How to Help Elderly Relatives Move Home

For an elderly relative, moving on to the next chapter of their lives can be an emotional experience. The need to move home might stem from financial needs, bereavement, health reasons, or the wish to be nearer loved ones. But whatever the catalyst, time, diplomacy, and tact are the order of the day.

Don’t rush

It’s essential to broach the subject of a move sensitively. A move in the twilight years is likely to be a final move, so it’s important to … Continue Reading…

Eight Ways to Celebrate National Children’s Day

The past year has been challenging for kids, so let’s make them feel special on National Children’s Day (NCD) on Sunday 16 May.

The lockdowns of the last year hit children particularly hard. While little ones often say they want to skip school, the reality is many find its structure reassuring. (Sadly, some also feel safer at school than they do at home.)

Not only did lockdown mean children couldn’t be with their friends, for many, it also meant less exercise and … Continue Reading…

Agent Fees: How to Get the Best Value Deal When Selling Your Home

Unless your name is Elon Musk, selling your home will probably be the biggest transaction you make in your lifetime. So, who will you entrust to get you the best deal?

Option 1: You go for the agent with the lowest fee. This agent is a doppelgänger for Del Boy, but you love the idea of saving yourself a few hundred quid in fees.

Option 2: You go for an agent who makes properties look and sound A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The fee is a … Continue Reading…

International Nurses Day: How People Can Say Thanks

As it’s International Nurses Day next week, we thought we’d share this brilliant quote with you: “Save one life, and you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, and you’re a nurse.”

International Nurses Day is on 12 May (the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing). It’s a chance to thank a profession that has given so much during the pandemic.

Nurses have served on the Covid-19 frontline for more than a year, delivering high-quality professional care along with unstinting compassion and … Continue Reading…

How to Spot a Committed Buyer When Selling Your Home

With demand currently outstripping supply in the housing market, sellers are in the driver’s seat, but there is still one hazard that could derail a sale: the flaky buyer.

In a hot market, it’s not uncommon for panicky buyers to make an impulsive offer or go beyond their financial limits.

A buyer might do this because they fear that prices are rising and the market is getting away from them. Or perhaps they’ve been outbid in the past and don’t want to … Continue Reading…

How You Can Support The Local Economic Recovery

As we emerge out of lockdown, there’s one thing you can do to help Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden recover from the pandemic – and that’s to shop local.

Independent traders are the lifeblood of communities, generating interest and footfall in our high streets and providing local jobs. But after an incredibly challenging year, small businesses need help to stay afloat.

The good news is that many of us discovered the benefits of shopping locally during the pandemic.

Figures show that 53% of us have … Continue Reading…

Four Ideas to Make the Most of Your Garden

When it comes to outside space, size doesn’t matter – it’s what you do with it that counts. According to a recent survey, gardens took the top spot on wish lists for both buyers and renters (source: Rightmove). Here are some tips for making the most of your outside space.

Light it up

Twinkling fairy lights can make even the most modest of spaces look magical. But to really put your garden in the spotlight, why not add some statement pendants or … Continue Reading…

Why Kerb Appeal Matters

First impressions are important. That’s why your home must have great kerb appeal when you’re selling. The outside of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see. It can help them decide whether or not they’d like to view the inside as well. Here are some questions about kerb appeal that we frequently get, and what you need to know to make your home stand out.

What is kerb appeal?

“Kerb appeal” is a phrase often associated with real … Continue Reading…

St George’s Day

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Ways to make your home more eco-friendly

Yesterday was World Earth Day. People across the globe were encouraged to be more mindful about the impact we all have on the planet.

But doing our bit for Mother Earth is a process and not an event as this article explains.

In our own homes in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden, we can continue to do things to help the Earth.  Here are some ideas.

Go local

The supermarkets are undeniably convenient. If you can though, frequent farmers’ markets. You’ll be reducing … Continue Reading…