Tag: ascot

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Decided it’s time to sell your home? Here’s what to do next

sell your home

Thinking about selling your home? You’re not alone. It’s a decision that many homeowners ponder for about a year before diving in. That’s a whole twelve months of strategising, researching, and gearing up for the big task ahead.

Let’s face it, selling a property isn’t something we do every day. It’s a major life event that can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty of when it’ll sell, when you’ll move, how much you’ll get for it, and what your next move will be can certainly add to the stress. No wonder it takes time to psych ourselves up for it.

But fear not, we’re here to guide you through it all. Here are some tips to help you navigate the early stages of planning your sale:

First off, make the decision. Selling your home is a big deal, so take your time weighing up your options. Whether it’s outgrowing your current space or planning for the future, your reasons need to be solid.

Next, think about your future plans. Will you be buying another property, or considering a stint in rented accommodation? It’s worth pondering over now, even if you’re not quite ready to start house-hunting.

Now, let’s talk finances. Get a handle on your financial situation by figuring out your property’s value and how much equity you have. This will help you set a budget for your next move.

Once the numbers are sorted, it’s time to prep your home for sale. Remember the golden rule: declutter like there’s no tomorrow. A clutter-free space looks bigger and more appealing to potential buyers.

And finally, choose your estate agent wisely. Do your homework, arrange valuations, and find out about their marketing strategies. You need an agent who’ll go the extra mile to showcase your property and get you the best deal.

Need a hand with your property valuation? Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring your options, our team of expert agents is here to help.

When booking a market appraisal with us:

  • We’ll assess your home’s condition, size, layout, features, and any unique selling points that could affect the value.
  • We’ll conduct a comparative analysis to determine a competitive and realistic market price.
  • We’ll discuss your property’s potential market value considering market trends, location, property condition, and unique attributes.
  • We’ll provide advice on potential improvements or staging tips to enhance the property’s appeal.
  • We’ll propose a marketing strategy tailored to the property’s features and target market.

Get in touch, and let’s make this journey smoother for you. We’d be delighted to support you.

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Introducing Fisher and Partners’ Lettings: Seamless, Stress-Free Property Management

Property Lettings Management

At Fisher and Partners, we’ve always strived to meet the diverse real estate needs of our valued clients. We’re excited to announce our expansion into the world of lettings, providing a bespoke and unparalleled property management service that mirrors our dedication to excellence.

Our newly expanded lettings service offers hassle-free solutions for those facing limited time to research property markets. We recognise the need for a quick and accurate valuation to facilitate budgeting and decision-making. Moreover, for those potentially unfamiliar with local property laws and regulations overseas, Fisher and Partners provides a comprehensive understanding and guidance.

We understand that your home or rental properties are more than mere buildings; they represent valuable investments and assets. Our mission is to alleviate the stress associated with property management by offering a tailored lettings service that prioritises your peace of mind.

Tailored Lettings Management for Your Peace of Mind

Navigating the intricate landscape of property management can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to streamline the process for you. From sourcing ideal tenants to handling day-to-day management, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service that aligns with your expectations.

What We Offer:

Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way. Our experienced in-house property management team ensures transparent communication, providing regular marketing updates tailored to your preferences.

Professional 3rd Party Objectiveness: We understand the importance of expectation management and help you maintain a clear dialogue between landlord and tenant, especially when unforeseen challenges arise. Our commitment to professional 3rd party objectiveness ensures that we handle any issues or disputes with impartiality and fairness, safeguarding the interests of both parties involved.

Comprehensive Marketing: Elevate your property’s visibility with our comprehensive marketing strategies, particularly online with our fantastic digital marketing. Professional photography, virtual viewings, detailed floor plans, and strategic advertising across leading property portals ensure maximum exposure to potential tenants.

Tailored Fees: We understand that every property owner’s needs are unique. Our services are customised to suit your specific requirements, ensuring that you pay only for the services you truly need.

Thorough Tenant Referencing: Quality and reliability are paramount. That’s why we partner with experts in tenant referencing, including thorough credit checks, to ensure that your property is in trustworthy hands.

Let us handle the complexities of property management while you focus on your busy life and investments. Experience a seamless, stress-free letting journey that prioritises your convenience and peace of mind.

