is. Find estate agents who provide such properties or homes. Not Enough Storage Space: Old established properties are normally ailing in extensive storerooms and storage room. In any case, there are some powerful approaches to handle this issue without using up every last cent. Basically begin by searching for storage rooms in unforeseen spots all through your property. These may incorporate ranges like those underneath and between your windows, where you can introduce cupboards for putting away things or garments. You can likewise make your own storeroom in a room in the event that it's sufficiently expansive to do as such. Do it without anyone's help or contract an estate agent to introduce additional dividers and an entryway that can serve as your new storeroom. With such a variety of approaches to effectively handle the normal issues that old property holders face in more seasoned homes, there's no motivation behind why you shouldn't have the capacity to take in the appeal and character that accompanies these properties. A couple of straightforward overhauls can have a tremendous effect and bring your home into the cutting edge time. If you would like some assistance to find your perfect property/sell or let your property please contact Right Estate Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.  Knowing what British homebuyers really want can be crucial to both property investors and landlords. If you’re refurbishing, flipping or attracting tenants, it might be worth taking some time to truly understand what your audience is looking for. For example, you could pinpoint your property’s unique selling points, concentrate your renovation or advertising efforts and identify promising property investments. Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting valuable time and money.
To give you an insight into what we believe British homebuyers really want, we’ve used the results from Flooring Republic’s comprehensive survey, which interviewed 1,000 UK residents. The research focused on two main areas:
Key takeaways: Community comes first Collectively, 60% of all respondents said the neighbourhood was the most important factor when purchasing a home, with 73% of 45-54 year olds agreeing that the local community was a major factor in their decision-making process. The price tag can make or break it, especially for Generation Y Across the board, 51.5% of all respondents listed a property’s price tag as significantly important. This factor was more popular amongst younger generations, receiving 63% of votes from 18-34 year olds. Looks do matter Aesthetics can make or break the deal, too. 37.9% of respondents said the size of the rooms were most important, 15.5% said exterior appearance was key and 15.3% said interior style was a deciding factor. Understanding what drives consumer behaviour, pinpointing specific property characteristics and knowing what to attend to can pave the way to a successful sale. Mark Haskell, Ecommerce Manager of Flooring Republic said, “It’s great to see just how many Brits value a welcoming neighbourhood, and it’s really interesting that most homeowners are concerned with more than the price of a property. Spacious rooms and beautiful gardens will always hold plenty of appeal for buyers – although they generally come with larger price tags.” If you would like some assistance to find your perfect property/sell or let your property please contact Right Estate Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.  Flowers aren't the only things blooming as the property market sees a spring bounce. Mortgage advances soared by 19% in March, says the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
What’s the latest? Housing market activity picked up in March with a jump in both property transactions and mortgage lending. The number of homes changing hands rose by 21% compared with the previous month to stand at 102,740, the highest total so far this year, according to HM Revenue & Customs. At the same time, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders showed total mortgage advances soared by 19% to £21.4bn in March. But both figures were significantly lower than for the same month of 2016, when there was a rush among buyers to complete purchases before the new 3% stamp duty rate on second homes came into force in April. Why is this happening? Activity in the property market traditionally begins to pick up in the spring following a seasonal lull over the winter. But the CML said lending was being driven by homeowners remortgaging in order to take advantage of record low interest rates, and first-time buyers using government schemes to get on to the property ladder. Demand from existing homeowners trading up the ladder and buy-to-let investors remained muted. Despite the month-on-month rise, March’s total was also slightly lower than the average monthly lending levels seen during the past year. Who does it affect? The fall in activity among buy-to-let investors creates a window of opportunity for first-time buyers buyers. Investment landlords and people buying their first home traditionally target the same properties, so the drop in buy-to-let purchasers as means those looking to get on to the property ladder face less competition. But the fact that existing homeowners are sitting tight is bad news for the property market as a whole, as these people need to trade up the ladder to make homes available for those lower down it. Meanwhile, the CML estimates buy-to-let transactions are 42% lower year-on-year, which is bad news for those looking to rent, as demand for homes to let already outstrips supply. Sounds interesting. What’s the background? The figures come after data for February had pointed to a slowdown in the market, with mortgage lending dropping and Nationwide recording its first fall in house prices for two years. It remains to be seen what impact the snap General Election will have on transaction volumes. But, housing commentators have suggested the uncertainty could lead to a fall in activity in the run up to the polls on June 8th. However, the increased majority the Government is expected to win, combined with a stronger mandate for Brexit, could lead to greater economic and political stability over the longer term. Meanwhile, the shortage of homes for sale, with the number of properties on estate agents’ books dropping to a new record low in March, is likely to continue to support prices. Top 3 takeaways
If you would like some assistance to find your perfect property/sell or let your property please contact Right Estate Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.  Renting is a commitment not to be taken lightly. It’s not only a huge chunk of your wage, but a base for your relaxation and leisure time.
