Category: Blog

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October 2022 Monthly Market Report for Walton-le-Dale

The leaves are falling, the clocks have gone back and children, still hyped-up on sugar from their Halloween trick or treating, are now looking forward to this weekend’s fireworks displays. November brings with it darker mornings and chillier nights and so comes thoughts of Christmas and the New Year. This inevitably focuses the minds of those who have been considering moving, as they consider whether their homes are too small or indeed too large for their needs. 

 

The looming New Year sparks thoughts of new beginnings and new homes so, despite the doom and gloom in the papers, life continues. People still move home and the property market continues to be busy.

 

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 1152 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 880, with 1052 in August and 1050 in July. Things have started to calm 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 and in October 286.

In October 207 sales were agreed. 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 and 169 in October. This could imply that some sellers’ or agents’ expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with reality. 

In October there were 466 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 September there were 438 slow movers and the month before 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. This is not unusual for this time of year with many families busy over half term and focused on Halloween activities and Bonfire night. 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 final quarter of the 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.

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Tips to help keep your pet calm on Bonfire Night

One of the highlights of our  work is getting to meet all of our clients’ furry friends. Our pets give us unconditional love and companionship so naturally we all want to do everything we can to protect them from being scared and distressed.

 

Every year, Bonfire Night brings delight to adults and children alike all over the country as the loud whizzes, bangs and flashes of colour in the sky amaze and enthral. Our furry friends however are much less enamoured by the sight and sound of fireworks exploding in the sky. For those of us who have to witness our beloved pets in distress, it can be a less than enjoyable evening. 

 

There are a few things that you can do to help your pet to cope with the anxiety that fireworks can cause them. 

 

CATS Protection has issued the following advice:

 

Treats

 

A selection of their favourite long-lasting treats, given before the fireworks displays begin, can sometimes provide enough of a distraction to stop them from noticing the start of the noises. Even if they do not distract them for the whole of the display, any reduction in the time that they are distressed for is better than none.

 

Safe Place

 

Cats may feel reassured by having a cosy space in which they can curl up. If their bed has open sides then consider lining a cardboard box with towels and blankets for them to sleep in. Many cats feel safer when they are up high so placing this box on a shelf may increase their feeling of safety.

 

Music

 

Classic FM will be playing their pet classics, calming music specifically selected to try to help you and your pet stay relaxed, from 6pm to 10pm on Friday 5th November and Saturday 6th November. Turn it up, lay back and enjoy. 

 

Battersea Dogs Home has this advice to add:

 

Stay Calm

 

Our pets are very sensitive to our emotions. If they think that you are anxious then they will be anxious too. Stay calm and reassure them in your most relaxed tones so that they can pick up from your body language and voice cues that there is nothing for them to worry about.

 

No Evening Walks

 

Make sure that you are home from your evening walk before it goes dark so that your dog isn’t upset by any unexpectedly early fireworks. 

 

Draw your Curtains

 

Protect your pets from seeing the flashes from the fireworks by drawing your curtains. Having your curtains drawn can also help to muffle the sound from the fireworks. 

 

Let Them Roam

 

Confining a dog to one room when they are used to roaming your home can increase their distress. 

 

we  hope that these tips help you and your furry friends to have an enjoyable and distress-free Bonfire Night.

 

If you are considering selling your home in Walton-le-Dale then please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will be delighted to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

 

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Turn your clutter into cash

The first thing I always notice when I walk into a house is the amount of clutter there is. We are a nation of secret and sometimes not so secret hoarders. It’s rare for me to visit a home that is completely clutter free. If the surfaces are empty I can nearly always guarantee that there will be at least a couple of overstuffed cupboards. I understand, I like stuff too, but as an estate agent I know that clutter doesn’t sell. Yet even though we know that, even though we all revel in the minimalism of hotel rooms we fail to manage to declutter when we get back home as most of us cannot bear to part with our stuff.

However, there is something that may motivate you to do just that. What if I told you that the stuff that is at the back of your wardrobe, the stuff you haven’t seen let alone used for years could actually help you to pay your rising energy bills or contribute towards a well earmed break in the sunshine?

Plus we all know that second hand items are good for the environment as they reduce the amount of things that go to landfill. So decluttering can be good for your home, your wallet and the environment! So where do you begin?

