Author: Yvonne Graves

They say selling a home is a marathon, not a sprint, but what happens if your sale is progressing at a snail’s pace or going nowhere?

 

How can you get things back on track and find a buyer who will go the distance?

 

One option – and it’s a big move – is to switch agents.

 

Sellers usually take this step when they’ve grown frustrated with a lack of progress and feel that a fresh start is needed.

 

If your agent has gone from hero to zero in your eyes, here’s a guide to the next steps you should take.

 

Time to talk

 

Have a frank conversation. Explain that you’re frustrated and considering taking your business elsewhere.

 

Ask your agent to identify what they think the problem is and how they’ve tried to fix the issue. Also, ask to see evidence, such as online portal statistics and viewing numbers.

 

Sales can go cold for reasons such as overpricing or poor presentation. If you think the problem is one of these, you may be willing to make some changes to regain momentum.

 

But if your agent’s justifications do not convince you, then it’s time to move on.

 

Check your contract

 

Read the contract you signed with your agent. Some contracts tie sellers in for a specific period, ranging from weeks to months. If you sever links before this time elapses, you could still have to pay the agent commission – even if a different agent sells the property (so you wind up paying two lots of commission).

 

Some contracts also stipulate that the agent gets a fee if they ‘introduce’ a buyer to the property (even if the agent doesn’t complete the sale). In this scenario, the agent should provide you with a written list of the people to whom they’ve shown the property.

 

Choose a new agent

 

Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations and read online reviews.

 

Explain your predicament to prospective agents and ask for constructive feedback. Remember, you’ve already been burned by one agent who promised the earth and didn’t deliver. If you hear some difficult truths – perhaps your property needs redecoration, repairs or re-pricing – respect the agent for their honesty.

 

Ultimately, a successful seller/agent relationship relies on trust. You need an agent who is straight with you and will put in the hard graft to sell your home.

 

If you’d like to know more about our marketing strategy, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

Here’s the penultimate part of our series of articles on a family’s views on selling up and moving home.

This family of five sold and moved last year, but their experiences (and emotions) are timeless.

We’ve shared the perspectives of a six-year-old, a ‘tweenager’ and a teenager, and now it’s mum’s turn.

 

The perfect home

“The journey to a new home began excitedly, especially when we found the ‘one’ – the property we loved and wanted.”

An emotional offer

“I felt joy and disbelief when our offer was accepted. My husband and I were delighted, yet nervous, and as parents, we wondered how our children would react to leaving their familiar surroundings.”

Kids are resilient

“To our relief, the children responded with incredible positivity, highlighting the adaptable nature of young minds, even in the face of a big change.”

Planning and dreaming

“I spent hours on Pinterest, meticulously planning every room in our new home. From paint choices to furnishings, I left no stone unturned in our quest for the perfect home.”

Facing uncertainty

“But the path to our new family home wasn’t smooth. The sale nearly collapsed a week before the exchange of contracts, creating a whirlwind of stress. I did all I could to get the sale back on track.”

The emotional weight of packing

“Amidst this uncertainty, packing became an emotional task. The fear of unpacking without moving loomed large, especially with the thought of breaking bad news to our children.”

Renewed hope and cautious progress

“Thankfully, the property chain was eventually restored, and packing resumed, albeit with a new sense of scepticism and lessened joy.”

A silver lining

“In this stressful time, decluttering the house brought unexpected joy. It was a small but significant positive during a lot of uncertainty.”

Final stages of the move

“With the exchange finally happening and moving day set, our nerves, mine in particular, began to ease, though a hint of apprehension remained.”

Emotional farewells and new beginnings

“The actual move was an emotional rollercoaster. Saying goodbye to our kids’ first home, filled with memories and milestones, was bittersweet. But anticipating new beginnings also brought a sense of pride and excitement.”

First night in the new home

“The first night in our new home was a whirlwind of emotions. The children’s excitement starkly contrasted my realisation that my detailed plans might need re-thinking, but a few months since moving in, we’re getting there.”

