A good first impression is always a long term benefit, but can it actually be a short-term win. And by ‘win’ we mean a sell! đ
Our experience says ‘Yes’ and we’re giving you one extra tip:
make sure the bathroom of the selling property is very clean and in the trends!
Here are some good aspects to consider improving in the bathroom:
Ready to make the necessary changes?
2018 is all about ceilings! Aim high for your property and choose something impressive to look at!
We found some ‘over the top’ statement ceilings on Vogue:
And we found out the inspiration for these new trends in 2018:
Most Beautiful Church Ceilings
Gaze up at even more beautiful church ceilings here: http://archdg.co/MCP8Pep
Posted by Architectural Digest on Wednesday, 1 August 2018
Now… how would your statement ceiling look like? What source of inspiration would you choose?
Nature?… Maybe a forest-like ceiling would look great in your home. The sky is the limit!
Photo source: https://bit.ly/2JzFD8n
Are you looking for ideas that will spruce up your kitchen but wonât break your budget? If your kitchen is looking out of date, you donât have to shell out a fortune to give it a new, fresh look. Whether youâve lived there for many years or have just moved in, here are some simple ideas on how to refresh your kitchen.
New lighting
Chandeliers are wonderful for brightening up your kitchen and improving its overall mood and appearance. The lights that come with most properties are quite standard, but by mixing it up with other kinds of lighting you can give your home more personality and character.
Fresh colours      Â
Lighter colours are great for walls and cabinets, because apart from making a space look larger, they also make it look and feel more upmarket. They also reflect light which means they are better able to hide bumps and scratches that might have accrued on your walls and cabinets over the years.
Artwork
Pieces of art can instantly improve any kitchen. If possible, opt for larger pieces as these can create the illusion of a larger space. This is also a nice option for renters that donât have the chance to change much in their space.
Discover the value of stainless steel
Canât afford stainless steel products? Thereâs a way around it; stainless steel paint can be used on those appliances that are making your kitchen feel dated. Just ensure you buy the right kind of paint, as companies make different types of it depending on the appliance.
De-clutter
Kitchen clutter can really bring down a space, so (if possible) try hiding them away and only take them out when you need to use them. Examples include objects like kettles and toasters.
“The mortgage market is in continuous move and it can affect you as well. ”
If youâre one of those shopping for a house soon and you are considering a mortgage, you should carefully analyse a couple of factors before making a decision. The location, the time you are going to spend in your new home (if it is temporary or, hopefully, for the rest of your life), the purpose of the investment (for your own living or if it is a buy to let), and other life circumstances should be considered when choosing a type of mortgage.
However, even with all these cleared up, there is still one more factor that might influence your decision. The mortgage market is in continuous move and it can affect you as well.
The analysis after the first quarter of 2017 proves that some types of mortgages are increasing, while other products for loans are remaining unchanged. For example, the number of contracted mortgages rose in the first three months. These are bank products offered for self-employed people, people with complex incomes or other underserved segments of the buyersâ market. Looking closely upon the offer of bank products, you may see that banks will speculate this moment and will come with new and improved offers. You will just have to pick the most advantageous for you.
The mortgage market also seems to be improving since the number of completed applications for first time buyers is rising. 67% of first time mortgage applications were completed in the first quarter of 2017, up substantially from 48% in the same period of 2016. Intermediaries have eased up the applications because of the struggle to obtain a mortgage that was intensely publicised last year.
And one of the most important news that the mortgage market received at the beginning of this month is that the lending rates reached their lowest point. The figures from the Bank of England showed that this yearâs borrowers received the lowest mortgage rates ever.
These effects are sometimes connected and influence one another, but paying enough attention to the movements of the market might pay off eventually.
Sources:
http://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/brokers-see-demand-specialist-mortgages-less-buy-let-forecast/
http://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/uk-mortgage-applications-intermediaries-successful-year-ago/
http://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/mortgage-lending-rates-uk-reaching-lowest-rates-ever/
Buying a home for the first time is one of the biggest decisions you will make.
You will need to choose what mortgage company is best for you and what kind of deposit you will need to have. There are quite a few choices out there now though that can help you.
Here is a list of things you should look into:
Before you jump in and start looking for your home, check your credit and speak to a mortgage adviser to find out how much you may be able to borrow and if you can afford the monthly payments. Donât forget to put some money aside for legal fees to. Always ask your lender if they cover mortgages above a commercial property as some lender may not.
Once you have either got a mortgage agreement in place or you know what you are able to borrow then you can start looking into what type of property you are looking for, how many bedrooms, is a garden important to you and how far is the transport. When looking at a area check what
When looking for a property the first step is to look on your local estate agent’s website. You may look at quite a few places before you find the right property for you. When you see a property that you want to view, look around for any signs of dump, is the building structure sound, how old is the roof, how much storage space.
It turns out home buyers are really into barn doors.
When Zillow looked at design features that sell homes at the best price and with the shortest listing time, that topped the list.
Anything craftsman-style, like rectangular farmhouse sinks, also got homes off the market at a premium.
