Author: Craig Bastow

Make the Most of Recycle Awareness Week in South Devon.

This two-minute read takes a look at Recycle Awareness Week and what we can do this week and beyond.

Recycle Now has been running Recycle Awareness Week annually, with 2021 being its 18^th year. The emphasis is on celebrating how many of us are recycling and ensuring we all continue to do so.

As the Zero-Waste Chef blogger Anne-Marie Bonneau said: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Here are some ways you can work on waste.

Plastic packaging waste

Plastic packaging is important to protect food wastage through the economic journey. However, it is also the largest contributor to worldwide plastic waste.

Top tips:

• Use reusable beeswax food wrap instead of cling film.
• Use reusable bags when shopping, even in the supermarket for collecting loose fruit and veg.
• Buy in bulk or use hard soap and hard shampoos.

Reduce food waste

In the UK, a shocking three quarters of all food waste could have been eaten. Buying only what you need, when you need it, is the best place to start with this. Cutting your food waste at home can save you in the region of £500 a year.

Top tips:

• Store food correctly. Stored properly, food will last longer so that gives you more time to use it up.
• Preserve food. This might mean pickling, fermenting, or simply using your freezer better.
• Use your leftovers. Leftovers aren’t just for Christmas! Use a glass container to keep them stored in the fridge and visible so you remember to use them up in time.

Clothing and textiles

The fast fashion industry has shaped society into a linear one where we ‘make, use, dispose’. £140 million of clothing ends up in UK landfill every year. It is thought that four out of five people have unworn clothes at home that simply need altering to fit.

Top tips:

• Learn how to alter/repair your clothes so you can make the most of them.
• Arrange clothes swap parties with friends to give your wardrobe a new lease of life and declutter.
• Use charity shops to give away items you no longer want and to purchase new-to-you pieces.

What are your favourite ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce? Let us know by emailing us at mail@chamberlains.co

 

 

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.

Choosing the Best Solicitor for Your South Devon Property

This two-minute read will help you learn about conveyancing solicitors and how to find the right one for you in South Devon.

Whether you instruct a conveyancer or a solicitor, they essentially do the same thing when it comes to dealing with a property transaction. The terms are often used interchangeably by people who aren’t working in the industry. This is the person who does the paperwork for you when you are buying or selling a property.

Cheap is rarely cheerful

You know the old adage: you can have fast, cheap, and good; but you can only have two at any one time. This is very true for conveyancers. ‘Fast’ isn’t always the best word to use as there are multiple variables that may slow down the process. ‘Efficient’ is what you’re looking for.

There’s no template

When getting quotes from different solicitors for the work, bear in mind that there isn’t a set template for how those quotes are presented. There can easily be hidden costs. Ideally, you’d find a solicitor who offers a guaranteed fixed fee and a ‘no sale, no fee’ promise. Otherwise, the whole deal can fall through, for whatever reason, and you still have to pay the solicitor.

Get recommendations

And then take them with a pinch of salt. Buying and selling property is something that happens so infrequently in most people’s lives. They may have had a good experience in the past but you don’t know what’s happened in that firm. Maternity leave, staff changes, even holidays can mean that a previously great firm takes a dip for a few months.

TOP TIP: Your estate agent has a great overview of the whole market. They deal with solicitors all day, every day. Ask them for their advice.

Different properties need different work

The advantage of asking your estate agent for a recommendation is that they’re used to dealing with the variety of properties in your area. Flying freeholds, chancel repair liability, coalman’s accesses: these are all things that are completely normal to deal with for some solicitors.

Others have never dealt with them before and can cause massive delays. Even worse, they can advise their clients that it’s a risky issue, simply because they don’t understand the nuances, even causing them to pull out from the purchase.

If you’re looking for a conveyancer or solicitor to help you to buy or sell a property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can chat you through the options. Get in touch today.

What South Devon Buyers Need to Know about Getting a Mortgage 

In this three-minute read, we look at how South Devon homebuyers can get a good mortgage deal.

For most people, a mortgage is the biggest loan they’ll take out in their lifetime so, understandably, they want to land the best deal.

But with hundreds of mortgage products on the market, it’s easy for homebuyers to feel overwhelmed or confused.

