A Winter’s Sale?
There are many reasons why people put off selling their property at this time of year in the belief that there could be a better time to do it: it’s too cold, it’s too wet, it’s too dark, the house is not looking its best, school holidays, Christmas, New Year, etc. At this time of the year many people say they will wait until the spring before putting their home on the market, as that is supposedly the best time … Continue Reading…
Three Branches – Our Secret Weapon
One could argue that the more offices an agent has, the more exposure your property will enjoy. But would you really benefit if your agent has a branch in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Cardiff and Southampton as well as East Northamptonshire? Highly unlikely! Don’t be impressed by the sheer size of an agency – the only buyers that matter to you are those who may be interested in buying your property in your area.
However, we find that one of our most effective “secret … Continue Reading…
Richard James Shortlisted For 2016 Best Agent In Central Region Award
We are pleased to announce we have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2016 Best Agent Central Region Award.
The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at the 5-star luxury Sofitel Hotel and Conference Centre, Heathrow on Friday 18 November. The Awards Dinner closes Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference, and this year is hosted by comedian and actor, Miles Jupp.
Relocation Agent Network’s Best Agent Central … Continue Reading…
The Critical Importance of Referencing
In an ideal world, once a tenant has been found, it would be good to think that you, as a landlord, can simply sit back and watch your investment deliver the anticipated return on investment without further involvement. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why some letting agents only offer a tenant finding service. Simple really – or is it?
Experience is a great teacher, and we have proven time and again that tenants must be fully referenced before signing, … Continue Reading…
What’s Wrong With Rightmove & Zoopla?
There’s no question about it, buyers visit Rightmove and Zoopla because they provide easily-searched access to properties currently available for sale. Or do they?
Certainly property portals are efficient and estate agents have embraced them for many years as being an important addition to their marketing toolbox. On the surface, people no longer apparently need to register with an estate agent when looking for a property. However, those buyers who do register directly, tend to find they are offered properties before … Continue Reading…
October 2016 Property Market Comment
Powerful opposing forces seem to be keeping the property market in check this October, driven by the usual suspects. Demand remains high, but supply is still short. Interest rates are historically low, based on a bank rate of just 0.25%, so mortgages remain cheap, but are difficult to get, with 12% of self-employed applicants being turned down. House prices in the three months to September were 5.8% higher than the same time last year, but down 0.1% down on the … Continue Reading…
The Power Of Pre-Marketing
There is a strong argument for creating maximum exposure for a property during its time on the market, and much of our effort and resources are spent achieving the right exposure in the right places.
However, one of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few!
It works by taking advantage of the fact that people enjoy being offered something on an … Continue Reading…
Autumn’s All Go!
With the summer, and the initial confusion over the Brexit issue, now firmly behind
us, the market is active once again, and we actually find that we currently have far
more buyers than we do stock, but predict that there will be a run of properties
coming onto the market in the run up to Christmas. Those who enter the market
ahead of this rush are likely to be the winners, as they will be competing with old
stock.
New-to-market properties over old stock that might … Continue Reading…
Changes – Not Just Digital?
As we celebrate 25 years in business this month, we reflect on the changes that we have encountered since 1991.
This was the year the world wide web was created, the year that Bryan Adams achieved the longest running Number One with Everything I Do, I Do It For You and the year Freddie Mercury died. John Major was Prime Minister and and the UK went into recession. You could buy a terraced house in Wellingborough for less than £30,000!
On 13th … Continue Reading…
The Big Debate: Buying Vs. Renting
A recent survey amongst UK estate agency members aimed to find out which is the cheapest option when looking for a home: buying or renting. Conducted by Relocation Agent Network, of which Richard James Estate Agents is a member, the survey found that buying a house continues to be the cheaper option.
Relocation Agent Network, the national network of selected estate agents asked its members whether it was cheaper to buy or rent a three-bedroom semi-detached house over the course of … Continue Reading…