Author: Craig Bastow

 

A great property deal can set you up for life and allow you to leave a legacy for your family.

 

But a bad deal or no deal (if you miss out on your dream home) will haunt you for years.

 

So, how can buyers and sellers ensure they come out on top in the property game?

 

 

Working with a great estate agent who understands the local market certainly helps – we’d go so far as to say it’s the most crucial factor.

 

But it’s also useful to understand the buying and selling process so that you can avoid common mistakes and know what to expect.

 

With this in mind, and to tie in with World Book Day on 7 March, here are five property books worth reading.

 

 

How to Buy Your First Home (and how to sell it too) by Phil Spencer

 

Phil is a national institution and has graced our TV screens in shows like Location, Location, Location for almost a quarter of a century. His book, aimed at property newcomers, is packed with advice about everything from finding the best mortgage to handling the negotiation process like a pro.

 

 

Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies by Melanie Bien 

 

This no-nonsense guide covers mortgages, conveyancing and home-buying options such as shared ownership and right-to-buy. It also includes top tips for first-time buyers and advice on viewings.

 

 

Property Ladder: The Developer’s Bible by Sarah Beeny

 

If you fancy renovating a doer-upper and selling it on, this book will help you get started. It’s an oldie (first published 15 years ago) but a goodie. Beeny explains how to plan and cost projects to avoid nasty overspends and draws on the expertise of surveyors, lawyers and estate agents.

 

 

Secrets of Home Staging: The Essential Guide to Getting Higher Offers Faster by Karen Prince

 

Looking for clever hacks to present your property at its best? Then this book has the answers. As well as containing lots of glossy photos, it explains how to identify your key rooms and dodge common staging blunders.

 

 

Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything by Alexandra Carter

 

This book isn’t specifically about the property market but focuses on a central plank of any property deal: negotiating. It explains how the best dealmakers ask great questions to determine the motives and desires of the person they’re negotiating with. Given that, often, price isn’t the only deciding factor in a property sale – timing and emotional attachment also come into play – it’s a worthwhile read.

 

 

Want to buy or sell in Teignbridge? Contact us today at Chamberlains to talk through your property dreams. We can help them become a reality.

Pretty much all of us use some degree of smart technology every day.

And it’s not just our omnipresent mobile phones – intelligent technology can be found everywhere.
From smart speakers to thermostats, doorbells, watches, sleeping aids and many other clever devices.
These can all make our lives a little easier (apparently), but what are the best smart gadgets for helping to improve our health and wellbeing at home?
We’ve trawled the internet and found these five smart ways to create a healthier, happier home.

1) Why weight?
One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is to monitor our weight. Smart scales don’t just tell you how much you weigh; they can also keep you informed about your bone mass, muscle mass, body fat and much more. Mobile phone apps accompany the best ones so you can get updates, alerts and coaching to keep you healthy. A must for any health-conscious home.

2) Something in the air
Smart air purifiers and HVAC systems monitor and improve the air quality in your home, reducing the risk of airborne diseases and allergies. These machines can be particularly beneficial in urban areas, where pollution levels may be higher.

3) Let there be light
Smart lighting systems play a pivotal role in health and wellbeing. These systems can mimic natural light patterns, helping regulate our circadian rhythms, improve sleep quality and boost mood, which is especially useful in winter.

4) Water wonders
Staying well-hydrated is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. And by using intelligent filters that can alert you to the quality of your home’s H2O, you can ensure you’re getting the purest water. The best filters remove any contaminants and provide you with refreshingly clean water.

5) Sleepy time
A good night’s sleep can feel priceless – thankfully, a device called the Dodow, said to help people get to sleep more quickly, won’t set you back too much money. The device is a small disk, and tapping on the top activates a slowly pulsing blue light. This dim light projects onto your ceiling, helping you pace your breath. As the light expands, you inhale and exhale as it contracts.

 

These ideas scratch the surface of how people can use tech to feel healthier, happier and more at home.

Get in touch to learn how we help people in Teignbridge find their happy place.

 

What do Oxford Street in London’s West End, Salerno in Italy and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn have in common?

If you’ve answered this question correctly, you’re clearly a fan of festive cheer.

These locations are renowned for their spectacular Christmas lights displays.

Over 1,700 snowflake decorations and 750,000 LED lightbulbs illuminate Oxford Street.

The Luci d’Artista festival in Salerno, running from early December to the end of January, features stunning light installations by talented artists.

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, known as one of the most Christmassy places in New York, sees dozens of homes transformed with extravagant Christmas decorations, including life-sized Santas, sleighs and snowmen.

However, the Christmas lights phenomenon isn’t just about showmanship.

It’s often a means to support local charities and community groups.

