Don’t worry if you have outgrown hunting for chocolate; spring is a good time to go house hunting as more fresh homes appear on the market. Houses look good at this time of year as nature comes alive again, so getting out and doing a bit of house hunting is nice after being cooped up all winter. You also get to see your potential home in its true light.

Finding your forever home takes time!
You could be lucky and cast eyes upon your forever home instantly, almost like love at first sight. Chances are, even if you fall in love with a home on first viewing, it might not tick all your boxes straight away. After all, forever is a long time.

The market
Right now, the market is in good shape. With the housing market being more stable, there is more choice, reasonable pricing, and a bigger scope for haggling, so now is a good time to pick up a bargain. Call it your forever home, but it does not have to be forever!

Explore
Don’t just go on viewings; explore beautiful and interesting homes with an open mind. Ask your agent as many questions as possible. Get us in on the act. Who knows what we may find for you? After all, we are expert property hunters.

Location
This is huge when considering a potential forever home. Consider the long, short, and medium-term needs of all in the household. From schools, work, and proximity to transport. In a rural location, think about walks, trails, or distance from your interests and hobbies. Don’t forget about life for your furry friends or other pets!

Scope for improvements and exetensions
From the interior to the electrical appliances to the general condition of the building, you must consider things from a long-term perspective. Will you be happy with the aspect of the rooms? Will you want to make major alterations? Perhaps you have a vision of open-plan, eco-friendly living?

Plans for the future
Whether you are planning on relocating, raising your grandchildren, or more, maybe this will be your forever home! Whatever story your home weaves, it’s important to get the details right.

Neighbours
If you don’t get along with the neighbours, forever might not last as long as you think! Take the opportunity to meet them. Have a chat and suss out whether you can see yourself living near them.

Budget
You can be as creative with your budget as you are with your property plans. You’re going to live there for a long time.

And if you are prepared to wait, you can plan the development of your property over many years. The story of your forever home may change as time goes on, such as needing a practical work-from-home space to help pay for the extension in later years!

Get in touch to see how we can help in your search for your forever home.

 

Are interest rates peaking?
Inflation is falling, but with so many fluctuations in interest rates, it can be frustrating trying to plan your future. With inflation gradually declining to 6.8%, lower mortgage rates are on the way.* Projections also indicate that both interest rates and inflation will continue their descent. But as we have seen, world events can change quickly. Perhaps too much emphasis is put on interest rates and not enough on the property you desire, which could improve the quality of your life immeasurably. As the Bank of England steps closer to its target of 2%, there will be fewer fluctuations in interest rates. Nevertheless, many analysts say that we may never return to the ultra-low interest rates of the past. So why wait to buy the home you want?

The solution to rising mortgage costs
Many people are in the fortunate position of owning their homes outright. If you are not in this nice predicament, you can’t be blamed for worrying about rising mortgage costs. If you want to buy now, there is a lot you can do until you get a better mortgage deal in the future when interest rates fall to more favourable levels. Porting your mortgage, that is, buying a new home with your existing mortgage, which means you could pay your current, perhaps lower, interest rate. Extending the term of your mortgage is also a way to reduce your monthly mortgage outgoings. And interest-only payments, both in the long-term and short-term, can be effective in managing your finances.

The properties
It's no wonder that the UK property market is the envy of the world for many. With an eclectic mix of enchanting properties, from castles, country homes, and Victorian townhouses to ultra-contemporary dwellings. Whether it's mansions or maisonettes, flats in the city to rural retreats, there’s an endless selection of properties to explore. And that's just the beginning; there are infinite colour schemes, interiors, and furnishings that make a home your own. Contemporary properties have departed from tradition, offering an abundance of beautiful homes that never cease to surprise. From humble terraced properties with expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens to ultra-green country farm houses modernised while preserving their traditional charm.

Making memories is priceles
Interest rates will rise and fall over time. But as time passes without the home you truly know will make you and perhaps your family happy, is there any point in holding off your dreams? Property prices, in the long run, always rise. Can you put a price on happiness? Any money you save now by waiting to see what happens simply delays the appreciation of your new home, paying off your mortgage, and could put the rapidly gained equity your current home has earned to waste. It is, of course, a balancing act; the numbers need to be right. As you seek the right advice and explore the increasingly diverse range of mortgage products, you open doors to amazing properties.