There’s a lot to consider, including:

• Interest rates (they’re currently low – but won’t be forever).
• The term (most mortgages last 25 years, but some can stretch to 40 years).
• Whether to go fixed (where the interest rate is set for a certain number of years) or variable.
• Mortgage fees. Lenders can charge valuation, arrangement, early repayment, or missed payment fees. Now, you won’t necessarily be hit up for all of these fees – each deal is different – but it’s important to know what you’ll be charged.
• An interest-only mortgage (you pay back the interest, not the capital) versus a repayment mortgage.

Where to start

Given a mortgage is such a significant transaction, most people seek advice from a lender or independent financial adviser.

Talking to your bank or building society isn’t a bad idea (after all, they’ll know quite a lot about your financial situation). But this approach does have a significant limitation: the lender will only advise you on their products.

For this reason, many people go with an independent mortgage adviser to get a broad picture of the overall market.

If you use an independent mortgage adviser

Always choose an experienced adviser with a good track record (ask friends or family for a recommendation).

Also, be aware that some mortgage advisers charge an upfront fee; others get paid a commission from lenders. So it’s best to know from the outset what the situation is.

Other mortgage tips 

If you’re re-mortgaging: Even if you think you know what you’re doing, it’s still worth getting advice as the market has changed significantly in the past 12 months due to Covid-19.

Get your paperwork in order. To make an application, you’ll need three months of bank statements, three months of payslips, ID, a P60 if you’re employed, or copies of your accounts if you’re self-employed.

Credit check caution: Avoid making multiple mortgage applications at the same time (either online or in-person), as this can negatively impact your credit rating. A single application won’t do any damage, but several ‘hard searches’ – when a lender takes an in-depth look at your credit history – will. Essentially, the system assumes that you’re trying to obtain several loans simultaneously and are in financial difficulty.

Be honest. Like it or not, most, if not all, of our financial activity is tracked online. If you lie in a mortgage application, chances are you’ll be found out.

If you’d like to arrange a free financial review with an award winning mortgage broker, simply click this, fill in the form and a friendly advisor will contact you. 

 

 

Advice on Choosing a Good Removal Firm in South Devon

This three-minute read gives you a few ideas to consider when choosing your removal firm in South Devon.

Getting the right people to help you move home is so important. This means your estate agent, your conveyancer, and the people that will do the physical heavy lifting. Choosing the right removal firm will make a big difference, not only on moving day itself, but before, and after, your move.

Reviews and recommendations

A good place to start looking for a removal firm you can trust in South Devon is to ask people you know. This could be friends, family, or your property move team, like your estate agent and conveyancer.

After you’ve been signposted to a few companies, it’s time to do some research for yourself. People move home infrequently so it’s always a good idea to check for recent reviews.

If property professionals have themselves used a particular company when moving home, it’s normally a pretty good sign that they’re the best.

Do your research

You’ve looked at the reviews on the company website, social media pages, and an independent review site, like Google Reviews or Trustpilot. There’s a few bad ones but mostly positive. Should you just leave it at that and book with them? Of course, you could but there are a few more recommended steps to take.

• Ask the company for some previous customers’ contact details. You can then have a real-life conversation with someone to explore the service they received. If the company decline, that’s a red flag.
• Ask the company what their insurance policy is. Ask them to send you a copy. This is standard practice so if they have any objections, you know this is another red flag.

Check the Ts & Cs

It’s easy for someone to ping you a quote: “That’ll be £5,000 for your move”. What should also be attached are their terms & conditions. It’s important that you get these to look through and that you actually read them.

The British Association of Removers have a set that are good. Even better companies will adapt them to their own requirements.

Extra suggestions

When it comes to arranging a moving date, exchanges and completions can be a moveable feast. One removal firm we spoke to described it as ‘like juggling jelly’. Find out how good the removal firm is at communicating. What methods will they use? Email, phone, text, social media? You need to know that they will keep lines of communication open throughout, what can be, a tense time.

Sometimes, you can judge a book by its cover. It helps if the firm has a clear, concise website and if the staff and offices are presented tidily. Check their vehicles are clean and in good condition.

Bonus tip

Did you know? Many insurers will be able to extend your existing contents cover. This means that when the movers are in your home, you’ll have extra cover. It’s always worth taking a ‘belt and braces’ approach.