Motherly advice

“My advice for others on a similar path to a new family home is simple: involve and be honest with your children, understand the moving process, and always stay positive. A good removal company and an empathetic and experienced estate agent are invaluable for support during these times.”

 

For friendly, knowledgeable and experienced advice on moving with your family, let’s have a chat.

 

We’re becoming a nation who are passionate about podcasts.

Podcast listenership in the UK has been increasing yearly, reaching an estimated 21.2 million listeners in 2022 according to the Statista website.

From relationships to Russia, history to histrionics, and anything else you can think of – there’s a podcast themed around it.

And people seeking homely ideas aren’t overlooked either.

So, if you want to spruce up your living space, turn your garden into an oasis, stay ahead of interior design trends or seek inspiration for a major home refurbishment, we’ve created a podcast playlist for you.

These seven UK-based shows are the perfect companions for your home improvement journey.

• “The Great Indoors” by Sophie Robinson & Kate Watson-Smyth

Why listen: For the newest and coolest in interior design, Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth have got you covered.

• “Home Stories” by Amanda Nelson

Why listen: Real homeowners like you share their personal renovation stories – think of it as a cosy chat over a cuppa.

• “Material Matters” by Grant Gibson

Why listen: Delve into the world of materials and learn how choosing the right ones can make your home extraordinary.

• “Upcycled Hour” by Chris Billinghurst

Why listen: Discover how to turn your trash into treasure, one upcycling project at a time.

• “At Home With…” by Lily Pebbles & Anna Newton

Why listen: Take a virtual tour of inspiring homes as Lily and Anna chat about what makes a home special.

• “The Interior Design Business” by Susie Rumbold & Jeff Hayward

Why listen: Even if you’re not a professional designer, the insider tips from Susie and Jeff are invaluable for making your home a stunner.

• “The Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast” by Lee Connelly

Why listen: Don’t forget the great outdoors! Lee Connelly offers easy-to-follow gardening advice for turning your patch of green into paradise.

From interiors to gardens, upcycling to renovations, these podcasts offer home lovers a treasure trove of ideas, entertainment and advice.

 

Let us know what podcasts you’d recommend to people in Teignbridge.

 

Remember, remember, Bonfire Night celebrations don’t always have to go off with a bang. There are lots of ways to have fun on the 5th of November without letting off noisy fireworks (which can cause distress to small children, pets* and wildlife).

 

Here are five ways to have a quieter Bonfire Night this year.

 

Marshmallow fun

 

Nothing takes the chill off the November night air quite like toasted marshmallows. If you have a fire pit, you can toast them outdoors. If not, put them under the grill in the kitchen – they’ll still taste delicious. Another option is to try the American campfire classic S’mores. Sandwich marshmallows and chocolate buttons between sweet biscuits and toast gently.

 

Glow-in-the-dark games

 

Take six plastic bottles from your recycling and fill them with water. Then, activate six glowsticks and add one to each bottle. Tightly fasten the lid on each bottle, grab a ball, and you’re good to go. Dim the lights or head to the garden for a game of glow-in-the-dark skittles.

 

Sparklers 

 

It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s something magical about waving a sparkler in the air and making shapes or writing your name. (Although, always wear gloves and have a bucket of water nearby, just in case.) If you’re a keen photographer, capture these moments on your phone (there are plenty of tips online on how to take great sparkler photos) and share them with family and friends.

 

Stargaze

 

Wrap up warm and head outside to gaze at the November night sky. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the constellation Orion or a star cluster like Seven Sisters. Download a stargazing app beforehand to help you identify what you’re looking at.

 

Raise a toast

 

A hot drink is just the thing to warm your cockles if you’re spending time outdoors. Adults who enjoy an alcoholic tipple could try hot buttered rum (a silky mix of brown sugar, rum, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg).

 

Or the whole family could enjoy an indulgent hot chocolate. Tailor your hot chocolate to your tastes by adding ingredients such as ground cinnamon (for added warmth and spice) or raspberry-flavoured syrup (for fruity sweetness). And if you’ve already had your fill of marshmallows, you could add whipped cream and sprinkles for a colourful finishing touch.

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night. 

