What You Should Know before You and Your Partner Live Together
If talk between you and your partner this Valentine’s Day turns to living together, there are a few practical things you should know first.
Here at Richard James we pride ourselves on being as helpful as possible.
But dishing out relationship advice is a step too far – even for us.
So, if you’re considering moving in with your partner, we’ll leave the big decisions and lovey-dovey stuff down to you.
However, if you decide to co-habit, we have some useful, albeit unromantic, advice for … Continue Reading…
Things Are Looking Up in the Property Market – Here’s Why
Good news: the latest data on buyer demand shows that the number of property hunters out in force is up by 14%*.
So, what’s driving this increased demand? And what does it mean if you plan to buy or sell in 2024?
Let’s take a look.
Interest rates
For a good chunk of 2023, interest rates were high (relative to recent years), and the possibility loomed that they could go even higher.
Many buyers, uncertain about where it would all end, were spooked and put … Continue Reading…
Renters Reform Bill: An Update for Landlords
After years in the making, it looks like the Renters Reform Bill – the biggest shake-up of the private rental sector in decades – will become a reality in 2024.
So, how much do you know about this wide-reaching set of proposals, and are you ready for them?
Be prepared
Perhaps you’ve read a few articles about the bill but have put off getting to grips with the details (after all, politicians put forward all sorts of proposals, many of which never happen).
Or … Continue Reading…
A Mum’s Eye View of Selling and Buying a Family Home
Here’s the penultimate part of our series of articles on a family’s views on selling up and moving home.
This family of five sold and moved last year, but their experiences (and emotions) are timeless.
We’ve shared the perspectives of a six-year-old, a ‘tweenager’ and a teenager, and now it’s mum’s turn.
The perfect home
“The journey to a new home began excitedly, especially when we found the ‘one’ – the property we loved and wanted.”
An emotional offer
“I felt joy and disbelief when … Continue Reading…
January Market Review
The first month of the year has been a total contrast to the to the last quarter of 2023. The housing market staggered to an end last year after being battered continuously by rising interest rates, affordability issues, slipping house prices and a lack of confidence.
The turn of the year has been a breath of fresh air, so far there is more optimism which has been mainly fuelled by the major mortgage lenders cutting their rates considerably. All of a … Continue Reading…
Seven Simple Steps for Tenants to Combat Mould and Condensation
In the winter, we’re guaranteed a few things.
It’ll be raining when we least want it to.
A local postie will still be wearing shorts, no matter how cold it is.
And condensation will appear at some point – often in our homes.
While you can’t do anything about the weather (or the postie’s clothing choices), you can take some simple steps to combat condensation.
We’ve come up with seven quick fixes that can dramatically reduce the risk of condensation, ensuring your home stays fresh … Continue Reading…
Bright Ideas: Boost Your Mood and Your Home’s Appeal with Natural Light
Who doesn’t love it when the sun’s out?
Well, apart from vampires, mushrooms and raincoat makers.
But seriously, natural light, especially sunlight, has significant mood-enhancing effects on our minds and homes.
For homeowners and residents, understanding how to harness this natural marvel in home design isn’t just about aesthetics but also a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s discover more.
Why sunshine is significant: The health benefits of natural light
Natural light is a natural mood enhancer. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of a … Continue Reading…
Top Tips to Help You Save for a Mortgage Deposit
One of the biggest challenges first-time buyers (FTBs) face is getting a deposit together.
Saving a large sum of cash while covering all your living expenses during a cost-of-living crisis is no mean feat.
But having a good plan and clear goals can make this daunting task more achievable.
Here are some tips to help you save for a mortgage deposit.
Number crunch
You’ll need a deposit that’s at least 5% of the value of the property you wish to buy. However, some FTBs aim … Continue Reading…
How to Spot the Signs of Illegal Subletting
Did you know that one in ten tenants admit to illegally subletting their rental property*?
The practice is even more common among young people; in a recent survey, 25% of tenants aged 18 to 24 confessed to secretly subletting all or part of their rental.
So why should landlords be concerned about illegal subletting? After all, if the rent still gets paid on time, what’s the problem? Here are a few reasons.
You have no idea who is living in your property and … Continue Reading…
Inside the Buyer’s Mind: Emotional Triggers in the Home-Buying Process
We’re estate agents, not mind magicians like Derren Brown, but recently, we’ve been delving into the psychological aspects of home buying.
It’s fascinating stuff.
For sellers, it can offer invaluable insights, helping them better understand how they (and their estate agent) can achieve the best possible price for their home.
Buying a home is not just a financial transaction; it’s a deeply emotional journey influenced by many psychological factors.
Let’s investigate some of these.
The emotional connection
At the heart of every home purchase is an … Continue Reading…