Author: Helen Potts

Selling your home is a significant life event, and the last thing you want is to be misled by the unscrupulous practices of a minority of estate agents.

These agents and their actions give the industry a bad name.

We’ve no time for them, and neither should you.

The good news is we’re about to shine a light on some of those practices so you can look out for them and act to avoid agents who use them.

Teignbridge homeowners deserve transparency and fairness when selling or buying a new home.

Here are some dodgy practices you need to be aware of to protect your interests.

Overvaluations: The high price of false hopes

Some agents might tempt you with inflated property valuations to secure your business. The risk? Your home languishes on the market, and you’re later pressured into selling at a lower price. Always seek a second opinion and choose an agent with a track record of accurate, market-reflective and evidence-based valuations.

Invented viewings and spurious offers: Your right to reality

Fake viewings and offers are not just unethical – they could deter genuine buyers and skew your perception of the market. Demand transparency from your agent and ask for documented feedback and evidence of offers.

Unfair contracts: Know where the exit is

Be VERY wary of long, restrictive contracts. They can tie you to an agent who isn’t acting in your best interests. Before signing, be crystal clear about the duration, your cancellation rights and any withdrawal penalties.

Preferred investors: Ensuring YOU get the best deal

Some unscrupulous agents have arrangements with ‘preferred investors’, which can mean you don’t get the best possible price for your home. The investor may get a quick deal, but you often get a much lower price. Insist that your agent markets your property widely to attract a range of potential buyers, ensuring competitive offers.

Your home, your choice

We believe selling your home should be a positive and profitable experience.

By staying informed and choosing an agent who values ethical practices, you safeguard your financial investment and the trust vital in any home seller-agent relationship.

When it comes to selling your home, please don’t settle for anything less than an ethical agent who answers how they address the points raised in this article.

If you have any questions, please contact us today – we’re here to help.

Good news: the latest data on buyer demand shows that the number of property hunters out in force is up by 14%*.

So, what’s driving this increased demand? And what does it mean if you plan to buy or sell in 2024?

Let’s take a look.

Interest rates

For a good chunk of 2023, interest rates were high (relative to recent years), and the possibility loomed that they could go even higher.

Many buyers, uncertain about where it would all end, were spooked and put their property-hunting plans on hold.

But in the latter part of the year, things started to shift. The Bank of England held rates steady three times in a row.

Then, a few days into the new year, there was further good news when many lenders dropped their mortgage rates.

Some banks even dipped below 4% on their five-year fixed deals** to woo customers.

With the situation now much clearer – and more positive – expect more wait-and-see buyers to act (especially if they’re renting).

This will not only create more market demand but also increase supply because while some buyers will be first-timers, others will have to sell a property to fund their move.

And more sellers means greater choice for buyers.

Resilience

Some dire predictions about what could happen in the housing market did the rounds last year.

Brace yourself for repossessions and an almighty price crash, some warned.

Thankfully, the doom merchants were wrong, and the market proved to be far more resilient than some expected.

This may partly be because the government tightened mortgage lending rules after the 2008 banking meltdown. The aim was to stamp out reckless borrowing and suppress housing bubbles, and it seems to have worked.

Recent data (released by Zoopla) shows that the average UK home is worth 18% more now than it was pre-lockdown in March 2020.

So, buyers wondering if property is still a good investment need be in no doubt.

Contact us today at Chamberlains if you’d like a free property valuation.

* Source: Zoopla, comparing activity in the first week of January 2023 with the same time in January 2024.

** Lending conditions apply.

They’ve graced our TV screens for years and made millions buying and selling homes.

But, like the rest of us, famous property gurus also make mistakes.

From rotten renovation jobs to disappointing deals, here’s a rundown of some of the biggest blunders made by property experts.

Phil Spencer

The unflappable Location, Location, Location co-presenter made a rookie error early in his career: he got too cocky.

Phil was on the cusp of finalising a lucrative property purchase when – assuming the deal was in the bag and feeling rather pleased with himself – he went on holiday.

While Phil was away, a builder (whom he had told about the property) jumped in and nabbed the property from under his nose.

Key takeaway: Never assume a property deal is done until the ink is dry on the paperwork and you have the keys in your hand. Always respond to enquiries promptly during conveyancing to keep the process moving along.

Sarah Beeny

Property Ladder star Sarah bought her first home, a two-bed flat, at 19. Since then, she’s transformed several properties and sold them for a tidy profit.

Sarah admits to making a common blunder with her first property – cutting corners on DIY. As a young property developer, she applied wallpaper without following the careful instructions her dear old dad had given her. The result was a bubbly mess that had to be torn down and reapplied, costing her time and money.

Key takeaway: Rolling up your sleeves and doing renovation work yourself is a great way to add value to a property – but only if the work is done to a high standard. Buyers will be put off by shoddy workmanship.

Martin Roberts

A favourite with daytime TV fans, Martin has visited thousands of properties during his time with Homes Under the Hammer.

Despite learning many valuable property lessons working on the show, Martin found himself in a precarious financial position in the aftermath of the 2007 credit crunch. The perma-tanned presenter had invested heavily in Spanish property and lost millions.

