Author: James Cooper

James has been in the property industry since 2003. During that time he has helped hundreds of people move across South Devon. In his spare time he enjoys spending time on the coast with his wife Sarah, son Oscar and Dachshund Ellie.
Posted on

Five Easy Steps to Streamline Selling Your Teignbridge Home

In this three-minute read, we outline five ways to streamline the home-selling process.

Selling a home can be stressful, but by following a few easy rules at the start of the process, vendors can save themselves time, money, and heartache.

A little bit of pre-sale prep will help you avoid the two most common home-selling horror themes.

Scenario one: The process is painfully slow and drags on for months (or sometimes years) leaving the vendors living in limbo and tearing their hair out because they can’t seal a deal.

Scenario two: The vendor falls in love with another property but can’t shift their own quickly enough to keep the chain moving. As a result, they lose their dream home – and blow thousands of pounds in surveys and legal fees along the way.

Here is a five-step plan to help you prepare for putting your home on the market.

1 Manage your expectations

It’s human nature to place a high value on something to which we have a strong emotional attachment. But you need to step into the shoes of a potential buyer. They will view several properties in the area as part of their search. How will yours stack up? Be realistic with your asking price; over-valuing a home is a sure-fire recipe for a drawn-out sale. We have detailed market data and can provide expert advice.

2 Research agents and don’t be led by price

You get what you pay for. Someone who promises you the earth for next to nothing is most likely stringing you along. If they suggest a ridiculously OTT asking price, ask yourself why? Do they possess magical selling powers? (Hint: the answer is no). Or do they want to lure you in with a big promise, tie you into a long contract, and then drop the asking price like a hot potato?

3 Phone a friend

Ask a straight-talking buddy for a brutally honest appraisal of your home. Don’t be offended if you don’t like what you hear. If they tell you the front room stinks of cat, it probably does – so do something about it. If they confess that the life-sized portrait of Grandma on the wall creeps them out, take it down. Dress your home to appeal to a range of buyers, not your personal taste.

4 Declutter

Following on from the previous point, review the furniture and décor in each room and decide what needs to go (if you want to keep it, put it into storage). Remove personal photos and objects, and bulky furniture which can make a room look smaller.

5 General repairs and maintenance

Sort out minor DIY issues such as broken door handles or mould in the bathrooms and give tired rooms a fresh lick of paint. Trim shrubs and smarten up the garden. Don’t bother with costly renovations that won’t add value.

BONUS TIP

Many people search for their next home before they put their own on the market and wind up facing Scenario Two (as discussed above). When you find your dream home, you need to move immediately and know exactly how much you can offer. We recommend you put your home on the market first, so you’re pumped and primed to make your next move.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, talk to us at Chamberlains. We can help make your next move happen.

Posted on

Why Teignbridge Landlords Need to Keep Calm and Carry On (in a Business-Like Way)

In this three-minute read, we look at why a landlord needs a professional mindset, and what can go wrong if emotions cloud your judgment.

There’s a line in the classic film The Godfather that neatly sums up what landlords need to know about letting properties.

“It’s nothing personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business,” drawls a brooding Michael Corleone as he plots a daring and ruthless double hit.

Now, here at Chamberlains, we’re law-abiding citizens, so we’re certainly not suggesting you become a cold-blooded Mafia boss or fraternise with Sicilian mobsters.

But we do recommend that Teignbridge landlords take a business-like approach when they let a property.

One of the biggest mistakes a landlord can make is to allow their personal feelings to impede their decision making; this often happens when:

