Author: Rachel Lamare

Are you planning to sell your home this year?

Or just curious about what your property may be worth in the current market?

Good news – this article will give you five easy-to-follow tips highlighting how effectively staging your home can boost its appeal to potential buyers.

Styling your home can also potentially speed up the sale and even increase the value of offers you receive.

 

Let’s dive into the tips.

• Declutter and depersonalise

Start by decluttering each room to make your home appear more spacious and inviting. Remove personal items such as family photos, memorabilia and anything else that might distract buyers from imagining themselves living there. A minimalist approach helps highlight the property’s features rather than its contents.

 

• A fresh coat of paint

Refresh your walls with a lick of paint in neutral colours. Light, airy shades like off-white, beige or light grey can make spaces appear larger and brighter, appealing to a broader range of buyers. This simple update can add value to your home without breaking the bank.

 

• Maximise natural light

Make sure your home is well-lit to make it feel warm and welcoming. Keep windows clean and curtains drawn back to let natural light in. If any area of your home feels a little dark, consider adding mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

 

• Tidy up outdoor spaces

First impressions count. Tidy up your garden, mow the lawn and ensure bins are out of sight. A welcoming entrance and a neat and tidy garden can make a strong initial impression on potential buyers, making them more eager to see what’s inside.

 

• Address little niggles

Take care of any small repairs around the house – fix leaky taps, squeaky doors or chipped paint. These details might seem minor, but they can suggest a well-maintained home to interested buyers.

 

Ready to take the next step in your home selling journey? Our team at Chamberlains is here to provide you with personalised guidance, from staging to sale.

 

Our in-depth knowledge of the Teignbridge market and our commitment to exceptional service ensure your property will stand out to the right buyers.

Don’t leave your home sale to chance.

Contact us today to discover how our expertise can lead to your success.

Deciding to sell your home is a big decision that comes with a long list of jobs and responsibilities.

 

Along with decluttering and last-minute DIY, you need to find a good agent (we can help you with that) and speak to a broker if you require a mortgage to fund your next move.

 

But there’s another critical aspect of the process that often gets overlooked: the conveyancing.

 

So, to avoid unnecessary hold-ups that could make your buyer lose patience, it’s worth getting ahead of the curve and following these five conveyancing tips.

 

Find a good solicitor

 

Do this at the start of the process; don’t wait. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get three quotes before you decide. Always check fee proposals thoroughly and remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. If a solicitor is sluggish at responding to your initial call, it doesn’t bode well.

 

Be cautious

 

Consider going with a solicitor who communicates via a secure client portal. There have been cases – albeit they’re rare – where scammers have hacked into emails and used the information they glean from sales correspondence for fraudulent purposes. Be safe rather than sorry.

 

Get your ID together

 

You’ll need personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, along with proof of address, such as bills or bank statements.

 

Organise your paperwork

 

Along with locating the title deeds, you’ll need all documentation relating to changes you’ve made to the property under your ownership. The list includes:

• Planning permissions and building approvals (if relevant)
• Gas safety checks
• Energy performance certificates
• FENSA certificates if you’ve replaced the windows and warranties for things like damp-proofing

 

You never quite know what information your buyer will ask for, so do the legwork early on to prevent a last-minute panicked search.

 

Respond promptly 

 

Your buyer’s solicitor may have some queries about the property; respond to them quickly. When one party goes quiet during the process, it can breed mistrust and ramp up everyone’s stress levels.

 

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, contact us here at Chamberlains for a free valuation.

 

 

There’s a lot to consider when you start thinking about moving home.

This includes things like:

• What the new monthly mortgage payments will be?
• What’s parking like at the new place?
• Are the new neighbours friendly?

It’s a massive decision to sell up and buy elsewhere.

When families are involved, our advice is to make your children feel part of the process, and listening to their thoughts, concerns and ideas helps them (and you) get your head around things.

 

We asked a 16-year-old whose family recently sold and moved to another home what was on his mind during the process.

It makes interesting reading.

A bag of mixed emotions

“My first thoughts were a bag of mixed emotions. I was excited about the prospect of getting a bigger room. But when the decision was made that we were selling our old home, I thought, oh no, they are going to make me pack and tidy my room.

Domestic strains and paint shades

I was also worried that Mum and Dad might be stressed 24/7 because of renovating, and will they ever stop arguing over paint colours?

Friendships and farewells

I felt sad to be leaving my neighbour, who I was best friends with, but she moved away anyway, so that wasn’t such a big deal.

I was proud because I knew we lived in a small two-bed flat when I was born, and we were now moving to a much bigger home.

