SPRING SELLING TIPS for 2020: How to prepare and present your home for prime selling season
Spring is usually the time of year when the largest numbers of buyers start registering with estate agents to find their next home. And with two long school holiday periods on the horizon – Easter and Summer – family friendly locations like Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Leven, Cupar, Kirkcaldy, East Neuk and St Andrews see a lot of property market activity. Continue reading SPRING SELLING TIPS for 2020 in FIFE
We’re moving into a new decade, and so the last thing that you want is for your home to look dated. Throughout 2019 we have seen some extreme trends in interior design; from the embracing of industrial elements to the resurgence of entirely neutral spaces. We have taken a look at what to expect this year and how to get ahead with your design aesthetic, whatever your budget.
Colour makes a comeback
One of the key trends this decade has been that of neutral spaces with a few accent pieces to liven up the décor, however this year one of the main inclinations in design will be towards colour; bolder, brighter and braver! Rebecca Breslin, Wayfair Professional design manager, is calling for an end of “Greige, grey and all neutral everything without texture or visual interest” and therefore if you are looking for a change this year then start by adding colour into your home – burnt oranges and deep blues are set to be en vogue throughout the whole year.
Paper set to tear up the market
A feature wall has been the mainstay of every makeover show and glossy magazine before-and-after shoot since the early naughties, however 2020 is set to end this fad. Rather than a singular wall that is adorned with wallpaper, we are going to see all four walls covered with paper – in line with the brighter aesthetic of 2020. Wallpaper has seen something of a renaissance over the past decade, with designs from Gucci and Dior all the way through to stick-and-peel examples flooding the marketplace, and this isn’t set to end this year. If you want to experiment, then start with smaller spaces such as studies, toilets and guest bedrooms where patterns will seem less overwhelming.
Cabinet shake-up
The crisp, white kitchens that have been an enduring design staple over the last decade are set to move into retirement in 2020, with colour making its way back into the heart of the home. Kitchen cabinets, more specifically, are to become a real focus in kitchen design – therefore if you are looking to stay on-trend then think about rejuvenating your cabinets. Navy blue matte cabinets with vintage gold handles will transform your aesthetic immediately and mixes the traditional and vintage visuals that are set to be all the rage this year.
Give art a start
In these modern days of mass production and consumerism, vintage art and antiques are making a huge comeback due to the perceived one-of-a-kind nature of the objects and that they possess their own unique story. If you are looking to make small changes to your home that make it chic, then adding some select pieces of art is a great start – adding pieces to your kitchen walls will add particular interest to an otherwise utilitarian space.
Soften the edges
Throughout the 2010s, chicness has often been related to strong lines, sharp edges and minimalism, however as we move into the next decade this is set to be turned on its head for an altogether softer look. As well as a nod to 30s glamour (think metallics such as silver and gold, as well as scalloped seating) curves and fluid shapes are set to be popular this year; from circular side tables to rounded-edge sofas.
It’s the start of a brand new year in the market, with buyers and sellers alike preparing to fulfil their New Year’s Resolutions and make their move. Market conditions appear to have stabilised after December’s general election brought with it a majority Conservative Government, but what can you do to give yourself the best chance of a successful transaction? Read our top tips for Buyers and Sellers below.
BUYERS TIPS
Research, Research, Research
As clichéd as it sounds, buyers who prepare sufficiently are more likely to end up with a better deal for the home they’re looking for. Once you’ve made the decision to begin house hunting, look into sale and listing prices for properties in the local areas that you’re interested in; this will give you a rough guide as to how much you can expect to spend.
Prepare your mortgage
If you’re house-hunting in a competitive area where properties are quickly snapped up, then getting a mortgage agreement in principle will give you an advantage when you find the property that you want. Having your finances in order and prepared can save time and prove invaluable if the home you want is likely to generate significant local interest.
Check the Home Report
Make sure you check the home report (Scotland) and the surveyor’s comments before you offer. This survey flags up any major issues or elements of the property that require attention, such as urgent defects or structural concerns. Depending on the age of the building, you could find yourself a wildly fluctuating amount of work to carry out, especially if previous owners have neglected its upkeep. Either way, this is an invaluable belts and braces report of the property and will provide peace of mind in any outcome. If it’s more than 3 months old once you have had an offer accepted, insist on the seller getting a refresh so it’s up to date. If a long time has passed since it was first listed it could be there is other issues you need to be aware of that could affect your initial offer price.
