Tag: home

Prepare Yourself For Cost Of Moving House

Posted on by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many people to enter the housing market. If you are looking to make a move, we are here to assist you.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are more than happy to provide you with a property valuation. This allows you to enter the market with confidence. It also provides you with more confidence in making your next housing move.

Moving home is an expensive exercise. Agency fees, legal fees and stamp duty all play their part in ramping up the cost of relocating.

We help you prepare for your next move

Research carried out by MoneySuperMarket suggests the average household spends close to £700 in hidden fees when they move home. With the same source finding 19% of British people move a minimum of nine times in their life; the potential lifetime expenditure on hidden fees is over £6,000.

The same study also found 63% of people were unaware that moving home regularly can have a negative impact on their credit score. -impact-

According to the study, the most expensive city for hidden costs when moving was Coventry, with fees of £841. The most affordable city for hidden fees when moving home was Gloucester, with unexpected fees of £360.

What matters to you when moving?

The top six most common additional fees for British home movers are:

  • Bedding and kitchen utensils, cited by 53% of respondents
  • New furniture, also cited by 53% of respondents
  • The cost of having mail re-directed, listed by 39% of respondents
  • The cost of having Wi-Fi installed, said by 36% of respondents
  • Having to change bill providers, named by 34% of respondents
  • 24% of respondents listed the cost of removal services

The study also uncovered the three most common reasons for moving:

  1. 31% of respondents saying they want to own their own place
  2. 29% cited moving in with a partner
  3. 28% saying moving to a larger home

Kate Devine is the Home Insurance spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, and she said; “With the housing market boosted by the Chancellor’s stamp duty holiday, many of us are considering moving home. Whether you’re buying or renting, make sure you’ve factored in all the potential costs you expect to incur.”

Kate continued by saying; “If you’re buying a home, our research shows that it’s not just stamp duty, legal and estate agency fees that should be on your checklist, but also things like cleaning, new household products, temporary storage space and professional movers to make sure your treasured possessions get from A to B safely.”

Kate Devine concluded by saying; “To protect you in case things go wrong when you move, we would recommend you have contents insurance before transporting your items to their new home – most policies will provide cover for your belongings against damage or loss while they’re in transit from one property to the next. But make sure you use a professional removals firm – many of which have their own insurance – to guarantee you benefit from this protection.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Manage Stress When Selling Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many buyers and vendors to be active in the market. The chance to save a considerable sum of money is enticing for many people, but it should be noted that moving home is a stressful and costly activity.

At Williams of Petersfield, we do everything we can to minimise the stress associated with moving house. We are pleased to say we have helped many local vendors in Petersfield make their next move.

Many buyers and vendors find moving stressful

A survey undertaken by Zoopla, which was answered by more than 2,600 buyers, suggests many buyers find the property purchase an emotional and stressful activity.

62% of respondents said they found previous property moves more stressful than they had expected.

One of the biggest challenges in moving home is the property chain. 18% of respondents said they lost or came close to losing their property purchase because of issues with the chain. Only 11% of respondents said the buying process, when involved with a chain, ran smoothly.

34% of respondents aimed to develop a personal connection with the buyers. This step was taken to enhance the chances of the move running smoothly.

Financial issues are problematic in property deals

Close to 40% of respondents said their most recent property move cost more than they had originally budgeted for. 29% of respondents cited additional costs which caused them difficulties during the move. Some of the additional costs listed were conveyancers and surveyors.

44% of respondents said unexpected costs added more than £500 to the cost of their house move. 30% of respondents said they paid more than an extra £1,000 when moving and 15% of house movers said they had to shell out over £1,500.

Staging your home is important

When it comes to vendors regret, 53% of homeowners said they believed they’d have sold their home for a higher price if they staged their home. However, 31% of respondents said they didn’t have the budget to afford to improve their home at this time.

The importance of staging property was reiterated by 84% of respondents who said this activity is worthwhile.

Decluttering your home is also vital, with 52% of respondents wishing they did more in preparation for their move. 28% of respondents said they were too nostalgic when getting ready to sell their home. 20% of respondents said the process took far too long, which is an indicator many vendors underestimate the level of work associated with moving home.