Concerns about connectivity

I was concerned about not being close to anything – like shops and bus routes – and anxious about the wifi strength at our new place.

Other things on my mind were if we could still afford Sky TV. I also wondered if moving meant we were going to be broke.

Reflections and advice

My advice for anyone in my age group whose family are moving home is this:

1. Start tidying and packing your room the minute you know you’re selling/moving.
2. Speak to your parents about anything that’s worrying you.
3. And finally, focus on the positives.

I love our new place, and we still have Sky TV and good wifi!”

 

Considering a family move? Contact us today for an accurate valuation and expert advice.

 

 

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we?

A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street, and within minutes you’re online to find out what it’s on the market for.

Soon enough, you’re marvelling or shuddering at your neighbour’s taste in décor and deciding that your home is bigger, smaller, smarter or scruffier than theirs.

There’s nothing wrong with this; in fact, if you plan to sell up yourself, it’s useful market research. But it’s also important to keep things in perspective, or you could develop what is known in the property industry as Next-Door Syndrome.

This term refers to a seller whose price expectations are based solely on what their neighbour’s property sold for. (Usually, people think their home is worth at least as much as their neighbour’s, or a bit more.)

While knowing what other properties in your area achieve at sale is helpful, it’s important to look at the whole picture. Other things to consider include:

• Square footage. Is your neighbour’s property the same size as yours?
• Selling price. You probably saw the asking price when you did your online snooping, but your neighbour may have had to accept a price reduction.
• Completion time. Sometimes, it takes half a year to complete a deal, so the price may have been agreed six months earlier when the property market was in a different place.

The impact of Next-Door Syndrome

Focusing too much on your neighbour’s property deal instead of what’s best for you in the current market could mean you get your pricing strategy wrong and prolong the whole sales process.

The risk is you overprice your property and deter savvy buyers. After months of lacklustre interest, you’ll have to drop the price.

Valuation strategy

When you get three agents around to look at your property, don’t take their valuations at face value. Ask them how they reached their conclusions.

A good agent will welcome the opportunity to explain their calculation and the different data sets used to determine a property’s value.

Also, be aware that some agents deliberately overvalue a property just to win business.

Once they’ve secured the listing, they’ll quickly suggest a price reduction.

Go for an agent who is ambitious but honest. Selling a property is a huge undertaking, and it’s important that you trust your sales team.

For a free valuation, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close your eyes and picture your dream home. What do you see?

 

A home that’s light, spacious and orderly? Or one that’s chaotic and cluttered with objects piled high and shoes and clothes strewn on the floor (along with bits of Lego that you inevitably tread on).

 

The first scenario is the one that most people aspire to – and for good reason.

 

Research shows that when our environment is tidy, we’re less anxious and more productive. In contrast, we feel more distracted and stressed when everything around us is in disarray.

 

But creating a mess-free, stress-free environment isn’t always easy. In modern life, we tend to accumulate lots of ‘stuff’, especially if we have children.

 

One way to curb clutter is to invest in good storage solutions. If everything has a rightful home, it’s much easier for you (and those you live with) to put things away where they belong.

 

Here are some tips to help you take your home from cluttered to calm.

• Start by tackling major problem areas like the cupboard under the stairs. Go through what you’ve got tucked away and get rid of things you rarely or never use. Group the items that you’re keeping into categories and store them together.
• Use coordinated containers to make things look uniform and neat. Rectangular, stackable containers are best but don’t forget to label them so you know what’s inside.
• In the kitchen, put shelf inserts in tall cupboards to better utilise vertical space.
• Not all items need to be out of sight – create a striking display by mounting interesting objects on a wall. Decorative plates can look great displayed together, as can hats or (if you’ve got lots of wall space) bikes. Check out Pinterest for inspiration.
• Instead of finding kids’ pencils and crayons in every room, load all the art supplies on a trolley or rolling cart. That way, the little ones can move the trolley to different rooms depending on their mood, but at the end of the session, everything has to go back on the trolley.
• Make the most of spare space under the bed by investing in stylish rectangular baskets. These can be great for storing bed linen, towels and shoes.
• Use drawer organisers so you can find what you’re looking for instantly.
• Upholstered storage benches look great, provide seating and can be a useful place to keep photo albums, blankets and tablecloths.

What’s your best storage tip?

 

Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to add value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for what it would be like to live there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to make a change without spending too much?

Whilst it’s always a good idea to spruce up a property before it goes on the market, the key is to know exactly what changes really add value before making any big decisions.

In this quick read, we look at ways to increase value without spending thousands of pounds.

