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Author: Sophie Winter

Do I really need a for sale sign when selling my Medway home?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Not everyone loves a for sale sign outside their home; and as you venture around Medway you will see a variety of property boards. But, as common as they are, not everyone wants to have a for sale sign outside their home.  People have a variety of reasons they are not a for sale sign fan – they may not wish for their neighbours to know they wish to move, or potentially risk having random strangers knocking on their door. Yet there are many advantages to having a for sale sign that you may have overlooked; which is why our team at Century Residential would like to share with you the value of having a sign when you’re selling your Medway home.

Powerful marketing tool

In such a competitive property market like we have been seeing in Medway for the last year or so; one of the most powerful tools we have is the for sale sign. With the advances in technology and a variety of ways to search for property online; over 90% of buyers will begin their search for a new home there. However, not all buyers are actively looking for a home; and we regularly receive calls from potential buyers who have seen a for sale sign outside a property that is of interest.

These buyers may have had their eye on your home for some time, or have fallen in love with the street where you live. Moving has been a niggle and not a impulse, but when they see the house that has caught their attention and been hard to forget; that niggle starts to grow into action and before they know it they are making a call to us.

It starts with a chat

It isn’t only us who are in love with property and know which new properties have come onto the market in our area. Once a board has gone up, it doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s not just friends and family that start to talk about your move; but neighbours and people within your community, as well as passers-by, could spread the word. Word-of-mouth marketing is organic: your home can be mentioned in a chat with a friend, who then mentions it to a neighbour, who then jumps on the internet to have a look. Conversations about property are a valuable way of reaching potential buyers and helping them to find their dream home; you never know, the next conversation could be about yours.

Can help to sell more quickly

Having a variety of marketing tools including the for sale board can help sell your home more quickly. The more awareness we can create for your property, the more potential buyers we can reach, which in any kind of property market is going to be an advantage. At Century Residential we are not in business to list as many homes in the area as possible so that our boards become an eyesore. When we value your home, the figure we present is what we know can be achieved by our team to get your home SOLD. We will always negotiate to get you the highest possible sales price, but no one wants a for sale sign gathering dust outside their property because their house was on the market at an unachievable figure.

It’s a visible marker 

Not every property is easy to find, house numbers can often be obscured or missing, street lighting not effective, and streets can feel hidden. You want any potential buyer arriving at a viewing feeling positive and excited; not frustrated and annoyed because they have spent the last 20 minutes struggling to find your home.  A for sale sign clearly indicates where your property actually is; making find you for a viewing an easier and calmer experience for buyers.

Is this what you want?

Sometimes, unknowingly, we can put obstacles in our own way to delay or prevent things we are not exactly sure off. If you are against having a for sale sign when selling your home, you need to ask yourself why?  Could it be you are not ready to move and, if so, you may find you unwillingly continue to place obstacles during the sales process making the experience not fun for anyone. If you are questioning if you should have a for sale sign, ask yourself, is this move something that I really want?

No one puts Baby in the corner

This famous Dirty Dancing quote is perfect to stress to you that when you are selling your home you want it to be seen, to shine and sparkle in the spotlight. A for sale sign is a wonderful way to make sure that your home receives the attention it deserves, and you could soon be dancing your way to a sale. If you are ready to sell your Medway home, call our team today on 01634 570057 .

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Why you need to get moving if you want to sell your home in Gillingham

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Selling your home can often involve some tactical decisions, as well as those practical and heartfelt ones. Only you know when you feel the time is right to place your home on the market; but according to the experts there is one month proven better than others. Recent data from Rightmove confirms that March is the best month for sellers; as it is the time with the highest number of potential buyers per available property. This is why you need to get moving if you want to sell your home in Gillingham.

“There is usually a wave of buyers in March through to spring, who are hoping to be in their new home by the end of summer, or are acting on a desire to move which has been growing since the start of the year. This means that sellers coming to market at this time are often met with plenty of interest for their home, in many cases leading to a successful sale,” states Tim Bannister, Director of Property Data at Rightmove.

Spring into action

One of the beautiful things about spring is how everything starts to come to life; there are signs now, such as daffodils starting to bloom. Just as nature dusts the cobwebs of winter, it is time for you to spring into action and prepare you home for sale if you want to take advantage of this seller season. But where should you start?

It may sound a bit cheesy but, honestly, a spring clean is the best starting point there is, and we don’t just mean a physical one. One of the main barriers that many sellers have when selling their home is letting go. You may be all for a move, but are you ready to see your home for what it is, flaws and all, and make the right changes to attract the bounty of buyers? It is not always easy to see your home as though you were a buyer, but by doing so you are doing everything you can to maximise the value of your home.