Where you live has a much bigger impact on your life than you may have thought, so make sure you’re making the right decision. We can help you with this with just a few things to check before you sign on the dotted line. Find out what’s included Check what’s included in your monthly rent payments. The main things you’ll want to check is if any utility bills or taxes are included and which items of furniture will be left or added. These big cost items can hugely affect your budget and so it’s always best to be in the know about exactly what’s involved in your monthly payments. Stick to your budget First figure out your budget based on how much you earn, how much any bills may cost you and how much, on average, you spend on living and leisure costs. Some say your rent should be between 30% and 50% of your income, but if your lifestyle means you’re over budget then something has to give. This either means making changes to your monthly spending habits or choosing a lower rent price range. Check the area The area you choose should be high on your list of importance. You’ll need to factor in travel costs and travel time when deciding where to rent, as well as ensuring the type of environment is right for you. Visit the area during the day and night to get an understanding of the noise levels and what local facilities are available. Check your landlord Ask your landlord about any queries you have, as well as checking the property is covered by landlord insurance. A good landlord will happily answer your questions and be happy that you’re being thorough. Check the appliances You don’t want to start your time in your new home with a broken oven, temperamental heating and water pressure that’s more of a trickle than a shower. So make sure you check these things before signing the contract. Turn the heating on at your viewing, check the water pressure in the shower and make sure the electrical appliances are working. Don’t feel intimidated or embarrassed to ask to do this during your viewings, be thorough because after all it is your home we’re talking about. Read the contract Lastly, but possibly the most important point, don’t sign anything without reading all the documentation. You could be agreeing to anything and once signed you’re legally obliged to comply with the contract. Look over any additional documents such as the inventory and deposit scheme to make sure you’re happy with what you’re signing. Don’t be afraid to comment on sections or ask for clarification before signing. Take these tips and you’re sure to find the rental property that you can turn into your new home. If you would like some assistance to find a property, please contact Right Letting Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.  Buying a new home is a major financial commitment – probably the biggest you’ll ever make. But how can you determine exactly what it is you are paying for? The answer is by commissioning a survey. Here’s what you need to know.
Do I need to get a survey? It’s not a legal requirement to have a survey on a property you are buying. And at a time when your bank account feels like a bucket with a hole at the bottom, it may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, a survey could actually save you money – not to mention a lot of stress – in the long run. And this is why. In simple terms, a survey is a health check on a property. And if it reveals any problems, it puts you in a position to ask the seller to fix them before you proceed with the purchase. Alternatively, you may choose to renegotiate the final sale price to account for the cost of fixing them yourself – or you may even decide to pull out of the deal altogether. A survey is especially important if you are looking to buy a property that’s unusual in structure, has a thatched roof or timber frame, is listed, or just very old. Conversely, you probably won’t need a survey if you are buying a new-build home, which typically comes with a 10-year NHBC guarantee. However, you may still want to get a snagging survey done, which checks the property for defects and poor finishings such as wonky guttering and bad paintwork. Important! If you are getting a mortgage to buy your home, the lender will carry out a valuation of the property. But this is not a survey and shouldn’t be treated as one. The sole purpose of the mortgage valuation is to demonstrate to your lender that the property is worth the sale price before it gives you the green light for the mortgage. What kind of survey should I get? There are three types of survey, which vary in depth of inspection. Here’s a handy round-up of what each offers, to help you decide which one to plump for: The CONDITION REPORT What is it? A Condition Report is the most basic of the three surveys and usually therefore the cheapest. It will typically take around one to two hours to complete, and a day to return. What will it do?
