Author: wayne

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Update on the Current Situation for Buyers and Sellers

Update on the Current Situation for Buyers and Sellers

From Karen & Mark at Stonehouse Homes

Although we are waiting for specific guidelines from the Housing Minister, Chris Pincher, we wanted to give you an update on what we know right now, and how it might affect your moving plans. This way, you can make an informed decision going forward. At the time of writing, the situation hasn’t changed, and we still cannot conduct face-to-face meetings such as viewings or valuations, but this could change very quickly. We have systems and procedures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Here’s what you need to know right now:

Pent-up demand

Once we are able to offer viewings to buyers once again, we expect an initial surge of requests. This will really help to kickstart the housing market, but it may be fairly short-lived, and could peter out within a few months. Over the last few weeks, we have taken dozens of sales from people wanting to view our homes as soon as viewings are possible, and these enquiries are increasing daily. To date, we have a list of around 50 Buyers who have made viewing requests, and as soon as we have a definite date, our first priority is to book in those viewings.  But we need to make sure our clients, our buyers and our team are safe:

Safe viewings

Once we receive viewing guidelines from the Housing Minister, we can make sure we accommodate our processes to adhere to them. These have yet to be confirmed but we expect them to include:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) – we have ordered/we now have gloves and masks available for our team to use while conducting a viewing, and also for the use of buyers, if they do not have their own.
  • Limits on viewings – possibly no more than one viewing on a property, per day. Or for viewings to be a prescribed time apart, eg with a two-hour interval.
  • Time limits on viewings – possibly no more than 15-30 minutes to view one property
  • Viewings to be ‘contactless’ – where possible and appropriate, we may need to leave doors and main cupboards open, so buyers don’t need to touch them.
  • Distance viewings – we/you may need to remain out of the house whilst the viewing takes place, in the car or the garden.

Safe valuations

Valuation guidelines may be further down the line. We have a list of homes that would like us to visit once it is safe for us to do so. We expect similar guidelines for valuations as we will see for viewings.

There are some owners that would like to move a little quicker – and we have been able to offer advice via live Zoom videos. If this is something you’d be interested in, you can call us on 01772 252136 or email us info@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we will arrange this for you.

Homes waiting to go on the market

We have a list of homes ready to be photographed and launched on to the market. These will go ahead as soon as possible, because we know there are buyers waiting to view, and move home. With an average of 17 property sales per week in our area, we expect there to be an initial swell of homes available to buy, but it may take many months for availability levels to get back to normal. If demand from buyers remains near-normal, there will be a lack of supply of homes. As a result, we don’t expect house prices to fall in our area, but to remain at their pre-lockdown levels. However, this situation could change very quickly, so that’s why it’s important to talk to us, whether you’re buying or selling a home, to get specific advice on your individual circumstances.

Changes to lending and conveyancing

It’s possible that lenders may conduct distance valuations, and conveyancers may accept electronic signatures. However, these measures may not be uniform across the industry, with some lenders insisting on a surveyor’s visit for a valuation.  This may delay some moves, so buyers and sellers may need to accommodate this in their planned timescales. We’ll advise our clients on an ongoing and individual basis if this is the case. A Stamp Duty holiday has been mooted as one move that will help re-vitalise the housing market, which would be a welcome one.

Further information

Public Health England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are working closely with the National Association of Estate Agents Propertymark, to make sure our industry is safe to re-open. Estate agents, conveyancers, surveyors and removal firms will all be working in accordance with the new guidelines, which will affect everyone involved in the industry. Of course, as soon as we receive further clarification, we will provide further updates on an ongoing basis.

How you can help us, to help you

If you’re selling your home with us right now, it’s important to be viewing-ready, so if you haven’t already received our Preparing to Sell Checklist, you can email us on karen@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we’ll send it to you straight away.

To make sure your home is safe to view, and reassure viewers, all surfaces need to be sparkling clean, using a bleach-based cleaner where possible and appropriate. A home that smells freshly cleaned will help a buyer to relax, so they can better focus on the features of your home.

Not sure whether to sell right now? Talk to us:

Whatever your moving plans were before lockdown, they may well have changed now. If you were planning on moving home, and you’re now reconsidering, a chat with us may help to clarify your options. On the other hand, if you have recently decided you need to move house because your circumstances have now changed, let’s chat as soon as possible, so we can help you to put a moving plan together.