Take, for example, the story of Dave Edwards from the Hertfordshire village of Croxley Green, affectionately known as Mr Christmas.

Dave, who passed away in 2021, began his light display with his wife 44 years ago as a friendly competition with a neighbour.

Over the years, this became a local tourist attraction, with celebrities turning on the lights at his modest semi-detached home, which was transformed into a Winter Wonderland for six weeks each year.

These lights raised an average of £5,000 annually, benefiting local and national charities.

In 2020, when Dave’s health declined, and his family announced the last display, the village community came together, creating their own displays in his honour.

During the final switch-off, his daughter Sharon encouraged locals to continue lighting up their neighbourhood in her parents’ memory, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

Over to you

Which house or street in our area hosts your favourite Christmas lights? Drop us a message to let us know. On behalf of all at Chamberlains, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

The Danes are a contented bunch, with the nation regularly topping global happiness surveys (yes, they really are a thing).

 

This year, for example, Denmark finished second in the World Happiness Report, while the Brits languished back in 19th place.

 

So, what is it about the Danish lifestyle that makes them so darn chipper?

 

Many believe it comes down to ‘lykke’, the Danish word for happiness (not to be confused with ‘hygge’, which means cosiness).

 

When the good folk at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen (yep, that’s a thing too) drilled down into the secrets of lykke, they found several things contributed to a person’s satisfaction with life.

 

Many of these factors are also present in other happy cultures around the world, proving happiness isn’t just for hardy Viking types. Here are some of the key components of lykke.

 

Togetherness: People who feel a sense of belonging are happier and healthier. Spending time with family and friends or getting involved with a local club or community group is a great way to achieve a sense of lykke.

 

Money: While having food on the table and a roof over your head is important, once you’ve covered your basic needs, obsessing over material wealth won’t make you happier. Instead, enjoy simple pleasures such as walking the dog or reading a good book. And if you are going to spend money, invest in experiences that will expand your mind and create memories.

 

Work/life balance: The Danes work hard in the office but feel no guilt about clocking off on time to do other things. This explains why the average working week in Denmark is 33 hours*. While not all of us will have employers who are quite so understanding, consistently working long hours can lead to stress and burnout.

 

Health: We all know exercise is important for your physical and mental health. But instead of pumping iron at the gym, the Danes tend to incorporate exercise into daily life. Many Danes cycle to work – Copenhagen is the most bike-friendly capital city in the world. And they don’t let bad weather stop them from spending time in the great outdoors (Denmark is colder and darker in winter than the UK).

 

Kindness: This can involve providing financial or practical support to a charity of your choice or simply doing something thoughtful for another person. A small, considerate gesture can put a big smile on someone’s face.

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, thanks for reading. We’d love to hear if you have a happy place or a favourite activity. Comment below.

 

*Source: OECD

If you’ve decided to put your Teignbridge home on the market in 2024, then there’s one burning question you need to ask yourself.

 

When should I list my property?

 

You may have heard that spring is the best time to list, as traditionally, this is when estate agents do the most business due to a surge in buyers and sellers coming to the market.

 

But dig a little deeper and consider what’s driving buyers in December and January, and you may come to a different conclusion.

 

There are many good reasons why there’s no need to wait – and in fact, delaying listing simply drags out your plans.

 

To help you make up your mind, here are five reasons why you shouldn’t wait to list in spring.

 

Stand out from the crowd – With more properties on the market in spring, there’s more competition. With a greater choice of homes on offer, buyers may be more inclined to negotiate on price.

 

Fewer time wasters – When it comes to buyers, it’s about quality, not quantity. In spring, you can get a fair few ‘tyre kickers’. These are people enjoying having a nosy at a few properties in the sunshine but who haven’t done their homework and aren’t ready to make a serious offer.

Attract more focused buyers – People looking to buy in the colder months are more likely to be driven by a clear purpose. Perhaps they need to move for work or have experienced a relationship breakdown. This means they’ll be more focused and responsive.

New year reset – The seeds of change are often planted over the Christmas period and start to bloom in January. (Which explains why Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year in terms of traffic on Zoopla and Rightmove.) It could be that Christmas at home with the family has made someone realise they need more space, or perhaps the penny’s dropped that it’s time to downsize. Whatever the reason, they’ll be ready to act to bring about change.

 

Be in a new home by spring – The selling and buying process takes months, so the sooner you get moving, the sooner you’ll be in your new home. That way, you can spend spring settling into your dream property instead of dealing with viewings, surveyors and lawyers.

 

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

 

Are you pondering whether to sell your Teignbridge home? With the property market constantly changing, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.

To help you decide, we’ve crafted a fun, informative quiz.

Let’s start:

How well does your home meet the needs of you/your family?

1. It’s perfect and suits our needs now and for the future.
2. It’s OK at the moment but isn’t our forever home.
3. This home doesn’t meet many of our needs anymore.