Research

Gone are the days when eBay was your only option for selling your unwanted items. Now there are a whole range of sites, some of which specialise in certain items such as Vinted or Depop where you can sell clothes and accessories. Facebook marketplace can be a great way of selling items without having to pay any commission as can local sites like Nextdoor.

Be honest

If there is any damage to your item it is better to be upfront about it rather than have it returned to you.

Make sure the price is right

Be sensible when you are setting the price. Just like when you are selling a property if you set the price too high then there will be little interest and then your item will be further devalued when it sits unwanted on the selling site for ages. However, you also don’t want to set the price so low that it simply isn’t worth your time and effort to sell it. If you do think your item isn’t worth selling then try putting it on a site like Freecycle. You won’t benefit financially from selling it but you will be stopping it from going to landfill so there is a feel-good reward. To save yourself and the buyer time haggling if there is any damage then reflect this in the price.

Photographs

Taking lots of photographs will reduce the amount of time and the number of “no thanks” that you will get when selling an item as collection only. It will also increase your chances of selling your items online and reduce returns as people like to see clearly what they are purchasing. To increase your chances of a swift sale, just as when selling a property, good photographs are essential. Keep the background clutter free, make sure that the lighting is good and ensure that you take photographs from several angles.

If you are decluttering in order to sell your home and would like some advice or a free no-obligation valuation then please do give us  a call on 01772 252136

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September 2022 Monthly Market Report for Walton-le-Dare

The children are all settled back at school and the changing weather leaves us in no doubt that Autumn is definitely here. September is always a month of new beginnings.  With Christmas just around the corner many people start to think about whether their home still works for their family. 

 

The rising interest rates may be causing pause for thought but life continues, despite the rising cost of living and people will always need to move home; sometimes because of, and sometimes in spite of, the financial climate.

 

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 880 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 1052, with 1050 in July, and 995 in June. Things have started to calm 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 June there were 305, July 314, August 288 and in September 333.

In September 241 sales were agreed. The month before 268 sales were agreed. In July, 283 sales were agreed and in June 260 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.

There were 111 price reductions in June and in July, we saw 138 price reductions across the Walton-Le-Dale property market. There were 131 price reductions in both August and September. This could imply that some sellers’ or agents’ expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with reality. 

In September there were 438 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 August there were 429 slow movers and the month before there were 413. In June, there were 369. 

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 June each property in the Walton-Le-Dale area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 101. In July it was 85. In August, this number was 88. In September this number fell slightly to 82. This shows the high levels of activity in the local Walton-Le-Dale property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the 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.

 

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The top five reasons why people decide to sell their homes

 

It is a big decision to decide to sell your home. It means moving your family from a home that they likely love to a new and unfamiliar one. Even if you only move locally you will still be moving away from your neighbours, familiar places and friends. Behind this life changing decision there is usually a compelling reason and even then studies have shown that it still takes on average two years from first thinking about selling to actually deciding to go ahead and put your property on the market.

🚛Relocating

People need to relocate for a variety of reasons. They may have been offered a better job in a different part of the country; they may need to move to a catchment area for a better/more suitable school for their children; they may need to move closer to elderly parents or they may need to move to reduce the length of their commute to work.

🚸Upsizing

As families grow they may simply outgrow the size of their home. They may have more children or if their children share a room they may decide that they need to have their own space as they get older.

🧓Downsizing

The opposite occurs as children start to leave home. Paying to heat and maintain a home larger than they need may spur empty nesters to move to a property that is a better size for their needs.

🌳Lifestyle

The most common lifestyle change is a move from the city to the countryside. It is most commonly associated with couples starting families and moving from a busy city to an area where their children can have a bigger garden to run around in and where the money from the sale of their compact city property can purchase them a much larger property. However, it is not only young families that make this move. Older couples at the end of their careers may choose to move away from the busyness of city life in order to have a more peaceful retirement and others may even choose to do the reverse, moving to the city once their children are grown and flown.

 

💸Equity Release

This can be done by selling and then buying a cheaper home. This is a big motivation for selling for downsizers who get the benefit of a more manageable home and a lump sum of cash to spend enjoying life. It can also be a motivator for people who love to renovate properties and then move onto the next project investing the equity they have released into their next property.

If you are considering moving please do give us a call on 01772 252136 and we will be happy to help you to decide on the best option for your family.