Contact us for all your property needs to see if we can turn your vision of your perfect home into a reality

Bank of England*

 

 

 

 

 

Book a valuation or get in touch today

 

Much of September is warm and sunny, and why wouldn’t it be? It is technically summer for most of the month. However, time passes quickly, and sometimes it is good to have a plan to get your home winter-ready sooner rather than later.

Get cosy and decorate
Painting and decorating your home will not only make it more appealing to buyers but will also cheer up its mood and add light. If you have a fire or log burner, get it serviced and cleaned. Buyers can then see themselves sitting by the fire during viewings. Bring in the warmth and cosiness of winter by decorating your home with soft throws, plush rugs, and warm lighting.

Insulate your home
Draughts and poor insulation can make your home feel chilly and drive up your heating costs. Inspect your doors, windows, and any other potential areas where cold air might seep in, and apply weather stripping, caulk, or insulation as needed.. Think about adding more insulation to your attic to prevent heat from escaping through the roof.

Protect your plumbing
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive damage. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like the garage. It’s also important to get your boiler serviced regularly and bleed your radiators. Regular servicing and checks will be so much cheaper than expensive repairs. And a well-cared-for home that is well-heated will not encourage any winter scars, which can deter buyers.

Energy performance certificate
Having a good energy rating can add value to your home. An EPC provides an indication of how much it will cost to heat your home and how much CO2 it emits. It also gives recommendations for energy-efficient power improvements and the costs and savings that they could generate. Ratings range from A to G, with A being the most efficient home and G being the least efficient.

Create a winter outdoor space
Outdoor spaces are not only desirable, but they are essentially another room in your home. Homes with good outdoor spaces are highly sought-after. Don’t let the winter stop you; add a fire or heater. Create some shelter with your favourite materials. Add a pergola, a winter drape, or build a winter-proof deck with a roof. Then personalise it with your favourite scented candles, herbs, flowers, or winter plants.

Winter cleaning and lighting
Decluttering, cleaning, using candles, incorporating feature lighting, and checking all your bulbs, including LED lighting for better efficiency, will create a sense of space in your home. If potential buyers see that your home is clean, spacious, and attractive, they may not hesitate when it’s time to make an offer.

Do you need the right team of agents to assist you in moving before the cold snap of winter arrives?

 

 

Today, estate agents offer the best of both worlds with an online presence. This allows you to view properties and seek information on all aspects of moving. You then get the advantage of a team of experienced and dedicated agents who share your property dreams, become your go-to guides for your moving journey, and will value your home in person. Online-only estate agents have made their presence felt, but it seems most home movers still prefer a traditional agent that offers a hybrid service.

Payment in advance
Online estate agencies ask for payment in advance. There is no guarantee that you will make a successful sale. Traditional agents typically take a commission on sales completion, and naturally, this feels like a better deal. Some might argue that an online estate agent could be potentially cheaper, but if you do not achieve the true value of your property, then you have not saved money. Without expert guidance, an incorrectly priced home may not sell at all.

Less time
Conducting your own viewings is time-consuming. We all live busy lives, and there is precious little time to wait around for a potential buyer. Dealing with offers well below the asking price from strangers in the home where you've made so many happy memories can be uncomfortable . With a trained expert taking care of all of this for you, you are free to get on with your work or enjoy life as you see fit.

It’s hard work
From taking your own pictures of your property to learning aspects of the complexities of your entire moving process, life without an in-person agent can become difficult. It’s no secret that moving is stressful at the best of times. This is one of many reasons why the vast majority of homeowners still choose to buy their properties with a traditional agent. It’s better to save your energy for moving day and fully focus on the home you want to buy.

You may miss your friendly expert
Communication is key to achieving success in most aspects of life, and moving home is no exception. A friendly-faced, helpful agent who can take care of viewings, prepare your home for sale, and liaise with buyers on a daily basis will be highly motivated to sell your home and is worth every penny of their commission. When you consider the necessary checks, paperwork, and legislative requirements, it soon becomes clear that agents are invaluable to home movers.

A lack of local market knowledge
Agents are well-connected into your local property market. Having expert knowledge of the properties in your area and familiarity with its location is a huge plus. With an online agent, you're on your own. Buying a home is as much about people as it is about property. From buyers and sellers to teams of people such as mortgage advisers to your friendly agent who can manage a property portfolio or value your home.

Contact us to see how we can help with every aspect of your home-moving aspirations