Is your home outdated?

1. No, it’s completely up to date.
2. Needs a few touch-ups.
3. A renovation is overdue.

What’s your mortgage situation?

1. Comfortable staying put.
2. A bit tight, but a move could be manageable.
3. We’re ready to take on a bigger mortgage.

Are you prepared for the selling process?

1. No, it seems daunting.
2. Somewhat, I’ve done some research.
3. Absolutely, bring it on!

How’s the market in Teignbridge?

1. Haven’t checked.
2. I’ve been told by a friend it’s a sellers’ market.
3. I need an estate agent’s expertise on the current situation.

Scores on the doors:

Tally your answers to gauge if it’s the right time for you to sell your Teignbridge home!

Mostly 1s: You seem content where you are. Maybe now isn’t the time to sell.

Mostly 2s: You’re on the fence. Research and preparation could tilt the balance either way.

Mostly 3s: It sounds like you’re all set to make a move, but seeking some expert advice may help.

And finally…

The decision to sell your home is a big one and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

But whether you’re ready to make the move or still weighing up your options, being fully informed is never a bad thing.

So, contact us today at Chamberlains if you need more information and guidance.

 

Remember those post-lockdown days when selling a property was as easy as putting it on a property portal and waiting for the phone to ring off the hook?

Those days are behind us.

The selling market has become increasingly challenging, demanding more than just a ‘For Sale’ sign outside and that property portal listing.

Today, selling a home in Teignbridge requires skill, expertise, hard work and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing landscape and financial climate.

The good news is if you are thinking of selling within the next couple of months, we’re here to help.

 

Below are five ways exceptional estate agents can help you sell your home in this challenging market.

 

• Not ‘one-size’ fits all

A top-notch estate agent doesn’t just list your property; they tailor a personalised marketing strategy to showcase your home in the best light. From eye-catching photography to targeted social media campaigns, they know how to reach the right buyers.

• Expert negotiation nous

Negotiating the best price requires finesse and experience. A skilled agent can navigate the complex world of offers and counteroffers, ensuring you get the best possible deal without scaring away potential buyers.

• In-depth area knowledge

Understanding the local market trends, pricing and community insights is vital. A knowledgeable agent uses this information to value your home correctly, position it intelligently and ultimately find the right buyer for you.

• With you every step of the way

An experienced agent provides ongoing support, answers your questions and guides you through the process, making it as seamless as possible.

• Efficient and effective

A talented agent knows how to navigate and maintain progress through the sale process. From accurate valuations, proper staging, handling the legalities and keeping all parties informed, they ensure everything is in place to sell your home quickly and efficiently.

The difference a skilled estate agent, like those at Chamberlains, can make is clear, especially when the property market has slowed down.

 

Thinking of moving?

Don’t navigate these challenging waters alone.

Contact us today, and let our friendly, knowledgeable and experienced team guide you every step of the way.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

Buying a home is a huge decision – possibly one of the biggest you’ll make in your lifetime (no pressure then).

And to ensure you make a wise choice that suits your needs now and into the future, it pays to give the process a bit of thought before you start arranging viewings.

Here are five property-hunting tips that could save you time and money. 

Do your homework

Once you’ve identified where you want to live, it’s essential to gain a realistic understanding of the local property market. Combine online research (where you can analyse the housing stock and prices) with visiting the area in person to get a feel for the surroundings. If family or friends live nearby, get their advice about amenities, schools and transport links. Alternatively, chat with a local estate agent to get an expert view.

Discussion time

If you plan to buy with a partner, friend or family member, sit down and discuss your housing needs and where you see yourselves in five or ten years. It’s surprising how many people assume they know what the other person wants (and how much they earn) only to find after weeks or months of searching that they’re not on the same page.

Know your budget

Speak to a mortgage adviser to get a clear idea of your budget (online mortgage calculators only give you a rough estimate). How much you can borrow will depend on your income, expenditure and outstanding debts, so compile all this information before your appointment.

Priorities and trade-offs

Unless your budget is unlimited, you may have to be flexible over some of the features you want in a home. But where should you compromise? To drill down into your key priorities, list the ten things you most desire in a property and number them in order of importance. The top four on your list are non-negotiables. For example, proximity to a train station might be critical if you’re a commuter. If you have children, a garden might be vital. Items five to eight on your list are ‘nice to have but not dealbreakers’ while nine and ten are icing on the cake.

Get your admin sorted

If you fall in love with a property within your budget, you must act decisively. Once you make an offer, the situation could progress quickly, so have a solicitor and surveyor lined up along with your mortgage in principle. This will show the seller that you mean business.

Looking for a new home? Contact us here at Chamberlains to kickstart your property search.