Key takeaway: Having a diverse property portfolio – instead of putting all your eggs in one basket – is a good way to reduce your exposure to risk.

If you’re considering buying or selling or are looking to expand your property portfolio, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

A family gathering.

Giving and receiving gifts.

Sentimental seasonal adverts.

All the above can split opinions at Christmas.

Some of us love them, some of us hate them.

And if we’re being honest, the subject of this blog – Christmas jumpers – divides opinion more than Marmite Mince Pies.

But if you’re a fan of festive sweaters, we’ve got good news.

Thursday, 7th December, is the official Christmas Jumper Day.

Here are some tips to step out in seasonal style.

• Raid your wardrobe

Dive into the depths of your wardrobe and rediscover that Christmas jumper you’ve been itching (possibly literally) to wear all year. Whether it’s resplendent with reindeer or sprinkled with snowflakes, it’s time to wear it loud and proud. No jumper? No problem. Local charity shops are treasure troves for these seasonal specialities.

• DIY your way to Yuletide cheer

Feeling crafty? Personalise an old jumper with some festive flair. Tinsel, baubles and handmade patches can transform a plain pullover into a masterpiece of merriment. Plus, it’s a cracking way to upcycle!

• Host a jumper party

Why not throw a bash where the entry fee is a Christmas jumper? Award prizes for the most creative, the funniest and the one that lights up the room ­– literally!

• Fundraise with festive fashion

Many don their knitwear on Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for charity. Whether you contribute a pound to participate or organise a full-blown jumper-themed fundraiser, it’s a wonderful way to give back this Christmas.

• Share the spirit

Post a picture of your festive ensemble on social media with #ChristmasJumperDay. It’s a marvellous way to connect with others and show off your festive spirit.

Whether at home or out and about, let your jumper be a little hug of happiness this 7th December.

Share your Christmas jumpers with your neighbours in Teignbridge by posting a photo of them below!

Is your inbox clogged with emails that you never find time to read?

Does scrolling through social media leave you fizzing with rage or grappling with imposter syndrome?

Or are you bombarded by the relentless ping of WhatsApp notifications, news updates and promo offers from fast-food delivery firms?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it’s time for a digital declutter.

Take the concept of a spring-clean (a chance to turf out unwanted items and free up space) and apply it to your virtual world.

By following the steps below, you can achieve two things:

• Improve your outlook. Just as clutter in your living environment can distract and overwhelm you, a messy, disorganised digital landscape can negatively impact your mental health.
• Boost the performance of devices that are sluggish or have poor battery life.

Here are some easy ways to kickstart your digital declutter.

• Streamline your inbox by unsubscribing from newsletters you never open or retailers that bombard you with marketing emails.
• Cull the number of groups and individuals you follow on social media. If the posts they share aren’t relevant or useful, or make you feel anxious, irritated or exhausted, take action.
• Delete unnecessary apps from your phone, tablet or laptop. If you haven’t used them in months, uninstall them, as they’re only slowing down the performance of your device.
• Review your photos. If you’re a keen snapper, there are probably hundreds if not thousands of pictures on your phone – and not all of them good ones. Delete the double-ups and blurry shots, group the rest into albums, and store them in the cloud.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications so you’re not constantly distracted by trivial updates or reminders.
• Disable Location Services. Review the apps with which you’ve agreed to share your location. Unless it’s vital for the app’s function, turn Location Services off in settings (as having it on can drain your phone’s battery).
• If your laptop takes ages to power up, check how many apps automatically launch when you start your machine. While you need antivirus software to start up automatically, there are probably lots of other programmes that you don’t use every day that are powering up unnecessarily (slowing your computer down). Go to the Startup Apps section in your settings and adjust accordingly.
• Bin files that you no longer need. Arrange the rest in folders – don’t leave them in a random mess on your desktop.
• Go into your downloads file and have a good clear-out.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, good luck with your digital declutter!

Picture this: After a long and exhausting property search you finally find the home that’s just right for you. But then the estate agent mentions that it’s a ‘probate property’ and you’re left scratching your head.

While it’s a term that you’ve heard before, you’re not entirely sure what it means and if it could scupper your homebuying plans.

Well, let us explain.

What is probate?

When a person dies, the assets that they owned in their sole name can’t immediately be sold off or distributed. It’s a case of waiting until the government has granted ‘probate’.

Usually, it’s the executors of the will that apply for probate (if there’s no will there’s a slightly different procedure).

Once probate has been granted (and inheritance tax and debts have been paid) the executors can distribute assets according to the deceased’s wishes.

What does it mean for a buyer?

It’s common for executors to market a property before probate is granted. So if you find yourself viewing a property where probate is pending, it’s all above board.

The executors are acting in the expectation that by the time both parties are ready to exchange contracts, probate will have come through.

You can’t complete a property transaction until probate has been granted, but you can get much of the paperwork sorted in the meantime.

You might have to be patient

There’s quite a lot of paperwork to be done, and documentation to find, before the executor can file for probate. And once the actual application has been lodged, it can take between six to 12 weeks to be granted (it’s tricky to be precise because there have been processing delays recently).

