Author: Zoe Wotton

You can always tell when someone is really interested in buying your home by the number of questions they ask.

There are the usual suspects like:

• Where are the best schools?
• What are the neighbours like?
• Is it easy to park?
• And how much is council tax?

But it also pays to prepare for some unexpected questions.

In our experience, those less-asked questions highlight how interested a potential buyer is. It’s the opposite of a ‘tyre kickers’ approach.

Below are four questions to mull over.

Delving into the depths

Buyers may dig deeper than the surface, asking about the land’s history or even its geological stability. Did you know that an old well beneath your lawn or the prospect of flooding can raise eyebrows? Prepare yourself with local knowledge to ensure you’re not caught off balance.

Connectivity is key

The fibre-optic era has seen broadband speeds catapult into most homebuyers’ priority lists. Gone are the days when the number of fireplaces in a home was the deal-breaker – today, it’s all about megabits per second. Ask your wi-fi provider for details.

The energy factor

In a world where every watt counts, be ready to shed light on the facts about your home’s energy efficiency. Whether it’s the type of insulation you have or the eco-friendly solar panels you’ve installed, these details can make your home stand out and give you an edge over similar properties.

The secret life of gardens

And then there’s the question that often sees homeowners puzzled: “Which way does the garden face?” Sun-chasers and shade-seekers alike want to know about the light that bathes your garden. Whether it’s south-facing for all-day sun or north-facing for delicate plants, the orientation of your garden can, for some buyers, be a pivotal factor ahead of making an offer.

Are you thinking of selling this spring? Contact us today to have all your home-moving questions answered by our team of experts.

The journey of buying or selling a property is often filled with anticipation and excitement.

However, it can also be fraught with unexpected challenges that might cause a sale to fall through.

As experienced local estate agents, we’ve seen our fair share of transactions fall by the wayside.

This article shares insights on why these issues arise but, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Financial hiccups

One of the most common deal-breakers is financial issues. This could be anything from a buyer’s mortgage falling through to unexpected costs cropping up. To safeguard against this, buyers should have a mortgage agreement in principle before making an offer. Sellers should ensure their agent conducts thorough financial vetting of potential buyers.

Chain pain

Property chains can be complex and fragile. If one transaction in the chain fails, it can have a domino effect. Keeping communication open and having an agent with a proactive approach can mitigate these risks. This is why chain-free buyers, who don’t have to sell a property to finance a purchase, are more attractive to some sellers.

Survey snags

Surveys can uncover potential problems, such as structural defects and electrical issues, which might cause a buyer to reconsider. As a seller, consider conducting a pre-sale survey to identify and address potential problems beforehand. Buyers should use survey results as a negotiation tool rather than a deal-breaker if they’ve got their heart set on a home.

Legal delays

Legal complexities can slow down or derail a transaction. Working with experienced, reliable solicitors who specialise in property law is crucial. Ensure that all your documentation is in order before going on the market, and be responsive to any requests for information from your estate agent.

Cold feet

Sometimes, buyers or sellers get cold feet. This is where the ‘contact sport’ element of estate agency comes into play. A good agent regularly contacts and reassures people involved in the deal, which helps keep everyone committed to the transaction.

Staying the course

Remember, knowledge is valuable in property transactions. By being prepared and aware of these common pitfalls, you can navigate the process more smoothly.

As your local estate agent, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your property journey is as seamless and successful as possible.

If you’d like a free property valuation or advice about marketing your home, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

One of the biggest challenges first-time buyers (FTBs) face is getting a deposit together.

Saving a large sum of cash while covering all your living expenses during a cost-of-living crisis is no mean feat.

But having a good plan and clear goals can make this daunting task more achievable.

Here are some tips to help you save for a mortgage deposit.

Number crunch

You’ll need a deposit that’s at least 5% of the value of the property you wish to buy. However, some FTBs aim for 10% or even 20% so they can secure a better mortgage deal.

Bear in mind that you’ll also have to pay legal, surveying and mortgage arrangement fees. Depending on where in the UK you buy and the price of the property, you may also have to pay stamp duty.

Budget

Once you know how much money you need to save, take a deep dive into your income and expenditure. Identify what you can trim back on (nights out) and cut out altogether (subscriptions, gym memberships).

Also, explore new ways of doing things. For example, buy second-hand clothing from platforms such as Vinted and Depop instead of shopping on the high street.

If you’re buying with another person, discuss your income and debts. It’s important you both lay your (credit) cards on the table, as you’ll have to declare your full financial history to your lender.

Tech

Download a budgeting app (free versions are available) to help monitor your incomings and outgoings and alert you to any overspends.

Set up an automatic transfer so that the amount you intend to save every month goes straight into a separate account on the day you get paid.

