November Newsletter




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.
 
 



With Christmas not far off, many homeowners and buyers will now be readying themselves for the new year, new home surge that will inevitably see high demand and interest levels across the UK.
 
Having spent one last Christmas at home, many people make the decision to buy shortly after the festivities have calmed down, which helps explain why website traffic to sites such as Rightmove see such phenomenal figures.
 
After Christmas Day in 2019, Rightmove reported a 231% surge in visitors looking at available properties for sale.
 
As a buyer, it's very likely you'll be competing for properties in January and February, as stock will gradually build up but not at the same rate as interested would-be homebuyers.
 
How can you make yourself the ideal buyer?
 
Having your finances sorted will put you in good stead with any seller, whether that is as a cash buyer or with an approved mortgage and lender behind you.
 
Property chains can be very fragile, so leaving things until the last minute or causing delays by not having the proper paperwork could lead to your sale or purchase falling through.
 
If you're proactive in your search, you'll also be better informed about local market conditions.
 
Your agent will be able to fill in most of the blanks, but having a good idea of how prices compare against each other will ensure you make sensible decisions and don't overvalue a property.
 
Are you looking for your dream home? Begin your journey by contacting us today.
 
 



What are your house guests most interested by?

Through the use of eye-tracking technology, new research has shed light on the key factors that guests will notice the most when visiting our homes.*
 
As could be expected, an office space is one of the most eye-catching areas of a property, which makes sense considering the rise in working from home in the last 18 months.
  
Top 10 areas that guests find most eye-catching
 
- Office chairs
- Kitchen floors
- Child’s cot
- Throws on a bed
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom mirror
- Drawers under the sink
- Home office computer
- Child’s bookcase
- Bedroom chest of drawers
 
After the home office space, kitchens were the next room to draw attention from guests, with the choice of flooring attracting 100 more views than for the cabinets or sink.
 
Whilst it still remains essential to present your cooking area in the best light during any property viewings, the findings actually showed that hobs and extractor fans were the least interesting spots in the kitchen.
 
Are you ready to consider your next property sale or purchase? Talk to us about your home's core unique selling points.
 
*Confused.com
 
 



When is the right time to put up your Christmas tree?

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, there's no right or wrong answer but everyone seems to have a different date where it's seen as acceptable to make a start.
 
Last year was unlike any other, with a last minute lockdown disrupting plans for households across the UK.
 
With the pandemic under better control in 2021, research suggests that Brits will be hitting the holidays even harder this year to make up for lost time with friends and family.
 
So, when is the right time to dress the tree?
 
Right after Halloween
 
Whilst too early for some, the putting away of pumpkins is the signal to switch gears and stage the room for the festive season.
 
Of those who opt for a post-Halloween set up, 22% find that decorating ahead of time relaxes them and 32% can get more excited for Christmas.*
  
Decorations are going up even earlier this year
  
Online searches for Christmas items have surged by 225% on major consumer websites like Selfridges and John Lewis, with shoppers keen to purchase lights, wreaths and trees before the risk of them selling out.**
 
Are you looking to sell or list your property before the end of 2021?
 
Even if there's a small possibility you'd be looking to get your home market-ready before the new year, it would be recommended to hold off the decorations until you've had your home appraised and the marketing photos taken, as these could date your property on the market.
 
For more information, contact us today.
 
 
*Not on the High Street
**House Beautiful
 
 
 



The tricks to help you secure your dream home

 
With Christmas not far off, many homeowners and buyers will now be readying themselves for the new year, new home surge that will inevitably see high demand and interest levels across the UK.
 
Having spent one last Christmas at home, many people make the decision to buy shortly after the festivities have calmed down, which helps explain why website traffic to sites such as Rightmove see such phenomenal figures.
 
After Christmas Day in 2019, Rightmove reported a 231% surge in visitors looking at available properties for sale.
 
As a buyer, it's very likely you'll be competing for properties in January and February, as stock will gradually build up but not at the same rate as interested would-be homebuyers.
 
How can you make yourself the ideal buyer?
 
Having your finances sorted will put you in good stead with any seller, whether that is as a cash buyer or with an approved mortgage and lender behind you.
 
Property chains can be very fragile, so leaving things until the last minute or causing delays by not having the proper paperwork could lead to your sale or purchase falling through.
 
If you're proactive in your search, you'll also be better informed about local market conditions.
 
Your agent will be able to fill in most of the blanks, but having a good idea of how prices compare against each other will ensure you make sensible decisions and don't overvalue a property.
 
Are you looking for your dream home? Begin your journey by contacting us today.
 
 



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.
 



What are your house guests most interested by?

 
Through the use of eye-tracking technology, new research has shed light on the key factors that guests will notice the most when visiting our homes.*
 
As could be expected, an office space is one of the most eye-catching areas of a property, which makes sense considering the rise in working from home in the last 18 months.
  
Top 10 areas that guests find most eye-catching
 
- Office chairs
- Kitchen floors
- Child’s cot
- Throws on a bed
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom mirror
- Drawers under the sink
- Home office computer
- Child’s bookcase
- Bedroom chest of drawers
 
After the home office space, kitchens were the next room to draw attention from guests, with the choice of flooring attracting 100 more views than for the cabinets or sink.
 
Whilst it still remains essential to present your cooking area in the best light during any property viewings, the findings actually showed that hobs and extractor fans were the least interesting spots in the kitchen.
 
Are you ready to consider your next property sale or purchase? Talk to us about your home's core unique selling points.
 
*Confused.com
 
 



When is the right time to put up your Christmas tree?

 
When it comes to decorating for Christmas, there's no right or wrong answer but everyone seems to have a different date where it's seen as acceptable to make a start.
 
Last year was unlike any other, with a last minute lockdown disrupting plans for households across the UK.
 
With the pandemic under better control in 2021, research suggests that Brits will be hitting the holidays even harder this year to make up for lost time with friends and family.
 
So, when is the right time to dress the tree?
 
Right after Halloween
 
Whilst too early for some, the putting away of pumpkins is the signal to switch gears and stage the room for the festive season.
 
Of those who opt for a post-Halloween set up, 22% find that decorating ahead of time relaxes them and 32% can get more excited for Christmas.*
  
Decorations are going up even earlier this year
  
Online searches for Christmas items have surged by 225% on major consumer websites like Selfridges and John Lewis, with shoppers keen to purchase lights, wreaths and trees before the risk of them selling out.**
 
Are you looking to sell or list your property before the end of 2021?
 
Even if there's a small possibility you'd be looking to get your home market-ready before the new year, it would be recommended to hold off the decorations until you've had your home appraised and the marketing photos taken, as these could date your property on the market.
 
 
*Not on the High Street
**House Beautiful