Your October Newsletter is here!

Christmas Wine Fair at Hatfield House

Perfectly timed to help you get your cellar stocked and stockings filled in the run up to Christmas.

Click here to read Christmas Wine Fair at Hatfield House.

Some questions you might not ask your agent when moving

You know the feeling. It happens during so many important events in life. You go on a viewing, it’s such an interesting and exciting process that you become a little flustered. You walk from room to room, loving what you see. You are enamoured and excited, so you forget to ask an important question. While you can always contact your agent at any time to gain more information, it's important to remember that your agent is an invaluable partner in your moving journey. So here are a few questions that you might not think to ask to add to your list.

If you are selling

How long will it take to sell my home?
Your agent is an expert in the market and area you want to buy or sell. So, while your agent can’t look into a crystal ball, they will be able to give you a good indication of how long it will take to sell your home. Agents are also dialled into local property trends. Your home is unique and may sell quickly.
What are the terms of your contract?
It’s important to communicate with your agent about all aspects of your move and never be afraid to ask too many questions. Different agents offer varying contracts, so it’s important to know the terms of yours. Talk to your agent about your individual requirements, and a good agent will meet your needs, and create a contract which will reflect them.
How quickly will my home appear on the market?
A good agent will value your home at the right price and take care of all marketing swiftly, from photographs to getting your property advertised. Estate agents today have a vast database of buyers ready to buy. Add to this the vast number of home movers that agents are in daily contact with, and chances are they may already have a buyer for your home in mind. And when it’s time to accept or reject an offer, your agent will keep you on the right path.

If you are buying

What is this area like to live in?
Whether you need to know the proximity to local transport links, schools, or places to carry out your hobbies, your agent will know. They will have sold properties and dealt with many clients in the area you want to move to or from. You will want to enjoy your new life as much as possible, and your agent will answer other key questions, such as where you can find the nearest good pub!
Can you help me negotiate an offer?
When it’s time to make an offer, a good agent is invaluable. Their vast market knowledge and experience when it comes to judging the market and the condition of the property in question are crucial. Ultimately, it’s your choice, but with the right guidance, you can pay the right price for the home you want.
If I improve the property, how much value will it add?
Whether you have already made some alterations or are thinking of buying a home with a view to updating it, your agent can tell you all you need to know. It could be that you are interested in making small improvements, like painting or decorating. Or you may decide on a grand design with the very latest in energy efficiency. The same goes if you add an outdoor space, a new kitchen, or convert the attic. Sometimes it’s better to get this information before you buy to see which property will give you the biggest returns.
From your mortgage to your big move
Modern estate agents can help with every aspect of your move, from getting the right mortgage to discovering a great buy-to-let investment. You will have many questions and maybe a few concerns. Moving can be stressful and full of legal pitfalls. You want every aspect of your new home to work for you, and a good agent can make that happen while supporting you, making for a happier home-moving experience.

Tenants, here are some money-saving tips for you

Finding a great home can save you money as well as make you feel happy and content. It’s so much easier to enjoy nights in and almost every other aspect of your life in a snug, well decorated, and energy-efficient home. You just feel better from the moment you wake up, and that feeling stays with you throughout the day. As the nights draw in and as the cold becomes more severe, you can’t be blamed for feeling a little apprehensive when it comes to managing your bills through the winter months. And with Christmas approaching, you don’t want to feel the pinch too much, so here are a few things you can do that may help you relax.

Stay snug
There are lots of little things you can do that, when combined, will make a big difference while keeping you warm and saving you some money. And choosing a well-insulated home in the first place means you are well on your way.

Turn down the heating thermostat or turn the heat off at night.
Make good use of quality curtains or blinds to stop heat from escaping through the windows. Open them fully during the day to trap the sunlight.
Block any drafts using a draft excluder or door snakes- some are very pretty!
Move your sofa if it's blocking your radiator.
Turn off any radiators you don’t need.
Invest in a nice throw and curl up on those colder nights.

Food
The price of food has shot up, and this is one of the biggest expenses for most households. The old saying that you are what you eat still rings true. It’s all about quality. TikTok and food blogs have thousands of recipes that will keep you healthy and save you money. Batch cook; that way, you have prepared meals for a few days and used less energy. Timing is key when it comes to finding bargains in the supermarket or hunting for discounts online. Having less takeaways and more home cooking saves a lot of money. For example, have you ever made fresh pizza? They can cost less than a couple of quid to make and taste amazing! In addition, planning is a top tip, a simple list on your phone that you can add to throughout the day in the form of ingredients will stop you from impulse-buying expensive processed meals. This means meal preparation takes less work as you are prepared. A home with a good kitchen always helps the cause.

Budget
Create a budget for everything from heating bills to entertainment. Even if you are not a lover of a good list, it will make you stick to a predetermined budget if it’s written down. If you only have a small amount left over for entertainment, then think of something that does not blow the budget. Maybe it’s time to invite friends around? It’s often useful to shop around for everything, from insurance to energy suppliers.

Your energy bills
Did you know that if you pay your energy bills as a tenant, you can choose which supplier you can use? Thankfully, energy bills are reducing at long last. Using a cost-effective energy supplier combined with energy-efficient appliances in a well-maintained property with an already good EPC rating can all add up to significant savings.

