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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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UK Mortgage Rates Advice for 2023

If you’re looking to move house and buy a new property, you will likely be wondering about the UK mortgage rates.

We recommend talking to a Mortgage and Protection Advisor to give you all the relevant information and advice you will need. Buying a new home is a big commitment, so it is very important that you have all the information regarding current mortgage rates and what the best options are for you, from a professional.

We had the delight of talking to Paul Cleveland, a Mortgage and Protection Advisor at Fairstone, who provide financial planning and wealth management solutions to help you achieve your life goals.

Paul shared with us some fantastic information about UK mortgage rates and some brilliant advice for people considering a move. He also discussed mortgage rate trends and how these could change overtime, as well as the importance of knowing your financial position before property searching.

To find out all the great advice Paul shared with us, please watch our coffee morning with Paul on our YouTube channel below…

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5 Easy Steps to Prepare Your Home for Viewings

Selling your home can be a stressful process, but we believe that with a thorough plan and understanding of the process it doesn’t need to be. One key element of selling your home is viewings, and often not enough thought or effort goes into this. Our top tips are…

1. Declutter

Where possible limit the number of items that personalise the house such as family photos, memorabilia, collections, and furniture. Remove excess items that make rooms appear cluttered as this will give potential buyers a better impression. 

2. Repair

Make sure to repair any known defects in the house, such as broken windows, leaky faucets, or damaged flooring. Potential buyers won’t be interested in a home with a long punch list. 

3. Paint

Freshen up paint colours in each room of the house with neutral tones and finishes. Neutral colours will make the house more attractive to potential buyers and may also increase its resale value. 

4. Stage

Staging the house can help potential buyers envision how the space can be used and also present it in its best light. Use simple and stylish decor to make the house feel inviting, intimate and attractive to potential buyers. 

5. Clean

Consider having a deep clean to make sure your house is truly looking as good as it possibly can, making it easy for buyers to fall in love with it.

At Fisher & Partners we will always be on hand to advise and guide clients in order to get the best possible route for them. By working closely together we can make sure that the whole processes is as smooth as possible for you. 

If you are considering a move, are struggling with your current estate agent or simply need some advice, please contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

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UK Property Update for 2023

The UK property market is an ever changing landscape and looking ahead to 2023 there’s a number of factors that will affect the market. 

Demand for housing is likely to rise in the UK as the population continues to expand and the economy bounces back from the turbulence of 2022. This means that the outlook for 2023 is promising, all against a backdrop of rising interest rates, increased costs of living and a pessimistic viewing from broadcasters on a national level.

In terms of prices, experts predict that the market will remain largely stable in the next few years and that house prices may rise by around 5-10%. However, this will vary significantly depending on the region, with some markets being more expensive and better performing  than others. Certainly the Home Counties will be expected to out perform the rest of the UK, with strong demand from across the globe and limited expansion in terms of property development, underpinning values and transactional volumes. 

The pandemic has also had a major impact on the property market and this could continue in 2023. Working from home is becoming more common, meaning that people may be less reliant on their local area and more likely to move farther away in order to get better value for money. However the migration from city centres to more suburban and rural areas is still affected by the desire to have good communication links and social infrastructure. 

Additionally, in recent years travel restrictions have affected the number of overseas buyers, but as we return to a post-Covid normality we will expect to see the return of foreign investors taking advantage of the weak pound and any uncertainty in the markets.

If you’d like any further advice or help from us then please do reach out to use using our contact page.

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Top 5 Pubs for Sunday Lunch in Berkshire

The Four Horseshoes – Chobham 

A beautiful village pub near Chobham Common. It’s a welcoming pub with fantastic food and there are so many amazing walks and rides all around.

The Winning Post – Winkfield

A hugely popular spot for locals and those from further a field. Set in the village between Ascot and Windsor, it’s a superb environment mixed in with amazing service, food and the odd celebrity.

The Fox & Hounds – Englefield Green 

Set in a beautiful position boarding the Windsor Great Park. Its the perfect spot for a well earned roast after a long walk, bike or horse ride in the Great Park.

The Half Moon – Windlesham 

Truly superb food, fantastically welcoming and heated outdoor seating. It’s perfect for families all year round.

The Carpenters – Sunninghill 

A visit to The Carpenters is a must! It’s a hugely popular local staple with an incredible atmosphere for England rugby matches, combined with the best of French and traditional English food.

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with your friends, and also take a look at our other posts on our A&T page.

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Simple Tips for Beginning Your Property Search

1. Begin early

Start researching well ahead of when you plan to buy – at least 6-12 months prior. This will give you plenty of time to research different areas and finances.

2. Research thoroughly

Read up on the different areas you are looking to buy in. Look at local amenities, school districts, and property value trends.

3. Understand your finances

Use a mortgage calculator to help you work out how much you can afford to borrow and how much you can afford to pay back each month.

4. List your must-haves

Make a list of what you want and need in a property. Having a clear list will help you narrow down your options.

5. Get a pre-approval

Get pre-approved for a mortgage to show sellers that you’re serious and financially capable of purchasing the property.

6. Talk to an estate agent

As much as the online portals can give you a good overview of a local property market, they don’t tell the whole story. Being on the books of estates agents is key. This will give you a first chance look at new properties as they come onto the market as well as access to the nearly 40% of properties sales that take place off market. 

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How to Prepare Your Winter Garden for Spring and Summer 2023

As we come out of Winter and the early signs of life in our gardens are signalled by bird song and daffodil shoots, we want to share with you a few tips to help you prepare, so you can make the most of your garden this Spring and Summer.

1. Start your garden early

Most vegetables and annual flowers will provide a bountiful harvest if they are planted early in the spring, starting as soon as the soil can be worked. Start prepping and planting in mid to late March, once the threat of frost has passed.

2. Amend the soil

Before planting, amend your soil with fertiliser, compost or manure, to give your plants a nutrient-rich environment to thrive in. Start with a soil pH test to determine acidity, and adjust as needed with lime and/or fertiliser.

3. Get mulching

Mulch helps retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, so cover flower beds, gardens and trees with several inches of mulch to protect their roots.

If you found this useful and would like any further advice on prepping and styling your garden – particularly if you’re looking to put your property on the market – then please do get in touch using our contact page.