Contact Fisher and Partners Lettings Team today to discuss your letting needs.

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Are you making these mistakes when trying to sell your property?

troubles selling house

When the time has come to sell your home and move on to pastures new, it’s likely that you haven’t sold a property for quite some time. The average time a person lives in one property is 7-10 years, and if you cast your mind back ten years, our world today is almost unrecognisable; AI and cryptocurrency are now part of our lives, but it’s possible that you’d never really heard of either of those things ten years ago and they certainly weren’t in our everyday conversations. 

So it’s fair to say that, unless you are moving house far more frequently than the average person, you might not be considered an expert in selling property. With this in mind, it’s easy for a homeowner to fall foul of these common mistakes as they attempt to sell.

Overvaluing

Planning your move is as much about the property you want to move in to as it is about selling your current home. The more money you can sell your home for, the higher the available budget for the onward move. Many sellers make the mistake of marketing their property for sale at a price that is simply too high, falsely believing that the higher the starting price is, the higher the end sale price will be. Instead, a discerning homeowner should market their property for a competitive price, reasonable and researched based on factual evidence collected from the current market. You may think a buyer will negotiate with you when they view, but unfortunately, that is often not the case. Buyers will simply discount the property altogether, and you’ll find the number of viewings so low that a sale becomes quite unlikely, meaning that you’ll most likely have to reduce the price.

Bad pricing strategy

Many sellers mistakenly think that they need to factor in wiggle room to their pricing strategy to allow for negotiation. This often results in advertising prices being quite unconventional and are placed ever so slightly above a round figure. In fact, this has an adverse effect on the marketing of a home as almost 99% of all property searches begin online, and properties are filtered using price brackets. If you market your home at £255,000 to allow £5000 negotiation, any buyer that cuts off their search at £250,000 will not even see your property in their search and might never know that your home is available. Instead, opt for round figures that align with the price brackets in online advertising to maximise the coverage and exposure of your marketing.

Being inflexible

The ultimate mistake sellers make is being rigid and uncompromising in their plans. Not allowing viewing appointments at a time that suits the buyer could result in that buyer not viewing at all. Setting a fixed price in your mind could mean you’re unsuccessful in your negotiation. Being very restrictive on your moving timescale could result in a buyer choosing a different property that suits their circumstances over yours. Being as flexible and accommodating as possible will ultimately increase your chances of selling your home.

Whilst it is, of course, still possible to sell your home if you market for a little more than it is truly worth, add a little extra for negotiation and stick rigidly to your own agenda and timescale, you are simply reducing your available market to sell to which could result in a slower sale or a lower sale price. 

If you’re on the market and wondering why you haven’t sold yet, or are thinking of putting your property on the market, contact the Managing Partner for your area to ensure that you don’t fall foul of any common mistakes and maximise the value of your home. 

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Could this be the magic solution that will help you to sell your property?

feng shui to sell your home

If you’re about to put your home on the market, you might be considering ways to make a few changes here and there that will help guarantee a sale, particularly if you’ve already set your heart on a property to buy. Read more to see if you can use Feng Shui to hack your way to a speedy sale this summer.

Originally practised in China, the ancient art of Feng Shui involved arranging an environment to achieve harmony and balance. Often believed to change the flow of energy in a property and be able to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, could it be the secret to achieving a sale of your property?

Open up the spaces

Ensure there is open flow in a room and you are not closing off the area with furniture. Ideally, you wouldn’t want a door to be blocked off by furniture, but also, you might want to ensure that there are no rooms that you need to edge around the furniture to get in. 

Pay attention to the ‘feel’

This may be a bit airy fairy, but the feel and atmosphere of your home can have an immense impact on your potential sale. If you get it wrong, you could scupper your plans to move completely. Buyers are looking for a welcoming feel that is comforting and calm. Ensure the property is well-lit by opening all blinds and curtains and turning on every lamp. It is also essential that the home smells nice, so let the property air before viewings by opening the windows and perhaps use wonderfully scented candles and air fresheners.

Don’t horse around!

Bring a metal horse ornament into the home in a running position. This is a Feng Shui method that can detach the energy of the occupants as it declares their intention to move on to somewhere new. If you decide to sell your property, the chances are that you’ve fallen out of love with your home for whatever reason. Position your running horse so that it is running towards the front door, symbolising your move towards your new life and home. The running pose is apparently very important; a static horse would suggest you’re staying put and may hinder your sale.