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Successful downsizing – our step-by-step-guide

Successful downsizing – our-step-by-step guide

Downsize your home successfully with our step-by-step guide.

Are you thinking about downsizing – perhaps moving to a smaller home or apartment? Downsizing comes with many benefits, from less upkeep and lower energy bills and maintenance to a lower initial investment.

If you’ve lived in big homes for the last decade, perhaps entertaining guests or housing a large family, there are many reasons for downsizing. Most likely, you just don’t need all the space anymore – you’ve got too many bedrooms and only so much time to clean throughout the day. Or maybe you’re moving to a city, where properties are more expensive, so you’re selling up and starting a new chapter.

Whatever your reason, downsizing can be exciting. It’s a new opportunity, a new space – and you might even be living in an entirely new neighbourhood.

So, this blog post will provide you with our step-by-step guide on how to downsize successfully.

 

When is the best time to downsize?

Before downsizing, you may ask yourself the following question: is now really the best time?

This is a common objection many people have before downsizing. But if you’ve already thought about it, then chances are, it’s almost time to pack up your things and search for somewhere a little smaller.

Popular times for many people to downsize include retirement, when maintenance of a property becomes more of a burden, and when you’ve got more space than you know what to do with (for example, your children have now moved out and you no longer need the space that was once necessary).

Downsizing your home means downsizing your possessions

There’s nothing quite as therapeutic as decluttering – if you’re downsizing your home, you’ll naturally want to reduce your total number of possessions.

That means opening up the cupboards and sorting through your belongings.

But it doesn’t end there – you’ll also want to decide what furniture you wish to keep and what you intend to either give away or auction.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to tackle the bigger items first. For example, this could include selling the larger items of furniture from your spare rooms, then working your way to the smaller items.

Downsizing unneeded rooms first allows you to displace more stuff easily. You’ll also begin to see how much stuff you actually need and what’s extra. And what’s more, you can still use your everyday items in the meantime – they won’t be packed in a box.

Implement a downsizing system

To make the process of downsizing your home easier, we suggest implementing a system.

For starters, we recommend using the one-year rule. If you haven’t used an item in one year, then chances are you no longer need it.

And for the belongings you no longer need, you have four options: give them away, auction them, give them to charity or bin them.

Often, family members, friends and relatives may feel disinclined to accept your possessions. But it’s always worth asking beforehand! Anyways, more likely than not, you’ll be auctioning them off or giving them to charity.

Consider your new lifestyle when downsizing

You’re downsizing your home for a reason, so you should consider your new lifestyle when reducing your possessions.

For example, if moving from a four-bedroom home to an apartment, you may no longer need a lawnmower or other gardening equipment.

Be sensible and only keep what you need, and the downsizing process becomes a lot easier.

Begin downsizing before you move home, not after

We know how difficult it can be to let go of possessions. But we’d suggest downsizing before you move home, not after.

Not only will you avoid removal costs (or back-and-forth trips), but it allows you to be more realistic about what you need.

You’ll also get to spend the first few nights in your new home more relaxed, not piled up full of boxes, fighting when moving between rooms.

Once you’ve decided you’re downsizing, this is the time to begin reducing your possessions.

It may take you a while to find a new home, so the sooner you start, the easier it will be. You’ll also have plenty of time to plan that leaving party!

Is this your last move?

Another important thing to consider is whether or not this is your last potential move.

If so, you’ll need to plan ahead. What do you really need, and what can you give away or dispose of?

We’re not saying you should throw away memorabilia and family photographs, but there are definitely things you no longer need that you can get rid of to free up more space.

Be realistic about what to keep and what to get rid of.

Avoid renting a storage unit

Renting a storage unit or garage seems like a good idea in theory, but these costs can quickly add up.

The main problem with storage units is that they encourage you to keep possessions and furniture that you don’t actually need.

What usually happens is that you place items in storage, only to get rid of them months later. Or, you may hold on to them for longer, paying storage unit fees for belongings you no longer use.

For these reasons, we highly suggest downsizing as much as possible before moving home, avoiding a storage unit if at all possible.

Make the downsizing process stress-free

Downsizing your home is a big step – but it can be liberating and enjoyable, and provides a change of scenery and lifestyle.

If you want to downsize your home but don’t know where to begin, or are struggling to find a new home to move into, then give us a call on 01772 252136 or email us at info@stonehousehomes.co.uk we’ll help you find your next home.

