Category Archives: News

Guide to Switching Letting Agents

Did you know that lots of people pay more for their phone bills, car insurance or Wi-Fi simply because the thought of changing providers is too stressful? This is like a lot of landlords – they stick with the same letting agent they’ve used for years just because it’s easier to stay put.

We hate change. Why rock the boat? Sure, the boat may be leaking and have a dodgy fish smell, but is it really that bad?

Well, dodgy boat clichés … Continue Reading…

Mortgage Jargon Explained

If you’re new to mortgages, you’ll be forgiven for feeling a little bit overwhelmed. There’s a lot to sort out before applying for one and there are so many different types – it’s hard to know what to go for.

Whether you choose a high street lender or a more specialist one, it’s always worth talking to a mortgage broker to understand what you can afford to borrow and how much you’ll be repaying monthly.

When looking for a mortgage, you’ll need … Continue Reading…

Four Things to Consider When Buying a ‘Doer-Upper’

When searching for a new home, do you scroll past properties that look a little worse for wear? You know the ones, where the carpet hasn’t been changed since the 70s and the floral wallpaper is curling off the walls?

Lots of buyers look for newly renovated or new-build homes due to fear of the doer-upper. If that sounds like you, we’re here to tell you that you’re potentially missing out.

Older, unloved properties may look scary, but they’re often hiding bags … Continue Reading…

Four Things You Must Do If You’re an Accidental Landlord

If you’ve become a landlord due to unexpected circumstances such as bereavement or a new relationship, here’s some helpful advice.

It’s surprising how many people become landlords more by chance than design – or in other words, ‘accidental landlords’.

Whether through inheritance, a change in a relationship or a new job, sometimes people find themselves in the (rather fortunate) position of owning a property that they don’t want or need to live in. And instead of selling up, the owner decides to … Continue Reading…

How to Wow Buyers with a Spacious-Looking Home

Find out how you can impress buyers by making each room in your home look as spacious as possible.

Whether you’re marketing a one-bedroom flat or a seven-bedroom mansion, the same rule usually applies – big is beautiful.

We’re talking about big rooms, of course! It’s well known that a home that feels spacious will always fetch a higher price than a similar property that comes across as cramped and crowded.

The good news is you don’t need to go crazy with a … Continue Reading…

All You Need to Know about Double Glazing

Before you were a property owner, chances are windows were something you just looked out of to take in the view. You probably didn’t give them much thought and you might have cleaned them occasionally. That was it.

Now, as a homeowner, your single, double, or triple glazing means so much more. And if you’re about to renovate a property or upgrade your windows, it’s worth diving into the fascinating world of double glazing to find out more. (Honestly, it’s pretty … Continue Reading…

Can Nice Smells Help Sell Homes?

Have you got a big one? A small one? Maybe you’ve got a wonky one.

Whatever its shape or size, we’ve all got one.

We’re talking about your hooter. Smack bang in the middle of your face; the nose is a great tool when trying to sell your home.

Known as ‘scent branding’, businesses all over the world are investing in signature scents to harness the power of smells, memories, and emotion.

In simple terms, a nice smell can help your property stand out … Continue Reading…

The Key to Getting Top Price for Your Home (Hint: Choose a Great Estate Agent)

What separates a mediocre estate agent from an exceptional one? It’s not what they say; it’s what they do.

While some agents talk a big game, in reality they just go through the motions. But great agents (and we like to think that here at Richard James we fall into that category) go all out to get the very best deal.

That’s because top agents know that now, more than ever, every extra pound added to a sale price matters to sellers … Continue Reading…

What You Need to Know Before You Buy Your First Property

Taking that first step on the property ladder is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. No matter how old you are, buying your first property will make you feel like a proper grown-up.

Before you even find the right property, there’s lots to learn, so in this quick read, we’ve pulled together our top five tips for first-time buyers.

Be mortgage savvy
There are so many different options when buying a first home – whether you’re getting a loan from the bank of mum and … Continue Reading…