A spring clean isn’t only about spotless windows and pristine floors; but at the heart it’s ensuring your home is organised, clutter free, and homely. Many sellers when preparing their home for sale can go too far; creating a sterile scene that is soulless and void of personality. Take some inspiration from show homes and home magazines where rooms are clean and tidy but have beautiful touches; such as vases of flowers, carefully put together book shelves, and accessories which complement the décor.

Get it right from the start

From the first photograph presented online, to the sight when a buyer takes those first excited steps towards your home; no matter how beautiful your home looks inside, first impressions can make a huge impression when it comes to viewing or buying a property. Over the last few weeks our homes have been battered by winds and rain leaving our exteriors not looking their best, which is why it is essential you put some work in.

Freshen up any paintwork, tidy your garden and add some seasonal plants; (let’s face it a garden or planter always looks a thousand times better when it has some colour in it). We cannot promise a sunny day when it comes to viewings; so the more you do to add some life to your home’s kerb appeal can only help those active and determined buyers who choose your home to view.

Last but not least give us a call.

When it comes to the Gillingham market, we are the experts you need to navigate you through the entire process; from ensuring it is priced correctly, through negotiating offers to working tirelessly throughout the sales process, so your home doesn’t just sell but is successfully sold. Therefore, if you are looking to sell your home, call our team at Century Residential on 01634 570057 today.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Thinking of buying a house in Gillingham? What should you expect in 2022?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

When it comes to the Gillingham property market in 2021 and the UK in general; words like crazy and frantic spring to mind. It was a year where the number of properties on the market was low and yet demand was overwhelming at times. Where house prices reached record highs at times; and many buyers were left out in cold and even struggling to get viewings. As we are heading to the end of the first month of the year, what is it like out there for buyers? What should you expect if you are looking to buy a home in Gillingham in 2022?

What has been happening

Competition for homes from buyers was fierce at the end of last year; which has been confirmed by data from Propertymark (the leading membership body for property agents). “Our Housing Market Report for November revealed an average of 29 potential buyers for every available property per branch – a 21% increase in competition from October, however, despite a rise in the average number of potential buyers, a record low supply of properties was recorded, with an average of just 20 homes per branch – 50% less than in November 2020,” stated Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark.

With the end of the stamp duty holiday last year, it was predicted that things may settle down this year; but this has not been the case. According to recent data from Rightmove; the number of buyers enquiring about homes is 15% higher than the same time last year. Yet, before you start to panic and wonder if you are going to face the same challenges finding a home as last year; there may be some light on the way for your search.  Rightmove figures show that the number of requests for home valuations during the first working week of 2022 was up by 44% on the same time last year, and up by 48% on the same period in 2020.

What this means is that we should start to see more homes coming on to the market; giving you more choice as a buyer. At Century Residential, we are seeing an increase in the number of enquiries by potential home sellers, who, due to a steadier return to normality, have increasing confidence about making that move which they have been considering for a while. There will still be competition for properties; and there are things you can do to make sure you are in the best position should you find that home of your dreams.

What you can do?

Buying power is what you need if you’re looking for a home in the next couple of months; and that can start with thoroughly understanding your financial situation.  Playing the guessing game on presumptions and out-of-date agreements; is going to place you on rocky ground before you have even begun your property search.  You also don’t want to fall in love with a property; and start to plan where you will put your furniture, only to discover that you can’t afford it.  Do a full financial audit, make sure your credit rating is in a healthy place; and then seek professional advice from a mortgage adviser; if you unsure who to ask, we can certainly recommend a mortgage broker who has helped many of our clients.

We all have a vision of what our next home will look like; but what you think you want and what you actually need can often be very different. Sticking to an ideal and not being willing to be open to ideas; or being able to compromise will make your search virtually impossible. Often it can be those properties that you had discounted for one reason or another; that end up being the ones that steal your heart.

If you are selling a home as well as buying; in this market it is essential that you find a buyer for your property first, before you start to search for your new home.  You don’t know the position of other potential buyers; and having a buyer for your property will place you in a strong buying position. Additionally your offer will be considered stronger as a result.