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How saleable is your home? Take our saleability quiz and find out!

There’s a sense of security that comes with knowing how saleable your home is – whether you plan on jetting off and buying in Marbella or you just fancy a change, getting your home on the market and sold can prove quite the challenge.

And with the recent dip in the average price of UK property of 1.3% as of August 2022, as reported by Rightmove, you may be wondering just how much you could get for your home.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: house prices.

Current house prices are in line with summer price trends over the last decade – the recent dip in value is completely normal, and there is absolutely no need to worry.

Besides, the rest of the year looks promising – as we all settle back down and pack up the deck chairs and garden furniture, house prices are expected to rise again before the end of the year.

But with that out of the way, the remainder of this article will discuss more on saleability – specifically, key things you should look out for, alongside our saleability quiz to help you determine just how saleable your home is. Exciting, right?

How saleable is your home?

Before we get around to the saleability quiz, let’s discuss the factors that determine whether your home is ready for the market.

All homes are saleable, but to get the best price for your four walls and pride and joy, you may wish to consider the following factors:

  • What is the neighbourhood like?
  • Where is your home based?
  • How big is your home?
  • What condition is your home in?

Keep reading to find out how each factor affects saleability – these aren’t the be-all and end-all (so don’t panic), but they are definitely worth considering.

What is the neighbourhood like?

It’s no secret that homes in nicer neighbourhoods typically sell for more.

People pay more for increased security, peace of mind, better schools, local amenities, and so forth. And who can blame them?

If you live in a nice neighbourhood, your saleability goes up.

And if you don’t live in the best of neighbourhoods, then don’t worry – there are many other factors that will also be taken into consideration.

Where is your home based?

Alongside the neighbourhood, the location of your home is just as important.

Is your home close to a motorway? Do you live near to local attractions? Are you a five-minute drive from the shops but in the heart of the countryside?

The location matters – it massively determines the value and the attraction of your advert or online listing.

Now, you can’t exactly move your home, but understanding how location affects the price and overall attraction is useful.

How big is your home?

The size of your home directly impacts the valuation – how many bedrooms and bathrooms does the home have?

Buyers often pay per square foot, but the price varies massively depending on the location – a four-bedroom home in central London is worth considerably more than a four-bedroom home in the heart of the countryside. Scenic or not, people pay for location.

What’s most important is liveable space – the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms are also key selling points.

A large modern kitchen will increase saleability much more than an old worn-down wooden kitchen that’s decades old.

Consider a simple renovation before listing your home on the market to further increase value and saleability. We promise, it’s worth every penny!

What condition is your home in?

A home in good condition is usually one that performs well on the market.

Typically, most buyers would rather purchase a home that, well, looks like a home. Add those finishing touches, add a fresh lick of paint and a little bit of love, and give prospective buyers a glimpse into what makes your home so great.

As a general rule of thumb: it’s always a good idea to clean up and perform a few basic repairs around your home (if needed) before seeking a valuation.

That means tidying up those wires, repainting the skirting boards, and fixing that extractor fan for good (come on, nobody likes mould).

A little bit of hard work goes a long way – you can increase the value of your home drastically; don’t neglect those quick fixes and repairs.

Saleability quiz

It’s not just about the physical condition of your home (although this is very important), but the saleability of your home is also heavily tied to:

  • Your estate agent
  • Your brochure
  • Your online advert
  • The price
  • If you prepare your home for viewings

But it doesn’t end there – you need to be in regular contact with your estate agent, your brochure must show the best of your home, you need to dress and prepare your home for viewings and the price must sit within a realistic bracket.

Add all these factors together, and you’ve got a saleable home. It’s that simple!

 

Take the Stonehouse Homes saleability quiz and find out just how saleable your home is below!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vod0m43agh2oxfd/Saleability%20Quiz.docx?dl=0

 

If, after completing the saleability quiz, you did not get the results you were hoping for, then give us a call on 01772 252136 or email us at info@stonehousehomes.co.uk – we’ll get right back to you with further advice.

We’ll provide you with our expert opinion on what needs to be done to secure a successful sale of your home – paired with a bespoke marketing strategy; we’re confident you’ll have success on the market.

Let us help you sell your home – it’s what we do!