Here are the top 15 design features:
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 3.7%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 19
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 43
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.1%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 46
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.1%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 38
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.2%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 42
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.3%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 28
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.6%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 38
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.6%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 48
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 4.9%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 36
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 5.4%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 14
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 6.0%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 50
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 6.9%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 63
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 7.9%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 58
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 9.6%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 45
Percent of homes that sell for above expected values: 13.4%
How many days faster than expected the home sells: 57
A new survey lifts the lid on the UK property market, with Brits sharing exactly what made them buy their homes.
Wood flooring specialists Flooring Republic asked 1,000 Brits what led them to fall in love with their homes, and which factors they consider non-negotiable when buying a property – and between community appeal and room size, it seems Brits are swayed by more than an attractive price tag.
After the BBC reported that the number of first-time buyers was at its highest in a decade, this new study reveals what it takes to get Brits excited about buying a house. With 60% of the vote, a safe and friendly neighbourhood took the top spot, followed closely by the price of the property (52%).
The local community also proved to be a key selling point for 45-54 year olds – with a huge 73% citing this as a major factor in their decision-making process. In terms of what Brits love about their living space, room size came out on top – taking 38% of the vote.
At one with nature
For 31% of participants, a good-looking garden is what got them to sign on the dotted line – and half of over-65s declared this the ultimate highlight of their homes. Natural elements proved popular across the board, with a fifth of those surveyed saying natural light is what they love most about their home.
Price versus practicality
Perhaps surprisingly, just over half of all respondents believe the price of a property is the most important aspect when it comes to making an offer.
Generation Y are more price-conscious, however – with 18-24 (57%) and 25-34 year olds (69%) admitting the asking price was the thing that ultimately swayed their decision. Space proved a key concern for 37% of Brits, who said the number of rooms in a property would influence whether or not they bought it.
Aesthetic appeal
When it comes to a propertyâs appearance, it looks like itâs not just whatâs on the inside that counts – with 16% of Brits saying theyâre swayed by both exterior appeal and interior styling. For 17% of male respondents, the outward appearance of a house is a deciding factor – while 18% of women favour the propertyâs interior design.
11% of Brits revealed they bought their home because of high ceilings – a factor which sweetened the deal for just under a quarter of 25-34 year olds.
Smart solutions
According to 35% of all respondents, parking availability is a key issue when it comes to deciding on a suitable property – and more than half of over-65s agree. This is less of a concern for those living in the capital, though – with just 17% of Londoners put off by limited parking. Organisation addicts across Britain declared practicality a priority when buying a house – with storage space scooping 15% of the vote.
Other answers
For 14% of homeowners, accessibility is a deal-breaker – with proximity to local transport networks and amenities proving particularly important. Respondents were also invited to offer up their own answers when it came to the reason they fell in love with their home and what they consider to be the key factors when buying a house – with answers including the propertyâs character, affordability and a double garage.
With Brits divided over what makes the perfect home, as housing prices continuing to fluctuate, the future of the property market shows no signs of stabilising any time soon.
Mark Haskell, Ecommerce Manager of Flooring Republic said “It’s great to see just how many Brits value a welcoming neighbourhood, and it’s really interesting that most homeowners are concerned with more than the price of a property. Spacious rooms and beautiful gardens will always hold plenty of appeal for buyers – although they generally come with larger price tags.”
At Victor Michael we look at every possible way of ensuring that every home we are marketing has the best possible chance of being sold for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
I read a lot of estate agency and property industry magazines and websites to stay on the ball and hear about new ideas and ways of marketing peopleâs homes.
An article which caught my eye last week was from America. It said how estate agents (or realtors as theyâre known across the pond) were calling in Feng Shui experts in a bid to make homes sell quickly and for the best price.
For those of you who are unaware Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy based around positioning objects and buildings to maximise a positive flow of energy and, many believe, to create good luck.
Feng Shui has been around for 5,000 years, so itâs nothing new. You might think itâs all a bit New Age but some Feng Shui principles are actually just common sense.
Read these five ways Feng Shui can help sell your home and decide for yourself.
Arrange your living room so that people who walk in arenât met with the backs of furniture. i.e. sofas.
Keep a lid on it. Yes Iâm talking about your loo. Feng Shui experts believe that water is linked to money and the toilet is one place that water (money) âescapesâ. Even if you donât buy this theory, keep your lid closed anyway. It just looks better.
Place thriving plants or flowers in the corners of rooms. This gives the property energy and life according to Feng Shui.
Less is more. Feng Shui experts share estate agentsâ beliefs when it comes to clutter. Their view is get rid of it to create a good flow of energy in every room.
Let go. This is an interesting one and Iâve seen this before. Sometimes people subconsciously donât want their homes to sell for whatever reason. In this situation they advise sitting down and thinking about why you want or need to sell and why itâs for the best.
So what do you think? Is FS full of BS? Or can it really change peopleâs lives and make homes more saleable?
Thanks for reading.
Want to get a SOLD or LET sign outside your property quicker? Call Victor Michael and our team on 0208 559 7040 or email: info@victormichael.com for honest, expert and friendly advice.
Adding a touch of luxury to a room through carefully-placed accessories, colours and fabrics can instantly give it a show home worthy look and feel, often for a minimal budget.