There is, of course, no scientific evidence to back up the art of Feng Shui, but some of the principles make great interior design sense, regardless of their ability to ward off evil. And if you want to move, there can’t be any harm in giving these tips a go to help encourage a buyer to fall in love with your property. 

Contact the managing partner in your area to take the first step towards moving into your new home.

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Landlords, are you charging the correct rent? Top tips to increasing your rent like a professional.

landlords pricing rent

The average tenant stays in the same property for around 2 or 3 years. But a lot can change in that time. If you’ve managed to keep the same tenants in your property for more than 2 years, have you considered whether the rental amount is still correct? Read this article to find out more.

If you employ a managing agent to look after your property and tenancy, you needn’t worry. Letting agents are at the coal face of the letting market, and so will be making sure that, as the market changes, the existing tenancies are kept up to date and all landlords receive the correct rent for their properties. 

But, if you manage your tenancies yourself, you might not be making the most of your investment. The property market has changed dramatically over the last few years, with a shortage of rental properties leading to increased rental prices. Therefore, if you have not assessed your property for a few years, you could be leaving money on the table. 

The average rental price for a property in the UK is £1190 (according to The Guardian in April 2023), which is an increase of 10% since last year.

Most self-managed landlords are either unaware of how much their property could be worth, how to increase the rent, or how to navigate the process. This could mean that most self-managed landlords miss out on potential income. So how can this income be unlocked? What is the approach to increasing the rent on your rental property?

Call in the professionals. 

The easiest option is to employ a managing agent. If your tenant is still in situ, you can outsource the management of your tenancies to a managing agent at any time, even in the middle of a tenancy, without any problem. The agent will perform a full audit to ensure everything is up to date and running correctly. They’ll be able to provide you with an accurate rental valuation, and if the rent is too low, they’ll be able to set a rent increase in motion for you. Nice and straightforward, and you will probably find that the rent increase will more than cover the monthly management fees for the agent. 

Serve a notice 

If you decide to go it alone, you’ll need to serve a Section 13 notice, in writing, to your tenants, formally informing them of the increase in rent and issuing the correct notice period. 

The key to a rent increase is to ensure you are fair. The tenants are used to budgeting for a set figure each month; if you increase by a substantial amount in one fell swoop, your tenant may not be able to afford the sudden rise in outgoings. It could cause your tenant immense distress if their monthly outgoings increase suddenly, particularly when experiencing a cost of living crisis.

If you’ve neglected to keep the rent in line with market value, you may have to take that on the chin and accept a slower rent increase process rather than a sudden jump up in price. Otherwise, regardless of the distress caused, you may find that the increase is unmanageable for the tenants, and they’re now unable to make the payments. 

You must consider that some rent, albeit at a slightly lower rate, is better than no rent and a complete breakdown of the relationship between you and your long-term tenants. 

If the increase in value is only £25 per month, you might decide it isn’t worth the upheaval and distress. After all, if your tenants move out due to the rent increase, you’ll lose more income than you would gain by re-marketing the property. But, if the rent is £100’s lower than it should be, this must be addressed promptly. Tread carefully, though and be sympathetic to your tenants.

If you need some guidance on navigating a rental increase with your tenants, contact our property experts today.

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Can the interior design choices you make affect the value of your property?

Interior Design Choices

Our homes are our castles, and we like nothing more than styling and personalising them to our own tastes. DIY is a huge business in the UK, and almost all of us have an ongoing project, improving or changing some aspect of our home, changing wallpaper, paint colours, or maybe even tiles and flooring. But how much could this DIY obsession affect the value of our home?

Interior design is a huge industry; from bespoke interiors to magazines showcasing beautiful homes, there is a fascination with interior design, and trends seem to change dramatically as the years go by – who remembers those floral chintz sofas from the 80s?

As trends change with the seasons, new styles and colour schemes increase and decrease in popularity. One moment we’re all painting our homes white and grey, and the next, we’re buying vibrant jungle-themed wallpaper. But is there a point when your personal style will begin to have an impact on the value of your home? Could a wallpaper pattern really decrease your home’s value? 