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How to prepare for viewings so buyers fall in love with your home

So, you’ve got the ball rolling with the house on the market, and your first viewing is booked in – it’s an exciting time! But the next step is one of the most important when it comes to selling your home – and that’s the preparation that goes on behind the scenes before a potential buyer’s visit. Remember, first impressions count, so making sure you’ve covered all bases when prepping is what will really charm a buyer into putting their offer in.

It can be hard to know where to start – and stop! – when preparing for viewings, but over the years we’ve whittled it down to a curated list of 7 tried and tested tips that will have buyers falling in love with your home in 20 minutes, tops.

  1. Give it some kerb appeal

No matter what, we always recommend that you start your preparation with the spot viewers will see first – your outdoor space. Begin by giving the front garden some basic TLC by trimming the hedges, moving the bins out of sight, jet washing patios and driveways and, if you think it’s needed, reviving the front door with a fresh lick of paint.

Once you’ve tidied the entrance, turn your attention to the back garden by mowing the lawn and adding a few potted plants for a subtle splash of colour. Still think you can do more to prep your outside space? Check out our garden styling tips to add that extra ‘wow’ factor.

  1. Convenience is key

On the day of the viewing, try to make sure that the visitors have somewhere to easily park their vehicle. This is a point that often gets overlooked, but you want to make the visit as smooth and hassle-free as possible for the potential buyer so that you’re instilling an optimistic mindset from the off.

  1. Don’t forget to revamp and repair

At a viewing, potential buyers may open doors, look into cupboards, turn on lights and just generally check that everything is in proper working order. So, making sure that all your furniture and décor looks great and works as it should is key.

Make good on repairs and update any lacklustre décor by filling in picture frame holes, covering marks on the walls, fixing broken cupboards and doors, refreshing the grout in the kitchen and bathroom, and replacing expired lightbulbs.

  1. Style the space

When preparing your home, you really want to highlight all the best bits in the most presentable way – and creating an aspirational lifestyle set-up with a bit of styling will enable you to do just that.

Start by bringing finesse to the dining table with your best serveware; then use strategically placed mirrors to bounce light around the rooms, add fresh towels to the bathroom and adorn the walls with your favourite artworks to create a focal point.

  1. Create that cosy, lived-in feel

Of course, making sure the house is looking spick and span goes without saying, but in the eyes of a potential buyer, you really want to take your home to the next level not just in the way it looks, but the way it feels. An easy way to do so is by creating a well-loved, lived-in feel that’s a real feast for the senses.

We advise bringing welcoming aromas into your house with scented diffusers in each room or, if you’re a keen cook, try out the time-tested hack of preparing a batch of freshly baked goods and letting the comforting scent wander through the house.

If you have a fireplace, set the logs alight to give the living area a cosy feel, and turn on lamps and any accent lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. If it’s not too cool outside, open the windows to let some fresh air flow through, too. And remember to remove family photographs and replace them with fresh flowers – this will let visitors more easily envisage themselves in your home.

  1. Take pets away for the day

We understand that pets are part of the family, but the people viewing your house may not share the same outlook, and what’s more, they might be allergic. So, if you can, it’s best to let a neighbour or relative look after your furry friend for the day. Before the visitors arrive, it’s also worth airing out the rooms and adding a diffuser or two to neutralise any pet odours.

  1. Speak to your estate agent

Knowing your audience is always a huge help when prepping your home for viewings. Your estate agent will already have done a little background research on who will be viewing your house and would have asked them questions about what they’re looking for specifically. It may be that they’re searching for a space with a fantastic garden or a large kitchen, in which case you can focus your efforts even more on these areas when prepping your home – for instance, try moving furniture around to showcase a room’s spacious potential or create a seating area in the garden so visitors can enjoy the view.

As you’re familiar with the area, it’s also a great idea to offer up more information to your estate agent on all the best parts of your local surroundings so they can pass this on to potential buyers during the viewing. Tell them about the proximity to your favourite shops, the best schools, peaceful countryside walks and hidden gems that others may not know about.

If you have queries on how you can best prepare for a house viewing or have any general questions about marketing your home, then please do get in touch with our team – we’re always more than happy to help! Simply contact us by phone on 01772 252136 or send us an email at info@stonehousehomes.co.uk , and a member of our friendly team will get back to you directly.