You are not on your own

Many buyers underestimate the value an estate agent can bring to their search. Give our team a call today and let them know exactly what you want and need from your next property. You never know, the next home we are called to value could just be that one you are looking for. For more advice on the Gillingham property market, and how to navigate it as a buyer, give our team a call today on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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What does 2022 hold for you and your home?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

With every new year we have expectations of the year ahead; we always hope it is better than the last, and during a pandemic we wish that even more. Yet, as we know, there will be a few challenges for us this year as economists predict that our living standards will deteriorate. But there is also some light too, whether you’re looking to move home or stay put, it is always good to be prepared. Our team at Century Residential have come together to give you an insight into what 2022 holds for you and your home.

Base rate increase

If you didn’t have your eye on the ball last month, you may have missed the Bank of England’s surprise decision to increase the base rate to 0.25% from 0.1%; after the Monetary Policy Committee approved the decision. This is the first rise in more than three years.

How does this affect you?

The central bank uses the base rate to charge other lenders and banks when they borrow money; which in turn influences the rate at which you borrow and savers earn. This may only equate to a relatively small increase in your monthly payments for those with a variable rate mortgage; and if you have a fixed rate deal you can breath a sigh of relief as you are protected for now. Should you be looking to secure a new mortgage you will find that the rates are higher.

Buying a home

If you were looking for a home over the last 18 months; you will have been caught up in a frenzy where available properties have been few and buyers many. This lack of supply over demand saw house prises rise and many buyers missing out on properties; and even not even getting a viewing. We predict that this year will see things starting to balance out a bit. We have already seen an increase in requests for valuations from sellers in Medway and the surrounding areas. It’s not just us that have seen an increase in valuation requests; Rightmove have also stated that they have seen a 19% increase in requests compared with this time last year. We’re excited with the range of homes that we predict will be coming on to the market in the new few weeks.

Selling your home

Last year was most certainly a sellers’ market but we do believe this year we will see more stability in the housing market; although we still expect it to be strong for sellers.

“If you do decide to sell your home in the new year, your chances of finding a buyer are very high; as we’re still seeing huge levels of buyer demand, and not enough homes available to buy”, according to Rightmove’s property expert Tim Bannister. We have many buyers registered with us at Century Residential who are still looking for their first or next home. If you’re curious about the current value of your property or thinking about moving; give our team a call on 01634 570057.

Make your finances a priority

Regardless of what ups and downs this new year will bring; you have the power to get yourself in a healthy position financially. We can all make small changes here are there that can help towards a deposit, a new bathroom, or even simply improving your quality of life.

When is the last time you did a rigorous assessment of your outgoings? You will be surprised by the number of people who don’t realise they are paying small subscriptions out for one thing or another every month. Be frugal about shopping and more so about what you waste; every positive change you make at home will have an impact one way or another to your monthly finances.

What is in your 2022?

New year plans and resolutions can often change or be put on the back burner as life takes over; but whatever you do this year, always keep a watchful eye on what’s happening financially around you. Placing yourself in a financially savvy position will only be of benefit when you decide it is time to move home; and when that time comes, we will make sure that your money is invested wisely. 

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Are you happy at home this Christmas?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Christmas is a time about family, coming together with friends and family; and spending time with the ones we love.  It’s a season where we hope for a greater sense of belonging; where communities come together in celebration, through their decorations and events. A time when memories are made and traditions old and new are enjoyed, and most of all we long to be happy at home. What is it you seek when buying a new property that will truly ensure that you are happy at home this Christmas?

Recently, Rightmove, Britain’s well-loved property website, released the findings of their annual Happy at Home Index for 2021; which announced the happiest place to live in Great Britain. But it wasn’t the list of towns that caught our eye; more the findings in their research that were fascinating to read.  Now in its tenth year, the Happy at Home Index asked over 21,000 people across Great Britain; about their feelings about where they live and to rank ‘Happiness Measures’.

This has been a record-breaking year for house moves. At Century Residential we have been continually surprised by the demand for properties and not just from people living locally. In fact Rightmove predict by the end of this year 1.5 million transactions will have taken place! But what the Happy at Home Index discovered is that of those people that have moved within the last 12 months; two-thirds have moved to a different area and are happier as a result.

Happiness Measure

The top voted for ‘Happiness Measure’ within the Happy at Home Index was a sense of belonging; and it is this that home buyers really need to tap into when looking for a new home. It doesn’t matter what kind of property you have, if it is your dream home or not; if it isn’t in the right location will it really fulfil your needs and bring you complete happiness? A sense of belonging is so important to all of us; and it isn’t the big things, often, that turn a property into a home.