Tom Parker is the Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla and he said; “Moving home is one of the biggest investments we will ever make so it’s only natural the process inspires a wide range of emotions. Finding that balance between head and heart can often be the most difficult, and this is where agents have a crucial role to play in supporting home movers in their property journey. Agents will have experienced this process hundreds of times so can help not only with finding the right property but also making the purchasing or selling experience as seamless as possible.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Delivers What Buyers Are Looking For In A Home

Posted on by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we care about the local area, and we believe Petersfield is an excellent destination to set up home. Our experience in the area means we know what is on offer, and we know how welcoming the local community is.

At times like these, community is essential, and we think buyers will love Petersfield life. If you are looking for a home in the area, get in touch and we will be happy to talk you through the benefits of Petersfield life.

If you are looking to sell your Petersfield home, what better agent can you choose than one that is passionate about the local area? We will help you connect with buyers, and this sells your home. If you would like to arrange a valuation, get in touch and we will ensure you enter the marketplace with the greatest confidence.

However, we know some people might think we are biased. This is why we are glad to know what other people think of Petersfield. The OneDome site is a good source to get an overview of a local area, and we are pleased to say they think a lot about Petersfield. With an overall score of 7.6 out of 10, it is fair to say the OneDome site recommends Petersfield, and we agree.

Education scores 10 out of 10

Education is one of the most important features for buyers to consider when looking at property. School places and the standard of schooling impacts demand and local prices. Therefore, a perfect score in this field is impressive, and it is easy to see why there is considerable support for Petersfield’s schools.

Petersfield Infant School, Herne Junior School, Churcher’s College and The Petersfield School are all cited as good schools within walking distance from the heart of Petersfield. If you would like to know more about how the standard of schools impacts demand for homes in Petersfield, please get in touch.

There is a lot to like in Petersfield

Other highlights from the Petersfield report card includes:

  • Grocery shopping receiving a score of nine out of ten
  • Lifestyle receiving a score of seven out of ten
  • People who like a quiet life will appreciate the mark of seven out of ten
  • Petersfield is recognised as a safe area and has received a score of seven out of ten in this area
  • Transport has been classed as a seven out of ten feature in Petersfield
  • Green space has been marked as six out of ten

With so many positive reviews, we think you’ll love what Petersfield has to offer. To find out more, please get in touch.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Buyers Need A Community To Feel At Home

Posted on by colin_williams

There are many reasons to enjoy life in Petersfield, but we feel the sense of community is one of the most important features for people looking at property in the local area. We know many people have always understood the importance of community, but in recent times, it is fair to say it has become even more important.

As we come to terms with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and look to make our way forward, buyers will re-evaluate what is important to them. At Williams of Petersfield, we believe community features and facilities will be vital for buyers.

We know there have been studies highlighting demand from buyers for gardens and larger homes. Given the impact of the pandemic, it makes sense buyers want these things, but buyers have long wanted these features at their home. The changing issues buyers are looking for comes with the impact of remote working, and what is around people’s homes.

What is important to you at home?

We have considered the findings of a recent study by Redrow, the UK house builder. They spoke to more than 2,000 adults in the UK, and they have compiled a Top Ten of features buyers want. The Top Ten is as follows:

  • A park or village green with open spaces cited by 35% of respondents
  • Access to smaller shops such as grocers, baker and a Post office said by 33%
  • Having a Doctor’s Surgery nearby was listed by 32% of respondents
  • 31% of respondents requested bus and train routes nearby
  • The importance of a large supermarket close-by was cited by 28% of respondents
  • 17% of people who answered stated they wanted local cafes and restaurants
  • A pharmacy was listed by 15% of respondents
  • Good schools was only listed by 14% of respondents
  • Pubs and bars were named by 14% of respondents
  • Only 11% of respondents cited the importance of a hospital close-by

James Holmear is the Group Sales Director at Redrow, and he said; “Lockdown has changed our lives dramatically. More time spent in the home has made us reconsider how we use the space that we have, and how our homes can adapt to a more permanent change in the future. Even as more offices re-open, many people will opt to work at home, and people are planning to replace public transport with greener modes of community when they do commute.”

Buyer demand has shifted

James continued by saying; “This change has translated to huge shifts in buyer preferences on the ground. Now, we are experiencing more customers adapt their search to homes with extra space to work, and more people are looking for proximity to green space and local shops, over good schools, and cafes and restaurants.”