The right agent can lead you to the right home
If you are relaxed in the place you call home, then everything is easier. Finding the best property for you that makes you feel settled so that you can sleep well, enjoy having friends around, and make use of a good garden all add to your well-being. These things make it easier to implement money-saving strategies and lead to a healthier, more cost-efficient lifestyle. Opting for a fully managed property means you will be taken care of completely. From viewing, tenancy agreements to your home’s maintenance. It’s little wonder more and more people are choosing to rent.

Insurance
Make sure you are insured. Having good contents insurance will protect your precious belongings. The last thing you need is to fork out thousands if you accidentally damage your property.

Are you looking for a better life? Then find a better home with us. Contact us

Heating your home this autumn: Top tips that save you money

The days are getting shorter and darker, and as autumn leaves begin to fall and the temperature starts to drop, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. You want to be snug and cosy without worrying about the costs of energy bills before the cold of winter bites. Then you can relax and enjoy your home in the colder seasons of the year.

Book a checkup for your boiler
Before the cold weather sets in, it’s always wise to book a boiler checkup. A certified technician can ensure that your heating system is in good working condition, identify any potential issues, and perform necessary maintenance. This not only helps your system run efficiently but also extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

A change is as good as a rest!
It's important not to block radiators where possible, so consider rearranging your furniture as the cold seasons begin. And your new arrangement might leave more space for seasonal decorations or a stash of logs! If you have a radiator heating system, it's essential to bleed them regularly. Trapped air can prevent them from working efficiently, leading to uneven heating. Bleeding your radiators will ensure they operate at their best.

Get a smart thermostat
Instead of heating your home too early or too late, flick the heat on as you leave for home. So, you don’t have to waste energy setting your thermostat to come on at the same time each day. All that waste can be costly. It’s a game-changer when it comes to heating your home efficiently. This is because it allows you to control your heating remotely. Many smart thermostats also learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimising energy usage.

Only heat the rooms you need
There's no point in heating a room you don’t use! Perhaps turn off the radiator in the kitchen if you are cooking; the heat from your oven will warm it sufficiently to dry your tea towels! Heating specific areas of your home instead of the whole house is an energy-efficient way to keep warm. You could also use portable heaters or adjustable radiator valves, so you can focus warmth where you need it most, such as the living room or bedroom, while keeping other areas cooler.

Insulate your home
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing heating costs. Check for gaps and drafts around windows and doors, and seal them using weatherstripping or caulk. You may also consider adding extra insulation to your attic and walls for better heat retention.

Dress your windows
Maybe it’s time to buy some new curtains; they may freshen up your rooms. If the answer is no to this suggestion, keep them closed during the evenings and at night to reduce heat loss. During sunny days, open them to let natural sunlight warm your rooms, saving energy.

Solar panels that pay for themselves!
Solar panels are becoming more affordable and are available on finance from big energy suppliers. You may have the option to sell your electricity back to your local supplier which means your solar panels could pay for themselves. Consider a heat pump. Both of these technologies harness natural resources to provide heating and can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long term. They will also add value to your home and make your home more desirable.

Are you interested in buying a more energy-efficient home?

Great news if you are expanding your property portfolio

It’s a good time to expand your buy-to-let portfolio in the ever-evolving landscape of the UK rental market. Opportunities often arise when you least expect them. As some landlords start selling their properties, a silver lining has emerged if you are expanding your portfolio, particularly if you are a seasoned landlord.

Rental-ready properties await you
The current climate offers a golden opportunity for individuals interested in acquiring buy-to-let investment properties. The demand for rental properties remains extraordinarily strong, and eager tenants are actively seeking properties to rent like yours. The databases of letting agents are filled with an increasing number of tenants waiting to rent a property. The good news is that you might even find properties with tenants already in place, ensuring immediate returns on your investment. With an existing tenant base, you can quickly start earning rental income, and your agent will source them and take care of the entire process for you.

Inflation is on a downward trajectory
The outlook for seasoned landlords is looking good. Inflation falling suggests that things are going in the right direction, and now is the time to invest. Projections suggest that interest rates and inflation are set to trend downward in the long term. With falling interest rates, your mortgage payments are likely to be more manageable, contributing to healthier profit margins. There are currently many mortgage products available, and if property prices rise again in the future, you will gain a better return on investment as the value of your portfolio increases. Perhaps you have good levels of equity, and cash is king right now which will reduce your need to pay interest.

Expert guidance
Smaller homes, ideal for buy-to-let investment, are arriving on the market, and a good agent will guide you through the best places to invest. Furnished properties that are ready to let, make your investment more straightforward. This allows you to prioritise cash flow, which can be used to gradually improve your property. By doing this, your portfolio will evolve over time, become more desirable, and, as such, command a higher price. This safeguards your investment and helps secure a promising future price.

Comprehensive property management solutions
Managing your portfolio today is no easy task. There is a lot to juggle, and the buy-to-let market has become a little more complex. Staying on the right side of the law is important if you want to avoid fines. Property maintenance can be time-consuming, and changing legislation can become confusing. This has perhaps caused some landlords to exit the industry. Agents are experts in all aspects of managing property portfolios and, as such, will keep you on the road so that when changes come, you are already prepared. You can choose what level of managed service best suits your needs. So, if you are hands-on but are not great with the paperwork of placing good tenants, then simply opt for a let-only service. On the other hand, if you want the entire process taken care of, including maintenance, rent collection, and compliance checks, then a fully managed service is the way to go.