Category: Blog

Many people wait to put their properties on the market until Spring believing that the housing market becomes more buoyant at that time.

 

However, there is an abundance of people who due to New Year’s resolutions, marital breakdowns (January traditionally has a higher rate of divorce than any other month) and those who simply decide during their festive break that they would like to upgrade their home, who are looking to purchase properties after the New Year.

 

That means that there are a large number of people looking for a property at the beginning of the year so there is an opportunity for those who choose to list their property in January or February to avoid the increased competition amongst sellers that occurs during the Spring Rush.

 

Increased competition during the Spring Rush means that many sellers discover that more choice on the market leads to lower sales prices so how can you seek to make the most of the early months of the year to sell your property before the Spring Rush begins?

 

Arrange viewings for during the day

Shorter days means less of a window to show your house off in the best light, daylight. If possible, arrange viewings during the day and make sure that your windows are clean and your curtains wide open to allow as much light as possible to come into your property. If it isn’t possible to schedule viewings during the day ensure that your property is well lit and welcoming.

 

Don’t forget about your garden/outside spaces

The pandemic has affected our choice of homes. A survey of 2000 people at the end of 2020 by Market Financial Solutions Ltd found that 92% of the people surveyed agreed that having a garden or some outdoor space was the most important factor for them when buying a property. This replaced square footage which was the most important factor the year before. Make sure your outside areas are looking their best by tidying away clutter, cleaning outside furniture and pathways and considering planting some winter flowering plants to inject some colour. If most of your viewings are outside daylight hours consider adding lighting in order to show your garden/outside space off even when it’s dark.

 

Heat your property

It may be cold outside but you want your potential buyers to feel like they are coming into a warm and welcoming home. Ensure that all the rooms in your house are sufficiently heated during viewings including spare bedrooms and bathrooms.

 

Choose the right estate agent

It is important not to overprice your property or you will be left trying to sell a property that has been on the market a while, always less desirable in buyers’ eyes as they presume there is something wrong with it when the Spring Rush starts. A good estate agent will guide you through the property selling process and help you to put your property on the market for the right price, not too high and not too low.

 

If you are considering putting your property in Walton-le-Dale on the market please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will be happy to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

 

With energy bills soaring, we are all looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips for keeping those heating bills down while still staying warm and cosy.

 

1.Shop around for the best tariff

First stop for anyone aiming to reduce their heating bills is to check you are on the best tariff for your household. Many people sign up for a fixed rate tariff but then when the designated term of that tariff ends they forget to check if there are better deals available. 

If it all seems a bit confusing or you simply don’t have time, there are plenty of comparison websites that will do the legwork for you. That leaves you free to put your feet up and have a cuppa while they find you a better deal.

 

2.Turn your thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down by even just 1° can shave 10% off of your bills!

 

3.Turn your heating off when you are out

Heating an empty house is a waste of money. Set the timer to come on just before you get home and you get to come home to a warm and cosy house without the expense of having heated it all day.

 

4.Buy a winter duvet

Although this is an upfront cost, the money it will save you makes it worth it. With the correct duvet for the season you won’t feel any need to have the heating on at night, which is better for your wallet and better for your health. 

Studies have demonstrated that sleeping in a cool room can help you fall asleep faster, fight insomnia and help increase melatonin production.

 

5.Put on an extra layer

Apologies for sounding like someone’s parent but putting on an extra layer of clothing will help you to fight the chill so you don’t need to turn up the thermostat. The key is layers: multiple thin layers will keep you warmer than one big jumper.

 

6.Only heat the room you’re in

If you are going to be spending your whole evening in one room do you really need to heat your whole house? A portable heater can provide heat fast for a small room. Take it one step further and only heat yourself instead of the room. An electric throw or blanket can provide enough warmth to avoid the need to turn the heating on.

 

7.Insulate your chimney

Chimney balloons can be used to block draughts from the chimney cavity and then can be easily deflated when you would like to light a fire. If your fireplace is not in use then you can use newspaper or cardboard to block up the cavity and save yourself from cold draughts

 

8.Line your curtains

Thermal curtain lining can reduce heat loss from your windows by up to 25% and can also help to reduce draughts. If you are not particularly nimble with a sewing machine then fabric glue is an excellent solution to attach thermal lining to the back of your curtains.