We believe Petersfield has a lot to offer with these aspects, and if you would like to learn more about the local community features, please get in touch.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Vendors Must Keep In Touch With Buyer Demand

Posted on by colin_williams

While vendors should focus on what they want to achieve when selling their home, there is a lot to be said for being aware of what buyers are looking for. If you can tailor your home or offer to better meet the needs of likely buyers, you will find it easier to connect, hopefully assisting you in the sales process.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are keen to help buyers and vendors connect. We know the local market, and we know what buyers are looking for. With our help, Petersfield vendors can connect with buyers, and enhance their chances of selling their home.

NAEA Propertymark figures offer insight into house hunters looking for homes

There has been a lot of information and statistics issued in the housing market since it re-opened after lockdown, but some bodies and organisations are more highly regarded than others. When NAEA Propertymark issues information, people listen. This is because it provides realistic information from estate agents across the country.

Some of the leading statistics revealed by the organisation include:

  • The number of house hunters registered per NAEA branch member increased by 7% between February and May
  • The number of house hunters registered per NAEA branch member rose from 322 pre-lockdown to 344 post-lockdown
  • In May, 70% of properties sold at a price that was lower than the initial asking price
  • The average number of properties available, per branch as of May 2020, was 35
  • This figure is a fall from the figure of 41 per branch recorded in May 2019
  • The supply of homes, based on year-on-year, figures fell by 15% between March 2019 and March 2020
  • Sales to first-time buyers in May stood at 32%, increasing from the 22% sales to first-time buyers in February

Mark Hayward is the Chief Executive of NAEA Propertymark, and he said; “It’s great to see the market up and running again, bringing some much-needed confidence back. With estate agents following new socially distanced protocols and the demand for viewings soaring, we are set for an exciting summer.”

Mark continued by saying; “It will be interesting in the coming months to see if the lifestyle changes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on house sale locations, especially in and around commuter towns.”

More support for first-time buyers?

There have been calls from MPs for more to be done to support first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder. Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said; “The Government must be proactive in ensuring that the banks assist first time buyers rather than wealthy landlords to access homes on the market. Too many young people are losing life opportunities to the Covid-19 pandemic, and this must not be another instance of that. I have written to the Secretary of State for Housing to ask what measures will be taken to support first time buyers.”

Eleanor Williams is a Finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, and she said; “First-time buyers are a vital part of keeping the mortgage market moving, and so it comes as great news that lenders are again starting to relaunch products in the higher LTV tiers. Concern has been raised about the possibility of house price falls and consequential potential negative equity situations, making lenders understandably more cautious about lending in these higher-risk circumstances.”

Eleanor continued by saying; “Lenders have also found though that they have been overwhelmed by the level of demand for these brackets of products, resulting in some needing to withdraw deals only recently relaunched in order to manage their workload. Consumer demand is clearly evident, and the re-introduction of more deals for those with a 10% deposit, or even less, by more lenders would hopefully provide prospective purchasers with the choice they need to move forwards with buying a home.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Vendors – Stage The Outside Of Your Home And Sell It

Posted on by colin_williams

With buyers placing even more importance on garden space and the outside of homes, vendors need to tailor the way they present their home. Many homeowners are more than happy to stage the inside of their home to attract buyers, and given the increased level of demand on garden space, we believe vendors should consider staging the outside of their home.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have assisted many local homeowners to connect with buyers. By knowing how to make your garden more appealing, you can enhance the chances of selling your home quickly, and for the best possible price.

The demand for outdoor space is obvious

The first monthly market survey report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) since the housing market re-opened provides a number of reasons why vendors must focus on the outside of their property.

The RICS survey collects opinions of agents across the country, so it offers useful insight into what property market professionals expect to see in the industry. The survey reported:

  • 81% of agents predict an increase in desire for homes which have a garden or a balcony
  • 74% of respondents predict an increase in demand for homes located close to a green space
  • 68% of respondents believe properties with privacy and less communal space will be in greater demand

Simon Rubinsohn is the Chief Economist at RICS and he said; “There are already signs that those looking to buy a house are responding to the conditions created by the pandemic by seeking out properties with gardens or balconies and nearer green space. These and other similar features are likely to increasingly command a premium over higher-density urban locations, according to respondents to the survey.”