 

* If you have a pet, the animal welfare charity Blue Cross has plenty of tips to help keep your pets calm on Bonfire Night.

 

If you’re selling a property, you might think that selling to one of your nearest and dearest is the answer. After all, they know what they’re buying, you’ll save on professional fees, and the home you love will be left in good hands.

But is it really that simple? Unfortunately, no.

In this quick read, we look at some of the things that could go (very) wrong if you’re thinking about selling to a family member or friend.

Why sell to family/friends?

There are plenty of reasons for selling to family or friends. Perhaps you want to help a child get onto the property ladder, or you want to keep the property in the family for future generations. Maybe you think you can avoid costs associated with selling a property on the wider market, or maybe you just want to help someone out financially. Whatever the thought process, be prepared for possible fall-outs.

Selling privately

If you think selling your property without an agent is the way to go, you may want to think again. Yes, you will save money on agency fees, and you won’t have the hassle of viewings. But, on the other side of the coin, you might not be getting the best price for your home by selling to someone you know, as there’ll be no other offers.

Without the professional expertise or marketing skills of an established agent, you’ll never know what you could have got on the open market.

Tax implications

Did you know, it’s perfectly legal to sell your home to a loved one for just £1? Something lots of people have done in the past to help younger generations out. However, this act of kindness comes with huge tax implications for both the seller and buyer.

Without diving into the ins and outs of UK tax laws, it is definitely an area that needs careful research if you decide to sell to someone you know to avoid the wrath of HMRC.

Fall-out

With any property sale, there’s the potential for things to go wrong. Add a personal relationship into the mix and it could make things very uncomfortable.

For example, a property survey is a must, but what happens if this turns up something you weren’t expecting? Relations could become strained if both parties can’t agree on the price.

How much do you know about your friend or loved one’s financial situation? Could you get stuck in a chain if they’re unable to sell? What about their credit history – will they be eligible for a mortgage? Just because you’re good friends doesn’t necessarily mean you’d make great business partners.

By selling through an agent, you’re removed from this part of a property purchase, and they get the answers you need without it feeling like you’re prying.

If you’re looking to sell your property, talk to our team at Chamberlains We take on the stress and hassle, so you don’t have to.

 

 

 

There’s no doubt about it, moving home is one of the most stressful life events you can go through. As you wade through boxes, try to settle the kids, hunt for the toaster, and pay off all the moving bills, you’ll probably be trying not to scream and lose your cool.

So, what’s the solution? Can you make a house move less hectic for all those involved?

We think so. Here’s our ultimate moving checklist. You can thank us later.

• Start early

As soon as you know you’re planning to move, start the process of decluttering. By reducing the amount of stuff early, there’ll be less to lug around in boxes later, so it’s worth having a clear-out prior to the packing process.

• Plan how to move

Whether you’re using a man in a van, hiring a removal company, or doing it yourself, make sure you’ve compared prices and booked in for the big day.

If you’re not moving big items of furniture, it might be more budget-friendly to hire a van yourself. If you’ve got a lot to move or you’re taking large items such as beds and wardrobes, then a removal company is your best bet.

• Questions for sellers

Before moving in, put a list of questions together for the people you’re buying from, so you have all the vital info you need. Questions to ask include: the location of the gas and electric meters and stopcock, utility providers, bin collection day, if they can leave instruction manuals, etc.

• Redirect your post

You can pay a small fee to Royal Mail to have your post redirected for a set time. This is a great way to make your move less stressful as you won’t panic about missing any outstanding bills or important documents.

• Smart boxes

Keep your packing organised. Label each box so you know what room it’s destined for and briefly describe what’s in the box. This will make the actual move-in period a lot easier.

Top tip: Make sure you’ve packed a box of everyday essentials such as a kettle, tea and coffee, biscuits, mugs, a few plates and crockery. This makes your first few meals much less stressful.

• Kids and moving

Reduce your children’s anxiety about moving by helping them to create a special moving box containing all their special toys, comforters and so on. Hopefully, when you move, this will reduce any worries or fears about change by keeping things familiar and easy to find.

If you’re looking to move home, get in touch with Chamberlains and start your search with us.