 

9.Add insulation

Stop heat from escaping through your roof by making sure that you have sufficient insulation in your loft. Insulation is like a hat for your house and plays a key part in making sure that the heat you are paying for isn’t floating off into the sky.

 

10.Have your boiler serviced

Aside from the obvious safety benefits of ensuring that your boiler is in tip top condition, having a boiler that is working well will save you money on your heating bills.

 

Hopefully you’ll find one or more of those ideas helpful to keep warm this winter.

 

Many prospective homeowners are oblivious to things that can derail their home purchase. Here is our  list of 7 things not to do if you are trying to purchase a property.

 

Underestimating costs

In addition to the purchase price of your property you need to take into account the cost of conveyancing fees, the price of surveys and moving costs. Don’t forget when you move in you will need to pay for buildings & contents insurance and council tax as well.

 

Not checking your credit score

Your credit score is your financial CV and lenders use it to assess whether you are able to maintain repayments. Check your credit score and have any errors rectified before applying for a mortgage to ensure you minimise the chance of your application being rejected.

 

Choosing the wrong solicitor

Check your solicitor is on your mortgage lender’s list of approved solicitors to avoid additional costs or even having to change solicitors. Most mortgage lenders have an approved list of solicitors that they will work with. 

Your solicitor will be required to complete the legal work for your lender during the conveyancing process. However, if your solicitor is not on their approved list, they will not be able to act for your mortgage lender. This can end up leading to the expense of a second solicitors’ firm, who are on that list, needing to be employed to act on behalf of your lender.

 

Not being on the electoral roll

One of the easiest ways for lenders to verify your identity is to check the electoral roll. If you are not registered it may cause your application to take longer to process and your credit score may be affected as well.

 

Not getting an agreement in principle

The housing market is competitive. Sellers may choose to accept an offer from someone with an agreement in principle rather than waiting for you to contact a mortgage company.

 

Running up lots of credit

Taking on new debt may alter the state of your credit which may prevent you getting approved for your mortgage.

 

Changing jobs

Never change your job in the middle of purchasing a property. It can make your employment look unstable which makes you a weaker candidate to lenders.

 

If you are looking to purchase a property in Walton-le-Dale please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will add you to our  early bird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about our  new listings.

 

Do you want to give your home a makeover but are worried about the cost? Try these budget-friendly ideas to help make your property the envy of all of your friends. 

 

Give your kitchen a makeover

Kitchens are normally the most expensive room in the house to upgrade but giving your kitchen a makeover doesn’t mean you have to replace all of the fittings and appliances. Just by changing a few things you can make your kitchen go from drab to fab without a huge price tag.

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. Whether you choose to paint your walls, your tiles or your kitchen cupboards a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact with a small budget. 

 Replacing the flooring with vinyl tiles can really freshen up the feel of the room. 

Investing in matching appliances like toasters and kettles and making sure that they fit in with the colour scheme of the rest of your kitchen can stop your kitchen from looking tired and unloved. 

Replacing door and drawer handles with modern ones can help to stop your kitchen from looking dated. 

 

Bathroom on a budget

Improving your bathroom doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are some things you can do to refresh it on a budget. 

If your bathroom suite really needs replacing but the cost of a new one is out of your budget you can often find cheaper versions in trade stores or sometimes even on online marketplaces. 

There are lots of tiling tutorials online and new tiles or new vinyl flooring can transform a room. 

As with all rooms a fresh lick of paint can make the world of difference to a room. Don’t forget to only use paint specifically made for bathrooms so that it can cope with the steam and humidity.

 

Declutter

Rooms that are full of clutter feel cramped and unwelcoming. Decluttering and making use of clever storage solutions can open up your home and make it feel much more spacious. 

Write on three boxes: keep, donate and rubbish. Then make a rule that until all three boxes are full you cannot empty any of them to create more space in them.

There are plenty of clever storage ideas from wall mounted shoe racks to utilising the wasted space under the stairs by putting in useful drawers and shelves. 

 

Add some colour

If you can’t afford to redecorate your whole room but still want to give it an update then try adding a few new accessories. It also means that if you go off of them in a few months it is easy to remove them and try something else.

