Advice for First-Time Landlords

Deciding to become a landlord is a big step.

It can be both exciting and daunting.

Here at Richard James Lettings & Management, we’ve got some tips on what you need to think about when renting out a property so you can make your first venture a smooth one.

Do some market research

To work out how much rent you could be expecting, have a look at similar properties in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden. If you’re not sure how much you should … Continue Reading…

Struggling to sell your home? Try these four tips!

Today we look at the reasons why people struggle to sell their homes and what can be done about it.

Monday was officially the most depressing day of the year, as if we needed reminding.

Scientists claim it’s the perfect storm for a downer.

Money is tight, resolutions have fallen by the wayside, and the weather is rubbish. Add to that the lockdown and you have a recipe for doom and gloom.

And if you have a home that won’t sell, you can feel … Continue Reading…

What’s your favourite good mood music?

In this 60-second speed read, we share ten tunes to put a spring in your step despite what’s going on in the world.

What do you get when you cross a fashion magazine with a scientist? And no this isn’t a joke from an open mic Zoom night at your local comedy club.

Vogue Magazine reported back in the first lockdown that a neuroscientist, Dr Jacob Jolij, claims to have discovered the perfect feelgood song formula. And here’s his top ten.

1 … Continue Reading…

Nine Ways to Help Your Child Succeed at Home with Distanced Learning

Following the recent announcement of a national lockdown across the UK, at Richard James we understand this may be a challenging time for families, as you try to juggle work with home school learning. With this in mind, we thought we would share a few handy hints and tips, as you prepare to assist with your child’s education.

1. Where possible, provide your child with a clear space to work, free from any possible distractions.

2. Ensure your child has the necessary … Continue Reading…

Leasehold Reforms: What You Should Know about the Government’s Changes

In this three-minute read, we look at England’s new leasehold reform package.

What will the new leasehold reforms, announced last week, deliver for leasehold property owners in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden? Here’s what we know so far.

Now, ‘leasehold reform’ may not be the sexiest of subject matters, but if you are one of the 4.3 million people in England who owns a leasehold property, don’t doze off as these changes could significantly impact you.

Background

England’s medieval leasehold laws are loathed by leaseholders … Continue Reading…

10 Feelgood Films to Bring Some Lockdown Light

We share 10 of the best feelgood movies to make staying at home that little bit more bearable.

At Richard James we love a good film, and we think the ones that have made it to this list are bound to leave you with a spring in your step and smile on your face.

In no order.

T. – Steven Spielberg’s extra-terrestrial is an all-time classic that is warming the hearts of children and adults nearly 40 years after its release.
UP – This … Continue Reading…

Eight Ways Homeowners Can Reduce Their Heating Costs

Here’s a question for you.

What happens when you have a national lockdown in winter?

Well, there a few things but one that’s guaranteed to happen is heating bills rocket.

More people are at home whether to work, learn or stay safe, which means the thermostat gets turned up to keep everyone warm for longer than usual.

The good news is the National Energy Foundation charity has shared eight tips to keep the costs down and cut the amount of energy we use. Here … Continue Reading…

How to Avoid Falling Prey to Fraudsters When Buying a Home

In this two-minute read, we look at the increasingly sophisticated scam that fraudsters are using to separate homebuyers from their hard-earned cash.

Even though we’re in lockdown, criminals are still out there trying to swindle people, so if you plan to buy a new home in 2021, please heed UK Finance’s latest warning about an email scam that is on the rise.

Here’s how it works. Fraudsters hack into the system of a conveyancing firm and monitor their emails. When a deal nears … Continue Reading…

Breaking News -The property market remains open despite new lockdown

The Prime Minister announced at 8pm last night people in England will be going back into lockdown following a surge in Coronavirus cases.

The tighter restrictions include schools shutting until the February half-term for most pupils. People must now work from home if they can, and only essential shops can remain open.

Which leads us to how these new measures will affect people wanting and needing to move home.

According to the Government’s latest advice issued on its website, people CAN still move home … Continue Reading…

10 Resolutions People are Making in 2021

A 90-second speed read to share some resolution ideas to bring some hope in 2021.

99.9 per cent of us cannot wait to see the back of 2020.

And what better time to draw a line under this ‘unprecedented’ year than the opportunity to welcome in a new year. And one which brings new hope.

Below are 10 of the most common resolutions people have made over the past five years, according to polling website You.Gov.

Exercise more.
Eat more healthily.
Lose weight.
Budget finances better.
Learn something … Continue Reading…