Is Your Rental Property Gas Safe?

Yesterday, Monday (14th) was the beginning of the tenth annual Gas Safety Week.

The awareness campaign is timed to get people thinking about and checking their gas appliances as the autumn chill starts to take hold.

Gas Safety Week’s goal is to raise awareness among homeowners and landlords about the crucial importance of having their gas appliances serviced every year.

And while homeowners don’t legally need an annual gas safety certificate – landlords do.

You cannot lawfully start a tenancy unless a gas safety … Continue Reading…

Why Overvaluing Your Property Costs You in the Long Run

Today we look at why setting an unrealistic asking price can delay and even derail the sale of your home.

If you’re planning on putting your property on the market, there’s one key piece of advice to remember.

It’s not a slick statement from a TED Talk or the title of a trendy self-help book. It’s an age-old saying that your Nana probably used: “If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.”

Vendors should keep this in mind when looking for … Continue Reading…

Three Reasons Why The Property Market Is Flying High

Last month saw the UK record its highest temperature in 17 years.

And it’s not just the weather that’s been red-hot.

The property market in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden is going through a blisteringly busy period.

At Richard James, we’re seeing a surge in the number of buyers seeking property locally.

Unprecedented was an often-used word to describe the lockdown experience we all went through. And it feels like an appropriate word to use, especially when describing what’s happening in terms of people wanting to move.

But … Continue Reading…

August Market Comment

As soon as the Brexit decision was “concluded” late last year, we were hit by the pandemic. Four years of uncertainty was condensed into a bottle neck of demand, which was then frustrated by three months of lockdown – and longer hair! But three months of hair growth does not require three haircuts – yet three months of pent-up housing demand DOES require three times the stock availability!

That bottle stopper has now been released, prompted by the end (?) of … Continue Reading…

Warning – Look Out for the Phone Criminals

We look at the despicable criminals targeting people’s phones in Northamptonshire and what we can do to stop them.

Do you know your fishing from your phishing?

While one is a gentle pastime popular among millions, the other according to Wikipedia, is this:

Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication, usually an email.

In other words, it’s a scam email.

But now we … Continue Reading…

Six Ways You Can Spot a Legal Eagle From A Tired Turkey

When you are selling a home, you have two crucial decisions to make.

Firstly, choosing the right estate agent to sell your home is often the difference between getting a good deal or ending up with no deal.

Secondly, selecting the right conveyancing solicitor will no doubt make your life easier and less stressful. Picking a bad one often leads to headaches, hassle and having to chase them up continually.

During the 29 years we’ve been serving the people of around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and … Continue Reading…

Seven steps to being a successful landlord in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden

Being a landlord can be challenging, complicated and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

By following these quick tips below, you’ll make your life easier and your properties more profitable.

1)            Get Three (Free) Valuations. So, you have a property to rent? We suggest calling in three different letting agencies to compare prices, people, and approach. Be careful not to be sucked in by cheap fees as it’s often reflected in the service you get.

2)            Picking a Letting Agent. … Continue Reading…

Property Prices Holding Steady According to National Survey of Estate Agents

Summer is traditionally the busy season for property sales and despite negative post lockdown predictions, the UK housing market would appear to be heating up again this summer. That’s according to a recent national property survey, conducted by Relocation Agent Network, of which Richard James is a member.

Survey respondents, including Richard James, found that property sales and rental activity are steadily accelerating as the market tries to regain momentum after a slow spring, when the UK Government’s Covid-19 restrictions put so many … Continue Reading…

Simple Garden Makeover Tips for Sellers

Smarten up your garden to boost its appeal when thinking of selling your home.

One of the most significant property trends to emerge from lockdown is the growing importance of outdoor space to buyers.

Industry insiders report that post-lockdown, an increasing number of people are looking for homes with a garden – or at least access to communal spaces.

This anecdotal evidence is backed up by Rightmove, which says searches for homes with gardens increased by 42% in May.

With buyers’ priorities shifting, we … Continue Reading…