Lamp shades are ideal for adding a touch of colour to a room and adding a new lamp can help to light up dim corners which will help your room to feel larger as well.

If you can’t afford to paint the whole room a feature wall is a less expensive way of changing the look of a room. 

A rug can add a focal point to a room and cover up old and tired flooring at the same time. 

 

If you are considering selling your property in Walton-le-Dale and would like another pair of eyes to give you an idea about the interior and the impact on the value of your property, please give us a call on 01772 252136.

 

Christmas songs are on the radio, there’s a flurry of activity in the shops and the promise of lots of fun with our loved ones. It is also the season for questions like whether a home is large enough for the whole family or whether, children having flown the nest, it is too large? 

 

New Year means new beginnings for many and so inevitably the thought of a new home is on many people’s minds. All this means that the property market is approaching its traditional busy season.

 

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local property market around Walton-Le-Dale.

 

There are currently 1165 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 1152, in September 880 and 1052 in August. Things have calmed back down to normal levels and there is now more choice once again for buyers.

There is a steady number of properties coming onto the market each month. In July there were 314, August 288, September 333, in October 286 and in November 239. 

In November 180 sales were agreed. In October there were 207. The month before 241 sales were agreed. In August 268 sales were agreed and in July 283 sales were agreed. As more properties come to the market, more sales are happening. Although the media has been talking about the market cooling, the local facts are that there is still a lot of activity.

In July, we saw 138 price reductions across the Walton-Le-Dale property market. There were 131 price reductions in both August and September, 169 in October and 167 in November. This could imply that some sellers’ or agents’ expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with reality. 

In November there were 497 slow movers in the Walton-Le-Dale area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at the peak levels.  In October there were 466. In September there were 438 slow movers and the month before that there were 429 slow movers. In July there were 413. 

Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps – presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 10 agents in the area with the smallest numbers of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference to achieving your moving plans.

In July each property in the Walton-Le-Dale area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 85. In August, this number was 88. In September this number fell slightly to 82 and in October it dropped to 70. In November it fell further to 59 but this is not unusual for this time of year with many families busy as we approach Christmas and the end of term. The high levels of activity in the local Walton-Le-Dale property market are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the first quarter of next year.

 

 

If you’re looking for further information about the Walton-Le-Dale property market, or if you’re thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01772 252136 or email info@stonehousehomes.co.uk.

Your property is one of the biggest financial commitments that you will ever make so it makes sense to make sure that you are doing everything you can to look after it. However many of us are guilty of putting off doing those annoying little jobs that aren’t urgent enough to demand our immediate attention but still need doing.

 

With that in mind I have made a list of six things that you should make time to attend to before these little jobs become big jobs.

 

Windows

In the face of soaring gas prices we are all trying to keep our gas usage down this year. As a result condensation and the mould it goes hand in hand with are more of a problem this year than ever before. Make sure that you wipe condensation off of your windows frequently in order to avoid giving mould the chance to grow.

As window cleaners, sensibly, don’t tend to work in icy weather make sure that you give your ground floor windows a quick wipe too to make sure that you are maximising the amount of natural light that can get into your property and to ensure that you are not looking out through dirty windows.

 

Carpets

Wiping paws and cleaning up the mess that muddy paws can leave straight after walks is the best way to stop it from becoming ingrained in your carpets. Don’t forget to remove your own shoes at the door too. Having your carpets regularly cleaned is the best way to ensure that they stay in tip top condition.

 

Paint

Windowsills, front doors, stairs and bannisters are often subject to a lot of wear and tear. Giving them a quick lick of paint is a relatively quick and easy way to revitalise tired areas in your home and increase your property’s kerb appeal.

 

Gutters

Windy weather can blow leaves, moss and autumn leaves into your gutters. They can cause blockages that can cause both damage and flooding so it is a good idea to ensure that you inspect these regularly and clear any blockages as necessary.

 

Boiler

Even if you are still managing to hold off turning the central heating on there will come a time when you need to switch it on this Winter. Make sure you don’t get a nasty surprise by having your boiler serviced annually by a certified professional. Then you can relax safe in the knowledge that you will have hot water and heating on tap whenever you want them.

