March Market Update
With the housing market you can never predict the future. As the market was starting to show positive signs of improvement, the conflict in Iran began on the first weekend of the month.
Strangely the month of March has been a particularly strong month for our business agreeing more sales in one given month for over two years. We have seen buyer demand improve which is the opposite to what was expected.
We believe pent up demand from the slow stop, … Continue Reading…
A Guide to Selling a Probate or Inherited Property
Selling the property of a deceased relative is very different from an ordinary house sale.
Alongside the practical steps, there is often grief, family discussion and the responsibility of making the right decisions for everyone involved.
In many cases, probate will be required before the sale can be completed.
Probate is the legal authority to deal with someone’s estate, including their property, money and possessions. If you are named as executor in a will, you can apply for probate.
If there is no will, … Continue Reading…
Preparing for New Tenants? Here’s How to Get It Right First Time
Welcoming new tenants into your property should feel like the beginning of a positive, professional relationship.
The key to achieving that is preparation.
When a property is properly prepared, it attracts better tenants, reduces early complaints and sets clear expectations from day one.
It also protects your investment and your reputation as a landlord.
If you’re getting ready for a new tenancy, here are ten sensible steps to follow.
1. Carry out a full inspection
Walk through the property carefully. Check for loose fittings, leaks, cracked … Continue Reading…
How to Switch Estate Agents Successfully
If your home’s been on the market a while with little interest, it’s natural to wonder if a change is needed.
Before you switch, here’s what to consider:
1 – Be clear why
Overvaluation, poor communication, weak marketing or broken promises are common triggers. If trust has slipped, that matters.
2 – Check your contract
Look at notice periods and any exit fees before making moves.
3 – Ask better questions
When speaking to a new agent, ask:
“What three things will you do differently to sell my … Continue Reading…
Thinking of Switching Letting Agents? Here’s How to Do It Properly
Thinking of switching? It feels like a big move, but done properly, it’s usually straightforward.
Here’s what to check first:
1 – Know your reasons
Poor communication, late rent payments, weak inspections, or compliance concerns are common triggers. If several apply, it may be time.
2 – Read your contract
Check notice periods, termination clauses and any exit fees. Your agency agreement is separate from the tenancy.
3 – Line up a new agent first
Have someone ready before serving notice. A good agent will guide the … Continue Reading…
February Market Update
As we officially move into spring, the housing market is still uncertain as we are experiencing very inconsistent weeks, one week is slow, the next is busy. The biggest difficulty is the number of properties on the market compared to the number of active viewers buying. Currently there are over 1,600 properties for sale within a five mile radius of Wellingborough which gives buyers a massive choice but dilutes sellers chances of generating viewings.
When the Bank of England met last month … Continue Reading…
Into Room 101: The Biggest Turn-Offs for Home Buyers
For anyone unfamiliar, Room 101 is from George Orwell’s classic book, Nineteen Eighty-Four.
The room was the place containing a person’s worst fears.
It later became a well-known TV show, Room 101, where guests tried to banish their pet hates forever.
When it comes to selling a home, buyers often have their own “Room 101” list.
These are little things that instantly put them off, sometimes before they’ve even realised why.
The good news for sellers? Most are easy to avoid with quick fixes.
Here are … Continue Reading…
Why it Pays for Landlords to Have Funnel Vision
Landlords’ focus on rent levels is understandable more than ever.
Rents are rising, but (or maybe because) costs are increasing.
It is no surprise that many landlords now focus heavily on achieving the highest possible figure.
Headlines talk about growth. Portals show record prices. It can feel like the obvious goal is to push rent to the absolute limit every time it’s up for review.
The problem with tunnel vision
This is what we call tunnel vision.
The focus is firmly on the immediate result: what … Continue Reading…
Sellers: Get Your Home READY for Success
Selling a home works best when it is based on preparation rather than hope.
For local homeowners, we believe moving should feel organised, honest and in safe hands. That is why we guide every seller through five simple principles we call READY.
The property world is full of letters and jargon. Sellers hear about EPCs, AML checks, memorandums of sale and endless forms. Those details matter, but a successful sale still depends on something simpler: being properly READY before the first buyer … Continue Reading…
FAO Landlords: Protect Your Rental with CARE
Renting works best when it is based on trust rather than transactions.
For local landlords and tenants, we believe the property rental experience should be human, straightforward, and fair.
That is why we follow four simple principles known as CARE.
The property industry is full of acronyms.
Landlords hear about EICRs, EPCs, ASTs, GSCs and DPS rules almost every week.
Those letters matter because they keep properties safe and tenancies legal. But behind all that compliance, good letting still comes down to how people are … Continue Reading…