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8 Ways to Work with your Estate Agent for the Best Results

So, you’ve picked out your estate agent to help sell your home, but what’s the next step? While for the most part the baton is now with the agent, who’s responsible for keeping the progress of the sale on track, there are still some things you can do to achieve the very best desired outcome when selling your house.

Try looking at it this way: you and your estate agent are now a team. You’re on the same side and are both equally motivated to secure the right sale. In light of that, it’s best to make sure you’re aligned on exactly what you want to achieve over the next weeks or months.

Still not sure where you stand or what your next steps should be? Not to worry, we understand! That’s why we’ve collated 8 useful pointers which take you from that initial estate agent meeting through to obtaining the right offer.

  1. Be clear on your timeline

Before you do anything else, make sure you and your agent are aligned on your expectations from the outset. Ask questions and iron out any queries you have, as well as giving an indication of how quickly you’re looking to move – whether you’re aiming for a specific timeframe or you’re happy to hold on a little longer for a more generous buyer. This will really help your agent organise and prioritise your requirements.

  1. Stay updated

Working with your estate agent requires communication on both parts, so keeping in close contact is paramount. Let your agent know how regularly you’d like to be updated on the sale’s progress along the way. For consistent, general updates, we suggest every seven to ten days, but we also recommend aiming for a couple of days after every viewing to gather the potential buyer’s feedback.

  1. Act on feedback

Potential buyers tend to be honest and forthcoming with their opinions on a house, especially after a viewing. So, while there will be positive feedback, there may also be some criticism. If this happens, try not to be disheartened and instead let your estate agent know that you’re open to all kinds of feedback so you can use it to your advantage. You may notice common themes in the feedback you receive, which will help you decipher what you can do to improve your home for the next viewing. For instance, the buyer may suggest that the décor is a little tired or that certain areas need some TLC. Be prepared to dedicate some time to these updates, potentially with a fresh lick of paint or a weekend of DIY fixing – you can rest assured that it will make all the difference on your next viewing.

  1. Decide on a marketing strategy

Give your estate agent a steer when it comes to where you want your home to be advertised to potential buyers. You’ll likely want a ‘for sale’ sign up, but aside from that, decide on whether you want your house advertised in the local press and stipulate how many times you want it to be shown if so. Give an indication of approximately how long you’d like your house to appear in the estate agent’s window and provide some direction as to which online portals you want to see your home shown on.

  1. Approve the marketing

Your agent will likely have a list of marketing details for you to approve, all of which should highlight the qualities your home has to offer. They will be used to market your house and will likely be the first place potential buyers will read about your home. So, while the estate agent will have thoroughly checked through this information, you also want to make sure nothing has been missed in the description.

  1. Showcase your home’s best angles

Alongside the marketing description, the images of your house should be a top priority, too. To help the photographer capture the best shots possible, try to give your home a thorough tidy before they arrive, move the likes of bins and parked vehicles out of shot for the day, and if you can, switch on accent and mood lighting to create an ambient atmosphere.

Once the house is in shape, add a few stylish touches with fresh flower bouquets in vases, and complete the dining table with your favourite place settings – this will really enhance the lifestyle photography and give viewers a chance to envisage themselves in the space. Try to maintain this look for viewings so potential buyers can fall in love with your home on their visit, too.

  1. Try to be flexible with house viewings

Of course, the more viewings your estate agent can book in, the more offers you’re likely to get. It’s a well-known fact that weekends are when most people are free to view a property, and it gives potential buyers enough time to mull over what they’ve seen and make an offer on Monday morning. Viewers are also more likely to be looking at several houses over a weekend with the aim of making an instant comparison, so it’s best that your home is scheduled in at this time too rather than on a weekday, where it may not remain fresh in their mind.

  1. Carefully consider your offers

Lastly, remember that most of the offers you get will be negotiable, even on occasions when they might seem a little low. Usually, most buyers will get in touch again with a better counteroffer if the first is politely declined, so try not to be too quick to dismiss an offer from a potentially committed buyer.

Do you want to know more about how you and your estate agent can work together? Or do you have general questions about marketing your home? Either way, feel free to reach out to our team, who are always more than happy to help. Simply contact us by phone on 01772 252136 or send us an email at info@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we’ll get straight back to you.

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How to use creative photography

Nine times out of ten, where is the first place a potential buyer will see your home? You guessed it – in a photograph! Whether it be online through a laptop screen or mobile phone, or on the street in an estate agent’s shop window, that small viewing frame should be treated as the place to showcase all the best angles of your home and have people longing for the lifestyle they see at the end of the lens.

