Month: September 2023

With the kids safely back at school and the days getting a little bit cooler, can you hear those jingling bells? It might be the end of summer, but get ready because Christmas is coming!

With Santa tucked away in his grotto for the next few months, you might (if you’re ridiculously organised) be thinking about what presents to buy your loved ones, or (if you’re sensible) ways to save some money on those energy bills.

Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. In this quick read, we look at some of the best money-saving gadgets to make life easier. They might not be the most exciting gifts, but at least they’re sensible.

Electric heaters

Did your energy bills scare the daylights out of you last winter? Were you super stingy with your heating and force everyone to wear an extra jumper? This year, you can try and claw some of those costs back by investing in an electric heater. There are loads on the market with reviews aplenty. So, whether you’ve got a huge lounge you need to heat or want something more portable, there’s an electric heater out there for everyone.

Whilst electricity has gone up in price, it’s still cheaper than gas, meaning electric heaters are more cost-efficient and are better for the environment.

Heated clothes dryer

Whatever the weather, one thing’s for sure, there will always be a pile of laundry that needs to be done. With the winter months rolling in, hanging those pants outside won’t be an option, so back away from the tumble dryer and get yourself a heated clothes rack.

It’s not sexy, but it will make your clothes feel toasty and help dry those fluffy towels quicker than a normal rack. Starting from around £40, heated clothes rails are cheaper to run than a tumble dryer and can be stored away when not in use. Make sure you buy one that suits your space as they come in a range of sizes.

Magnetic key holders

How many times a day do you lose your keys? You need to invest in a magnetic key holder. Starting at around £5.99, this great gadget sticks to your wall with self-adhesive and holds onto your keys so you always know where they are (unless you forget you’ve got one, then you’re on your own).

Home office helpers

All of us know at least one person who works from home, so choose a gift to make their home office/dining table more work-friendly. You can get smart mugs to ensure their coffee never gets cold, spec stands so they never lose their glasses, or a task timer to help them focus. All these items are available online and are relatively inexpensive.

What’s the most sensible gadget you’ve ever received?

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer.

Are you going to look for a new home first and then list your property – or do things the other way around?

While both scenarios can work out in the end, we think one option is far more favourable – and that’s getting your current property on the market first.

Here are four reasons why.

Show you’re a deal-maker, not a time-waster

Competition is strong for the best properties, so sellers can afford to be choosy. If multiple offers are on the table, a buyer who has already listed their property (and is clearly motivated) is a more appealing prospect than one who hasn’t.

It could save you money

Listing your property first puts you in a stronger negotiating position. If a seller wants a quick deal (perhaps they’ve fallen in love with another property and need to move fast), they may be more flexible on price if they think you can move swiftly.

Streamline the process

Once you have an offer accepted on a property, it will be all systems go with surveyors, lawyers and lenders. But if you haven’t listed your home, you’ll also need to get cracking on this front (by decluttering, tackling any DIY and choosing an agent). Juggling all these tasks at the same time can be stressful and time-consuming – but there is an easier way. To avoid having a multi-tasking meltdown, get all your ducks in a row with your property sale first.

Less chance of losing your dream home

One of the most common reasons property chains collapse is that one party grows impatient. So even if a seller accepts your offer on the understanding you still have to list your home, they may get frustrated if progress is slow – and pull the plug. You could miss out on your dream home because you started the process on the back foot and just can’t move quickly enough.

If you’d like a free property valuation, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

 

If you’re a landlord looking to attract long-term tenants, it’s worth thinking about ways to make your investment property as appealing as possible.

And one area you may have overlooked is the army of British pet owners who need a rental property, and want to make their furry friends as comfy as possible.

Unfortunately, over the years, many landlords have been known to refuse pet owners, perhaps due to worries about damage or general unsuitability for a property.

Many pet owners tend to stay put in a rental as it can be difficult to find somewhere suitable. This is a huge plus for busy landlords, reducing the workload of finding new tenants and starting all over again every 12 months.

And with rental reforms on the horizon, now is the time to consider opening your rental investment to responsible pet owners.

In this quick read, we look at ways to make your rental property pet-friendly and attract loyal, responsible pet lovers.

Worried about damage?

Most pet owners will go the extra mile to make sure their animal doesn’t cause damage, but if it’s something you’re really concerned about, you could add a pet clause into your tenancy agreement. This could state that any damage caused by the pet is the tenant’s responsibility and that the property must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of a tenancy period. Speak to your agent to discuss the details of your tenancy agreement.