Whatever your plans, we’re here to help. A chat with us now may reassure you and help you make an informed decision for you and your family. Just call on 01772 252136 or email on karen@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we’ll respond quickly and in confidence.

Karen & Mark

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Stonehouse Homes Support Local Schools’ Christmas Fayres.

Christmas Fayres

Stonehouse Homes Support Local Schools’ Christmas Fayres.

We truly believe in giving back and being involved in our local community and last weekend was the Christmas Fayres of 2 primary schools near our Longton branch. 

We donated 2 cuddly teddy bears for their raffles but they seemed to be very settled in our office before they left.

Christmas Fayres
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Stonehouse Helping Raise Funds for MND Manchester

Stonehouse Helping Raise Funds for MND Manchester

An amazing £11,600 was raised on Saturday night (4th November) at the Masquerade ball raising funds  for MND Manchester, (Motor Neurone disease). 

Karen & Mark sponsored a table and supported Stacey Kerr of Arc Homes in helping smash her target held at the AJ Bell Stadium Manchester.

An evening of entertainment and incredible amount of money raised.

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Stonehouse restores sellers faith in Estate Agents

Stonehouse restores sellers faith in Estate Agents

We have had a great testimonial from another happy client…

After being on the market for over 6 months and using two other estate agents, both mine and my husbands experiences of estate agents was not a positive one.

We decided to go on the market with Stonehouse two weeks ago and it was the best decision so far. Within the first week Stonehouse had got us two viewers through the door.

Their staff are so professional, polite and friendly, they communicate on a regular basis and their positivity is so refreshing. Within the first week on the market with them our faith in estate agents was restored.

I honestly cannot recommend them enough! They really do have a wealth on knowledge on the housing front and with the extra miles they go, I have every faith in them selling our house.

Michelle from Farington Moss.

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Stonehouse Open Their Second Branch in Longton

Branching-Out – Stonehouse Homes Open Their Second Branch in Longton

Location, location, location

Centrally located on the main road through Longton, our new branch has parking to the front of the shop.

We have a welcoming reception area where we can sit and have a chat over coffee about your plans.

Click here for a FREE VALUATION

Our dedicated , caring team are ready to help.

Most of our team live locally and treat every home as if it was their own.

Making the selling or letting process as hassle free as possible, is our absolute goal.

Guiding you through the process and keeping you up to date every step of the way has been key to out success.

Click here for a FREE VALUATION

Passionate of what we do

When you choose Stonehouse Homes you are choosing and agent that is passionate about property.

Our mission is to deliver an honest, outstanding, transparent service.  We’re straight talking, professional and efficient, offering a range of services to suit your needs.

Our clients say we’re exceptional value for money and best of all we’re nice people.

Click here for a FREE VALUATION
stonehouse longton
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Saturday Sales Support

We are looking for Saturday Sales Support.

THIS POSITION HAS NOW BEEN FILLED

Stonehouse Homes are always interested in recruiting the best people, if you feel you excel in what you do please send your CV to us.

Stonehouse Homes Estate & Letting Agents has now been established 5 years and are looking to recruit Saturday Sales Support. 

We pride ourselves in our Customer Service and are passionate about our brand. You will be the face of our Company on a Saturday playing a key role in our team. Meeting and greeting customers in our office. At times you will be working on your own during this very busy day of the week, therefore you must be Confident, outgoing, well presented, bubbly, reliable and flexible.

Key Duties

  • Greeting and dealing with customers and clients professionally both in branch and on the telephone
  • Professionally answering the telephone to customers to the company standard and helping customers with their enquiries.
  • Taking accurate messages
  • Registering applicants on our property software database, both on the phone and in branch obtaining critical information to maximise business opportunity. Booking a valuation and/or mortgage appointment where relevant.
  • Arranging viewings and valuations (and booking in our online diaries) as promptly as possible.
  • You will also be required to keep the office tidy at the end of the day and do final end of day checks