This, of course, applies to any house marketing photography. But with a high-value home, that features plenty of space and unique aspects, going above and beyond standard imagery will really set your house apart. And that’s where our expertise is on hand to help!

Differentiating your house from the rest of the market with creative and considered expert photography is our speciality. So, we’ve collated our best ideas for how to showcase your home in – quite literally – the best light!

Prep the space 

Any professional photographer knows that before the shutter clicks, there’s an element of house preparation required – and this involves a little help from the homeowner. So, to provide the photographer with a clean slate on which to work their magic, make sure the house is spick and span, both inside and out. In your outdoor area, clear any vehicles and bins out of shot for the day, use a bit of elbow grease on the windows to get them sparkling, and make sure the lawn is mowed and any weeds are removed.

Next, turn your attention to the inside of your house. After tidying the rooms, consider giving lacklustre walls and any worn-out furniture a fresh lick of paint. Studies show that decorating can make all the difference in the eyes of a potential buyer and will add up to 5% more to your home’s value. This is definitely something that a top-quality camera will highlight on screen too, so you can be sure it’s well worth going that extra mile.

Set the scene

Subtle styling and expert photography go hand in hand, especially when it comes to lifestyle imagery. Considered style choices will help to establish that emotional connection between the house and a potential buyer, enabling a thoughtfully framed lifestyle shot to provide a welcoming feel and give people a chance to truly envisage themselves in the space.

So, once the house is prepped, you and the photographer can work together to add a few stylish touches to really give your home a lived-in – but carefully curated – look. Bring colour to the kitchen with fruit-filled bowls, set the dining table with your best crockery, hang fresh neatly folded towels in the bathroom, place fresh blooms in coordinating vases onto sideboards, and cosy up the bedroom with luxurious woven throws and scatter cushions. These style-savvy touches will highlight the real potential of your home in imagery and give it a well-loved feel. For outdoor specific styling advice, visit our garden blog.

 Get the light right

Cold or clinical lighting is something to avoid when it comes to home photography, especially with a sizeable one that might look unwelcoming as a result. So, making sure the mood of the rooms are set to warm and inviting is key. This atmosphere can be achieved with photos taken on a dry day at around dusk to cast a naturally soft and calming glow.

However, we know relying on the weather – especially British weather – isn’t an ideal option! So, you’ll be pleased to know that this isn’t the only way to capture the warm and welcoming look. Today’s post-production technology is your friend in this scenario. With a combination of accent and ambient lighting switched on around your home as well as an arsenal of subtle sepia-tinted filters, professional photographers can easily craft that sought-after early evening glow.

Capture the scale

Framing a shot to reveal the true size of your home is crucial when it comes to giving an accurate depiction of the space – and there are a few clever hacks to capture it. A whizz with full-frame cameras and an ability to experiment with varying perspectives, an expert photographer will have all the necessary equipment to hand to ensure large rooms and outdoor spaces give viewers a real representation of your home’s footprint.

Showing where your house is situated in its surroundings is also a great way to indicate the true length and breadth of your home. So, if you live on a hilltop with plenty of countryside around, or you want to show the size of your garden by highlighting boundary hedges and fences, then elevated photography, perhaps with the help of a drone or aerial mast, is another useful route to take.

Framing shots from a higher perspective will give scale and dimension to your house and highlight your proximity to stunning views or local Amenities that may otherwise not be realised. In the eyes of a potential buyer, elevated photography can take a modest cottage to a rural marvel, or a humble townhouse to the heart of a historic centre.

Show the local area

Location, location, location – we can’t emphasise this enough! When investing in a new home, most people aren’t only interested in the house itself, but also in the place that surrounds it – and rightly so.

Showcasing snapshots of the local area, whether it be well-known landmarks, a quaint nearby shop, pet-friendly parks, walking trails, or picturesque views, now is the time to bring all of these aspects together and paint a picture of what life could be like living in your home.

Would you like to find out more about the specialised photography services we offer? Or are you searching for more advice on how to prepare your home to go on the market? Whatever your query is, we’re here to help! We’re but a call or email away – simply contact us by phone on 01772 252136 or send us an email at info@stonehousehomes.co.uk and a member of our friendly team will be on hand to guide you.