Seek support

If there’s a chance the Bank of Mum and Dad could lend a hand, now’s the time to talk. Ensure everyone is clear as to whether the money is a gift or a loan so it doesn’t become a source of conflict later. Note: if the money you’re given is a loan, you’ll need to tell your lender.

Also, explore the option of living with a friend or family member to reduce or eliminate your rental bill whilst you’re saving.

Savings account

When choosing an account for your deposit, shop around for the best deal. ISAs can be a great option because you don’t pay tax on the interest you earn.

Another product to consider is a Lifetime ISA; they’re tax efficient, and the government gives you a top-up of cash depending on how much you save. But be warned, with Lifetime ISAs, you face a hefty penalty if you withdraw the money for any purpose other than buying a home or retiring *.

Looking to take your first steps onto the property ladder? Contact us here at Chamberlains today.

* Terms and conditions apply. Always read the fine print carefully before you commit.

If you’re mulling over a move next year, you’ve probably thought of many scenarios, dreams and potential headaches.

This includes things like:

• How will I get the best price for my home?
• Where are the catchment areas for the best schools?
• How will our family react to moving?

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

We asked a tweenager, a child between 10 and 12 years old, whose family recently sold and moved to another home, what was on her mind as events unfolded.

It makes illuminating reading.

• Freedom

I was so excited to get my own room and not have to share it with my little sister.

• Closer friendships

I was happy to be moving closer to my friends.

• Excitement

I was excited to see the new house as soon as possible after Mum and Dad chose it.

• Anxiety

I was worried about getting the new house because something happened that stopped us from moving when we were supposed to (a glitch in the property chain).

• The best bit

One of the best bits about moving to a new house was that we could now get a dog.

• The great outdoors

The new house is bigger so it’s great to play with my sister in it, e.g. hide and seek, tag and I’ve now got space to practise my gymnastics outside.

• Bathroom bliss

There are more bathrooms here, which is good because we are a big family.

• Missing stuff

It was annoying when our house was all packed up, ready to move, because I couldn’t find my stuff.

Reflections and advice

We asked our ‘tweenage’ mover for advice for anyone in her age group whose family are moving home. Here’s what she shared.

• If you’re worried about the move, talk to someone about your feelings.

• Think of the fun parts of moving – maybe a bigger room, nearer friends, a new home.

• Always look for the positives.

Considering a family move? Contact us today for friendly, experienced and expert advice.

It can happen face to face or online, at work, school or in the community. But whatever form it takes and wherever it occurs, there’s no excuse for bullying.

As this week is Anti-Bullying Week, let’s look at how widespread bullying is, the signs to look out for and how best to deal with it.

How common is it?

While there may be a greater awareness of bullying these days, there’s still a lot of work to do to stamp it out.

22% of people aged 12 – 20 say they experienced bullying in the last year*. While in the workplace, one in ten workers say they’ve been bullied, and 47% say they’ve observed bullying**.

Signs and impact

Bullying can be hugely detrimental to someone’s mental health. It stops people from living their lives as they wish and can cause illness, anxiety and depression and result in self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Signs a child may be experiencing bullying

• Unexplained injuries
• Difficulty sleeping or bedwetting
• A reluctance to go to school and an increase in headaches or tummy upsets
• Altered eating habits
• Their schoolwork may go downhill

Signs an adult may be experiencing bullying in the workplace

• Loss of confidence and motivation
• Anxiety or depression
• Increased absence from work
• Reduced performance

What to do if you experience bullying

Talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing, and consider raising the issue with someone in authority who can take action. (You may discover that other people have raised concerns about your bully’s behaviour, too.)

Also, keep a record of when incidents occur so that if your complaint escalates, you have times and dates to back up your story. Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. The bully’s behaviour, not yours, is the problem.

What to do if you witness bullying

If you’re concerned that someone is being bullied, raise the issue with them privately. You may worry that the person in question will think you’re prying, but most likely, they’ll be grateful that you’re considering their wellbeing.

If they decline your offer to discuss the situation, point out who they could talk to in the school or organisation if they have an issue.

If you’d like to learn more about Anti-Bullying Week, visit anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, thanks for reading.

* Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme
** Psychiatry-UK.com

In this quick read, we delve into the importance of accurate valuations – and how to price your property with precision.

Don’t be tricked into high listing prices

The saying “stick it on high and wait for offers” is a common myth that doesn’t align with current market trends. A listing will gain the most attention within the first 48 hours of going live. If priced too high, prospective buyers will ignore it, and it may be viewed as an unworthy purchase. Be wise with your pricing strategy; you want to be ‘in’ the market, not just ‘on’ the market.

Estate agent leaflets: Fact or fiction?