How much does it cost? Fees are normally based on the purchase price, and start between £250 and £300. When should I get one? A Condition Report is suitable for newer properties and homes that are in a general good state of repair. Get one if you will be happy with just a broad-brush overview of the property’s condition. What to expect: Take a look at this sample Condition Report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The HOMEBUYER REPORT What is it? A HomeBuyer Report is middle ground in the world of surveys. It’s more extensive than the Condition Report – and typically costs more too. It is the only one of the three surveys that currently offers a property valuation. It typically takes one to two hours to inspect the property and another hour to complete the valuation. From the summer of 2016, it is expected that a survey-only version of the HomeBuyer Report will also be available (in addition to the current survey and valuation option). You can expect to receive the HomeBuyer Report within two days. What will it do? The HomeBuyer Report will include all of the features of the Condition Report, plus the following:
How much does it cost? Costs will vary according to the value of the property but budget for between £350 and £400 for the survey, and another £100 for the valuation. When should I get one? A HomeBuyer Report is suitable for most modern and older homes that are in a reasonable condition. Get one if you have any specific concerns about the purchase, or would just feel better about a more comprehensive survey. What to expect: Take a look at this sample Homebuyer Report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The BUILDING SURVEY What it is? A Building Survey (which used to be called a Structural Survey) is the most comprehensive of the three – and, of course, the most expensive. It can take several days to complete (depending on the property) and up to a fortnight to return. What will it do? The Building Survey will include all the features of a Home Buyer Report, plus the following:
How much does it cost? Costs vary widely according to the value of the property but typically start at £750. When should I get one? A Building Survey is suitable for large, unusual (a windmill for example) old, listed or dilapidated homes and also where buildings are undergoing a change-of-use, for example, a barn or watermill or windmill conversion. What to expect: Take a look at this sample Building Survey from the RICS. If you would like some assistance to find your perfect property/sell or let your property please contact Right Estate Agents on 0845 026 8527 or visit our website.  Right Letting Agents understands that renting definitely has its fair share of perks; not having to worry about the cost of a new boiler for a start! But while it can be the perfect solution for those who aren’t quite ready to commit to an area, or those that simply can’t afford to get on the property ladder, those wanting to add some personal touches to make it feel more like ‘home’ often feel at a loss.
Here are our top five ways to make your rental property feel more like home, where the only limitations are your imagination! 1. Removable wallpaper - Who knew removable wallpaper was a thing! Easy to apply, remove, reposition, and reuse without leaving damage or residue, contact paper is a top tool for any renter wanting to jazz up their home. Available in a never-ending selection of colours, styles and patterns. Either use it to cover entire walls, or get creative and use it to add simple accents. If you’re fed up of your housemates conveniently forgetting whose turn it is to do the washing up this week, chalkboard versions are also available! 2. Washi tape - This little Japanese gem is a must-have tool for every creative renter out there. Super cheap and available in all the colours of the rainbow, it’s easy to remove and re-apply without leaving adhesive residue or destroying the surface it has been applied to. 3. Wall Stickers/Decals - Add movement with a tree, or show off your playful side with a wall decal. Unlike some of the other rental-friendly decorating ideas out there, these are a great option if creativity isn’t your strong point as all you need to do is figure out where you want to position your sticker. 4. Fabric - If you’re fond of texture, you could also try using fabric as an alternative wall covering that will also be super hard wearing. There are endless step-by-step tutorials out there explaining how you can create this look yourself, otherwise you can also purchase pre-adhesed version as well. 5. Command hooks - Last but by no means least, Command hooks are an item every renter should have at hand. Easy to put up and take down, use these nifty hooks to hang your towels, bathrobes, coats and bags without the need for nails or screws. Genius! If you would like some assistance to find a property/let your property, please contact Right Letting Agents on 01707 588 588 or visit our website. |
AuthorRight Estate Agents Archives
January 2018
Categories |
RSS Feed
Right Estate Agents are registered
members of The Property Ombudsman scheme (TPO) - www.tpos.co.uk Contact Us |
What our customers are saying..."We recently used Right Estate Agents to sell our home. The team were very efficient and really helpful. Thank you
very much! We really appreciate the job you have done for us.” - Mr Clarke |