SELLERS TIPS
Research, Research, Research
Preparation is key for sellers, too! Make sure you know your property’s true value before it’s listed; carry out a full appraisal of your home with a trusted agent and not just an instant valuation to get a clear idea of what your property is worth. Inviting valuers into your home can also provide you with a fresh set of eyes which can be useful in flagging up any existing issues or reminding you of a few flaws that could require attention before going to market, too. Some even provide more specialist knowledge than just a valuation.
Find ways to add more value
If you’re looking for ways to add more worth to your property, then carrying out home improvement projects will certainly aid you. These can be relatively simple tasks, such as installing double glazing or adding extra insulation to your loft, or bigger jobs such as renovating your kitchen. Whilst the cost associated with these projects may be off-putting, it may pay off when it comes to increasing your home’s value. But ask the professionals first if it’s worth doing before doing it.
Declutter and organise
Take a look at each room in your house and you’ll likely find a few easy ways of decluttering and making extra space. This is vital for the viewing process as potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in this space, and in some rooms, it’s as easy as clearing a few worktops or mantlepieces.
In today’s market, preparation really is key whether you’re buying or selling. Carry out your market research, get your finances and paperwork and make sure you utilise a knowledgeable and local agent to help you through the process. One that has a consistent track record, years of experience and is an expert in their field. One that embraces and uses new technology and media marketing to hit specific target markets for your property rather than one that will put it on a few big websites and hope for the best. Proactive rather than reactive.
Time to pack up the decorations, take down the tree and munch down the rest of those leftovers; Christmas is over and 2020 is here! If you’re preparing to sell your property in the New Year, then you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at the amount of work your home requires before taking it to market. But don’t fret; we’re here with a list of top tips to help get you ready to show off your property.
How to nail the first impression
Almost all of the people with an interest in your property will get their first glimpse of what your home can offer in the form of pictures, either in an agent’s window or online. Not only that, but some buyers will drive by your abode to scope out its location and get a feel for it from the outside before they even enquire through the agent. If it’s not ready they might not even enquire as they have been put off before then. With that in mind, making sure your home is visually appealing and attractive will be your biggest priority in preparation for listing.
With that in mind, we’d strongly consider that you take the following into consideration:
Clean your windows – it’ll be easy to notice if you haven’t!
Give your front door a lick of paint to freshen it up and make your entrance feel more welcoming, along with a new doormat if yours is looking a little tired
Tidy up your entrance hall of any post and flyers
Clear out weeds from your paths and tidy your garden
Make space on your driveway for visitors to park
Be honest – hiding less-than-desirable features in the photos won’t help you as potential buyers will see defects when they view your home
Upping your Presentation
The above tips will certainly help to give your property a tidier feel, which is key; an organised home can give buyers a vital opportunity to picture how they will fit into the living space. But if you want to present your home in its best possible light, then consider how you present your home.
Declutter – a simple suggestion but one that can have a massive impact. Removing large bulky items from view, if only temporarily will have a massive effect
Let in the light – keep the curtains open, windows clean and any natural sources of light clear to give your home as bright a feel as possible
A warm place – make sure all rooms are heated prior to viewings, even those you don’t use often
Bathroom spaces – keep your bathroom and toilets clean, free of mould and tidy, and make sure your toiletries are kept to a minimum.
Time-consuming as it may seem, keeping your home tidy, organised and welcoming will put you in good stead for when those viewings start. Remember; visitors need to imagine themselves in your home!
As we head towards the Winter months, now is the optimum time for landlords to prepare for the potential issues that may arise from the harsher weather. Spending a little time and effort now may well save money further down the line in the event of an accident or repair cost. Here’s our list of essential landlord checks:
Boiler Service
The number one priority for every landlord should be checking that the boiler in your property (or properties) is in good condition, as repair costs can be extremely expensive. Book a boiler service to ensure that everything is working correctly and safely as boilers can break down with the surge in gas consumption that comes in the colder months.
Protect the Pipes
Adding lagging to your pipes (specially designed pipe insulation) is an inexpensive measure which will give you peace of mind knowing that your piping will not burst due to freezing and splitting. Focus on pipes in external areas and lofts which may be subject to the most extreme temperatures and you should avoid any problems as the cold sets in.
Smoke and CO Alarms
In line with regulations interlinked smoke alarms must be installed in each hall on each floor including every reception room and a heat detector in the kitchen – now is the perfect time to double-check these are in good working order and that your tenants are safe in your property. If your rental property has a fireplace (or solid fuel appliance) or central heating system then an additional carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted within one meter of the appliance in the same room, as the chances of these items being used increase astronomically in winter.
