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Did you know that Spring tends to be the best time to sell a property? It’s true – the Spring months of March to May are arguably the best and most consistent months for property sales year in, year out. Whether you’re an investor or homeowner looking to sell your property, here are the top five reasons why SPRING is the best time of year to get your property on the market and ready to sell.
1. High level of demand and need for supply
The warmer Spring months with lighter, brighter days tend to be more appealing for property hunting than the heat of the Summer or the freezing cold of the Winter. With an increase in demand for properties, it makes sense for sellers to take advantage of the selling opportunities and put a property on the market.
2. It’s the season of new beginnings
Spring is typically a season associated with new beginnings – you’ll see new buds appearing on trees, new flowers emerging from ground and new life in nature – and this feeling of newness seems to flow through to the property market too. It’s a time when people begin to think about new possibilities and make plans for the rest of the year, such as buying a new property and moving house.
3. Spring weather boosts kerb appeal
The lighter, brighter days of spring can significantly help to boost the kerb appeal of properties. The days tend not to be as dark and dreary as they can be during the heart of winter (bar the occasional weather decline!) and better natural light helps improve the exterior view of properties. For example, it can bring out the natural colour of stone or bricks or make architectural features look better.
Even if you don’t have a property with a garden, there’s likely to be trees coming into bloom or flowers blossoming in your neighbourhood, which can reflect positively on your property too. If you have an apartment with a balcony, a few pots of pretty Spring flowers could brighten up the outdoor space and add an inviting appeal.
4.Spring light aids interior photography
In the same way that improved natural light aids exterior kerb appeal, so too will it help aid the interior photography of your property. Good photos are a key element of successfully selling your property and it definitely makes a difference when there’s better natural light in which to take them. They’ll be less time-consuming editing involved to get them up to scratch and, in theory, it could be quicker for your agent to get your property listed.
5. It’s better weather for moving
On a practical note, for those that are thinking of moving, Spring is a more appealing time to do so. The weather tends to be better than during the Winter and you’re not yet thwarted by the energy-zapping heat that Summer can bring. Plus, for families with children, it’s likely to be an easier time of year to move, whilst they’re still at school and so they can be settled in a new home before a new school year starts in September.
If you need any help, or advice on your purchase and of course mortgages we here at Acres can help, Click here to use our multiple mortgage and stamp duty calculators
If you’re thinking of selling your property to take advantage of the Spring boost in sales, don’t forget to get your property looking its best first. A good spring clean can freshen up your interior and a quick lick of fresh paint on your front door can make the world of difference and improve the look and feel of your property – those first impressions really count! Contact us today to get your property on the market now
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The Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker/Advisor.
Are you considering buying a home or remortgaging and need to secure a mortgage?
One crucial decision you'll face is whether to use a mortgage broker. While some may opt for going directly to a bank or lender, there are significant advantages to working with a mortgage broker.
Here are some key benefits:
* Access to a Wide Range of Lenders*
Mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of lenders. This means they can help you compare offerings from various lenders, including banks and specialist lenders.
*Tailored Solutions*
Every individual's financial situation is unique. A broker can tailor mortgage solutions to your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, or have a complex financial situation, a broker can find a mortgage product that suits you.
*Saves Time and Effort*
Searching for the right mortgage can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the mortgage market. A broker can streamline the process by doing the legwork for you, saving you time and effort.
*Expert Advice and Guidance*
Mortgage brokers are experts in their field. They can offer valuable advice and guidance throughout the mortgage application process, helping you understand the terms and conditions of different mortgage products and guiding you through the paperwork.
*Potential Cost Savings*
By accessing a wide range of mortgage products, brokers can often find deals with lower interest rates and better terms than those available through individual lenders. This can result in significant cost savings over the life of your mortgage.
In conclusion, using a mortgage broker can provide you with a range of benefits, including access to a wide variety of lenders and products, tailored solutions, time and effort savings, expert advice, and potential cost savings. So, when you're ready to buy a home, consider enlisting the help of a mortgage broker to guide you through the process and help you secure the best possible mortgage deal.
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As a homebuyer, you want to make sure that the property you purchase checks all the right boxes for you.
From location to work undertaken, or perhaps to be carried out there are plenty of factors to consider. However, when it comes to the features that potential buyers are looking for in a property, some things stand out more than others. Here are the top 10 things that homebuyers are looking for in a property in 2023, based on recent trends and studies.
1. Garages with extra storage space
Storage space is always at a premium, so it's no surprise that potential buyers are looking for garages that offer extra storage space. This is especially true for families with children, who need a place to store sports equipment, bicycles, and other outdoor gear.
2. Open floor plan
Gone are the days of smaller living rooms and closed-off spaces. Today's homebuyers are looking for open floor plans that allow for better flow, family living and flow between rooms. An open floor plan makes it easier to entertain guests, keep an eye on children, and enjoy the natural light that flows throughout the space.
3. Home offices
With more people working remotely, having a dedicated home office is more important than ever. Buyers are looking for properties that offer a separate space for a home office, whether it's a spare room, a converted attic or basement, or a small nook in a larger room. A dedicated home office can make it easier to focus on work and be more productive.