  • A landlord has a strong emotional attachment to a property (perhaps they used to live in it, or inherited it from a loved one). When a tenant moves in, the landlord views every minor scrape to the woodwork or carpet stain as a personal affront. Landlords need to accept that some wear and tear is inevitable.
  • A landlord has carried out DIY work at the property to their own taste instead of keeping things neutral, making it less appealing to tenants. They may also see no need for electrical and gas safety inspections because they’ve “had a look over it themselves”. Fact: gas and electrical inspections are legal requirements.
  • The landlord knew the tenant before they moved in, so the professional boundaries are blurred. Things often go awry because the landlord hasn’t conducted a reference check (because a friend or family member has vouched for the tenant). Even worse, some landlords don’t make their tenants sign a contract; it’s all done on a wink and a handshake.
  • The tenant/landlord relationship grows too cosy over time. As a result, the landlord is lax about inspections or hasn’t raised the rent for years because the tenant is a “friend”.
  • The tenant/landlord relationship becomes so toxic that the landlord loses perspective. (As they say in The Godfather: “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.”) Determined to settle a score with a nightmare tenant, the landlord cuts corners on inspections or evictions – a decision that later proves costly. Sometimes the most financially astute course of action is to compromise (even if it is through gritted teeth).

Being a landlord isn’t just about managing a property; it’s about working with people. Whether it’s dealing with a tenant who has lost their job and can’t pay their rent, or managing a messy dispute between a tenant and neighbour, you need to remain calm, clear-headed, and professional.

Landlords don’t have to be unsympathetic or insensitive but do need to balance their duty of care with their financial responsibilities.

One way to manage these difficult situations is to draw on the expertise of us, we will be able to:

  • Come up with workable solutions to all manner of problems (as experienced agents we have seen all sorts over the years).
  • Ensure landlords stay on the right side of the law.
  • Talk to people from all walks of life and clearly articulate a tenant’s legal obligations.
  • Step back from complex scenarios and take a broader view.

Here at Chamberlains, we can take the stress, emotion, and guesswork out of managing a property. Please get in touch if you’d like us to help you.

 

Posted on

Will You Be Taking Part in Teignbridge’s Big Draw?

In this 90-second speed read, we discover how something so simple to do can have such big positive effects.

This month sees the world’s biggest drawing festival take place.

Throughout October, there are activities taking place across the globe to encourage people to pick up a pencil and pen and start getting creative.

Due to Covid-19, many of these are now taking place online. And at the end of this article, we share a link where you can access more information.

The Big Draw attracts millions of people of all ages and highlights the benefits of getting arty.

These include:

Reducing stress – drawing takes your mind off things, and let’s face it, plenty is happening in the world right now that we might want to forget about.

Building relationships – sitting down to draw with your kids or friends creates a sense of shared experience and builds bonds.

Engaging creativity – merely grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil can kickstart the creative parts of your brain and has been shown to improve your memory.

The benefits of it are incredibly powerful among kids, and it can help to build self-esteem, motor skills, and get them away from gadgets.

The Big Draw’s theme this year is ‘A Climate of Change’ and is encouraging people to draw their thoughts and ideas on how we can live more harmoniously with our natural environments.

A Picture-Perfect Home

At Chamberlains, we know what draws people to property.

Based on our 23 years of experience locally, we also know what people look for in their dream homes.

So, what does an ideal home in Teignbridge most commonly look like?

Well, we’d sketch out a spacious place, with access to outdoor areas, good neighbours, and a short distance away from shops, schools, and transport links.

We’d love to see what you create this month, so please feel free to share your drawings with us.

To find out more about The Big Draw visit: https://thebigdraw.org/

Posted on

Local Housing Market Update

Thinking about Moving? Here’s what’s on the Horizon in the Teignbridge Housing Market

In this three-minute read, we look at the long-term forecasts for the housing market and what they mean if you’re thinking about moving in Teignbridge.

After one of the most unusual years on record for the housing industry, the latest market predictions from a major property chain make for interesting reading.

Think back to March, when the housing industry screeched to a halt for more than seven weeks during what is typically a busy time of year for property sales.

Then jump ahead to May and June when the UK’s market re-opened – and demand rocketed. A month later, the Stamp Duty holiday was announced, leading to feverish activity from June to August.

After so much fluctuation, it’s understandable that people mulling over whether to sell up or stay put might ask: ‘what’s next?’

Looking Ahead

According to a report from Hamptons International, the outlook over the next four years is for steady growth.

It forecasts house prices in the UK to rise by 2% this year and by 8% over the next four years.

HMRC is also forecasting improvement, predicting a steady rise in completions, year on year over the next four years, in line with economic recovery.

