Author: Craig Bastow

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?

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.

 

It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they pore over the finer details.

Photos of your property are what hooks the buyer, what drives them to pick up the phone to arrange a viewing, and what helps them imagine living in your home. So, property photography is an essential part of the selling process.

In this quick read, we look at how to prepare your home for photographs and what to expect.

Tidy up

If you know your agent or a professional photographer is coming round, your first move should be a tidy-up. Clear those counters, pack away the clutter, make the bed and give the floors a quick vacuum. Photos of a messy, cluttered home aren’t going to entice buyers. But a sparkling clean and desirable property will.

Quick makeover

Just before you take a selfie, you might give your hair a quick pat down, check your teeth for bits of food and put on your best smile. Well, the same applies to your property. A superficial makeover can make the world of difference to property pics. Open the curtains and let the light in, add some fresh flowers to your coffee table and make sure the dog bed isn’t in the middle of the room.

You might even consider moving the furniture to create more space and putting away all the bottles of shampoo and conditioner that are lined up along the bath.

Don’t be offended

Some property photographers might come in and move things around. They probably won’t start rearranging your sofa and chairs, but they may angle furniture to make a room look bigger or clear a kitchen island of any dishes or piled-up post to get a clear shot.

There’s no need to get offended or upset by these little adjustments – after all, they know what sells and are working with you to achieve the best look for your home.

Whilst not all estate agents use professional photographers, you can bet that even if it’s someone with a smartphone snapping away, they’ll know how to make your house or flat look its best. Give them a helping hand by making sure they’ve got a clear and clutter-free space to take pics of.

If you’re looking to sell your home, get in touch with Chamberlains today. We’ll help get the best photos to achieve your asking price.

 

 

If you’re planning a camping trip this summer, here are some useful gadgets that won’t break the bank.

For some people, camping is about channelling their inner Bear Grylls and facing the elements with little more than a flimsy tarp, a few pouches of dehydrated beans and a stiff upper lip.

For others, it’s all about ‘stuff’, preferably high-tech and usually expensive. Think shiny portable pizza ovens, palatial bell tents or an ultra-light travel guitar for cheeky campfire renditions of Kumbaya.

And then there are those seeking something in between. A chance to enjoy a low-cost break in a beautiful, natural landscape but with a few mod cons thrown in to make life easier.

For those in-between campers, here are a few good value gadgets to take on your next outdoor adventure.

Matador pocket blanket – This water-resistant blanket folds up to about the size of your hand, so it fits easily into your backpack. It’s great to sit on if you’re having a picnic lunch or wrap around your shoulders if you get chilly.

Travel clothesline – Available from any good camping store, a travel clothesline helps you address one of the biggest camping challenges – how to get wet stuff dry. The minute the sun comes out, string the clothesline up and hang out those wet towels and waterproofs. 

CGear sand-free mat – This nifty mat is made from a special dual weave that doesn’t accumulate sand or dirt. The idea is that small particles like sand fall through it, rather than sticking to the surface. So you won’t be shaking sand off it for weeks after being at the beach.

Portable battery – One of the attractions of camping is that you can tune out from the news and social media. But realistically, you’ll probably want your phone charged in case you need to make emergency calls or use sat nav. In just 30 minutes, the sturdy RUGD Power Brick battery will have your phone charged up to 50%.

Solar-powered fairy lights – Not only do they make your tent look pretty, but these lights also provide useful illumination if you nip out of your tent at night and need to find your way back.

Do you have a favourite camping destination? Comment below!

Post pandemic, having outside space has taken on a whole new level of importance and can add significant value to a property. But what happens when your garden oasis threatens the chance of selling your home?

Some lush green plants might look nice but could signal trouble for a house sale.

In this quick read, we look at the plants that may impact your selling price.

1. Japanese Knotweed 

The number one culprit for knocking value off homes is Japanese Knotweed, which can grow up to 10cm in a day and is illegal to plant. The powerful root system can weaken the foundations of a property, damage drainage systems and uproot paving slabs. It’s been labelled an ‘invasive’ plant and can knock as much as 15% off house prices because of the utter chaos it can cause.

In the past, properties with Japanese Knotweed have struggled to get mortgages, and buyers often require a special survey to assess potential for damage. You’ll need a specialist to remove it.