Ask the right questions

To get a realistic idea of timescale, it’s useful to find out how advanced the executors are in the process (discuss this with the estate agent). If the application has been lodged, then there’s a good chance things are ticking along nicely. If the application hasn’t gone in, you may be in for a longer wait.

Be sensitive

If by some chance a relative of the deceased is present when you view the property, be sensitive. It may be that you’re viewing their childhood home or a property that has a lot of emotional significance to them. If you have questions, direct them to the estate agent.

Benefits of probate properties

Renovation opportunity

If you’re looking for a doer-upper, a probate property might suit your needs. It may have been some time since any renovation work was carried out so you can put your own stamp on the home.

No onward chain

You’ve obviously heard about people getting caught up in complicated chains because they’re buying off someone who is buying off someone else and so on. With a probate property there is no onward chain so you might have more flexibility regarding matters like completion dates.

If you’re looking to buy a new home, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

It’s estimated that the average person spends 26 years of their life asleep and nearly seven years trying to get to sleep, so your bedroom needs to be somewhere you really want to spend your time.

Your bed and its surroundings should be comfortable and enticing. Think of a luxury hotel – their whole business relies on good sleep, a restful environment, and feelings of relaxation.

So, if your bedroom needs an overhaul, why not create your own five-star sleep retreat? We’ve looked at some ways to give your bedroom that luxury feel.

• Bed basics

A good quality mattress and plush pillows are the first step to a luxury bedroom. If you’re going to spend any money at all, then these are the things you should really splash out on. Get yourself to a bed shop and try out the mattresses. Do you want something firm and supportive or soft and cosy? Don’t be shy, definitely try before you buy. Once you’ve got the foundation right, everything else is easy.

• All white

While you might not want to pay out for 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton, there is something special about hotel sheets. First off, they tend to use three (a sheet on top and another under the duvet or blanket), and secondly, the sheets are almost always white.

If you’ve got pets or kids, white sheets might seem like madness. But they’re pretty easy to bleach clean, and when ironed and tucked properly, they look gorgeous. Add a neutral colour throw at the end of the bed, and you’ve got yourself a hotel-worthy bed.

• Accessorise

Before you invest in loads of unnecessary cushions that you chuck off the bed every night, think of other ways hotel rooms add hints of luxury. A posh glass and water carafe (not your standard jug) sitting on the bedside table, matching hangers in the wardrobe, a plush rug, scented candles, art on the walls and so on. Add a few of these to your room to give it a more sophisticated look.

• Lighting

Keep the lights low and preferably dimmable for a real hotel feel. Freestanding lamps, bedside lights, overhead lights… there’s lots to think about. To get it right, focus on the different functions of your room, such as somewhere you sleep, get dressed, work out, work from home etc. Choose lighting that serves the different functions.

• Window treatments

Once you’ve got the lights right, now think about how to get it dark and cosy. There’s nothing worse than being woken up from a deep slumber because of unwelcome light. Hotel rooms often use sheer curtains coupled with blackout curtains, or blackout blinds with sheer curtains on top. Layering your window treatment is a great way to add that luxury feeling and keep out the light.

What are your best tips for making a bedroom really comfortable?

To some, it’s a gloriously camp celebration of global diversity. To others, it’s a naff cringe-fest with more cheese than a ploughman’s.

Whatever your views on the Eurovision Song Contest, you’re bound to hear a lot about it this weekend when Liverpool hosts the final.

The city famed for its musical heritage is staging the event as last year’s winner, Ukraine, is unable to do so due to the war.

We’ve compiled some fun facts from Eurovision’s history to mark the occasion.

• The first ever Eurovision in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1956 was a tame affair. Only seven countries competed in what was primarily a radio show.
• The luck of the Irish has prevailed many times over the years – with the Emerald Isle winning on seven occasions – more than any other country.
• However, things went downhill for Ireland in 2008 when its entry, a creepy muppet-on-acid puppet called Dustin the Turkey, failed to make the final.
• Celine Dion won for Switzerland in 1988. Many people were baffled by her victory, as Celine is a proud Canadian. But it’s a little-known rule that only the song’s writer needs to be from the country they’re representing.
• Despite its name, countries such as Australia and Israel compete in Eurovision.

• Sam Ryder, the chippy TikToker who represented the UK last year and finished second, used to own a vegan café in Essex called Lone Wolf Organics.
• The UK’s entry this year, Mae Muller, was born in 1997 – the last time that we prevailed at Eurovision, thanks to a performance by Katrina and the Waves.

• The UK’s 2000 entry, Nicki French, scored zero points with the prophetically titled tune Don’t Play the Song Again.
• The worlds of sport and singing collided in 2008 when the Russian entry featured gold medal-winning figure skater Evgeni Plushenko (with a rather striking mullet) pirouetting around singer Dima Bilan. Russia won.
• When the UK hosted the contest in 1968, Cliff Richard was pipped at the post by just one point, losing out to Spain. The result sparked allegations of a fix.

If you’re a Eurovision fan, message us on facebook or insta to tell us where you’ll be watching the contest this year.