If you need a recommendation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Six Top Tips for Camping Trips in South Devon

In this three-minute read, we share six top tips for successful camping trips in AREA.

Friday 2 July sees the start of the UK’s National BBQ Week – one of the Great British public’s favourite pastimes. Whether it’s bangers, halloumi burgers or spicy cauliflower steaks on the menu, BBQs are the number one meal option when it comes to camping trips.

We’ve put together a list of essential items for a successful camping trip.

• Freeze your meat

If you’re short on ice packs, freezing your meat is a great way to keep it safe until you want to cook it. Frozen water bottles also double up as great refrigerators and who doesn’t love some ice-cold water when you’re enjoying the sun in your deck chair.

• Prepare for all kinds of weather

There’s no such thing as bad weather if you’re appropriately dressed. But a lightweight rain mac and an extra sweatshirt are a good idea if the weather is unkind. A travel-size games compendium might come in handy if rain forces you to retreat inside your tent.

• Portable power bank

In an ideal world, camping trips should be full of wholesome fun; muddy knees, swinging on tree ropes and marshmallows by the campfire. In reality, the kids still need their Peppa Pig fix or Instagram updates and you might need to keep an eye on work or that eBay auction. To keep you connected, a portable charger is an absolute must-have.

• First-aid kit

Be prepared for all manner of first-aid needs – nettles, insect bites, BBQ or sun-related burns, grazed knees (we could go on…). Kit yourself out with plasters, antibacterial cleansing wipes, healing cream, and maybe some paracetamol for the morning after. Better to be safe than sorry.

• An extra loo roll (or two)

Not that we’re endorsing buying more than you need (we still remember the Covid-19 loo roll fiasco), but a couple in reserve is always sensible. They can double up for spills or when the kids need makeshift bandanas.

• A gadget for everything

Don’t forget the corkscrew, or better still, invest in a Swiss army knife – opening tins is nigh on impossible without a can opener. And you never know when you might need that emergency nail file.

If you’ve got any camping tips to share, or to recommend your favourite South Devon campsite, get in touch with us here at Chamberlains.

© Chamberlains 2021

How to Help Elderly Relatives Move Home in South Devon

A three-minute read.

For an elderly relative, moving on to the next chapter of their lives can be an emotional experience. The need to move home might stem from financial needs, bereavement, health reasons, or the wish to be nearer loved ones. But whatever the catalyst, time, diplomacy, and tact are the order of the day.

Don’t rush

It’s essential to broach the subject of a move sensitively. A move in the twilight years is likely to be a final move, so it’s important to think carefully about future needs. Consider one-level living, a spare room for live-in help, and proximity to local amenities and GPs.

Size matters

For 99% of elderly homeowners, the next home is likely to be smaller than their existing home (and for some, significantly so). Prioritise the essentials in terms of furniture and belongings, being mindful of what will fit in the new home.

Clear the loft

Try to avoid simply moving the contents of one loft to another. If you can, digitise old photos and upload keepsakes to a digital photo frame. Reminders of fond memories can make a new property quickly feel like ‘home’. Shred bank statements and other unneeded paperwork to avoid any risk of identity theft.

Be respectful

When it comes to letting things go, try to help your relative make their own decisions rather than substituting your own. While you may think that their Encyclopaedia Britannica collection is ready for the skip, it may be cherished by your relative. It may be less painful for them to see treasured items go to family, friends, or their chosen charity, rather than auctioned off on eBay.

Have fun

Getting the whole family involved can help make sorting out belongings a more enjoyable experience. If you can, have a photo slideshow scrolling while you work, play your relative’s favourite music, and reward your efforts with a family meal at the end of the day.

Enlist experienced experts

On moving day itself, consider choosing a removal firm experienced in helping elderly people move home. A packing and unpacking service can lessen the load and help make your relative feel settled more quickly.

We’ve been helping elderly South Devon property owners move home for over 23 years; we understand the importance of treating seniors with care and respect.  Check out our guides for more helpful tips.

For more advice on helping an elderly relative with their next property move, contact us here at Chamberlains.

© Chamberlains 2021

 

National Children’s Day

In this two-minute read, we look at ways to promote children’s wellbeing.