Market Confidence

Many industry insiders have been surprised by the resilience the market has shown in 2020 (let’s face it, it’s been one helluva year). Looking ahead, Hamptons notes that growth is expected to rebound to 8.7% in 2021 (assuming there is an EU trade deal).

Incomes are also expected to rise, by a smidgeon this year (just 0.2%, but every bit counts, right?) and 2.7% in 2022.

What Does All This Mean for Those Contemplating Moving?

For those weighing up their options, but who aren’t ready to make a move just yet, these market forecasts, along with the fact interest rates are low, will most likely prove reassuring.

Even if people are not in a position to take advantage of the Stamp Duty holiday (which ends on March 31), if their priorities or circumstances change, there will still be plenty of good reasons to act.

Consider too that most of us move for lifestyle reasons. Families grow, people retire, relationships blossom (or end) and employment opportunities change.

Major life events don’t necessarily mirror property trends. For most of us, moving is a big decision and we don’t do it on a whim. We weigh up the pros and cons and ponder our next move in our own time.

A Positive Outlook

This has, so far, been a year of famine and feast for the property industry, of low activity followed by hyperactivity. But remember, most years aren’t quite so dramatic.

The most recent forecasts should give potential-movers in Teignbridge the confidence to make decisions on their own terms for the mid to long term.

If you’ve got any questions about the property market or would like to get advice specific to your situation, get in touch with us here at Chamberlains. We’re here to help.

 

 

Posted on

Ten Ways People in Teignbridge can Avoid Cringeworthy Property Photos

In this three-minute read, we look at the dos and don’ts of photography when it comes to marketing a property.

When selling or letting a property, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of getting the imagery right.

As most buyers and renters spend hours scrolling through property portals before arranging viewings, first impressions are crucial.

So why then do so many people get it wrong? Such is the volume of bad estate agency photos out there, that there are entire websites dedicated to mocking dodgy property pics (check out Terrible Estate Agency Photos).

To avoid becoming an object of ridicule, here is a list of what NOT to include in your marketing photos.

  • Grandpa, grandma or any other family member. Property photos that include people always look a bit creepy. It’s never okay, even if the person is sitting in the background or giving a friendly wave.
  • Boarded up windows and doors. If windows and doors are badly damaged or boarded up, replace them – or at the very least don’t photograph them.
  • Doll collections. Whenever we see lots of dolls in a room (and yes, we have seen this in property photos) we immediately think of Chucky from Child’s Play (he still gives us nightmares). Dolls, along with mannequins and skeletons, belong on horror film sets only.
  • Bathrooms covered in mould. Always give your home a good scrub before it goes on the market. People don’t want to view a property that comes with a health warning.
  • Outdoor items left indoors. Lawn mowers, quad bikes and trampolines all belong outside. If for some reason you keep them inside, understand that this is not normal. Remove them from the premises before taking marketing photographs.
  • Animals. All creatures great and small should be left out of property photos. They only serve as a distraction and make people wonder if the house smells.
  • Badly photoshopped images. Don’t be tempted to digitally add a dining table or a sofa to a photo of an unfurnished room. It never looks convincing; the furniture always looks like it is levitating ever so slightly off the floor. Other no-nos include adding sunsets or wildlife to images of the back garden.
  • Mirror images. When taking pictures of a room that has a mirror, a photographer can inadvertently capture their own reflection. This is too Alfred Hitchcock for our liking. Photographers should always position themselves carefully to avoid making a cameo appearance in the photo.
  • Intimate portraits of your lover/husband/wife. So, you’ve been to life drawing classes and are rather proud of that racy charcoal sketch you did of your beloved. We love your creativity but please keep such personal items out of sight.
  • Broken furniture piled high. People will be put off by the thought of having to fork out for a skip (or two) to remove your junk.

These are the most extreme examples of property photo fails, but the principle stands for all property marketing imagery. Make sure every room is clutter-free and clean and plan the shots.

Ideally get a professional to take the photographs for you. They’ll understand how to make the best use of light and to make rooms look spacious and airy.

