Buy to let boom continues with new mortgage highs

The buy to let sector is at its strongest for six years according to data released by the Bank of England.

Lending for buy to let mortgages jumped to a whopping £8 billion in the third quarter of this year – the highest quarterly lending volume since 2008 and up from £5.9 billion in the same period of 2013.

These are just the latest figures to show the private rental sector going through a boom.

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders lending … Continue Reading…

Seven great property ideas that never caught on

A few innovations that have belly-flopped, delivering something less than their publicists promised at the outset.

Good on the property industry for trying new things but here are seven reminders that this year’s heavily-funded great idea might just be next year’s embarrassing turkey.

1. City Centre Living: It’s over a decade since the property industry forecast that so many people would want to rent in regenerated city centres that an infinite number of buy-to-let apartments could be built (almost all of them, … Continue Reading…

Sellers! Don’t Wait for the New Year

Many think buyers stop looking at houses during the Christmas period and as such, would-be sellers often choose to put their property on the market in the New Year. However, 89% of Relocation Agent Network member estate agents, who responded to a December survey, recommend that prospective sellers go to market before the Christmas break…

Why? Well the Relocation Agent Network survey found two key reasons:

1. 41% of Relocation Agent Network agents said that it was the increased activity in online … Continue Reading…

Richard James Named Best Agent In Central Region By Relocation Agent Network!

We are delighted to announce we have won Relocation Agent Network’s prestigious 2014 Best Agent Central Regional Award at the Network’s annual National Conference, held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 14 November. This is the fourth successive year we have won this acclaimed award.

The annual prize gives the winning Network member the title of ‘Best Agent in the Central Region’ and is awarded on a number of criteria measuring the agent’s overall contribution to Relocation Agent … Continue Reading…

We Return From National Estate Agency Conference

The Richard James team have just returned from another fantastic and informative Relocation Agent Network National Conference. The day was packed with top tips, business recommendations and innovative ideas that we can’t wait to put into practice here in Wellingborough & Irthlingborough.

Taking place on 14 November at London’s Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, we heard from business experts including, digital media expert, Andrew Davis; one of few who predicted the economic crisis, Roger Martin-Fagg; and Jamil Qureshi, a top motivational speaker … Continue Reading…

Does your estate agent really know your home?

An interesting article written by J D Gallagher Estate Agents based in Lancashire.

Just recently I got engaged. It happened in New York which unknown to me at the time is the diamond capital of America. Having burst into tears (and of course saying yes), John and I went in search of the perfect engagement ring. I’m not going to bore you with my full story however some rather interesting events happened which I can relate to in the world of … Continue Reading…

Richard James Looks Forward To National Estate Agency Conference

The Richard James team will join fellow estate agents from across England, Scotland and Wales on 14 November to attend a National Conference in London. Hosted by Relocation Agent Network, the event is exclusively for its members (including us!) and a great opportunity to find out the very latest innovations and industry recommendations.

Taking place at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, the Conference will include a trade exhibition and expert keynote speakers including… digital media expert, Andrew Davis; one of few … Continue Reading…

Richard James Shortlisted For 2014 Best Agent In Central Region Award

We are pleased to announce we have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of independent estate agents, for the 2014 Best Agent Central Region Award.

The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 14 November. The Awards Dinner closes Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference, which this year is hosted by acclaimed comedy actor, Stephen Mangan.

Relocation Agent Network’s 2014 Best Agent Central Region Award … Continue Reading…

Mortgage lending falls, says Bank of England

Below is an interesting item published by Property Industry Eye. Does this mean mortgages are harder to obtain or are there less buyers in the market?

Mortgage lending dipped in September the Bank of England has reported.

The number of approvals for house purchase loans was 61,267, compared with the average of 64,720 over the previous six months, and down from August’s figure of 64,054. House purchase approvals were also at their lowest level for 14 months, and down 8.7% on September … Continue Reading…

Buying Vs Renting

According to a recent estate agency survey, buying a property is cheaper than renting one. Conducted by Relocation Agent Network, of which we are a member, not only is it cheaper to buy, but you could make significant savings of up to £1,500.

Relocation Agent Network, the national network of independent estate agents asked its members whether it was cheaper to buy or rent a property over the course of a calendar year. 87.5% said that it was cheaper to buy.

The … Continue Reading…