Open Dialogue
One of the key pieces of advice that we can give to protect your property through the winter is to create healthy dialogue with your tenants. As they are living in the property day-to-day, they will be able to tell you about any smaller issues so that you know how to avoid any larger issues. Make sure your tenants know where the stopcock is in the property, where the fuse board is located and who to call in case of an emergency. This could be invaluable in saving you time and money.
Protect the Roof
Chipped, cracked or dislodged tiles on your roof could lead to significant water damage and in cold temperatures this can lead to structural issues with water freezing and expanding. Double-check that your roof is in tip-top condition, and whilst you’re at it take the time to clear out your gutters to avoid blockages when the inevitable rain falls.
Designing a child’s room can be tricky; there are a number of factors to consider so it is hard to know where to begin. Design trends are forever changing and your child is constantly growing, so it is important that you consider a few things before starting.
Striking the balance between fun and practical is a challenge and designing something that your child does not grow out of too quickly is not easy, but by taking the time to think it over, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and create a space that is fun for them and easy for you to manage.
Draw Up A Floor Plan
Before you start buying all sorts of cute and colourful furniture, it’s important to remember that depending on your child’s age, this room could have a variety of functions.
Have a think about what the room will be used for and draw out a plan. If the room just needs to be a comfortable place to sleep then you should have plenty of freedom, however, if it also needs to be an area to play and study, you’ll require a good amount of floor space and maybe a dedicated little corner for a desk.
Everyone’s home and preferences are different but you want to get as much out of the space as possible, so take a moment to consider the role that the room will play and how it may change over the next few years.
Choose The Right Colour
It may be tempting to simply ask your child what their favourite colour is and then start buying paint or wallpaper.
While it is a good idea to include your child in the design of their room, if their favourite colour resembles a highlighter pen, then your best option is to go with the more neutral shade of that colour.
Your best strategy is to aim for a colour palette that nicely blends with a variety of furniture and will not look so childish once your child turns into a teen. Save yourself a redecoration job in 18 months by picking a colour that will age well with the rest of the ever-changing décor.
Decide On The Flooring
When it comes to flooring you have a few options, all with their pros and cons, so you just have to decide which will be best for you.
Carpet helps keep the room a little warmer but is vulnerable to stains. Hardwood is much more durable and easy to clean but does not provide much cushion for a child that is a little more clumsy than most. You could also opt for rubber flooring that does offer the benefits of both carpet and hardwood; however, it is the most expensive option of the three.
The flooring that is best for you is dependent on the age of your child, but research your options while keeping your budget in mind and make sure your choice of flooring compliments the room and doesn’t break the bank.
Getting The Furniture Right
There are two key things to keep in mind when choosing your furniture, functionality and lifespan.
We’ve already established that space is a valuable commodity so finding multifunctional furniture can be a real lifesaver.
Beds that have storage built in underneath are quite easy to find and the extra storage they provide can go a long way, as well as free up more of the room for other essential items. This also gives you an opportunity to get a little creative and look for ways to combine 2 items into one such as adding some padding to a desk or dresser so that it also can be used as a changing table.
The other consideration for furniture is its lifespan. There is a lot of cute miniature beds, tables and chairs that might look great, but you must remember that they will grow out of it quicker than you think. A good strategy would be to buy some furniture that they can grow into. Their small clothes may not justify full sized dresser just yet, but it will not be long before you are looking for extra storage space and their feet are hanging out of the end of the bed.
Add Character Through Accessories
Now that your room has been planned out, you have chosen your colour palette, had the flooring fitted, assembled and placed the furniture, it’s time to add character.
The great part about this phase of designing the room is that because the rest of the room’s features were kept neutral and timeless, you can now give your child a good amount of freedom to add their own personality to the room from accessories.
Whether it’s action figures, bed covers or posters, you can basically style the room however you want and the best part is, these accessories can be easily replaced and changed over the years at the same rate as your child’s taste in décor shifts from one thing to the next.
Do you sometimes feel as though you’re drowning in a sea of clutter? Or that your house has become more and more disorganised? Well, now’s the time to hit those common, messy areas!
Start by sorting through everything you own
Getting started is always the hardest part but performing an audit of everything you own is a great first step. Gather common built-up items like books, items of food, jewellery, paperwork, loose batteries or anything you’re saving “just in case”. Find out how many duplicates or useless items you have and throw them away. Whatever there is leftover, sort and store them properly.
Next… tackle the wardrobe
Let’s face it, a wardrobe is a totally different beast to the random things you tend to collect.
