2021 Paint Trends: Why Magnolia is Out, and Dead Salmon is in!

For millions of Brits, getting through this pandemic has been a case of “Keep Calm and Carry On with DIY”.

To stop themselves from climbing the walls from boredom and frustration, they’ve turned to painting them.

As a result, DIY chains such as B&Q have recorded surging sales, while paint company Dulux had to ration the sale of paint pots and testing kits last year to cope with rising demand.

As so many people are giving their homes a fresh lick of paint … Continue Reading…

Nine Random Acts That Will Sprinkle Joy and Positivity

Many people are going through a dark time right now, but there is a way you could make at least one person’s day a little brighter.

As this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, why not surprise and delight someone with a small, generous gesture?

It doesn’t have to be a grand affair; even a small effort could leave someone buzzing for the rest of the day.

And don’t forget that kindness is contagious, so your good deed could well inspire the … Continue Reading…

Are We Entering the New Roaring Twenties?

As the weather turns for the better, the vaccine programme accelerates across the UK, and green shoots of the ‘old normal’ start to spring up, here at Richard James we’re feeling hopeful.

A fascinating article published last week predicted that an economic and cultural boom will start when the lockdowns are lifted, and Covid-19 is made much more manageable.

Will History Repeat Itself?

It happened after the Spanish Flu Epidemic, which ravaged the globe in the early 20th century.

Lasting from February 1918 to April … Continue Reading…

Seven Ways to Make a Tenant Feel at Home

In this three-minute read, we look at a new report that outlines how Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden landlords can build a long and prosperous partnership with their tenant.

What’s the secret to a successful tenant/landlord relationship? It’s a question that has vexed property gurus through the ages, but now the University of Stirling thinks it has the answer.

A new report from the university, Making a Home in the Private Rented Sector, says the key to a long and happy property partnership is to make … Continue Reading…

Looking to Move? We’re Open for Business!

Looking to Move? We’re Open for Business!

As England continues its third lockdown, we want to reassure our customers or those thinking of moving house that Richard James is still open for business and COVID-safe.

The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees remains our top priority and we want to continue to play our part in reducing the spread of the virus within our local community. As such, we’ve conducted a thorough risk assessment across our business and put measures … Continue Reading…

Three Stories to Get You in the Mood for Valentine’s Day

In this two-minute read, we share three stories that shine a light on affairs of the heart in the lead up to Valentine’s Day on Sunday.

Lockdown celebrations

One thing star-crossed lovers in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden don’t have to worry about this Valentine’s Day is bagging a reservation at a candle-lit restaurant.

In “normal times”, even the most mediocre eatery is booked solid on 14 February, but – alas – thanks to lockdown that won’t be the case this year.

So how … Continue Reading…

The Loves and Hates of Homeowners

With Valentine’s Day coming up at the weekend, we look at ten reasons why property owners think their homes are dreamy or dreary. A three-minute read.

Top five things people love about their homes

1. A room with a view

Beautiful views are calming, provide distraction, and reduce claustrophobia. Lucky homeowners who look out upon an unspoilt view are also less likely to be overlooked by their neighbours. So, they needn’t worry about Owen from over the road seeing them in their PJs.

2. … Continue Reading…

Four Reasons Why Home-schooling is Like Selling a Property

Today we look at the parallels between home-schooling and selling your home.

If you’re a parent working from home and managing childcare commitments, we salute you. It’s not easy dashing from one task to the next in what feels like a never-ending lockdown juggling act – but there is a bright side.

Some of the lessons you’re learning right now will come in handy should you plan to sell your  home.

The power of patience

The secret to staying sane while home-schooling is patience. Losing … Continue Reading…

How to Advise Tenants Who Won’t Be Told about Mould

Let’s unpack what Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden landlords can learn from the findings of the memorably titled Mouldy Nation Report.

Firstly, before you ask, yes there really is a document called the Mouldy Nation Report (we’re not making it up).

Uswitch, an energy and finance comparison website, produced the report after surveying 2,000 people from across the UK about mould in their homes. It found that:

62% of people have an issue with mould in their home.

Of those with a mould problem, 64% were … Continue Reading…