Kerb appeal

First impressions count, and if the exterior of a property looks unkempt, buyers are going to be put off before they’ve even stepped through the front door. Whilst tidying up, fixing broken pipes and hiding bins immediately neatens a property up, what other changes could add value?

• Paint or replace your front door for an immediate makeover.
• Add some greenery with hanging baskets.
• Repaint the exterior of the property to make it look fresh and welcoming.
• Make sure the parking area is clearly marked out.

Redecorate

It might seem counterintuitive to spend money redecorating a home you don’t intend to live in, but freshening up a property’s paintwork can add serious value. Choose neutral colours to create a light, airy feeling, and pack away clutter to add space. Adding storage solutions such as shelves or cupboards can also make a property feel more spacious.

Extensions and/or loft conversions

If you want to add serious value and can spare the cash, consider extending your home or converting the loft or garage. Research has shown that adding an extra one or two bedrooms to a property can boost its value by around 20%, and even more if your property is in a city.

Speak to an agent if you are considering a large renovation project to see how much real value an extra room could add. Remember, extending or adding a dormer could require planning permission.

Kitchen focus

Replacing a kitchen is costly, but as one of the most used areas of a property, it could be worth the investment. Minor renovations to add the wow factor include painting or replacing cabinet doors, changing door handles, fixing superficial defects, descaling and thoroughly cleaning all appliances. Open shelving adds a sense of space, whilst new lighting could completely transform the whole appearance.

Garden makeover

You don’t need to completely redesign the garden to add value, but making sure it looks its best is a must. Hire a gardener for a one-off revamp if you don’t have the time (or patience) to do it yourself. Make sure buyers see the potential of the garden by adding furniture or a BBQ so they can imagine spending their summer in the sun.

Are you looking to sell your home? Contact our team at Chamberlains so we can value your property and get things moving.

You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours.

All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter box and a little bit of imagination.

Choosing your plants

Your window box can be as simple or complex as you like depending on your personal taste and gardening know-how. (Check out Pinterest if you’re looking for inspiration.

Some people choose one type of flower or plant, while others opt for three or four varieties in varying colours and textures to create a more elaborate display.

One key thing to consider is how much sun your window ledge gets throughout the day and to plant species that will thrive in these conditions.

Sun-loving plants include petunias, salvias and lavender, while shade-loving varieties include ferns, cyclamens and orchids.

Good enough to eat

If flowers aren’t your thing, plant chillis, tomatoes or strawberries instead or create a mini herb garden by planting parsley, mint, basil and thyme.

Watering

Window boxes can dry out quickly, so water regularly. If you’re unsure if your plants are thirsty, dip your finger in the compost. If it feels dry, give them a soak. 

Types of planters

You can get window boxes made from wood, terracotta, metal or plastic. If you opt for a wooden window box, improve its longevity by giving it a coat of moisture-protecting sealant and placing a plastic liner inside before adding potting soil.

Also, check your window box has holes in the bottom, as these will allow excess water to drain away; this will minimise the chance of your plants developing root rot. 

General upkeep

Keep your plants well-fed by adding liquid fertiliser every week or so. (Note: some fertilisers smell worse than others, so have a sniff before you buy.)

When the blooms on your plants start to wilt, cut them off; this is called deadheading and will encourage more flowers to grow.

And, if you spot any pests, act quickly; once insects get into a confined space such as a window box, they can run riot.

Are you a keen gardener? We’d love to see snaps of your garden in bloom. Please share them with us on social media at facebook.com/chamberlains.ea intagram.com/chamberlains_ea

 

 

If you’re looking forward to doing something special for Mother’s Day on Sunday, we wish you all the best – but this article isn’t for you.

It’s not that we don’t want you to have a great day (we do) or that we take issue with Mother’s Day itself (we don’t – mums are amazing and deserve a little pampering).

But we know that not everyone will feel like celebrating on Sunday. Mother’s Day can generate a host of complicated feelings if your mum isn’t around, you’ve lost a child, miscarried or struggled to conceive.

These feelings can be compounded by the commercial side of Mother’s Day – the adverts popping into your inbox in the lead-up to the big day and the cards, chocolates and flowers on sale in the supermarket.

If you find Mother’s Day difficult, here are some tips to help you get through it.

– Instead of trying to ignore the day and suppress your feelings, acknowledge it’s on the horizon and that there could be a few tears.

– Plan how you’ll spend the day. If you’re staying in, treat yourself by watching a favourite movie or cooking a special meal. If you’re going out, choose your venue wisely. Visiting a pub or restaurant full of families celebrating Mother’s Day might be upsetting.