The interior of a home can make or break a sale. If you are too ‘out there,’ you may put buyers off. Or at least have to pinpoint the exact buyer who is a) looking to buy a property, b) is looking to buy a property the size, style and location of yours, c) at your asking price, and finally, d) with your exact taste in interiors. That is quite a lot of factors to find a buyer for your home, isn’t it?

A manor house would be lovely to buy but imagine the entire interior is bright red, filled with gold-plated fittings, frilly furniture, tasselled lampshades and taxidermy on every shelf. Would you pay the asking price? Or would you make a lower offer because you’d have to arrange for the decorators to come as soon as you completed the purchase? Unless, of course, you happen to like that sort of thing. 

Retro interiors, particularly from the 60s and 70s, are often very popular as long as it’s a nod to the era and not an exact replica. The idea is to incorporate hints into the property from that time, not turn your home into a museum. Avocado bathroom suites might be coming back into fashion, but it could be more likely to put a buyer off. 

Minimalist styles tend to work best and could be the perfect solution to selling your home for the highest possible price. Simple, clean and tidy, a minimalist interior would likely feel empty and sparse to the owner of the red taxidermy house. However, it is most likely to appeal to the largest number of would-be buyers, which is the key when selling your home. 

Scandi interiors are ever-popular for this very reason. It is a simple style without any overbearing patterns or colour schemes to put anyone off. And rather than dull and clinical, there are often pops of colour to create interest and add cosiness to the property.

In an ideal world, your home will attract many buyers with multiple offers, increasing the demand and, therefore, the value. If your home is so quirky that you really have to find the one buyer that will like it, there is limited demand, which could affect the value negatively. 

So, by all means, personalise your homes, but if your taste is very quirky, would you be better off toning that down a little when you decide to sell? 

If you are thinking of selling your home, get in touch with the Managing Partner for your area to arrange a valuation today, or start with a very quick online valuation to see your property’s current market potential.

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When selling a property, is it essential to have printed brochures?

property brochure

99% of Property searchers will start their search for a property online. It is convenient and time-saving, not to mention far more enjoyable, to search for a new home whilst sitting on your sofa instead of trailing around the town centre visiting different agent’s offices. 

The purpose of a property brochure is to showcase the property and its features and benefits. This is still important, only now it needs to be online. Because of this need to prepare an online presence for each property, agents can utilise many more tools and strategies to sell properties than simply a printed brochure.

From high-quality presented video walk-throughs like mini tv shows to a virtual tour that allows the viewer to view the property as often as they like, technology has come so far that there are many ways to market a property sale now.

But, a brochure is still needed; it is just not required to be printed. Digital downloads of brochures will allow buyers to see the property from home without harming the planet and filling up the recycling boxes. 

To promote a property for sale, there must be some marketing materials that can be easily emailed to potential buyers. The extent of this marketing material depends on the agent and the seller, but something must be produced to showcase the property. 

You need some way to show the interior, layout and the property’s main features to entice potential buyers and encourage them to view. Using either a floorplan or a virtual tour to show the layout and images or a video to show the interior style and size of the property. The written description is where you can sell the lifestyle, describing the property in a way to promote the best features of the property. The wording works particularly well when you want to highlight an element of interest in the property but is not seasonal. For example, Christmas dinner/Christmas morning, but you’re trying to sell your home in summer. Or summer BBQs when you’re trying to sell your house in winter. 

Although, likely, printed brochures are not going to be made any more – after all, they are expensive, bad for the planet, and end up in the recycling bin more often than not – a digital brochure will still be created to showcase your property in all it’s glory. 

The content of that brochure will need to have written descriptions that showcase your home and encourage searchers to come and view it. It will also have beautiful images so searchers can see the property and be excited about the real-life viewing. 

But, consider for a moment that rather than simply writing a list of rooms and measurements, and rather than mentioning where every plug socket and tv point is, use the brochure to tantalise the tastebuds of the property searchers. 

Show the viewers about their future in the property and the memories that they will make. Encourage them to view rather than hit them with a list of facts about the house. Sell the lifestyle your property will allow them to have and showcase how it will be the best for family parties, summer BBQs or Christmas morning. These are occasions throughout every year that homeowners will want to host or arrange, and you can show them that your home would be perfect for them.

