Category Archives: News

Plan For a Plastic-Free Christmas

In this two-minute read, we explore ways we can all reduce the amount of plastic we use this festive period. And we’ve got a cracker of an idea for you to swap bad jokes for something to treasure.

If it’s too early for some people to mention the C-word, it’s the perfect time to discuss the P-word – Plastic.

Plastic is something that is at the top of any sustainable Santa’s naughty list.
There’s no getting away from the fact that we will … Continue Reading…

Richard James Shortlisted For Best In Region Award

We are thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for the 2019 Best Agent Central Region Award by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents.

The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 22 November. The Awards Dinner, hosted by the well-known national television broadcaster, Huw Edwards, will close Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference and Exhibition.

The 2019 Best Agent Central Region Award is … Continue Reading…

November Market Comment

As the Brexit debacle continues to be drawn out, so the evenings are drawing in. Home, as a place of warmth and sanctuary, becomes particularly significant at this time of year. It is interesting to note that a recent survey by Jackson Stops found that 70% of homeowners are unphased in their moving decision by Brexit issues. As we have reported before – most people just want to get on with their life and are more influenced by personal circumstances … Continue Reading…

Scruffy is the new Smart!

There is a lot of talk and numerous TV programmes about home improvement and the benefits of presenting your property at its best when the time comes to sell.

However, if you are thinking of selling and your property is not necessarily the prettiest in the street, or perhaps it is a bit tired, needs new carpets, redecoration etc, there’s no need to despair. Indeed, forking out thousands of pounds on improvements prior to a sale is not always the right … Continue Reading…

October 2019 Market Comment

Figures released from various sources suggest that the market – in terms of house prices at least, are holding their own, despite the political uncertainty we are currently witnessing. Year on year figures range from +0.6% (Land Registry) to +1.1% (Halifax). Nothing spectacular as an investment return, but it does demonstrate once again how resilient and reliable property can be – especially when it is regarded as a home rather than a commodity.

In the absence of the speculative buyers of … Continue Reading…

September 2019 Market Comment

This year, September reveals a mixed bag on the property scene. On the one hand, nationally, the number of new property listings in the UK fell by a whopping 13.2 per cent last month*. On the other hand, the latest figures by UK Finance suggest a strong growth in first-time-buyers – up 5.8% year on year.

Certainly the number of new-to-market properties traditionally declines over the summer months, but this usually ramps up again in September. It will be interesting to … Continue Reading…

Personal Accountability

Many properties in the East Northants area are as unique and distinctive as the people who buy them. So when selling yours, it is most important that your estate agent has a thorough understanding not only of your property, but also of the needs and preferences of every buyer who views it.

It is simply not good enough to load the property onto “the system” and hope for a sale, especially in this market. The promotion and sale of every property … Continue Reading…

What Property Ladder?

During the boom years, if you were minded to move house you simply got on and did so! Any delay in moving up in a rising market could prove expensive as the property you were buying would inevitably have appreciated more in cash terms that the one you were selling. Moving up the property ladder was all the rage as speculation, aspiration and wealth creation prompted a culture of expected property inflation, supported by “generous” lending by the banks.

Today of … Continue Reading…

Why Use An Estate Agent At All?

On the surface it might seem reasonable to consider selling your house yourself, yet only the smallest minority of people attempt to do so, even in the face of so-called “DIY online” estate agency platform, usually with disappointing results.

Yes, you could put a home-made board up in your front garden or publish your own ad on some private sellers’ or online agency website. But apart from the problem of appearing “cheapskate” to prospective buyers who might assume that you have … Continue Reading…