Here at Chamberlains we get the picture. We’re experts at showing homes at their best and always use professional property photos. Book your free property appraisal now. 

Posted on

How buying a property during COVID-19 works

COVID-19 has produced many uncertainties for people around the globe. Rishi Sunak’s decision to exempt stamp duty for a period of time has meant that the property market has been booming. This has produced some questions as to how buying a property during COVID-19 works, and we’re here to help. This handy article will explain all the subtle changes to the buying process.

Starting your search

Your search can begin as it would at any other time. Visit one of our offices to discuss your needs with one of our friendly agents. Outline your precise requirements and our agent will be in contact to arrange some viewings. If you’d prefer to keep away from our offices then don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to describe your new property needs. From here our agent can be in touch to set up viewings in one of two ways outlined below.

Viewing a property

There are two ways viewing a property can work during COVID-19. These are physically and virtually. A physical viewing is a traditional viewing whereby you can attend the property to assess it yourself. In this case you will be asked to socially distance and wear a mask at all times. Alternatively, you may choose to arrange a virtual viewing, which will be conducted via a video call. An agent will be in touch to arrange the call and organise a time. From here, the agent will walk around the property with a smartphone allowing you to see as much as possible as they show you around the property. As it is a call you will be able to ask your own questions regarding any aspect of the property.

Making an offer

Once you’ve identified your dream home and are ready to put an offer in then you can proceed as usual. If accepted, the process of completing the sale can begin. This process can take a little longer due to current circumstances, however your agent will work with both parties on an agreeable timeline.

It’s as easy as that! Now you know how buying a property during COVID-19 works, and it couldn’t be easier with Chamberlains. If you’d like to start the process then feel free to pick up the phone or visit our office in Teignmouth today!

Posted on

Buying a property during COVID-19

COVID-19 has been an unpredictable time for billions across the globe. However, despite the uncertainty the property market has thrived. This is in no part down to the stamp duty exemption in the UK. The exemption has made it an ideal time for buyers to start looking and begin their search. However, we have been asked how buying a property during COVID-19 works many times. This article will explain all the details and how they differ from the usual procedure.

Beginning the search

The search for a house can begin like any other. Simply walk into one of our shops and talk to one of our friendly agents. Set out your budget and tell us what sort of property you’re looking for. After this we will get in touch to begin arranging viewings. If you’d prefer, we can begin your search over the phone. Don’t hesitate to call us to set out your requirements and we can proceed as normal from there.

Viewing a property

Viewing a property can work in one of two ways. You can choose to view the property as usual, visiting the house yourself in person. If this is your choice we would ask that you socially distance from the negotiator and any residents as well as wear a face mask at all times. Secondly, if it makes you feel safer, you may choose to have a virtual viewing. Our negotiator will ask for some details in order to video call you at an agreed time. The negotiator will then walk around the property with a video camera taking care to show you every detail you want to see. This method is certainly less thorough but is much safer for the negotiator, residents and yourself. The decision is yours!

Making an offer

If you’ve found your dream home and are happy to make an offer then you may proceed as usual. Should it be accepted then the process can begin. Please be aware that due to current circumstances these processes may take longer than usual. Your agent will work with you and the seller to build a timeline that suits everyone.

That’s it! Congratulations on your new home! Buying a property during COVID-19 may be different, but it couldn’t be easier with Chamberlains. If you’d like to get the ball rolling please come to our Newton Abbott office to discuss your next move.

 

Posted on

Can I sell my property during COVID-19?

During an uncertain time, both buyers and sellers have many questions regarding the property market. For sellers, the key question is “Can I sell my property during COVID-19?” The short answer to this is yes. Our offices are back up and running as normal, meaning we are fully operational once again. This means customers are able to sell their properties, however there will be some changes to the usual processes.

Valuations

Valuations are being conducted face-to-face, meaning an agent will come to your property to produce a valuation. All of this will be done while adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines as set by the government. This means our agents will wear a face mask while in your home and ensure they are at least 1 metre apart from residents. Should you prefer to be away from the property while the valuation is done, then arrangements can be made for this. Additionally, valuations can be made online. However, for the most accurate value to be determined, we recommend a face-to-face appointment.