A good system to operate in the future is a one in one out system. Every time you buy a new item of clothing, throw away an old item.
Whilst you’re at it, you should tackle your sock drawers. Throw away any old and worn out items, and add an organiser to the draw to keep everything separate and neat.
Sort out your utensils drawer
You know you’ve collected too much cutlery when the draw starts to stick. Take everything out of the drawer and throw away those useless tools (like your melon baller or your citrus juicer) and add a divider to better divide your essential utensils.
Organise your garage, shed and/or loft space
Transparent boxes are your best friend when it comes to organising your storage spaces. You can stack them all on top of each other and you can see all the contents you’ve stored inside them, meaning you don’t need to go through a hundred boxes to find something.
Get the kids involved
Encouraging your kids to keep their bedrooms neat and organised (easier said than done) is a brilliant way to keep one of the messiest areas of your house neat and tidy.
Introduce them to the idea of donating unwanted toys to charity shops and how doing so can have a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s also a vital life skill your children will need to learn, so everyone wins!
The buy-to-let market has had somewhat of a difficult time over the past few years due to changes in government legislation and taxation. Since July this year, however, the number of buy-to-let mortgages approved has risen considerably and is proving that there is life in the market for those looking to invest.
With competitive mortgage rates available, especially if a larger deposit has been accrued, anybody who has the desire to become a landlord now has the opportunity to do so. A new report by HomeLet showing that the average rent around the UK has reached a record high of £970 per month demonstrates that the potential to reap rewards through buy-to-let is exceptional.
HomeLet data shows that rents have increased in every single region of the United Kingdom over the past twelve months, up to 3.5% greater than at the same point in 2018. For those looking to invest, this presents tremendous opportunity to be able to invest locally and see the benefits.
Biggest annual increases in average rents
Region
August 2018
August 2019
Annual Change
London
£1,632
£1,689
+3.5%
North West
£717
£741
+3.3%
South West
£826
£852
+3.1%
In terms of rental yields, we are also seeing record highs in terms of the average yield that landlords are reaping, with the average now reaching 4.5%, up from last year and the highest in three years. For those looking to maximise their yields, there is a growing trend towards Houses of Multiple Occupancy, or HMOS, as they tend to provide a yield approximately 20% higher than a typical rental property.
So, which region provides the best rental yield?
North West
6.20%
Yorkshire & The Humber
5.90%
East Midlands
5.40%
Scotland
5.30%
West Midlands
5.10%
North East
5.10%
South West
4.40%
Wales
4.20%
East of England
4.10%
London
4.10%
South East
4.00%
National average
4.50%
On a local level in Fife, the annual rental increase is 2% and the rental yield is 4.5%.
However, in Fife, there are real gems out there producing yields of between 6% – 12% sometimes greater.
You can find out more by tuning in to our Lettings Director, Richard Cook’s Investment Property of the Week Vlog via our social media channels every Thursday @ 7pm.
For some of us, a great option to increase the floor space in our homes is to move upwards into the loft area. However, if you’re considering converting your attic space into living space, there are a few factors that you should consider before starting any work…
Is it worth it?
When you are weighing up the potential of a loft conversion, it’s worth deliberating whether the cost of the work is equal to the value which you are adding to your property, so that you don’t end up overspending with no hope of recouping the costs when you decide to sell up. A loft conversion can add up to 20% to the value of a property, a significant amount; however, the cost of completing the works can vary depending on the type of space that you have available and the complexity of the requisite works. Shop around for your building quotes so that you have multiple options and then compare property prices in your area that have had loft conversions to see the difference in price; this should give you a strong idea in terms of budgeting and is it worth it.
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
Not all lofts can be converted into bona fide living space, as there are some caveats in terms of the available head height in the area, the pitch of the roof, the structure of the roof and obstacles such as water tanks or chimneys which may obstruct the area. When you measure from the bottom of the ridge timber to the top of the ceiling joist, you need to have at least 2.2m of usable space for a conversion to be suitable.
Do I need planning permission?
Depending on the type of conversion that you are implementing, you may not need any planning permissions whatsoever. “Permitted Development” rules grant rights to enable homeowners to undertake some types of building work without the need for any permissions. If you are completing a simple conversion, with no structural changes to the roof, then you will most likely not require planning permission, making the process a lot simpler. To read about “Permitted Development”, see the Scottish Government guidelines here: http://ow.ly/kion30puxur
How do I intend on using the space?
