Author Archives: Richard Fowler


Why Your Home Could Be Bad for Your Health

For most of us, our home is a haven. But what if it is making you ill

Mould and damp

Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture in the home – perhaps due to leaking pipes, roof damage, or condensation build-up. They can cause respiratory issues, nausea and vomiting, and general illness, so it’s important to stay ahead of any fungal growths or damp patches.

Quick tips to prevent mould are:

Air your bathroom when bathing to get rid of condensation
Keep your home … Continue Reading…


Richard James Shortlisted For Best In Region Award

We are thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for the 2021 Best Agent Central Region Award by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents.

The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday 3 December 2021. The Awards Dinner, hosted by the television broadcaster, Georgie Barrat, will close Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference and Exhibition.

The 2021 Best Agent Central Region Award is an annual prize that … Continue Reading…


Landlords – Five Fantastic Ways to Make More Profit

Some people think the only way landlords can make more profit is to ruthlessly keep hiking up their tenants’ rent.

But that’s incorrect on two fronts. Firstly, continually increasing a tenant’s rent is no strategy to keep them long term. Secondly, the five ways we’re about to share with you can increase your bottom line without being mercenary.

Review your mortgage rates – regularly: Start by lowering your biggest regular cost – your buy-to-let mortgage. It’s possible to secure a new mortgage … Continue Reading…


Why You Should Prepare Now for a Post-Christmas Sale

There’s one day of the year when the stars align for sellers in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden, and it’s not too far off.

If you’re planning on selling up anytime soon, you’d be mad not to capitalise on this opportunity.

Keep reading to find out more.

Behold the Boxing Day home hunters

You may think the festive season, with its public holidays, boozy lunches, and family gatherings, isn’t a great time to take a property to market – but you’d be wrong.

Internet traffic booms … Continue Reading…



How Landlords Are Finding and Keeping Dream Tenants

‘Finders keepers, losers weepers.’ It’s a timeless rhyme used every day in school playgrounds around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough, Rushden and all over the UK.

It often applies to someone finding something that’s unowned or abandoned. But it also resonates with local landlords when it comes to having the second most important piece of the rental puzzle – great tenants.

Finding these excellent tenants is one thing. Keeping them is another. And some landlords lose these precious people because of basic, unnecessary errors. It’s enough … Continue Reading…


How to Make Money from Your Clutter

Let’s face it, as a nation, we like a lot of stuff. Whether we’re panic buying loo rolls or ordering fashion bargains online, sometimes all the ‘stuff’ can take up valuable space in our homes.

With Chrimbo within touching distance, there’s no better time to declutter and make space for all those gifts. Plus, by selling things on, you’re not only making money but you’re doing your bit for the environment and sending less to landfill. Win-win!

Plus, if you are thinking … Continue Reading…


Things to Do Before Buying a Run-Down Property

Got your eye on a property that needs some major TLC? Whether a rental investment or a new home, there’s lots to consider when buying a run-down property.

Finances

First things first, is the property mortgageable? Or is it so run-down that no one will lend you money? If it’s the latter, you may have to think of other financing options such as a bridging loan (a short-term loan), cash (if you have the money available), or a joint venture (if you … Continue Reading…


Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Shocking Statistic That Landlords Should Know

We recently read a statistic about private landlords that left us scratching our heads.

A whopping 56% of private renters say they live in a property that doesn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm*.

Can such a high percentage of landlords really be ignoring safety advice and flouting regulations on carbon monoxide alarms?

By law, any room in a rental property with a solid fuel-burning device or a gas appliance (such as a boiler) should have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

These rules are there … Continue Reading…


Mortgage Fees: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to finding the best mortgage deal, there’s one question savvy home buyers should ask themselves.

And it’s not: “Which deal is offering the lowest interest rate?”

While interest rates are obviously important, mortgage hunters should ask: “Which deal represents the best value overall?”.

That’s because many of the ultra-low interest rate deals available right now come with fees.

For some home buyers, a zero-fee product with a slightly higher interest rate will represent better value in the long term. (It all … Continue Reading…