Gardens matter for property buyers

There has also been backing for these predictions from one of the leading property portals in the United Kingdom. Their studies suggest that while gardens have always been a popular search term for buyers, there has been an increase in prospective buyers looking for outdoor space in their next home.

Rightmove’s housing market analyst Miles Shipside said; “During lockdown people have been re-evaluating what their must-haves are, and both buyers and renters are craving a home with its own outside space rather than a flat. Usually home-movers tell us the kitchen photographs are the most important when they’re looking at a property advert, but now agents should consider giving greater prominence to pictures of gardens and outdoor spaces to attract the attention of prospective renters and buyers.”

There is consensus that outdoor space is important. Of course, when outdoor space becomes a common feature in the market, there is a need to ensure your garden stands out for the right reasons.

This is why staging outdoor space is going to become a critical feature in the property market.

Consider these areas when staging outdoor space to sell your home

  • Always start with the decluttering and cleaning process, as this creates space and makes the area look more attractive
  • Carry out repair work, focusing on paths, property walls and property doors and windows
  • Create borders around different types of plants and flowers
  • Mow the loan and ensure all borders are tidy
  • Ensure all border barriers, such as fences, are in good condition
  • Consider adding lighting to the outside of the property as this will enhance security, safety and functionality
  • If you have space for people to gather, consider adding garden furniture

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Vendors – Legal Kerb Appeal Sells Your House

Posted on by colin_williams

One of the most important things you can do when selling your home is to make buyers feel confident. If a buyer feels positively about your home, and that they will receive value for money with the purchase, they are more likely to make an offer.

Therefore, it makes sense to show your home is in good condition. You also want to prove you have every legal issue taken care of. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have helped many local homeowners sell their home, and we believe taking care of the legal kerb appeal makes a positive difference in the sales process.

What is legal kerb appeal?

Legal kerb appeal, in the words of Chris Salmon, who is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Legal Services, is; “Simply, legal kerb appeal is the strengths of the property when considered from a legal perspective. Legal kerb appeal could also involve proactively addressing any potential legal issues before a buyer is found.”

In an interview conducted on the Property Road website, Chris was asked about what vendors should look to do to ensure they are ready to sell their home in the near future.

Chris responded by saying; “If you are on or are thinking of going on the market, we’re pushing the concept of ‘legal kerb appeal’. Sellers will be entering a buyers’ market, and must do everything they can to improve their chances not only of finding a buyer, but also completing the sale.”

He continued by saying; “For example, if the property has a roof terrace without planning permission, the buyer’s solicitor will pick this up. Instead, the seller’s solicitor can identify a suitable indemnity policy and offer it as part of the sale. This proactive approach will reassure buyers and avoid delays later in the process.”

How will the housing market move forward?

Chris was also asked about what he thinks will happen in the property market when the industry moves forward. He said; “The consensus is that the pent-up demand that emerged shortly after the 2019 election will gradually resume. It’s very likely that in-progress transactions will suffer a logjam as capacity challenged property services firms struggle to fulfil a rush of requests for searches, surveys and managing agent information. We anticipate significant delays for up to a few months after the lockdown eases.”

Steps in managing legal kerb appeal

With so many sources discussing the importance of legal kerb appeal, most vendors will be keen to incorporate it into their sales process. Here is a list of steps you should follow in managing legal kerb appeal before and during the sales process:

  • Complete all property transaction forms
  • Anticipate which problems are likely to occur, and resolve them
  • Involve external parties and management agents as quickly as possible
  • Collate all documents as early as possible
  • Start the process of recovering or replacing missing documents as early as possible
  • Agents, vendors and legal professionals should work together to find solutions

The earlier you start, the better

As with most things in life, and certainly as with many things in the sales process, the sooner you start, the better. When it comes to legal kerb appeal, the sooner you start to put things in order, the better for you.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Quick and East Home Cleaning Tips Brighten Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

You don’t need a special reason to clean your home. If you plan on selling your property, it makes sense to carry out as much cleaning as possible, but all homeowners should take steps to have a home they are proud of.

There is no shortage of cleaning products and materials to choose from. The cleaning industry is a massive business, and a lot of companies are keen to make as money from homeowners as possible. Not everyone is willing, or able, to spend a lot of money on cleaning products. Also, you may have a cleaning emergency to attend to quickly, and cant get to the shops for the best products.