One of the most important questions to ask yourself before you commit to the building work is what exactly you need the extra space for. In some instances, this will be an easy question to answer; for example, if you’re a growing family in need of an extra bedroom. However, for others, the use of the room may not be so clear-cut. If you’re adding the extra space simply because you’re feeling a little squeezed for space in your property, then a loft conversion may well be the wrong answer as, although you’ll be increasing your living area, you will most certainly be losing useful storage metres. If you are looking for more space, then consider moving into a more appropriate property in your area – you may well have made a profit on your current property which would enable you to upsize.
Don’t fall foul of your insurer
Before completing any works on your property, ensure that your insurer has been fully briefed with regards to the possible changes to your property as you don’t want to invalidate your home insurance. Adding value to your property may affect your premiums, and any building work being completed (such as floors being taken up or electrics changed) can result in damage to the property which may not be subject to insurance claims.
Finally, getting the right contractor is key here. One that has a track record and comes in on the price quoted. Get everything written down in black and white so there are no arguments at the end over who should have done what. Effectively you’re drawing up a contract of works to be completed at the price quoted. Think about: How long have they been trading, ask for references and call these people to check how it went for them, plus google their name to make sure there are no horror stories. Check Facebook as well. Be prepared to make reasonable staged payments but always make sure you do not pay too much too soon leaving yourself in a vulnerable position should the contractor not live up to his/her word and you have to get someone else to finish off the job. It’s also worth getting a professional to inspect and sign their work off at various stages before you pay them to make sure it’s correct. Above all else get professional help and don’t try to cut back on essential costs if you have no experience in this or you could lose everything including the original house if it’s not done right.
When we decorate our properties, it is often driven by personal preferences in order to make a space fit into our own idea of what is stylish. However, if you are not just looking to decorate a space but to maximise the potential value of your property, then this guide explores the best ways to add value to your home.
Solve Existing Issues
Don’t jump straight to improving the appeal of rooms in order to gain the “wow factor”; instead, make sure that your property is structurally sound. It may have less cosmetic impact, but a house with a leaking roof, subsidence or damp will severely hinder you in achieving a strong asking price due to the perceived costs and effort in fixing the issues. Take the time to assess your property and ensure there are no major defects, and this will give a solid foundation to achieve the best price on the market as buyers will not be scared away by problems, nor will they be able to barter the price down.
Central Heating
Take a look at the central heating system in your house – If your central heating is on its way out then replacing this is more than likely to add value to your property as it is another issue which has the potential to put buyers off. Although the initial outlay for the central heating refit may seem high, you should more than recover these costs when selling the property as it is another key point which will assure buyers that your property is well-cared for.
Extra Space
Adding additional living space will always attract buyers as this offers them versatility in the way in which they will use the property. However, before you convert that loft or garage, we would recommend doing a little research. A converted loft can add thousands to the asking price of your property, so it is certainly something to consider – before you undertake this take a look at similar properties in your area and do some investigation as to what the top-selling price has been lately. There will be a ceiling price for the properties in your area and therefore before you add a room, make sure that there is the potential to recoup the cost or more in the asking price.
Decoration
If you want to add value without any major outlay then picking up the paintbrush could be the answer. Freshen up any decoration that has seen better days around the house and do the same in the bathroom, checking on any sealants to ensure they are crisp and clean. Clean up a few simple defects and buyers will see your property in an entirely different light and could be willing to pay more for a home that they perceive to be in excellent condition. This should extend to the frontage of your home, so ensure lawns are mowed and outside areas look cared for. Kerb appeal is everything and first impressions count.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
That old saying that homes are sold due to their kitchens and bathrooms is so true. Having a modern kitchen and bathroom will add considerable value to your property, as well as generating much more interest from buyers. If you don’t want to invest in a brand-new kitchen and bathroom, then update them in order to make them more sellable. Kitchen cabinets can be painted to modernise them and changing the door handles to something sleeker will also help to create the feeling of a newer space. In the bathroom, refresh the paint on the walls, keeping it as neutral as possible, and ensure that the space is bright and airy – add mirrors to make the space feel bigger and use accessories to add colour.
This is clearly a different take on the typical advice and some of these top tips can be done at an inexpensive price which can completely revitalise your property so it’s often worth doing when selling to enhance the buyer experience as it often translates to a higher offer.
However, do your sums. Work out how much it would cost first, get quotes from local contractors and do some research on the valuation now and the valuation after the work. Then work out if it’s worth doing. Getting a local Estate Agent to help on the valuations and give practical advice will pay dividends but make sure you choose one with a proven track record and experience in refurbishments.
