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04Oct

 

 

Is it the right time for you to move?

 

It comes to us all. That defining moment. It can be brought along on winds of opportunity, on the back of financial necessity, or because we have simply outgrown our comfy shell; but it comes to us all.

 

 All men must move house.

 

 

But sometimes, what do we say to the god of moving? Not today…

 

 

Moving house is often cited as one of the most stressful stages of life, aside from getting married, that we as humans can experience.

 

 

Maybe that’s because when it comes to selling your home, you need the same levels of commitment as you do in marriage. To succeed, you need to be 100% motivated ahead of this next big step.

 

 

After all, for better or worse, there are many hurdles to overcome along the way; it is not a process for the fainthearted.

 

 

From the minefield of surveyors’ reports, negative feedback, Rightmove statistics and low offers, to the constant cleaning ahead of each new viewing, you’ll need to be in the right frame of mind to face the challenges ahead.

 

 

Here we shed some light on factors that could help you decide whether the time is right to go on the market.

 

  

1. Wish or whim?

 

 

How long have you been thinking about moving on?

 

 

Is this a deep-seated spark of desire that has been on the slow-burn and is now catching fire? Or is it a sudden, snap reaction to other external factors?

 

 

Has your friend recently moved house and you’ve caught a sniff of fresh-start frenzy?

 

 

Take a moment to consider the pros and cons and implications, both financial and emotional, that moving house right now could have.

 

 

A friend of mine has been toying with the idea of relocating from the city to the countryside for the past twelve months. Finally, he decided to bite the bullet and has handed in his notice at work.

 

 

Fortune, we are told, favours the brave, but, with his notice period ending in July and his second child due in August, is this move down to his long-held wish to move, or based on an idealistic whim?

 

 

Whilst a growing family can often be the spur behind a house move, timing that move so that it causes the least financial and physical disruption to your family is key.

 

 

2. Why do you want to sell?

 

 

Are you preparing to downsize, relocate or are you planning a family?

 

 

The reasoning behind your potential move is crucial, as is the timing of its execution.

 

 

For downsizers, the decision can be a tricky one. Perhaps you have recently said farewell to the last of the brood to fly the nest. The house suddenly seems so quiet. Is now the time to take your life plans off the back burner and make that move to a smaller, more economic home?

 

 

Spending less time cleaning empty rooms will certainly be a plus point. Perhaps you want to swap those three double bedrooms for a studio where you can finally sketch that masterpiece, or realise that ambition of becoming an amateur photographer. It might make sense to make the move now, before the next chapter begins and grandchildren are in the offing!

 

 

If you are planning to have children, it is only natural to desire more space for your expanding family. For those already with children, the ages of your nippers will factor greatly into the timing of your house move. Keeping disruption to your child’s education, particularly if you are locating to a new area, is crucial to a successful move.

 

 

Pros and cons exist for moving at all ages; babies and toddlers are malleable and can handle the changes with ease – yet older children are able to help with the packing! For teenagers with close local links, timing is crucial.

 

 

No move is without its traumas, but do take the time to consider exam dates and how a move will impact on your child’s school life, hobbies and interests before putting up that for sale sign.

 

 

3. Which season is best for selling your home?

 

 

Your mind is made up. You are moving house. But when is best to move?

 

 

Historically speaking, spring is oft cited as the premium time in which to put your home on the market. Key ‘hot points’ occur around the Easter and May bank holidays.

 

 

The benefits to selling at this time of year are easy to recognise: the days are long, the sun is (usually) shining, the blossom is blooming and properties generally look at their finest.

 

 

House hunters are out in their droves, and – dream of dreams – if you price your house competitively, you might even prompt a bidding war!

 

 

What about summer?

 

 

If your target market is families, summer has traditionally been perceived as a troublesome time to sell. With the school holidays in full flow, trips abroad and entertaining the wee ones tends to leave the streets devoid of house-hunters.

 

 

Getting your house on the market at the start of summer should help you avoid the peak holiday dates, when your target market will be abroad. Of course, if you happen to have a home with a large garden and pool, summer could be the ideal time to sell.

 

 

Autumn is the season of change and that goes doubly so for house sales, with people keen to move on before Christmas. If Christmas leaves you raring for change, turn over a new leaf in January.

 

 

4. Monday’s house is fair of face…

 

 

Want to get down to the real nitty gritty of timings?

 

 

You might feel sluggish when the alarm clock goes off at 7:00am on a Monday morning, but according to Which?Money analysis published in 2017, Monday is the best day of the week to sell your house!

 

 

According to the survey, properties listed on a Monday took only 176 days to sell compared to an average of 191 days.

 

 

So, if you were planning on leaving it until the weekend to amble down to your estate agent to give the green light for your launch, think again. The same research suggested that properties listed on a weekend took longer to sell, with Saturday listings taking an average of 203 days to sell and Sunday homes taking 213 days to sell.