4. Walk-in pantry
A walk-in pantry is a dream come true for home cooks and foodies alike. It's a place to store dry goods, canned goods, and other essentials, keeping them organised and easily accessible. A walk-in pantry can also help save space in the kitchen, allowing for more counter and cabinet space for other kitchen essentials.
5. Modern kitchens
We firmly believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and homebuyers are looking for modern kitchens with all the latest amenities. This includes high-end appliances, plenty of counter space, and storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen tools. A modern kitchen can make meal prep and cooking easier and more enjoyable!
6. Outdoor patios
Outdoor living spaces are more important than ever, and now we’re entering into warmer weather, homebuyers are looking for properties that offer a private outdoor patio. This is a place to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. It can also add value to a property, making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
7. Energy efficiency
Homebuyers are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability. They're looking for properties that offer energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation, as well as other sustainable features like solar panels. These features can not only help reduce energy bills but also help reduce a property's carbon footprint.
8. Island Kitchens
Island kitchens are a popular trend, especially in modern homes. They provide extra counter space for meal prep and cooking, as well as a place to sit and enjoy a quick meal or a cheeky midnight snack. An island kitchen can also serve as a focal point for the room, adding style and sophistication to the space. Island kitchens also offer additional storage space, with cabinets and drawers built into the island. This is especially useful in open-concept homes where storage can be limited.
In addition to their functional benefits, island kitchens also have aesthetic appeal. They can be designed in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, to complement the overall design of the home. Some homeowners choose to add a statement light fixture above the island to add an extra touch of style
9. Walk-in wardrobes
Having a spacious and well-organised wardrobe is essential, and homebuyers are looking for properties that offer walk-in wardrobes. A walk-in wardrobe provides plenty of space for clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as a place to get dressed and ready for the day ahead.
10. Hardwood flooring
Finally, homebuyers are looking for properties with hardwood flooring. They are durable, easy to clean, and add warmth and character to a home and are also versatile, and able to match a variety of different interior design styles.
From storage space to energy efficiency to modern kitchens, these features can make a property more attractive and valuable to potential buyers. If you're thinking about buying or selling a property, keep these features in mind to help make the most informed decision possible!
Here at Acres, we understand the importance of finding the right property that meets your needs and wants. Our experienced team will help guide you through the buying or selling process and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find your dream home. https://www.acres.co.uk/contact-us
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You don’t need a higher-paying job or a windfall from a relative to improve your personal finances. For many people, better money management is all it takes to reduce their spending, improve their ability to invest and save, and achieve financial goals that once seemed impossible. Even if you feel like your finances are stuck in a bad place with no way out, there are several things you can do to create a better situation for yourself. Here are seven to get you started.
1. Track your spending to improve your finances.
If you don’t know what and where you’re spending each month, there’s a good chance your personal spending habits have room for improvement. Better money management starts with spending awareness. Use a money management app to track spending across categories and see for yourself how much you’re spending on non-essentials such as dining, entertainment, and even that daily coffee. Once you’ve educated yourself on these habits, you can make a plan to improve.
2. Create a realistic monthly budget.
Use your monthly spending habits, as well as your monthly take-home pay, to set a budget you know you can keep.There’s no use setting a strict budget based on drastic changes, such as never eating out when you’re currently ordering takeout four times a week. Create a budget that works with your lifestyle and spending habits. You should see a budget as a way to encourage better habits, such as cooking at home more often, but give yourself a realistic shot at meeting this budget. That’s the only way this money management method will work.
3. Build up your savings—even if it takes time.
Create an emergency fund that you can dip into when unforeseen circumstances strike. Even if your contributions are small, this fund can save you from risky situations in which you’re forced to borrow money at high-interest rates or possibly find yourself unable to pay your bills on time.
4. Pay your bills on time every month.
Paying bills on time is an easy way to manage your money wisely, and it comes with excellent benefits: It helps you avoid late fees and prioritises essential spending. A strong on-time payment history can also lift your credit score and improve your interest rates.
5. Cut back on recurring charges.
Do you subscribe to services you never use? It’s easy to forget about monthly subscriptions to streaming services and mobile apps that charge your bank account even when you don’t regularly use these services. Review your spending for charges like these, and consider cancelling unnecessary subscriptions to hold onto more money each month.
6. Save up cash to afford big purchases.
Certain kinds of loans and debt can be helpful when making major purchases, such as a house or even a car that you need right now. But for other big purchases, cash offers the safest and cheapest buying option. When you buy in cash, you avoid generating interest and creating a debt that requires months—or, often, years—to pay back. In the meantime, that saved money can sit in a bank account and accumulate interest that can be put toward your purchase.
7. Start an investment strategy.
Even if your ability to invest is limited, small contributions to investment accounts can help you use your earned money to generate more income. The path to better finances starts with changing your own habits. Some of these changes will be easier than others, but if you stay committed to this transformation, you’ll end up with great money management skills that will serve you throughout your life—and in the meantime, you’ll have more money in your pocket. The foundation of good money management is a rock-solid budget. Create your own by downloading one of the many available on line.
Information provided by https://www.fscb.com/blog/7-money-management-tips-to-improve-your-finances
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What I like about Acres is their straight, no nonsense approach. Believe me, current markets are difficult, but they got the job done ! Hats off to the team! This might sum it up better-paraphrased
f you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... the A Team (Acres Team)
Thanks Nigel and Team!