2. Giant Hogweed 

Although this plant is quite attractive, it can cause serious skin irritation and requires expert removal. Bizarrely, it’s part of the carrot family but is so dangerous it can cause burns to the skin. Once removed, it’s classed as controlled waste and needs to go to landfill.

Understandably, gardens with Giant Hogweed will also affect how much your property sells for and ethically, you should let potential buyers know if you’ve spotted it in your garden.

3. Bamboo

Just like Japanese Knotweed, bamboo plants can grow incredibly quickly and wreak havoc on a property’s foundations and brickwork. Whilst not illegal to plant, the roots can spread to neighbouring properties, and if it starts causing damage, you could be liable for costs. Whilst it may not affect your house price, it could cause future problems for buyers depending on the type of bamboo and its root system.

4. Large Trees (Oak, Poplar and Willow)

If you’ve got one in your back garden or close to your home, be warned it could impact your house price. Roots of large trees can spread out up to 40m, wriggling their way under building structures and paving stones, and causing general damage. It’s best to consult an expert tree surgeon if you’ve got a large tree in your back garden or speak to the Local Authority if you have one out front.

Other plants that could hamper your house sale include:

• Ivy: whilst nice to look at, it can get into cracks, lift roof tiles and damage pipework.
• Himalayan Balsam: don’t be fooled by the beautiful purple flowers; this is illegal to plant. It grows so fast it can quickly kill off other plants and cause a nuisance.
• Leylandii trees: typically grown as a hedge, apart from annoying neighbours and blocking light, the fast-spreading roots can cause damage.

When selling a property, people always tend to deal with interior issues before going to market. But it’s a good idea to also assess the front and back gardens for any concerns that could arise. That way, you won’t be caught off guard as a potential sale progresses.

If you’re looking to sell your home, contact us at Chamberlains today.

 

Whether you’ve got a huge garden or a modest balcony, making the most of your outside space matters. Especially as the weather warms up and you can spend more time enjoying the fresh air. So, what are the big garden trends of 2023?

In this quick read, we look at this year’s top garden trends and how you can make your space a design dream.

• Choose resilient plants

With temperatures becoming hotter each year and rainfall less predictable, garden geeks recommend investing in drought-resistant plants that will cope with the strong sunshine and drier days. It means less waste and a gorgeous garden all year round.

While it’s difficult to predict how plants will get on from season to season, consider species like long-flowering salvias, which are widely available and insect-friendly. Crab apple trees are also a good choice if you’ve got a bigger space.

• Get mulching

For those of us less experienced in gardening jargon, mulch is basically a loose covering that goes on top of soil (most commonly, bits of bark or pebbles). Mulching can help reduce the growth of weeds, keep moisture in and protect your plants.

This year, it’s all about organic mulch, a great sustainable option. It includes straw, hay, grass clippings and leaves. Whatever you choose, mulching is key to retaining plant life and is very 2023.

• Create a garden for mental wellbeing

Time outside can be a great way to lift your mood and reduce stress, and this year, one garden trend is all about creating a space to enhance emotional and mental wellness. Plant seeds, move garden furniture around and create somewhere that you want to spend time in.

No matter how good (or bad) you are at gardening, just getting outdoors and changing how your space looks will give you a sense of achievement.

• Garden furniture

You might not want to spend a fortune, but if you’ve got tatty plastic chairs and a three-legged table, consider investing in some new garden furniture. This year’s top trends include natural materials like wood and rattan that will soften the look of your outside space. Colours like brown, terracotta and even soft pastels are also on trend.

How will you make your garden fashionable this year? Will you follow gardening trends, or do you just like to get your hands dirty? 

Don’t let your beloved family pet stop you from achieving top selling price for your property. Follow these tips to ensure buyers don’t get sniffy about making an offer on your home.

Given that 62% of British households have a pet*, you might assume buyers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the prospect of viewing a property where a furry or feathered friend resides.

But many property hunters are put off when they visit a home where there are obvious signs and smells of pets.

The reasons for this aversion to animals can vary; a buyer may have an allergy, have had a bad experience in the past, or love their own animals, just not other people’s.

