Category Archives: News

Why Overvaluing Your Property Could Spell Disaster

So, your home is on the market, you’ve decluttered, the sink is sparkling, and you’re patiently waiting for potential buyers to come and view your property. A few people arrange appointments, but no one seems interested; it’s been weeks. Have you been hit by the curse of an overvaluation?

Overpriced properties can sit on the market for months. Viewings become as rare as sighting the Loch Ness Monster; the agent’s gone quiet and your hopes of moving are slowly slipping away.

In … Continue Reading…

Why a Good Tradesperson is a Landlord’s Secret Weapon

If you’re a seasoned landlord, chances are you’ve experienced at least one out-of-hours call from a panicked tenant about a leaky toilet or boiler breakdown. Why is it these things never seem to happen at a reasonable hour?

Repairs and maintenance of your rental portfolio can be costly and stressful, so having trustworthy contractors is invaluable. You need someone who you know will get the job done and (hopefully) won’t charge you exorbitant fees to do so.

For newer landlords, finding a … Continue Reading…

What Affects the Value of Your Property?

If you’re planning to sell your property, the first question that you’ll inevitably ask is how much it’s worth. Your home may be invaluable to you and your loved ones, but it’s also got a market value.

But how is a property valued? Is there a magic formula? How does an agent decide its worth? And why might your property be valued less than the house two doors down?

In this quick read, we look at different factors that affect the value … Continue Reading…

Weird and Wonderful Ways the World Celebrates NYE

Want Good Luck for the Year Ahead? Check Out These Global Traditions

Whether you’re planning a big night out, popping open the champers in front of the TV or having an early night, New Year’s Eve is all about having a good time any way you want.

From fireworks to group singsongs, late bedtimes for kids and lie-ins for sore heads the next day, the UK loves a celebration. But while we clasp hands and sing an out-of-tune rendition of Auld Lang … Continue Reading…

What You Can Expect As A Landlord in 2023

It’s safe to say, 2022 has been a year full of change for landlords. The last 12 months have seen more buy-to-let landlords selling up than ever before despite the demand for rental properties surging.ith new laws in force impacting landlords across the UK, the media has described such changes as a ‘war on landlords’, whilst tenants’ rights groups have applauded reforms around health and safety and eviction rules.

So, what next? What can landlords look forward to (or not) in … Continue Reading…

What will the property market look like in 2023?

So what will the property market be doing in 2023? Who can predict?

The last year has been an adventure with mortgage interest rates steadily and consistently rising throughout the year with rates now sitting at a 14 year high. Property prices are now lower than they were at this point last year but the demand for buying and moving home hasn’t wavered.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation and turbulence in Government, it seems many of us still want to get … Continue Reading…

Christmas Toy Appeal 2022

Our Christmas toy appeal for 2022 has come to an end and we have been absolutely overwhelmed with the response! We’d like to send a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to our toy appeal and took the time to drop toys into our three branches in Rushden, Wellingborough and Irthlingborough.

The toys have now been passed on to the Evening Telegraph newspaper. They will be distributed to children who are less fortunate across East Northants. Jeanette Walsh, who … Continue Reading…

Why Property Management is Value for Money for Landlords

As a landlord, you might have invested in property for additional income; maybe it’s a way to save for your future, or perhaps you’re an accidental landlord and had to rent your property out due to a change in circumstances.

Whatever the reason, it’s a safe bet that you want to make a good return on your investment.

But while you’re happy to use a letting agent to find tenants, when it comes down to it, you just can’t bring yourself to … Continue Reading…

Are Mortgage Overpayments Good or Bad?

Mortgages are dull. Let’s be honest. They’re huge commitments, they’re complicated to arrange and in the current climate, it’s understandable if the thought of a mortgage gets you a bit jittery.

Putting rising interest rates to one side (easier said than done) and ignoring the doom and gloom news we’ve been exposed to over the last few months, it’s time to talk about mortgage overpayments.

What are they? Are they a good or bad thing?

In this four-minute read, we explain the ins … Continue Reading…

Five Mortgage Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Here are five tips to help mortgage hunters find the best deal in the current market.

With inflation and interest rates rising and so much uncertainty in the market, choosing the right mortgage deal in the current climate can be daunting.

While no one has a crystal ball to predict exactly what will happen over the next 12 months, mortgage brokers suggest you follow these five common-sense rules* when looking for a mortgage.

Get advice from a good mortgage broker

It’s helpful to do your … Continue Reading…