Flooring

If you’re having an investment property redecorated or renovated, plan ahead and minimise the potential for damage. Instead of carpets, consider laminate, wood or tiled flooring. These options are easier to keep clean and won’t trap pet hairs or odours.

Furnishings

If you’re offering tenants a furnished property, avoid light-coloured sofas and chairs to reduce the chance of stains. Consider wipeable fabrics such as leather to make sure furnishings can be kept clean. The same applies to curtains or blinds, as muddy paws and light fabrics definitely don’t mix!

Secure the garden

If your property offers outside space, make this a pet haven by securing the fences and/or gate so they can’t get out. Also, remove any plants that could be hazardous to cats and dogs. For a full list of plants and flowers that could cause problems, click here.

Insurance

You can further pet-proof your rental property by taking out landlord insurance. Make sure you check if the policy includes accidental pet damage as not all do.

If you want to make your rental property pet-friendly, speak to the lettings team at Chamberlains to find out what tenants are looking for.

When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: sprucing up their home and choosing an agent to manage the marketing.

But there’s another element to nailing a successful property deal that gets less attention but is just as critical: negotiating the sale.

How do you know when to accept an offer and when to hold out for more? And what should your strategy be if you have more than one offer on the table?

With such large sums of money at stake, making decisions in the heat of the moment can be stressful, so it’s helpful to work with an experienced estate agent.

A top agent will have negotiated countless deals throughout their career and be able to advise you on the best steps to take.

Here’s an explainer of what it takes to negotiate a good deal to help you choose the right agent to manage your sale.

• Get the asking price right. If your property is overvalued, you’ll be starting negotiations on the back foot. Savvy buyers won’t be fooled, meaning you’ll either have to backtrack on price or leave the property stuck on the market. An overvalued property is also less likely to attract multiple offers (that generate a bidding war).
• Understand the local market. It’s crucial to know what similar properties in your area are currently selling for so you can gauge the competition.
• Learn as much as you can about the buyer. Understanding a buyer’s motivation for moving and the timescale they’re working to is important. That way, you can judge the seriousness of their offer and if they have room to move on price.
• Stay calm.Don’t let your emotions rule your decision-making. Stay cool-headed and don’t take the negotiation process personally.
• Don’t focus solely on the numbers.Yes, you want to secure a good price, but if you have multiple offers, going with the buyer who can move according to your timeframe could save you in the long run. If you’ve already paid for a survey and legal fees for your next property, having your chain collapse could leave you out of pocket.
• Stay positive.You may experience ups and downs on your property journey but keep the faith. You’ll get there.

For a free property valuation, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

If you’re a first-time landlord about to rent out a property, or an established landlord looking to purchase a new investment, one of the main questions you’ll have is how much rent you can charge per month.

Of course, you can (and should) take the advice of your agent, but it’s also worth understanding exactly what factors impact the amount of rent you can sensibly charge.

In this quick read, we explore the factors you need to consider before pricing your rental property.

Compare

The first thing to look for is properties that are similar to yours. What rents are they achieving? It’s important to look at the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, accessibility and outside space to make a proper comparison. Once you’ve got a basic idea, you can think about why you might be able to charge more (or less).

What’s your USP?

Think about what makes your property different. Is there a driveway or gated parking? How big is the garden? Is it newly renovated? Do you have a functional space such as a home office or gym area? If it’s a flat, is there a lift or balcony? Picking out the features that add value to a property will often reflect the amount of rent you can charge.

Surrounding area

An important factor for most tenants is how close a property is to amenities such as shops, supermarkets, transport connections and schools. You may be able to charge a higher monthly rent if a property is well-connected and close to places people may need daily.

Monthly costs

Keep your costs in mind. How much are your monthly expenses? There’s your mortgage, service charge and/or ground rent (for flats), insurance and potential maintenance costs to consider.

Most landlords take a long-term approach to investing. If your rent covers your costs and you still make a small profit, then you’ve got yourself a good investment.

Don’t get greedy – charging over and above the average local rental prices won’t get you very far, and you may be stuck with a vacant property.

Agents’ expertise

It’s always a good idea to take the advice of your letting agent. Not only do they know the area, but they know what tenants want, expect and – more importantly – what they’d be willing to pay for a property like yours.

There are multiple factors that impact the amount of rent you can charge. Speak to our team at Chamberlains if you’ve got a rental property and need new tenants.