 

 

With much at stake emotionally and financially, finding the right guidance when selling your home can make all the difference. If you want to know whether now is the right time for you to start a fresh chapter, just pick up the phone. We’re waiting to hear from you.

 

21Sep

Wanting to reach more buyers ? 

We are holding a property ehibition in our London office on Park Lane, promoting properties we have on the market to the lucrative London and International buyers and investors.  One of these properties could be yours.

Let us present your home in our next exhibition.

TO BOOK YOUR SLOT AND TO FIND OUT MORE JUST CLICK HERE.....

03Sep

 

When it comes to selling your house, the viewer becomes the VIP. Here, we help you prepare for that all-important ‘state visit’.

 

We all have that friend. You know the one. The rarely-seen frenemy who, when they text to say they’re in the area and ‘might drop by’, you drop everything to ensure your home is military-precision perfect.

 

If you are selling your house, this high state of alert can become trying. You need your home ready to bring its A-game every day of the week. Because this visit isn’t simply a matter of pride; it’s about clinching that all important sale.

 

In a perfect world, we would all appreciate a clear day’s notice (preferably when it’s raining outside and we have nothing better to do) to tidy and prepare for a viewing. In reality, in between calendars filled with children, pets and work schedules, we can often be left with mere minutes to get the house spic and span.

 

Below, we have compiled our top six time-saving tips to help speed you through the preparation for these high-profile visits.

  1. Clear spaces

 

Even the largest rooms can look poky when they are overcrowded with everyday clutter. Take a real look around the room you are sitting in right now. What can you see that doesn’t belong?

 

First impressions are crucial, so be sure to give the whole house a thorough ‘sweep’ before your viewer arrives, removing all non-essential items that might distract the viewer.

 

It is important that your viewer has the opportunity to envision themselves living in your home; a task hard to achieve with your toddler’s abstract handprint masterpiece adhered to the fridge.

 

Short on time? Grab a laundry basket as you tour the house, placing errant items in there. Stash the basket in your car until after the viewing.

 

 Top tip: pay attention to bookshelves. They can often be magnets for day-to-day detritus such as hair grips, pens and loose change.

 

  1. What about the children?

 

Now your home is clutter free – it’s time to keep it that way. You love your kids, you love your dogs, cats, iguanas and so forth. The trouble is, your viewer may not.  Ensure that when it comes to that all-important visit, children and animals are kept off premises. A cat jumping on the surfaces will not convey the clean and pristine image you wish to portray of your kitchen to a first-time viewer.

 

Similarly, your attention should be entirely focussed on answering (and pre-empting) your viewer’s questions, not on helping your child to find their football kit or the Wi-Fi password.

 

As with other clutter, remove any pet bedding, where possible, for the duration of the visit.

 

Be sure to do a final sweep for lost Lego pieces under the sofa (viewers have the keenest eyes) and pay a visit to your pets’ favourite corners to check for recent hair deposits and you’re good to go.

 

  1. Selective cleaning

 

With only fifteen minutes to go before the viewing, we aren’t suggesting you do a deep clean of the home, its soffits and facias.  Quite the opposite; the last thing your viewer needs is a nose full of ammonia as they step through the front door.

 

It is important, however, to ensure that any surfaces they are likely to touch are clean and crumb-free. A quick wipe down of the kitchen worktops will suffice.

 

Check mirrors and windows for smudges (if you’re running short on time focus on en-suites and the main family bathroom) and run a damp duster over televisions and computer screens.

 

If you have a log burner, it is often the focal point of the room. Be sure the clean the glass before viewings. The quickest and easiest way to do this is by taking a clean, damp cloth and dipping it in the ash from the previous fire. This will remove even the toughest smears and black soot with minimal effort.

 

 Finally, run the hoover around the floors to remove any loose fluff and fuzz for a smooth and sanitised appearance.

 

 4. Olfactory appeal

 

Falling in love with a home is a full-sensory experience. And just like any first date, it’s important not to over-face the viewer with too much fragrance. The old adage is to bake bread or brew strong coffee, but our fifteen-minute countdown calls for much simpler solutions.

 

Open a few windows to let the fresh air in. This is particularly important in spare bedrooms and lesser-used rooms which can sometimes accrue a stale smell.  If you have stronger odours you need to combat, then consider spraying your fabric sofas, carpets or curtains with a mixture of water and fabric softener (just a few drops will suffice).

 

Quicker still, pop a tumble drier sheet on a radiator and let the gentle scent suffuse the air.

 

Avoid stronger invasive perfumes such as incense or potent aromatherapy candles. Neutral and clean is far more appealing.

  1. Let there be light

 

No matter the time of year, create a sense of cosiness in your home by flicking on the lamps in every room. Again, pay attention to neglected spaces such as studies and guest bedrooms.