 

 

Games on your phone are a great way to look busy and important. They’re also a great way to show off to your social media mates about how cool and relevant you are. If you haven’t heard of Wordle, you’ve probably been living under a rock (or, more likely, you’re far too busy to notice that everyone’s been talking and posting about it).

But if you’re late to the five-letter party, what are the other games you can get unhealthily addicted to?

In this quick read, we say bye-bye to Wordle and look at some of the alternatives you should be playing.

First up… what is Wordle?

It’s a game that started a global trend. Suddenly, social media was inundated with yellow and green grids and people commenting about how many attempts it took to find the word. Baffled? Basically, Wordle is a game where you’ve got six guesses to find a five-letter word. Get one right and it turns yellow, get the letter and position right, it turns green.

What’s next?

• Heardle

For all you music maestros out there, Heardle gives you six attempts to guess a song. You get a tiny snippet and then submit a random song choice to move on to the next snippet. It’s very annoying but also highly addictive. Every day, you’ll get another song to guess. Perfect for procrastinators with headphones.

• Sweardle

Got a potty mouth? There’s a game for that. Sweardle is a terrible attempt at making Wordle funny. Four letters, four guesses, but be warned, some of the alleged swear words will have you very disappointed.

• Worldle

If you’re rubbish at geography, this game is either a great way to learn or the perfect reason to throw your laptop/phone/tablet across the room. Worldle shows you a small section of the global map and you have six attempts to guess where it is. It’s very hard and will have you furiously typing out random country names.

• Nerdle

Think Wordle but with numbers (and ridiculously difficult). You need to enter random calculations to see if it’s the right one. Anything that lights up in green means it’s in the right position, anything that goes purple means it’s in the calculation, but you’ve got the wrong spot. Confused? So are we. Not a great idea to start a game if you’re on a quick loo break, you’ll be gone for hours.

What’s your favourite online game? Let us know, we like to test our brains in between viewings!

 

 

And just like that, it’s the summer holidays again. Six painful weeks of keeping the kids entertained, and the house in one piece. Oh, and to add to this woeful mix, you’ve forgotten to renew your passport and got no sun-drenched holiday planned.

If that sounds like your situation, keep reading, because it’s an ideal time to book a staycation. No passport needed, possibly a bit of sun, and plenty to keep the entire family amused.

While we’re all familiar with the big tourist spots around the UK (yes, we are very spoilt here in Devon!), what about some of our lesser-known attractions?

In this quick guide, we’ve pulled together a whistle-stop tour of some of the UK’s most unique holiday locations.

• High Force, Durham, England

Despite being one of the most impressive waterfalls (yes, the UK has waterfalls, who knew?) in the country, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is often overlooked by staycationers.

The waterfall is approximately 21m high and genuinely breathtaking. Enjoy guided walks, luxury accommodation nearby and lots of places to visit in the local area.

• Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Forget the Lake District, everyone goes there. How about visiting the longest lake in Scotland instead? At 24 miles, you might spot the occasional fisherman but that’ll be about it. It’s a stunning location for a family holiday surrounded by a rugged landscape and teeming with wildlife.

• Tyneham, Dorset, England

Fancy a spooky summer break? This historical village is home to… absolutely no one, it’s completely deserted. Enjoy eerily quiet walks around crumbling buildings and empty houses. Perfect if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. And for something a bit different, the next day, why not jump in the car and visit one of Dorset’s many seaside towns? In less than an hour, you can be in busy Bournemouth for a completely different holiday experience.

• Pembrokeshire, Wales

There are so many beautiful Welsh beaches to visit along this stretch of coast, picking just one was impossible. In fact, Pembrokeshire has a whopping 10 Blue Flag beaches (basically the best of the best). Soft sand, miles and miles of blue sea, rockpools, luxury accommodation… there’s just too much to ooh and ahh about.

If you’re looking for an experience rather than an actual area, how about searching for quirky accommodation? A few nights in a treehouse, lighthouse or shepherd’s hut could be great fun for everyone.

From all of us at Chamberlains, we hope you have an excellent summer and enjoy a well-deserved break.