london house

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Buyers on the property market have incomes ranging from small to… pretty big. No matter the amout of money the earn each month, they shouldn’t be deprived of their desire to have a home.

However, low earners must look for the most affordable options when it comes to city home. Or, the most affordable city…?

Latest research names Glasgow as the best option for low earners. It is the most affordable city in the UK, according to reallymoving.com, and it is followed by Manchester.

More details about who enters the low earns category and the UK cities’ ranking in this article on Property Reporter:

Where is the most affordable city in the UK for low earners to buy a home?

London and Birmingham are together named the most un-affordable in the UK.

The research is based on a comparison between average house prices and the typical earnings.

But don’t be put of by this ranking. There are still great sales or lettings on the property market in London. Just keep your eyes open!

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You have probably heard that first impressions are vital but did you know that within 15 seconds a buyer has already developed an opinion of your property? This is why creating the right first impression is critical to achieving a successful sale.

Photo source: Flickr https://bit.ly/2EuJksz

FROM YOUR DRIVEWAY…

Ensure the front garden looks its best – mowed lawns, weed-free flowerbeds and an uncluttered access to the front door. Make sure your house number or name is clearly visible from the road. Leave plenty of room for potential buyers to park.

A WARM WELCOME…

Be ready, turn the heating on and light fires in winter. Open curtains and turn on lights because people react favorably to brighter properties. Appeal to the senses with fragrant flowers, there are many ways to create an exciting interior with surprisingly little money.

FAMILY PETS…

Its preferable for your pets to remain outside during viewing. Where possible make sure your carpets and furniture are hair free.

THE CHEF’S PRIDE OF PLACE

Your kitchen can have a major impact on the sale of your house. It should be well organised with tidy cupboards and worktops. Make sure its is virtually spotless and smells fresh. And keep your tea towels in the drawer not over the hob.

SPACIOUS BATHROOMS

It’s imperative this room looks bright, clean and tidy. Dripping taps, discolored carpet, dirty tiles or evidence of a leaking shower unit should be addressed. Make sure the toilet seats stays down.

TIDY BEDROOMS

Clean and tidy bed linen gives the impression you care about the presentation of yourself and the property you live in. Remove any evidence of washing or ironing to allow your room to look larger and more spacious. Clear the toys and make the beds.

D.I.Y.

Don’t allow your property to let you down, ensure any loose tiles, missing handles or broken windows are mended or replaced. If you are unable to do the task simply ask us to recommend an expert. Bad D.I.Y stands out more than you think to a buyer.

PRESENTATION

The positioning of furniture in each room can give the impression of either clutter or space. If necessary, remove some furniture from your main rooms. living, dining, and master bedrooms to allow ease of viewing. Touching up paint and re-sealing wallpaper can improve the quality of presentation. First impressions are vital.

YOUR BUYER LOOKS INTERESTED?

Buying a new home is a big decision and expense. By understanding the buyer’s need to visualize themselves living in your home you can dramatically increase its sale-ability.

Let buyers look around at their own leisure.

Have all essential guarantees on hand and be prepared to answer any questions that arise.

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Photo source: Property Reporter http://bit.ly/2wICfB5

Taken individually, these moves we hear about on the property market seem to be weird and with no rational basis: ‘biggest fall since…’, ‘highest raise’, etc. But if you judged them in the context of the market as a whole they make perfect sense.

For example, home buyers have been increasingly attracted by discounted luxury property. They now count for 45% of all purchases in prime central London. As an effect, the number of investors in buy to let (BTL) has seen a significant decrease, falling by 1/3.

Since luxury homes are the main target for the demand, the natural outcome is that the number of flat sales to fall easily. And this is exactly what has happened since the beginning of this year: flat sales went down 11% and prices have increased by 2.6%.

If you want to understand all the effects and, more important, the causes of the effects happening on the property market in the UK read the full analysis on Property Reporter:

Who is buying up Central London?

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A man travels the world in search of what he needs. He arrives home, and finds it.

George Moore

 

The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own home.

Harold B. Lee

 

A good home must be made, not bought.

Joyce Maynard

 

My home is not a place, it is people.

Lois McMaster Bujold

 

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones…. The ones at home.  

Mother Teresa

 

Home is not where you live, but where they understand you.

Christian Morgenstern

 

An Englishman’s home is his castle.

Unknown author

 

There is nothing like staying home for comfort.

Jane Austen

 

Peace – That was the other name for home.

Kathleen Norris

 

A comfortable home is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.

Sydney Smith

 

Charity begins at home and justice begins next door. 

Charles Dickens

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There are numerous reasons why a house is not selling. It could be the fault of the estate agent, a lack of market activity, or an unattractive property presentation.

Divorce cases. These are very off putting to buyers. Even if the agent has not been informed or has been asked not to say anything, somehow, the buyer picks up on the atmosphere. If a divorce is the reason for selling, then try to vacate the property before the agent starts to do viewings.

If you are trying to sell your home but for some reason it’s just not happening, then it may be time to ask yourself a couple of questions. And be honest…

Could I be more flexible for viewing times and days?

Am I assisting or hindering the viewing?

Am I presenting my property to the best possible standard?

Should I consider a price reduction?

Am I being given viewing feedback from my agent?

Some useful tips seem obvious but are regularly overlooked by many. The simplest of things can make or break a sale. What is parking like in the street? If you have a drive, keep it car free. Allow the prospective purchaser to use the driveway.

What day are the bins collected in your street? If your street is a victim of looking untidy in the run-up to bin collection day, then try to find a day when the street looks presentable.

If you live in a street that has a school, then do DO NOT have any viewings around the time that parents are parked in your street when collecting their children from school, as parking will be hard to find. Likewise, if the neighbours’ children are a nightmare, then they will also be at school.

If you have a great feature in your home, i.e. the rear garden, then try to book viewings when the sun is up and upon the garden.

Calm background music is always a nice touch, as this can set a mood in the property.

A sure-fire tip is to think ‘Show Home’. If you have collected a lifetime of memories over the years, start to box it all away and store it under the stairs. You have already made up your mind to move, so start the process and start to pack away.

Make sure that the house smells nice, free from pet odour and smoke.

Make sure that pets are out of the house… You may love them, but not everyone will.

 

Finally, we will live in a home on average for 10 years. Statistically speaking, you will probably only have to sell a home 5 times… So choose an agent wisely and allow them to take the stress out of the selling process for you.

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