 

Garden

Now is the time to put away your garden furniture so that it can be safely stored until Spring. Sweep your paths so that they are clear of slippy Autumn leaves, pull up any dead plants and tidy your shed.

 

If you are considering putting your property on the market in Walton-le-Dale and would like some more advice on how to keep your property looking its best please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will be happy to advise you.

 

Christmas songs are on the radio, there’s a flurry of activity in the shops and the promise of lots of fun with our loved ones. It is also the season for questions like whether a home is large enough for the whole family or whether, children having flown the nest, it is too large? 

 

New Year means new beginnings for many and so inevitably the thought of a new home is on many people’s minds. All this means that the property market is approaching its traditional busy season.

 

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local property market around Walton-Le-Dale.

 

There are currently 1165 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 1152, in September 880 and 1052 in August. Things have calmed back down to normal levels and there is now more choice once again for buyers.

There is a steady number of properties coming onto the market each month. In July there were 314, August 288, September 333, in October 286 and in November 239. 

In November 180 sales were agreed. In October there were 207. The month before 241 sales were agreed. In August 268 sales were agreed and in July 283 sales were agreed. As more properties come to the market, more sales are happening. Although the media has been talking about the market cooling, the local facts are that there is still a lot of activity.

In July, we saw 138 price reductions across the Walton-Le-Dale property market. There were 131 price reductions in both August and September, 169 in October and 167 in November. This could imply that some sellers’ or agents’ expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with reality. 

In November there were 497 slow movers in the Walton-Le-Dale area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at the peak levels.  In October there were 466. In September there were 438 slow movers and the month before that there were 429 slow movers. In July there were 413. 

Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps – presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 10 agents in the area with the smallest numbers of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference to achieving your moving plans.

In July each property in the Walton-Le-Dale area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 85. In August, this number was 88. In September this number fell slightly to 82 and in October it dropped to 70. In November it fell further to 59 but this is not unusual for this time of year with many families busy as we approach Christmas and the end of term. The high levels of activity in the local Walton-Le-Dale property market are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the first quarter of next year.

 

 

If you’re looking for further information about the Walton-Le-Dale property market, or if you’re thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01772 252136 or email info@stonehousehomes.co.uk.

 

Choosing an estate agent to sell your property can seem like a difficult task. There are so many available and of course, they all say that they are the best around! What should you consider when choosing which one to trust with selling your property?

Local knowledge

You wouldn’t jump in a taxi with a driver who didn’t know the local area, or at least you’d jump back out again quite quickly! You also shouldn’t trust your property to an estate agent who doesn’t understand the local market or who doesn’t know the area well. Great estate agents know their community and already have a well-established database of potential buyers that they can use to make sure that your property is seen as quickly as possible by as many people as possible.

Tech-savvy

Newspapers, magazines and other forms of printed media should definitely form a part of the marketing plan for your property. However, estate agents who only use these and haven’t embraced the benefits of online marketing, including social media, their own website and online property portals, will be putting you at a disadvantage when selling your property. This is because 78% of buyers begin their property search online so you need an estate agent who knows how to make sure that your property is seen by them.

Honesty

When selling a property, you need an estate agent who will be honest with you, especially in the current market. Beware of agents who inflate their suggested asking price for your property with the expectation that they will drop it in a few weeks once you are tied into a contract with them. An honest estate agent will not hesitate to point out areas of your property that you could improve in order to increase your chances of a sale and are candid about things that should be taken into account when setting the asking price.

Communication, communication, communication

The estate agent you choose will not only be the go between for you and your buyer but will also be your source of information concerning how viewings went and on the feedback from viewers. Choosing an agent who is a good and friendly communicator will make the whole process of selling your property much easier.

Works for you

It is your property. While a good estate agent will be able to give you advice concerning your property, a great estate agent will be able to tailor their advice based on your needs and wants because they will listen to them. Selling a property isn’t a one size fits all experience, so you need an estate agent who is willing to listen and adapt to your needs.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Walton-le-Dale then please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will be delighted to chat to you about the reasons we  believe that we  fulfil all of those criteria.

