A good few years ago now, I wrote a Nova article about new-build properties and the reason I remember it so well was because it prompted an individual to come in to the office to tell me that I hadn’t given them a fair review. He felt I was biased towards older properties and, at that time, he was probably right! Having always been brought up in semi-rural or character homes, I had never experienced owning or living in a new-build and although this is still the case, I now think I have much more experience and a better understanding
Read More
Archives for Hints and Tips
Time to ‘Spring’ into action!
As the days start to draw out, now is a good time to consider a change. If you’ve been wanting to make the move but have been worried about the lack of market choice, the way the year has started you needn’t be! With new instructions coming in thick and fast, there is now more out there to choose from, whether you are stepping onto the first rung of the property ladder, climbing higher up or looking for your forever home. If you do have a property to sell, it is worth standing back and looking at your home objectively.
Read More
Barker’s book…
Normally at this time of year, we take stock of the last 12 months, evaluate what we did right and wrong and plan on becoming better human beings in January (well – after we have consumed several thousand extra calories in food and alcohol and, overspent on Christmas presents that is!) but this year has obviously been very different. Whilst it has been one of the strangest years ever, which at times has seemed like a never-ending black hole of doom and gloom, it has also made us appreciate the things we usually take for granted such as seeing loved
Read More
Happy 10th Birthday Barker Healey!!
I literally can’t believe it’s been 10 years since my Barker Healey baby was born! Happy Birthday to us! It has absolutely flown by and I have loved every minute of the journey so far. The property market has been quite changeable over the last decade due to one thing and another – from starting out just after the crash in 2008 to dealing with changes to BTL mortgage relief and stamp duty, Brexit and now a worldwide pandemic, it hasn’t been easy! One thing which hasn’t waned though is my love for all things bricks and mortar. I still
Read More
Don’t “fall” behind
When the evenings start to seem just that bit shorter and the kids are finally back at school for the start of another academic year, it can only mean one thing – Autumn is on its way. And as we enter the last third of what has been the most bizarre of years and Halloween, Bonfire Night and, dare I say it – Christmas – seem to be fast approaching, we start to wonder just where has 2020 gone? Life over the last 6 months has changed immeasurably and no one can predict just yet what the next 6 months
Read More
Top ten tips to selling your home
1. Disassociate Yourself With Your Home. Say to yourself, “This is not my home; it is a house — a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the supermarket shelf. Make the mental decision to “let go” of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours. Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners! Say goodbye to every room. Don’t look backwards — look toward the future. 2. De-personalise Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can’t see past
Read More
To extend or not to extend….?
One thing I have been asked about on a couple of occasions recently is the subject of property extensions. In particular – what kind of value will an extra bedroom and reception room add to a property and how much will it cost? Well the basic rule of thumb in terms of expense is that you will spend approximately £1000 per square metre which includes the basic plumbing and electrical work. A double storey extension does not usually cost twice as much, as the foundations are obviously already laid. On top of that there are the usual fees in respect
Read More
Phil Spencers Tips on Selling your Home
If you want advice then you will want it from the best in the business, take a moment to read what Phil Spencer reckons you should do to clinch that important sale: The first step to selling your property quickly and painlessly is to consider your target market. Who do you think might buy your property? Then try to tailor your space to appeal to the main group without alienating other groups that might also be interested. Click here to read more
Read More