You may receive countless leaflets claiming there are numerous buyers for your property, but how often is this true? In slower markets, such claims may be baseless. The key phrase to remember is, ‘Evidence breeds confidence’. This can be in the form of comparable properties in your area that have sold for a similar price and within a reasonable timeframe. If the claims lack proof, save the planet and pop the leaflet in the recycling!

Online valuations: A rough guide

Online valuations, especially on property portals, might tell you your home is worth more than it actually is. These are, at best, educated guesses ­– hence them being dubbed ‘guesstimates’ by agents in the know. Nothing can replace the knowledge and expertise of an experienced estate agent who can give you an accurate, personalised valuation.

Beware of next-door syndrome

Just because Bob and Janet’s house next door went on for £400,000 and yours is much better doesn’t mean yours will fetch £450,000. Analyse the complete picture. If their house has reduced its price several times and is still on the market after 11 months, a higher price for yours may not be realistic.

Trust in honest, experienced estate agents

At Chamberlains, we believe in honest, transparent valuations.

We’ll guide you through the entire process, present you with comparable evidence and ensure you understand every step.

Don’t let myths take you down the wrong (often painful) path.

Contact us for an accurate and fair assessment of your property. With years of experience in the Teignbridge housing market, we’re here to help you confidently navigate your property journey.

PS: There’s another myth that all estate agents wear really, really, really shiny shoes – we don’t.

The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder?

With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live.

Downsizers are often stereotyped as empty nesters flying the coop to enjoy retirement. But due to economic issues, a wider variety of homeowners are now looking to make a change.

For many of them, downsizing isn’t about starting a new chapter in life but securing financial breathing space by moving to a home (possibly in the same area) that is less expensive to buy and run.

Others looking to downsize may have returned to the office after the Covid working-from-home trend and no longer need as much living space.

Whatever the motivation for making the change, for those thinking about downsizing, here are five factors to consider.

Financial aims – It’s essential to have clear financial goals so you can determine a realistic budget for your next property. Are you looking to reduce your mortgage or become mortgage-free? Or is your aim to free up equity to help a family member? It may be useful to speak to a financial adviser so you can understand all the implications of your move.

Maintenance – If tending to a large garden and handling all the DIY is an unwanted burden, moving to a smaller place might be a welcome move. But bear in mind if you move to an apartment block, you may have to pay service charges and ground rent.

Look ahead – When choosing your next home, consider what your lifestyle is likely to be like five or ten years down the track. Think about issues such as maintenance and accessibility.

Space and storage – Downsizers should prepare themselves for a serious declutter. If you have lots of large pieces of furniture, consider giving some items away to friends or family.

Costs – Before you can enjoy reduced living costs in your new home, you’ll have to pay out on things like stamp duty, legal fees and removal expenses. Make sure you budget for these expenses.

If you’d like a free property valuation, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

* Figures show a 53% rise in downsizers active in the market from September 2022 to April 2023, Savills.

Accept an offer from a fast-talker or a faffer, and your hopes for a speedy property deal could be scuppered. Here’s how to choose the right buyer.

When it comes to property transactions, we often focus on the long list of questions buyers want answers to.

What’s the local area like? Where are the nearest good schools? And what about the boiler, electrics, water pressure, broadband and energy ratings?

A good agent will be able to deftly answer all these queries without pausing for breath. But a great agent will also have a long list of questions for potential buyers.

This is because a successful sale is about more than accepting a good offer for your property – it’s about getting a deal over the line. And to do that, sellers need to make an informed decision about the best buyer to make this happen.

Given that about 30% of sales fall through (our level is far less, thankfully!), and completion rates average between four and six months, you want to steer clear of ditherers and time-wasters.

While no deal comes with an ironclad guarantee, ask the following questions before accepting an offer:

– How is the buyer funding the purchase?

– If they’re selling their current property, is it on the market?

– If it’s not on the market, when will they list it?

– If their current home is on the market, when was it listed? (If the property hasn’t budged for a long time, there could be a problem with it.)

– If your buyer has accepted an offer for their own property, does this sale involve a property chain?

– Does the buyer have a mortgage deal arranged? When will the offer expire?

– Are there time constraints associated with moving, such as a school place application deadline or job offer?

– Do they have a solicitor in place?

– If someone says they’re a ‘cash buyer’, do they understand what this means? (Some buyers mistakenly assume it means selling a home and using the cash to buy another property. A true cash buyer already has the money in the bank, meaning they’re not in a chain.)

Once you have this information, and assuming you have more than one offer, you can weigh up your options.

You’re looking for an offer that is financially sound but also has a good chance of completing in a timeframe that aligns with your situation.

It may be that the highest offer also has the highest chance of falling through, while an offer that’s a few thousand pounds less is not as risky.

We’re experts at assessing potential buyers. Contact us today on 01626 365055 to see how we can help you choose the perfect buyer for your property sale.