 

Have you ever watched a programme about property development and been tempted to give it a go? All those wonderful before and after shots make it look so easy. From our comfortable sofas we cockily criticise their design decisions, mock their progress and vocalise how we would do it differently. But how many of us really appreciate either the potential problems or the potentially life changing benefits of renovating a home either to live in ourselves or to rent out.

So what can you do to mitigate the risk of your dream home renovation becoming a nightmare?

 

Set a goal

What is your end goal with the property? Do you want to flip it, rent it out or create your forever home? You need to remember your goal when looking for a property. If it is to be your forever home then it should be in an area that you want to live in. Alternatively if it is to be a rental property then you need to make sure that it is in an area that is attractive to your target rental market.

 

Make a budget

Set yourself a budget for each room and try your best to stick to it. Don’t be swayed by expensive tiles or paint. If you are planning to rent out the property then your tenants are unlikely to care whether you use Dulux paint or Farrow and Ball paint. If you are doing the property up for your own family then you may be happy to splurge in certain areas but make sure that you always keep an eye on your budget. Just as in the television programmes you are likely to go over budget so make sure that you factor that in.

Plan

Frequently diverting from or changing your plan will cost you time and money so try to stick to it. The longer the renovations go on the more money you lose in potential rent. The longer you have to pay your mortgage or utility bills for the property, the more they eat into your profit if you are flipping it. If it is your forever home then you will be reducing the amount of time you get to live in it.

Have a valuation

When all of your hard work is finished, arrange a valuation so you can find out just how much all of your hard work has added to the value of your property and how much its rental value has also increased.

If you manage to complete all of those then congratulations you are a successful property developer and you will be able to reap the financial rewards of your endeavour.

If you are looking for a property to renovate please give us a call on 01772 252136 so that we  can add you to our  earlybird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about our new listings.

 

Buy-to-let property is often seen as an attractive way of accumulating wealth or as an alternative option to a pension. However, while purchasing buy-to-lets is undoubtedly a good investment, they are also a long-term commitment that require hard work and good financial planning. 

 

If you are unsure as to whether to take the plunge and buy your first buy-to-let property then it is definitely worth considering the pros and cons of being a landlord before you invest. 

 

PRO  – Rental Income

 

This is the biggest incentive for people who buy a buy-to-let property. The idea of receiving regular income that not only pays off the mortgage on their buy-to-let property but also gives them a little bit extra in their pocket each month is a very attractive one. 

 

CON – Rental Void

 

However, if your tenant misses a rental payment then you will be responsible for covering the mortgage payment yourself until they catch up and if you should have a period when your property is not let (a rental void) then you will be left covering all of the costs during that time too.

 

PRO – You’re your own boss

 

If you are fortunate enough to be making enough money from your rental properties to live on then you can have complete control over your income and your own time. The ability to work the hours you choose, make all the decisions and feel completely in control of their own life is what drives many landlords to build their property portfolio.

 

CON – Responsibilities

 

Being a landlord means you have both legal and moral responsibilities towards your tenants and no-one can choose or predict when urgent maintenance issues such as a leak may occur. For many people who are trying to hold down a full-time job alongside managing their buy-to-lets the responsibility is too much. An easier solution is to have your properties managed by a letting agent but this will of course cut into your profit. 

 

PRO – Allowable expenses

 

You are permitted to deduct expenses from your rental income when working out your taxable rental profit. These expenses must be ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of renting out the property’ and includes maintenance costs, utility bills, agency fees and insurance payments.

 

CON – Costs 

 

As soon as you start to make a profit from your buy-to-let property you are legally obliged to inform HMRC. You may be required to submit a tax return so that HMRC can calculate how much income tax you should pay. Buy-to-let property purchases are subject to higher stamp duty rates. Also when you sell a buy-to-let you must pay Capital Gains Tax on the amount that the property has increased in value during the time that you have owned it. Don’t forget to factor in costs such as the deposit, survey and conveyancing fees, renovation costs and the administrative costs for inventories, deposit protection, gas safety certificates and EPCs. 

 

Being a landlord certainly requires more time, effort and planning than most people think it does but for those willing to put in the work it can be a highly profitable endeavour. 

 

If you are considering becoming a landlord and would like to know more about how we  can help you to manage your property please do give us a call on 01772 252136 and we will be delighted to help you.