Of course, no one will buy a property because it is quite good for BBQs, but if your home ticks every other box, it could be enough to push them into offering on your home rather than someone else’s that they may have on their shortlist. 

There are ways to promote a property without creating a brochure, such as a video walk-through presented by the agent in a TV style to allow the agent to highlight all of those features. Still, a viewer will not watch a 30-minute presentation video. So, a combination of video, floorplans, images, and great words all work together to market a property in the best way possible. 

Fisher & Partners is transforming the way property is sold. We invest heavily in videography and digital marketing of our homes to ensure that potential homeowners are able to get a sense of how it would feel for them to live in your home. Since you work with a managing partner from start to finish, you can ensure the features and benefits of your home are showcased effectively. If you’re considering listing your home on the market, we’d be delighted to give you a current market appraisal and discuss our services.

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Are You a Homeowner With Pets and Planning to Sell your Property?

sunningdale with pets

Sunningdale and its neighbouring villages are renowned for being pet-friendly communities. Your furry friends are an essential part of your family and homes. However, when it comes to selling your property, it’s important to consider how your pets may impact the process. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you navigate selling your home while managing your beloved pets.

Prepare for Viewings with Care

While it’s not always practical to remove your pets from your home, it’s ideal to have them out of the way during viewings. If you have dogs, arrange for a family member or friend to take them for a short walk or have them safely secured in the car during the viewing appointments. This allows potential buyers to focus on the unique features of your home without distractions.

Conceal Bowls and Bedding

During viewings, it’s best to hide your pets’ food and water bowls, as well as their bedding. These items are not selling features and may not make a positive impression on buyers, regardless of their love for animals. Store these temporarily in a cupboard, the garage, shed, or even your car while the viewings take place. Once the potential buyers have left, you can bring back your pets and their belongings.

Create an Inviting Environment

Before each viewing, take the time to freshen up your home. As Sunningdale residents know, our noses can become accustomed to familiar scents. Open the windows to let in fresh air and consider using air fresheners or scented candles to give your home a pleasant aroma. Opt for popular scents like vanilla or explore floral options for a refreshing spring atmosphere. Clean scents like linen or relaxing lavender can also create a welcoming ambiance. By appealing to buyers’ senses, you increase the likelihood of leaving a positive impression.

At Fisher & Partners, we understand the unique challenges of selling a home with pets. Our Managing Partners are ready to provide you with accurate valuations and expert advice to maximise your property’s potential. Get started by requesting a free, no-obligation online valuation or reach out to our team today.

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How an Estate Agent will Value Your Home at a Property Valuation

When valuing a property, an estate agent will take into consideration several factors, including…

1. Location 

The location of the property is a crucial factor in determining its value. Homes in highly desirable areas, such as those close to good schools, transport links, and amenities, are likely to be worth more than those in less popular locations.

2. Size and layout

The size and layout of the property will also affect its value. Larger homes with more bedrooms and living spaces will generally be worth more than smaller properties.

3. Condition

The condition of the property is also a significant factor in determining its value. A well-maintained home that is in good repair will be worth more than a property that needs a lot of work.

4. Age and type of property

The age and type of the property will also impact its value. Newer properties or those with unique architectural designs may be worth more than older, more traditional homes.

5. Recent sales of similar properties

Estate agents will also look at the sale prices of similar properties in the local area to get an idea of the current market value. This is often done through a comparative market analysis (CMA).

If you are looking to move, whether that is in the near or far future, we would be delighted to help you on this important journey.

Please get in touch with us by visiting our Contact Us page, or by booking a valuation on our Valuation page. 

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Turning Your Dream Home into a Reality – Architect Tips with Ascot Design

When creating your dream home, you of course want to work with the best of the best in the industry to achieve your desired outcome. Ascot Design is an award winning architects who serve both private clients and the public sector. They are based in Berkshire, UK but work on and deliver projects worldwide.

We were delighted to chat with Alex Horder, the Managing Director at Ascot Design, about their world-leading architectural practice. He shared with us current architectural trends, what to consider when designing your home, as well as more information about the fantastic service they offer.

Watch our coffee morning with Ascot Design below to find out more…