Thankfully, many household items are hugely effective for cleaning your home. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a clean house, and you may not even need to step foot outside of your front door!

Lemons and sea salt scrubs up brilliantly

If you are looking to get rid of grubby marks or you need to remove stains at short notice, your best tactic may be close at hand. A mixture of lemon juice, water and sea salt is often all you need to get to work on a nasty mark or stain. Small spills can be eradicated in minutes, and if you are willing to apply some elbow grease to the task, you can have your carpet, rug or couch looking as good as new in the blink of an eye.

Baking soda has plenty of cleaning uses

No matter the problem you have, you’ll find baking soda is a great way to solve them. If you are planning on selling your home, you must focus on all the senses. It is easy to focus on making your house visually pleasant, but a home that buyers love will also smell fantastic. Baking soda helps to neutralise nasty whiffs and pongs, so you should be able to create a more appealing home.

Baking soda works well with vinegar

When it comes to removing marks, you’ll find that baking soda and vinegar works well together. This combination allows you to aggressively attack stains, scrubbing them into submission in next to no time.

You’ll also find a combination of baking soda and vinegar helps you to clean worktop surfaces, kitchen hobs and even a microwave.

Of course, if you want to make cleaning the inside of a microwave extremely easy, you should return to lemon juice. When you place a mixture of water and lemon juice into your microwave and let it run for a few minutes, all you need to do is wipe a cloth over the inside, and you’ll have a shiny microwave once again.

You also don’t need to invest in expensive brushes. If you are looking to clean your grout, use an old toothbrush. This is the ideal size to allow you to get into the gaps, and leave your bathroom looking fantastic.

If you’re looking to sell your home, Williams of Petersfield is here to help. We can provide you with a property valuation, and all other services, so contact us today.

Improve Your Bathroom and Sell Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

Every room has a role to play in selling your home. There is an argument that your home is only as attractive or as appealing as the weakest room in the house. Therefore, every homeowner looking to sell their home should look to present each room as best as they can.

However, some rooms are more important than others in engaging buyers. To make the best impression on buyers, make sure your kitchen and bathroom are in excellent condition. These rooms need to be cleaned to a high standard, they need to be spacious, and they need to be welcoming.

A lot of tips are available on how to present a kitchen in the best manner, although there are fewer articles and tips on how to improve your bathroom to sell your home. At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to provide you with the best standard of service,  and if you’re looking for guidance on how to improve your bathroom to attract attention, and persuade buyers to make an offer.

Blitz the mould in your bathroom

You know that bathrooms need to be clean, but if there is mould in your bathroom, it could be a worrying sign of more significant problems. A bathroom with mould may suggest there is a dampness problem or an issue with the ventilation in the house.

Therefore, you want to treat the root cause of these problems, but you also need to remove all visible signs of mould and damage. This can be a tough task, but with the right attitude, effort and plenty of bleach, you can create a stylish bathroom.

Create more space

Space is critical in every room of the house, and the bathroom is no different. As a vendor, you want to ensure that you offer as much space as you can in your bathroom, which isn’t always easy for the “smallest room in the house”.

bathroom sales

However, one suitable solution that helps is the addition of wall-mounted cabinets. Storage space is vital in bathrooms, especially when you consider the number of cosmetic products, medicine and other items contained in the bathroom.

Wall-mounted cabinets also make for a safer room, keeping dangerous items out of reach of children. Therefore, adding more floor space and creating a safer environment will help make a positive impression on buyers.

Choose a simple yet pleasing colour scheme

If you’re decorating before selling your home, it is essential to think about the needs of the buyer. You may believe bold colours will ensure your room or home stands out from the crowd, but it may be off-putting to prospective buyers.

Think about the traditional colour schemes associated with bathrooms, and try to cultivate a clean and consistent colour scheme that appeals to buyers.

Add finishing touches

Small touches like folded towels, scented candles and accessories will help ensure your bathroom, and home is the one remembered by prospective buyers.

If you are looking to sell your home, it makes sense to call on the experts for support and guidance. If you want help from local specialists, get in touch with Williams of Petersfield. We’re delighted to have assisted many vendors in selling their house, and we look forward to helping you.