– Light a candle or plant a tree in memory of the person you’re thinking about.

– Go for a walk, run, swim or cycle. Sometimes, it’s easier to reflect on feelings and memories while exercising, especially if you’re in the great outdoors.

– Donate to a charity that has personal significance to you.

– Tell a friend or family member that you’re finding things tough and spend some time with them.

– Avoid social media, so you don’t come across any Mother’s Day-related posts that upset you.

– Reach out for support. Bereavement charity Cruse has a helpline (0808 808 1677). Baby loss charity Tommy’s has lots of helpful information on its website, as does the Good Grief Trust. 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, take care of yourself and thanks for reading.

 

If you’re feeling sluggish after a few weeks back at work post-Christmas, here are some tips to boost your productivity and give you more of that most precious commodity – time. 

Did you finish up in 2022 feeling knackered and overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? If so, you’re not alone.

According to a study in the journal Nature, most people say they feel persistently “time-poor – like they have too many things to do and not enough time to do them”.

And this problem isn’t just frustrating – it can be exhausting and lead to poorer mental and physical health.

The good news is that you can improve your productivity by making a few small changes. This will allow you to get more done and free you up to spend more time with family, pursue a hobby or chill out on the sofa.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you make the most of your time.

Don’t multitask

Scientists argue that jumping between tasks is more tiring and mistake-inducing than doing one thing at a time. Always focus on the most important tasks on your to-do list, and don’t get distracted by secondary jobs that can wait another day.

Allocate your time carefully 

Prepare a timetable detailing how much time you’ll spend on each must-do task – and stick to it! Don’t keep checking emails and WhatsApp messages as you go; you’ll get blown off course. Instead, allocate time in the mornings and afternoons to respond to messages.

Eliminate distractions

Distractions are sometimes called Time Thieves because they steal valuable minutes and hours from your day. Social media is an obvious culprit, but also be wary of lengthy meetings (when a simple email would cover it) and saying ‘yes’ to too many other people to the detriment of your own needs.

Break big projects down 

If a project feels overwhelmingly large, break it down into several manageable smaller tasks and work your way through them. 

Take breaks 

If you’re struggling to focus, take a break – sitting at a keyboard or staring out a window won’t get the job done. Go for a walk or hit the gym to get your endorphins going and fire up your creativity.

Be kind to yourself 

Reward yourself when you complete a task, as this will send a message to your brain that hard work reaps results. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture – a cup of tea, a tasty treat or a screen break will suffice.

 

 

Are you planning to sell your home in the new year? Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your next move.

Have you got an exciting plan for 2023? A move to a bigger home to accommodate your growing family? Or perhaps you want to downsize and start afresh in a different part of the country?

Whatever your goal, the best way to turn your dream into reality is to secure a good price for your current home. And to help you achieve this, we’ve put together a checklist for preparing a property for sale.

Declutter

If you’ve accumulated lots of ‘stuff’ over the years, now’s the time for a ruthless declutter. Piles of junk and bric-a-brac are a major turn-off for buyers, so give each room in your property a clear-out.

Instruct an agent

Arrange for three agents to value your property. Don’t automatically go with the agent offering the highest valuation (they could be plucking a figure out of the air to secure the instruction). Choose the agent with the best track record and who is giving you a fair but realistic valuation.

Minor repairs

Once you’ve chosen your agent, chat with them about the best way to market the property. They can advise you about any minor repairs that will give the property a lift. Fix any wonky cupboard doors, creaky floorboards and broken tiles and give tired walls a fresh lick of paint.

Spruce up the garden

Don’t forget to tidy up outdoor spaces (front and back). A neat front garden will create a good first impression, and a tidy courtyard or back garden could help you clinch the deal. Trim back hedges and plants and check that fences are in good repair. 

Remove personal items

Buyers often feel uncomfortable if personal items such as family photos, trinkets and certificates are on display. Remove these items from view until the sale is completed.

Get cleaning

Make an effort to ensure your property is sparkling clean from top to bottom – it really does help to create a positive impact with buyers.

Dress each room

Make sure it’s clear what purpose each room in the property serves. For example, a bedroom should have a bed in it (not piles of gym equipment and sporting items).

Get rid of odours

Before viewings start, eliminate the smell of pets, damp, rubbish or cigarette smoke. Use scented candles or flowers to create a pleasant aroma in your home.

Once you’ve followed these steps, let the viewings begin! Your agent will handle them for you and keep you updated on progress.

If you’re thinking of marketing your home, click the button at the top of this page to book a free valuation.