Adding metallic accessories such as a gold drinks tray or a statement mirror can make a room look stylish, yet remain functional. Complement the look with this yearâs Pantone Colour of the Year, âGreeneryâ, by adding a statement plant to bring the outdoors inside, in a luxurious way.
Achieve that luxury hotel look by using a variety of textures and finishes â luxurious fabrics that feel great against your skin and make your bedroom a comfy but stylish haven. Add thick pile towels in your bathroom and en-suites as well as luxurious fabrics to curtains, carpets and soft furnishings.
Create your own personal âwall of fameâ at home by placing your favourite family photographs into a mix of metallic and dark wooden frames and place them on a statement coloured wall. This look is sophisticated and a great talking point â particularly when paired with a feature sideboard.
Thoughtful use of colour can create a feeling of luxury and adding furniture and accessories to a room in a neutral palette will give the room a sophisticated look. This year, you may want to use on trend shades of stone, praline and green enhanced with metallics.
Nothing says luxury more than the right lighting in a room. Consider investing in a statement pendant over your dining table to create a real focal point, and add a dimmer switch to control the mood. Lighting up the best features of your room using beautiful lamps and well-placed candles are perfect for illuminating a roomâs luxurious side.
Source:Â http://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/make-your-luxury-homeÂ
National Home Improvement Month starts in April, so how can property owners can add value to their homes by making improvements?
National Home Improvement Month encourages home owners to improve their homes this April. NAEA Propertymark advises that whether you are selling now or maintaining your home to sell in the future, there are many small home improvements you can address to keep your property in best shape for when the time comes to sell-up.
Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark, had this to say: âFaced with a difficult housing market, updating and maintaining a property is more important now than ever for homeowners. Whether you need more space but canât afford to move, or want to put your house on the market, you should be making the most of what youâve got. You can be on a budget or willing to spend, there are always innovative improvements that can be undertaken which will successfully increase your homeâs valueâ.
10 top home improvement tips to increase the value of your home:
1. Mirrors
If you cannot add a skylight or build a conservatory to brighten up your home, there are simple yet effective ways of creating light through the use of a few mirrors. Hanging mirrors opposite windows tricks the eye into thinking there is another window there and maximises the impact of natural lighting. Another illusion when capturing light is to reflect it into any darker corners, to make your property look bigger and brighter.
2. A pristine and private garden
Giving your garden a makeover can go a long way. Start by tidying away any litter, mowing your lawn, removing all perennial weeds and cutting back overgrown trees and shrubs.
Once you have made the space look attractive, try and create a feeling of solitude. An open, clutter-free space is appealing but privacy is essential. Consider growing trees or adding boundary fences and walls, which can go up to two metres without needing planning permission. Another option would be to assemble a structure in the space such as a pergola. As well as creating privacy, this is a great way to separate areas of your garden for socialising and to extend the use of your garden into the colder months.
3. Opening up space
Opening up living space is becoming more and more popular, particularly for the kitchen and dining room. Combining the two into one large room creates a sociable space, great for the whole family to enjoy. Knocking through walls to create this open-plan living space is an effective way to add value to a property because a larger space is not only trendy but more useful. However, it is important to remember the practicalities with this, as many consumers still like the front room philosophy that can be used for special occasions or to be used for privacy by the adults.
4. Makeover the kitchen
An attractive, hygienic and fresh looking kitchen is essential. Start by painting the cabinets to give a fresh look and replace doors and handles if needed. Improve kitchen storage where you can; a larder for example is hugely attractive among house-hunters. Make sure there is adequate lighting as well, itâs very easy and cost effective to install under unit lighting. Finally, ensure that any floor tiles are well fitted and a colour that is easy to maintain and keep clean.
5. Get rid of busy wallpaper
With each potential house buyer having varied tastes in patterns and texture, certain wallpaper designs can be seen as overwhelming. Wallpaper can also be difficult to remove which could lead to people being put off by if they are looking for a home to move straight into. We recommend using paint and keeping colours neutral, making it a simpler job for the next homeowner and the property overall becomes more appealing.
6. Replace doors
First impressions count. The front door of your home can say a lot about the rest of the house to viewers seeing it for the first time. If you cannot afford to replace the door, make sure it looks attractive by giving it a power wash or a fresh lick of paint.
7. Converting the loft
A loft conversion is a more expensive improvement yet probably gives back the best value for money. Most lofts can be easily converted and expanding the house upwards offers homeowners an extra bedroom for growing families or a space for extra storage. Adding an extra bedroom can give huge value to your home, particularly if it includes an en-suite bathroom. Remember to seek planning permission before undertaking this work though.
8. Be energy efficient
Fitting your home with energy efficient appliances can add value to your home by promising to knock the costs of bills. With a huge variety of new products on the market for this, itâs increasingly becoming a key feature for new homes.
9. Double glaze the windows
Noisy roads can impact the value of a property. It will keep the home warm and keep the noise out, even if itâs near a main road.
10. Install a fireplace
A fireplace can bring a lot of character to a room and creates a focal point. Itâs also practical; the warmth from the fire allows you to reduce the use of your central heating which will lead to savings on your energy bills.