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Ok, so you’ll probably have a clear idea of what you want – both in terms of absolute must-have’s, such as the number of bedrooms, outdoor space, location or price, and features you’d like but aren’t absolutely necessary, such as a certain style of property or a separate dining room, etc.
You might want to think about the time of day that you view. For example, if the property is near a school, you might want to avoid break times due to the noise or if it is on a main road you might want to see it in the middle of the day when the traffic volumes are lower. By the same token, you might specifically want to go at those times so you can hear just how noisy it is, and how much traffic there is.
Once you arrive, take a good look at the outside of the property. Do the windows, guttering, brickwork/render and roof appear to be in a good state of repair?
Inside, mould and blown plaster, particularly under windows and on or close to ceilings, should be noted as possible signs of damp or leaks. Are there any smells? Look at the electrical sockets and switches as well as the fuse board if you can – are they aged, or does it all look sound? Depending on the age of the house, tiny holes in floorboards or other timbers on close inspection could be a sign of woodworm...
All of this can of course be remedied – either quickly and relatively cheaply or at a higher cost, depending on the extent of the work needed, which will become clearer with a survey. The estate agent should have copies of any guarantees and inspection reports, has a legal obligation to disclose any known problems, and will have taken the condition of the house and its fittings into account for the valuation.
We have RICS Chartered Surveyors and property specialists within our team, who can help answer more general questions or those about any specific property. For more advice, give us a call on 01392 204800.
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We've looked at the upcoming kitchen design trends reported by some of the top interior design magazines to bring you a snapshot of what's predicted to be hot this year - think rich inky, jewel-like and organic colours, along with metallics, curves and texture.
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Force provides free support and information to anyone affected by cancer at its centre in Exeter and at local community hospitals with counselling, group sessions, complementary therapies, benefits advice, specialist physiotherapy and exercise guidance and other health and wellbeing support.
We look forward to continuing to support this amazing charity in the future.
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A property is a massive investment, and you need to know it’s being looked after so we’ve put together a checklist of things to consider to help you make an informed decision:
1. How long have they been in the lettings business? Experience is invaluable in this industry, so it’s important to enquire about the letting agents’ history and experience. A proven track record can help to provide you with confidence and peace of mind.
2. How much local knowledge do they have? Next, ask about their knowledge of the local rental market. A deep understanding of the local area, rental trends and average rental values is crucial for setting the right rental price and attracting suitable tenants. Their expertise in their specific market is a significant asset.
3. How will they market your property? Ask the lettings agent about the techniques they employ to market properties. Enquire about the online platforms they use, the property portals they list on and any additional promotional methods they utilise. A comprehensive marketing approach will maximise the exposure and attract potential tenants. A reputable agency will have a list of suitable tenants looking for a property at any given time.
4. How do they reference tenants? Tenant selection is vital for a successful tenancy. Ask the lettings agent about their tenant screening process and enquire about the criteria they use such as credit checks, references and income verification. A thorough screening process minimises the risk of problematic tenants and increases the chances of finding trustworthy individuals or families to occupy your investment.
5. What are their fees? Financial considerations are important so ask about their fees, including any upfront costs, management fees and renewal fees. It’s crucial to understand the financial commitment involved before signing any agreements with them. Also clarify the duration of the contract and any termination clauses.
6. How will they manage your property? Let’s not forget about property maintenance and repairs. Enquire about their approach to property maintenance, ask about their network of trusted contractors, their process for obtaining quotes and their expected response time for repairs. A reliable agent will handle maintenance efficiently, ensuring your property remains in good condition.
7. How can they help you with any disputes? Lastly, enquire about their process for handling tenant issues and disputes. These situations may arise during the tenancy so it’s essential to understand how the lettings agent handles them. Ask about their communication methods, mediation strategies and how they handle rent arrears or breaches of tenancy agreements. Clear and effective conflict resolution is essential for a harmonious landlord and tenant relationship.
Take the time to find a reliable and competent professional who will take care of your property and your tenants. Asking these questions will help you to select the right letting agent and ensure a successful partnership throughout the rental process.
Make sure we’re on your list of prospective agencies! To find out about our range of lettings services, browse our website or give us a call on 01392 204800.
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Absolutely! Autumn is one of the busiest times in the property market, so it makes perfect sense to try to make it stand out above the rest. Think show home – clean, minimal, and uncluttered. To do that however, you need to see it through fresh eyes. Try to remove your emotions and follow these essential steps for a speedier sale.
First impressions - Stand outside and look at your home from a buyer’s perspective. Make sure the gardens are neat and tidy - mow the lawn, remove weeds, trim hedges, clean paving, and remove or replace the broken plant pot. Try to hide or neatly order your bins. And maybe plant some yellow flowers – sunny yellow is said to evoke a buying mood!
The small things - Begin inside by decluttering - and start small. Pack away some photos and ornaments to leave a few choice pieces on display. Tidy bathroom bottles into cupboards or baskets. And clear your kitchen worktops. Treat this as a way of getting ahead with packing. Try using the mantra: love it, use it or lose it.
The big things - Buyers should be able to picture their own belongings in each room so think minimal furnishings. Perhaps rent a storage unit to store some pieces short term? Create plenty of room for buyers to move around but leave enough furniture to make the purpose of each room clear, and to retain that homely feel.
Create order – even inside cupboards! - Being meticulous about how objects are arranged in everything from the mantlepiece to the office and kitchen will create a sense of calm. And, as much as we don’t want buyers to see inside our cupboards, they need to see what storage space the property has, so put some order into these places too. The cupboards look bigger, and it reflects a good impression in your general upkeep of the property.
Make minor repairs - Now is the time to do the small jobs you’ve been putting off – like applying new sealant on the bath or repairing a chip in a wall. If your DIY skills are limited, consider hiring a handyman for a few hours to get them done.
Simple colour scheme - You may love colourful walls, but they are not for everyone. Remember, think show home. It’s worth painting rooms in neutral tones, as bright colours can distract buyers from imagining it as their own.
Clean, clean, clean - Make your home sparkle with a thorough clean - wash windows, polish taps, bleach grotty grout and dust everywhere. Keep on top of mess, vacuum every day and open windows for fresh air.
Finally, stand in the doorway of every room and imagine what a buyer would be thinking. Does the property have appeal and impact inside and out? Answer yes, and your work is done!
If you’d like any advice specific to your property, or if you’d like us to pop round and have a look, or just when you feel ready, you can book a consultation via our website and we’ll call you, or you can call us on 01392 204800 and we’ll be happy to help.
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