Whatever the rationale, as first impressions are so important when selling a property, it’s best to get rid of, or at least minimise, the signs of pet life in your home. Here’s how:

Prepare your property for sale

• Give your home a deep clean to remove dirt, paw prints and animal hair; this will hopefully reduce pet odours, too. While your home is on the market, be super vigilant regarding cleanliness.
• Repair any damage caused by your pets, such as chewed or scratched woodwork, mucky skirting boards or holes dug in the back garden.
• Ensure all pet toys, bedding, litter trays, crates and food bowls are out of sight when the marketing photographs are taken.
• If there are pet items that you can’t hide from view, at least ensure they’re neatly organised.
• Devise a plan for managing viewings because, ideally, you don’t want your pets at home when buyers turn up. Arrange for your pets to stay with a friend or pet sitter or lodge at a kennel or cattery while open days and viewings occur.

On the day of a viewing

• Transport your pet to wherever they’ll be staying for the day.
• Minimise signs of pet life from display.
• Light a few scented candles to mask any pet odours.
• Check the back garden to make sure there are no droppings.

For more advice about presenting your home for sale, contact us here at Chamberlains

*Statista, 2022.

 

 

 

 

Just the thought of moving home can make you break out into a cold sweat. It’s a life experience that many people think of as one of the most stressful things you can do. So how can you minimise those feelings of panic?

April is Stress Awareness Month, and if you’ve got a move coming up, you’ll need to keep your wits about you to get it all done.

In this quick read, we look at ways to make selling your home a little bit less stressful and more manageable.

• Start packing early

Whether you’ve found a property or you’re still looking, getting ahead of packing is always a good idea. Start with decluttering your space. Reducing the amount of stuff you take with you is the first step, and you could always make a few extra pounds by selling items you no longer need.

Pack the items you rarely use first. Clearly label boxes with what items have been packed away and where they belong. Work room by room to try and keep some order.

• Find an agent you trust

It’s essential to work with an agent you trust. A good agent is invaluable and will help with a realistic valuation, marketing your property and proactively organising viewings.

Many agents can also organise open days, so you can get a whole load of viewings done at once without the need for frantic tidy-ups every few days.

Unfortunately, you might not find a property through the same agent, but it’s always worth talking to them about what they have available, so you can keep things more streamlined.

• Appoint a solicitor and broker early

Getting a good solicitor on board before you actually need their services reduces the panic of having to find one at short notice. The same applies for a mortgage broker. Instead of looking for a mortgage yourself, use the services of a professional. They’ll have access to deals that you might miss or that aren’t widely advertised.

• Make it easier for kids

If you’ve got little ones, you’ll know that change can be quite overwhelming for them. Make them part of the move by creating their own special moving box with all their favourite things in it. If you can visit the property you’re moving to with them, show them their new bedroom, ask them how they’d like it decorated or where they want to put their toys.

If you’re searching for a new home, Chamberlains can help. We’ve got the experience and know-how to reduce your worries about moving. Check out our free, downloadable sellers guides .

If your dreams of a speedy property sale have hit the skids, it’s time to change strategies. Read on to discover the best way to get your sale back on track.

No one likes admitting they’ve got something wrong. But if your home has been on the market for some time and interest has gone cold, it’s time to reassess the situation. Before you can determine your next move, you need to identify if:

• The price is too high and you need to reduce it; or
• Your agent isn’t up to scratch and you need to replace them.

Consider dropping the price if: 

• Lots of buyers have viewed your property, but there have been no offers.
• An open house generated lots of footfall ­– and raised eyebrows at the asking price.
• Something has changed in your local area that has negatively influenced the market, such as a controversial building project getting the go-ahead.
• A buyer withdraws an offer because their lender thinks the property is overvalued and won’t agree a mortgage deal.
• The asking price breaks the ceiling for your road/local area. Unless there’s something exceptional about the property (for example, it’s much bigger than neighbouring ones), the price could be unrealistic. Recent interest rate hikes mean buyers are cautious about over-extending themselves.
• You need an urgent sale for personal or work reasons and a cash buyer is driving a hard bargain.

Consider dropping your agent if: 

• Your home is well presented but you’ve not had much buyer interest.
• The marketing is lacklustre. The photos look amateur, and your agent is less active on social media than your great granny.
• They’re slow to return your calls and always seem to be full of excuses.
• You’re underwhelmed by their people skills and drive. 

But wait, there’s one more important thing…

While a modest reduction might be justified in some circumstances, if a drastic price drop is required, you’re entitled to ask how your agent got it wrong in the first place (and are they the person to turn things round now)

In some cases, a seller might need to drop their price and their agent to get their sale moving again.

Contact us here at Chamberlains for an honest valuation and no-nonsense selling advice.