 

If your kitchen has plinth lighting, now is the time to let it shine.

Keep a sense of symmetry in your bedroom by lighting both bedside lamps, or even by lighting a candle or two on the dressing table.

 

As well as making your home appear bright, switching on lights helps to make your rooms feel both larger and warmer. 

 

  1. Keep a cool head and a warm hearth

 

Minutes to go before the VIPs arrive. If you’ve opened the windows to air any rooms, now is the time to close them and check the temperature.  The comfort of your viewer will dictate the amount of time they spend in your home – and ultimately whether they feel your house is a welcoming prospect.

 

On warm summer days, keep the air flowing and consider leaving windows open. If it is windy, wedge doors so they don’t bang in the breeze.  Even on the hottest days, your log burner should still be dressed in a cosy and inviting manner. Stack the fire with a few logs and light a candle on the hearth to convey the warmth and comfort it provides, without causing your viewer to perspire.  

In the winter time, pop an instant burning log on the fire for that homely glow. No need to fuss with firelighters when time is of the essence.

Now that the house is ready, play some Einaudi at low volume and spare a minute to check your own appearance in the mirror. You look great! And so does your home.

 

We hope our six top tips have taken some of the worry away, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of viewings, just pick up the phone. We can arrange to chat with you over a cuppa. We’re waiting to hear from you, call us now on 01364 652652 or 01626 852666.

 

27Aug

PARS Letting agent

We are proud to announce that Sawdye & Harris have been awarded Platinum membership of the newly launched Property Agent Rating Scheme (PARS). The scheme has been designed to make the whole process of renting for landlords and tenants as easy and smooth as possible whilst ensuring that all agents are complying with letting regulations. It allows landlords and tenants to easily identify who they can trust to look after their interests.  The private rented sector is now the second largest tenure in England so this goes to show just how important this scheme is. 

Teignbridge District Council have recently launched a new scheme working with local landlords, landlord associations, letting agents, solicitors, and accountants, the PARS scheme is a means of ensuring that all letting agents and property managers comply with letting related legislation.

Designed to be similar to the familiar ‘food hygiene rating scheme’, Property Agent Rating Scheme (PARS) will see participating agents displaying window stickers and certificates at their premises and ratings on their websites. This will enable landlords and tenants to easily identify who they can trust to look after their interests.

 

The need for an effective scheme was identified to make the whole process and experience as simple as possible for both landlords and tenants. The importance of having a scheme like PARS is backed by figures showing the private rented sector is now the second largest tenure in England.

 

For more information and to find out if you letting agent is a member visit - https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/housing/landlords/property-agent-rating-scheme/about-the-scheme/

 

 

 

06Aug

 

Summer can be an exciting time of year to sell your home, the garden has never looked better and the rooms are bathed in light. To help make your home look its best this season, we bring you five easy ways to style your home for summer.

 

 

  

 

If you’ve chosen summer as the season to move home, we’ve compiled a bucket (and spade) list of top tips to help get your home ‘beach body’ styled for the market.

 

 

Sizzling barbecues, borders buzzing with the soft sound of bees around the lavender and hours of daylight to show off your home at its very best. Summer certainly can cast a positive light on your home, so let us direct you to the sunniest spots and help you avoid stepping into the shadows.

 

 

 

1. Develop a green finger

 

 

In theory, your garden has never looked better.

 

 

Colours are at their sharpest, borders are filled to the brim with healthy shrubs and flowers and the grass is a lush, green baize.

 

 

Summer is the month for uninhibited growth.

 

 

Mow the lawn twice weekly to ensure it remains in peak condition, or on a weekly basis in particularly dry spells.

 

 

For larger lawns, consider creating a feature by adding a diagonal pattern. This is fairly straightforward on rectangular or square lawns. For circular or irregular lawns, begin by identifying a focal point across from the widest point on the lawn before lining up the mower.

 

 

Remember not to mow while the grass is wet, as this could damage the turf.

 

 

Weeds also love the summer sun, so if you are struggling to keep on top of the borders, try adding a thick layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay.

 

 

Consider the garden as an extension of your home, more so than ever in summer. A collection of fragrant herb pots outside the kitchen door can evoke sensory pleasure in your viewer and whet their appetite! Thyme, rosemary and mint are all hardy growers and can be picked up easily at garden centres and supermarkets.

 

 

If you don’t tend to spend much time in your garden, it might be worth taking a tour and identifying peaceful pockets for reading or suntraps you can recommend to viewers. Also, be sure to keep hedges and bushes trimmed back around paths and seating areas so your viewers don’t come across any obstacles during their tour.

 

 

Cat owner? Be sure to check the back doorstep before a viewing in case your feline friend has deposited any ‘tokens of their affection’!