Experience / Skills / Attributes

  • Confident, well presented, professional receptionist who has excellent communication skills and is at ease dealing with the public in person and on the telephone
  • Must enjoy working with the public and demonstrate experience of delivering excellent customer service
  • Computer literacy and accuracy is essential as the position involves directly inputting into a property software database whilst liaising with the public on the phone or in person
  • PR5 geographical area knowledge is important, living locally to our Walton le Dale branch would be an advantage
  • Confident, well presented, professional receptionist who has excellent communication skills and is at ease dealing with the public in person and on the telephone
  • Must enjoy working with the public and demonstrate experience of delivering excellent customer service
  • Computer literacy and accuracy is essential as the position involves directly inputting into a property software database whilst liaising with the public on the phone or in person
  • PR5 OR PR4 geographical area knowledge is important, living locally to our Walton le Dale or Longton branch would be an advantage
  • A full driving license and car owner preferred

In return we offer a rewarding career in a fun, fast paced but highly professional business. You will be part of a highly motivated, happy team, driven to provide exceptional service to our customers and to grow our business in the right way. This is an entry level role in a view to develop within the company.

This is a great position for someone who is wanting to get into the property industry. We care for our staff and continuously develop and  improvement of our people and making our business a great place to work.

A uniform will be provided and expected to be worn with your own suit or jacket. We also reward our hard working colleagues with a bonus and commission structure, optional company pension and increased pay once experience is gained.

The starting salary is from £7.50 per hour depending on past experience and performance once in the role.  Mileage is payable if applicable. Other staff incentives include nights out, bacon butties or gym membership for the fit ones! Holidays are 6 Saturdays per year plus any bank holidays.  There will also be opportunities to work extra to cover holidays of other staff members once fully trained.

To apply please send a cover letter explaining why you would exceed in this role along with your CV.  Application forms can also be obtained by emailing karen@stonehousehomes.co.uk or calling 01772 252136. Closing date 10th October 2018.

Applications with a covering letter introducing yourself to us are far more likely to be considered for interview than an application simply sending in a CV.

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Full or Part-Time Lettings Negotiator / Sales Support

Sales Negotiator

Full or Part-Time Lettings Negotiator / Sales Support.

THIS POSITION HAS NOW BEEN FILLED

Stonehouse Homes are always interested in recruiting the best people, if you feel you excel in what you do please send your CV to us.

If you love people and giving great customer service then you will enjoy working with our friendly, vibrant, happy team. We offer

  • Training for your future career goals,
  • Promotion and Management progression as we are expanding fast,
  • Higher basic than competitors
  • Individual and Team Bonuses and Commission so you decide the limit on what you can earn.
  • Lovely new offices and an upbeat atmosphere without stress and politics
  • Mileage allowance

There is no limit to your earnings with our bonus structure. Bacon butty’s, Starbucks and cakes are just some of the perks you will receive. If you contribute to our success and profit then we will share this with you.

  • Full time is over 6 days a week with a basic salary of £17,000 plus commissions.
  • Part time is Monday – Friday 10am-2pm with some Saturdays as extra

Please apply by CV to karen@stonehousehomes.co.uk

It is essential the candidate must have a minimum of 12 months of working in a Lettings Agency. Landlords who manage their own portfolios and no Lettings Agency experience need not apply.

The candidate

You should be an outgoing, bubbly person that is happy to work hard to achieve the best results for the company.Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines is a must. Prior knowledge and experience in property management is essential. You must be able to show initiative and lead from the front. Having excellent communication skills you will tackle problems head whilst documenting accurately your actions. The ability to generate new business is essential. Career progression with internal training to value property for the right applicant. This is a varied and interesting post and team work is essential as is a driving licence and car. ARLA qualification would be an advantage but not essential.

The job will predominantly be overseeing the lettings department, from viewings to preparing tenancies, inspections, inventories, check ins, check outs. Training will be given to value rental properties and study for the ARLA examination. The hours will be over 5 days a week, Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm, however the position could involve working a Saturday during busy times. A degree of flexibility will be required to cover holidays approximately 8 weeks a year and during busy periods extra hours may be required. A basic salary of £8.20 per hour will be offered ( £17000 basic pro rata (full time) per year plus generous uncapped bonus and commissions are payable. 20 days holidays plus bank holidays and mileage is payable. Applications strictly by CV with a cover letter stating why you would be a great candidate. We will also consider full time applications for the ideal candidate. All applications will be in the strictest of confidence with out of office hours interviews available.