The past year has been challenging for kids, so let’s make them feel special on National Children’s Day (NCD) on Sunday 16 May.

The lockdowns of the last year hit children particularly hard. While little ones often say they want to skip school, the reality is many find its structure reassuring. (Sadly, some also feel safer at school than they do at home.

Not only did lockdown mean children couldn’t be with their friends, for many, it also meant less exercise and more screen time – and their mental health suffered as a result.

Currently, about one in six children has a diagnosable mental health condition (source: Place2Be). But with the Covid-19 crisis easing in the UK, we can start to turn the situation around.

Here are eight ways you can mark NCD with your child.

Bake

Don’t feel pressured to whip up a fancy showstopper – simple cupcakes or flapjacks will go down just as well. After all, for most children, the best bit is dipping their fingers in the mixture.

Draw

There’s something incredibly calming about sitting with your child and drawing. It’s a great way for kids (of all ages) to express themselves.

Lego

You probably stepped on plenty of primary-coloured plastic bricks during lockdown, but when did you last make something with them? The internet is awash with brilliant Lego projects, from pencil holders and tissue boxes to volcanoes and monsters. Get creative with your child.

Talk

Children often struggle to put news headlines into perspective. For example, a survey of 1,000 children found that 47% were anxious about dying from Covid-19 even though the death rate among under-18s is extremely low (source: Action for Children Wales). Take time to chat to your child about their concerns. Don’t dismiss their fears but put them into context.

Exercise

One of the best ways to improve wellbeing is to get moving. Run, walk, skip or swim with your little one.

Let them teach you

Adults are always telling kids what to do. Reverse the roles and let your child teach you something, be it their favourite computer game or how to do a handstand. Watch their confidence grow when they get to play expert.

Make a playlist together

We’re guessing your taste in music is different to your child’s, but there must be some common ground. Discuss your favourite tunes and make a playlist. You’ll be able to listen to it again and again.

Plan a special meal

Celebrate NCD with a swanky home-cooked meal. Devise the menu with your child, and then make it memorable. Light a few candles, put some music on, and serve up a tasty feast (and don’t forget pudding)

From all of us here at Chamberlains, stay positive.

© Chamberlains 2021

 

 

 

In this two-minute read, we show you how to make your South Devon home a healthier place for the planet.

Yesterday was World Earth Day. People across the globe were encouraged to be more mindful about the impact we all have on the planet.

But doing our bit for Mother Earth is a process and not an event as this article explains.

In our own homes in South Devon, we can continue to do things to help the Earth.  Here are some ideas.

Go local

The supermarkets are undeniably convenient. If you can though, frequent farmers’ markets. You’ll be reducing air miles, which is good for the environment and your health. It also means you’re not supporting the unethical, polluting mega greenhouses in places like the south of Spain. You can more often reuse egg boxes or berry baskets when revisiting your favourite stalls. There are also likely to be fewer plastic stickers on the produce.

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk reduces the amount of plastic waste. You’re not buying lots of little ones just to throw them away. You can also often reuse the same containers too. This is great for cleaning products for the house or for humans. It’s also a great way to buy food. You’ll be doing good for the planet and your wallet too. Loo roll bought in bulk from hotel suppliers will reduce the amount of plastic wrapping around the packets. (You can also buy paper-wrapped toilet paper.)

In the garden

Prioritise native plants. Replace your lawn with short native grasses or, even better, plant vegetables. Use kitchen waste to create compost. Invest in a worm composter, or an electric one if you’re in a flat. You can even compost dog poop! (This is a special process, don’t just throw it in with your kitchen waste.) Buy seeds in bulk. Take any plastic containers back to the garden centre. Capture rainwater whenever you can to reuse later.

With the children

Refuse free pens and instead get refillable ones. Buy paperclips in bulk or get a staple-free stapler. Join your local library to borrow books and magazines. Teach children to draw or cut near the sides of pieces of paper. This offers more chances for reuse and instils the thoughtful use of resources from a young age. Always recycle used paper, after both sides have been filled. Make a bug hotel for the garden to encourage pollinators and explore the interconnectedness of the planet.

What eco-friendly ideas do you use at home? We’d love to hear your suggestions.

© Chamberlains 2021