 

 

 

2. Lift the mood with sunny accents

 

 

It’s not necessary to do a full-scale redecoration of your home prior to selling in the summer, but the addition of some sunny accents can lift the mood considerably. After all, nobody wants to step out from the bright sunshine and into a gloomy cave.

 

 

Swap heavier textures, such as velvet throws and woollen rugs, for lighter linens and cottons. Maintain that ‘Hygge’ cosiness with Scandi-style weaves. You don’t need to pick bold colours; billowing Gatsby whites and creams will do just as nicely.

 

 

House Beautiful lists 70s Scandi as the number one trend for summer 2019, quoting the Head of Design at Dunelm, Debbie Drake, as highlighting macramé planters, earthy palettes, geometric prints and accent colours as key picks for this season.

 

 

If all else fails, a splash of bold colour can invigorate any room. A turquoise vase, a yellow cushion or a fuchsia throw are all low-cost elements that can invite a touch of summer into your home.

 

 

Why not get really creative and use a rectangle of artificial grass for your back doormat?

 

 

 

3. The windows are the eyes to the sale…

 

 

Ok, we’ve played with that idiom a little, but for good reason. If eyes are the window to the soul, windows are the eyes to your home…and they are more noticeable than ever during the summertime.

 

 

Windows capture the view from your home, possibly quite a spectacular view, and as such they need to be properly maintained at all times.

 

Summer can be particularly tough on windows; dry spells cause loose dirt to be blown about, heavy pollen counts combined with occasional showers can leave your glazing looking less than dapper.

 

 

Crystal-clear windows not only enhance the natural beauty of your home, they let in more light.

 

 

It’s best to plan ahead with this one, cleaning windows on a hot sunny day is not recommended as they will most likely dry streaky. Instead, pick an overcast day.

 

 

Be kind to the environment and leave the expensive brand window cleaners on the shelves. For really dirty windows, add a splash of vinegar to a bowl of warm water. Begin at the edges of the windows and move towards the middle, rinsing your cloth regularly. After washing, a dry cloth should help to remove any streaks.

 

 

If your windows are palatially sized, don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements from the professional realms. The importance of sparkling clean windows cannot be understated.

 

 

An often-overlooked element in summer house styling is curtains. Heavy drapery can appear imposing during the summer time, so consider taking down particularly wintery fabrics prior to viewings.

 

 

Consider also the neatness of drawstring blinds. A well-placed piece of tape can help to conceal unsightly, dangling cords.

 

 

 

 

4. Make your home a refuge from the heat

 

 

 

When the sun is cracking the flags outside, make your home a place of refuge for your wilting viewers.

 

 

Invest in an attractive glass jug, perhaps a vintage tray and some colourful tumblers, and be ready with the freshly squeezed lemonade on those swoon-inducing hot afternoons.

 

 

Invite some cooling greenery into your home. Peace lilies can survive even the most negligent of owners! For the kitchen, consider a trailing plant such as ivy. In addition to adding an aesthetic element (ivy comes in a variety of yellow, white, green and black hues), ivy helps purify the air of mould and bacteria.

 

 

Another hardy kitchen plant is aloe vera; handy when kept close to the cooker as its gel offers a soothing salve for burns.

 

 

Freshly cut flowers from the garden are a simple and effective way of brightening up the room. Try to match the colour to your room’s scheme. A few sprigs of soothing lilac in a guest bedroom creates both aroma and colour for your visitors.

 

 

 

 

5. Splash the colour upstairs

 

 

Create the ultimate room of refreshment for viewers by ensuring your bathroom is ready for the season.

 

 

An easy way to add a splash of colour is to purchase vibrant coloured towels for the bathroom. Daffodil yellow, coral red and aqua blue all convey that summer-holiday beach-umbrella vibe.

 

 

Match them with a similarly-coloured bath mat and even accessorise your toothbrush for a low-cost makeover.

 

 

Adding pastel tones to the walls such as honey, elderflower and soft sage can also reinvigorate your bathroom ready for the summer season.

 

 

When it comes to styling your bedroom for summer, begin with a de-clutter and spring clean. An overloaded bedroom can be oppressive and off-putting.

 

 

With a blank canvas to work with, it’s time to create a masterpiece.

 

 

Why not invest in a white cotton bedding set? Put practicality to one side and embrace the cool tones and purity of alabaster.

 

 

Burning a Jo Malone Orange Blossom scented candle by the bed in place of a heavy shaded lamp can bring the lightness of the solstice to your bedside table.

 

 

Trade your blackout curtains for wooden shutters, a simple switch that allows you to adjust light levels in the day time and provide you with total darkness at night.

 

 

Tuck your heavy feather duvet away in the bedding box for the summer season, and invest in some Egyptian cotton sheets.

 

 

All that’s left to do now is to apply the sun-cream and sit back and marvel at your handiwork. All in a summer day’s work.

 

 

 

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