Day: 13 September 2021

Now’s the Time to Sell if You Want a New Home for Christmas

A two-minute read.

The summer holidays have ended.

The kids are back to school, and the distractions of Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics have gone.

What have we got to look forward to? Easy, Christmas.

Yes, we know it seems a long way off, but if you’re thinking of celebrating it in a new home, it’s time to get things sorted.

Here’s why.

Recent research from one of the most respected organisations in the estate agency industry, Propertymark, highlights the need to get your selling skates on if a new abode is at the top of your Christmas wish list.

The organisation’s findings show the average time taken from an offer to exchange is now at 13-16 weeks. This doesn’t consider the period from when your property goes on the market, and an acceptable offer is made.

A statement from Propertymark’s CEO said the average time used to be around 6-8 weeks, but the post-pandemic market across the UK and South Devon is ‘a very different beast.’

This is due to several factors. Record levels of transactions, pressure on solicitors, mortgage companies and even overworked removal firms are slowing the process.

There are just over 15 weeks until turkey time (other culinary options are available), so speed is of the essence.

Here’s a simple ABC plan to put you on the path to opening presents in a new home on 25 December.

1. Action – Take the first steps of calling in three agents to give you a valuation of your home. Always ask this question of them: How will you go about getting me the price you say my home is currently worth?
2. Be Ready – Now is the time to get your house in order, literally and metaphorically speaking. Do those little maintenance jobs that have been left for ages. You’d be amazed how off-putting peeling fence paint or missing cabinet handles are for prospective buyers. And get all your paperwork organised. You’ll need warranties and receipts ready to help speed up the legal side of any sale.
3. Check – We’re expecting a surge of sellers and buyers looking to move in the run-up to the festive season, so it’s worth thinking ahead. Call removal and storage companies for quotes and get dates pencilled in with them. The good moving companies get booked in advance even when the market isn’t as busy as it is now.

If you’ve a dream about waking up on Christmas morning in a new home, get in touch with us on 01626 365055, email mail@chamberlains.co or click the book appointment button and we’ll help make it a reality.

How South Devon Landlords Can Avoid Rent Arrears

In this three-minute read, we look at the steps South Devon landlords can take to protect against a tenant falling into arrears.

Landlords have always worried about tenants falling behind in the rent, but that fear feels particularly pertinent right now due to the pandemic.

There are many reasons why a tenant might be unable to pay their rent – such as illness, job loss, or relationship breakdown – but the bottom line is it’s stressful for both landlord and tenant.

The good news is there are things landlords can do to protect themselves from getting into this predicament. Here are some tips.

• Always carry out credit and reference checks before a tenant moves in.
• Make sure your tenant signs a contract.
• Keep your records up to date and when rent is paid, send the tenant a receipt – this is particularly useful if it’s a joint tenancy. If there’s a dispute, it’s easy to identify who has missed a payment.
• If you’re dealing with a joint tenancy, ensure that all tenants understand they are equally responsible for the rent – and any unresolved debt. (If there’s an underpayment, often the tenant who has paid up can be a valuable and persuasive ally in getting the errant tenant to pay.)
• Keep all tenants in the loop about the situation as they bear joint responsibility (even though they might tell you otherwise).
• If a tenant misses a payment, talk to them but don’t go in all guns blazing. You’re trying to find a constructive way forward, not score points. Always remain professional.
• Keep records of all conversations.
• Consider adding rent protection cover to your insurance for some peace of mind.
• If the tenant has a good track record, and you feel they can turn things around quickly, consider a payment plan. This is a revised payment schedule that gives the tenant a chance to get back on their feet.
• If you do agree a payment plan, make sure you put it in writing.
• The tenant may decide that they can’t meet their obligations and serve notice that they want to move out. If this is the case, contact your tenant deposit scheme and ask them to deduct the unpaid rent from the deposit.
• Legal eviction proceedings should always be the last resort. There is currently a huge court backlog, and lawyers are expensive. Do everything you can to find an alternative solution.

Contact us today on 01626 365055 and find out how we’ll help you avoid rental arrears.