Viewings

Viewings will be conducted in a similar way, with agents socially distancing while wearing a face mask. Again, residents can decide to be away from the property should they prefer. Viewings may also be conducted via video. This will involve an agent walking around your property with a video camera to record a short video for the customer. Alternatively, this will be done via a video call, allowing the customer to ask questions about the property.

Offers

Should someone be interested in your property they are able to make an offer as usual. If this offer is agreed then the sale can be completed as usual. However, during this current time expect there to be some delays to the usual processes. Your agent will work with both the buyer and seller to agree a suitable timeline for the sale.

We hope this answers the question “Can I sell my property during COVID-19?” and provides you all the information you need. Our Newton Abbott office is open as usual so please feel free to come in and arrange a valuation for your property!

Posted on

How to sell your property during COVID-19?

While COVID-19 has undoubtedly had a huge impact on our lives, the impact on the property industry has been minimal in comparison to some markets. This means that property transactions can go ahead with only some slight changes to the usual processes. Here, we explain how to sell your property during to COVID-19.

Valuations during COVID-19

Valuations can be conducted in a very similar manner to before the COVID-19 crisis took place. A valuer will come to your property to assess and produce a valuation. The valuer will adhere to COVID-19 regulations as provided by the government. This therefore means our valuers will wear face-masks and socially distance themselves from any residents. Of course, if your preference would be to stay away from your property while the valuation is conducted, Chamberlains can work with you to make the necessary arrangements for this. While we can offer valuations over video call, we recommend a face-to-face valuation for the most accurate value of your property.

Viewings during COVID-19

Much like valuations, viewings can be conducted both online and face-to-face. Your negotiator will ensure a face-mask is worn by both themselves and those viewing the property. Your negotiator and those viewing will also socially distance from any residents. Similarly to valuations, residents can decide to be away from the property during the viewings. Alternatively, those viewing may decide they want to view remotely. In this case, a negotiator will schedule a video call with those viewing the property and show them the property via the video call, answering any questions as they walk around the property.

Receiving an offer during COVID-19

If someone would like to make an offer on your property they can do so as usual before the COVID-19 crisis hit. Once an offer is agreed upon the sale can be completed as usual. At this time, do expect some delays as some of the usual processes are taking slightly longer than usual. We will work with both your and the buyer in this case to provide a timeline that suits all parties.

We hope we have clearly explained how to sell your property during COVID-19. Our Bovey Tracey office is back open and fully functioning, so pop in to discuss a valuation on your property today!

Posted on

Is it possible to sell during COVID-19?

As restrictions surrounding COVID-19 have become tighter and are constantly changing, many have been left asking the question “Is it possible to sell during COVID-19?” It is indeed possible to sell during COVID-19, however, expect a few changes to the usual protocols. Certain regulations alter the way we conduct viewings, valuations and offers. So check out our short guide below for all the details.

Valuations

There are two ways valuations are being conducted at the moment. The first, is the traditional face-to-face method. During this time a valuer will come to your property wearing a face mask and ensure they socially distance. Other than this the valuation can take place as normal. Residents, should they prefer, can stay away from the property during this time. Secondly, you can choose to have your property valued remotely, over video call. This method will cause the accuracy of your valuing to suffer, therefore we recommend a face-to-face valuation.

Viewings

Similarly, viewings can be conducted in one of two ways. Those viewing the property can choose to visit the property in person, adhering to all guidelines during this time. Of course, residents can choose to be away from the property during the viewing. Secondly, the viewing may be conducted remotely. This will involve the negotiator dialling into a video call with those viewing the property and showing them around the property in this way.

Offers

Finally, offers can be made in the usual manner during this time. However, should there be an agreement on the offer, the sales process may take a little longer. In this case, the agent will work with both parties to organise a timeline that suits both parties. Unfortunately, some of the processes surrounding sales have slowed during COVID-19.

Despite a few changes selling your property during this time couldn’t be easier! Head down to our Teignmouth office to discuss next steps to sell your property!