It can be as simple as a stranger saying good morning to you as you walk down the street; or a quick chat with the manager of your local coffee shop. The enjoyment you get from being able to access green spaces easily and having people you know and love close by. When buying a house it is also good to concentrate on the things you can change and not on those you can’t. Not liking a property’s décor or furnishings should not be a deal breaker; yes it may be costly to transform to your taste, but not as costly as buying the wrong house.

The pandemic is still seeing people making bolder and yet more certain decisions on where they would like to live. Our whole attitude has changed towards what we want out of a property and with working from home being the norm now for many, location can be a lot more flexible than it has ever been. Therefore, think about what you need from where you live: is it a place you can be yourself, are there green spaces close by, a coffee shop, bars to meet up with friends? A place to exercise, choices of music, artistic and cultural events or whatever you love to do?

Jamie Newbold, Branch Manager suggests: “Buyers often start their search with a wish list completely focused on the property itself; and locations based on areas they like without much thought on the realities of what it will be like to live there. We know that buyers in Medway who have thought first about where they want to live; due to the lifestyle it provides often have a happier and more successful move.”

If you are looking for a new home this Christmas; make sure it provides you with a sense of belonging, a place where you would be Happy at Home. If you would like more advice on the different areas with in Medway or Kent and what they each have to offer, give our team a call today on 01634 570057 so we can add some magic to your search. Well, it is the season where anything can happen!

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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How to keep you and your home warm this winter

Posted on by Sophie Winter

The weather has turned, from heaving downpours to chilly temperatures, those woolly hats and thermal coats are now becoming the norm. We know that many people in Kent are worried about keeping warm this winter with the rising cost of energy bills and as such, according to the Energy Saving Trust, four out of ten of us will be avoiding switching the heating on. With more of us working from home than ever before, being cold will certainly be a hindrance to productivity. With this in mind, our team at Century Residential have come up with some ideas to help you and your home stay warm this winter.

Change your habits

The last thing we would suggest is being very uncomfortable and cold so if you need to put the heating on can you turn your thermostat down by one degree?  By doing so, it is estimated you can save up to around 10 per cent of your fuel bill.

Soft furnishings

Making a few new additions to your home’s interior décor can help keep the warmth in; which can only be a bonus. Thermal curtains can provide your room with extra insulation via ‘triple weave technology’; they also have blackout and noise-reducing capabilities. So not only can they help to keep the heat in but they also can keep your room cosy.

Rugs are also another way to add additional insulation; around 10 per cent of heat can be lost through uninsulated floors. Whether your floors are insulated or not; the addition of a stylish rug will be a great way to keep your home snug this winter. Draught excluders are probably not something you had thought of as the ideal accessory for your home; but those retro beauties can really make a difference in keeping the cold air out. There are a wonderful array of styles available on the market these days, you are bound to find one to match your colour scheme.

Additional warmth

There doesn’t seem anything sexy about having an electric blanket; but we bet that when you venture upstairs and feel the chill in the air, you will be delighted to snuggle under the covers to glorious warmth rather than experience the sudden shock of icy sheets. An extra blanket or throw is an ideal accessory to any room; something to cosy into whilst watching a movie, or an extra layer on your bed.

Another way to add extra warmth is through a good old hot water bottle – quick and easy. There is no more perfect way to eliminate any chills when you arrive home. You can choose from those full of beans which you can heat up in the microwave; or a traditional boiled water filled one.

Extra warmth

Of course it is always beneficial to put on an extra layer but make sure it is a thermal one; you don’t need to be heading down the ski slopes or hiking over the moors to wear such clothes. Good winter woollies are worth their weight when it comes to colder days and nights. A good pair of warm slippers can keep your feet warm; which will also help your overall body warmth. Underlayers such as thermal leggings, merino wool tops or even an extra vest; will all help to keep you feeling comfortable when things get chilly.

Your feet are one part of your body you should really ensure are kept toastie,; because if your feet are cold you will start to feel cold all over. If your slippers are not doing the trick, look into an electric foot warmer, and you will soon start to feel those shivers disappear.

Film, Foil and Bleed

If your windows can be a little bit draughty, you may not have the funds to replace them at this time; but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it. There is an easy solution available on the market and that is with secondary glazing film which can help insulate the glass. The sticky film is easy to apply and will add an extra layer for protection from the elements.

When you switch your heating on you want to ensure you get every ounce of warmth for your hard- earned pennies; and another easy solution is to use radiator insulation foil. This padded self-adhesive foil just sits behind your radiators and makes sure the heat is radiated into the room; making cosier spaces ideal for the winter months ahead.

When is the last time you bled your radiators? When you have your heating on, you want them to be working at their best and any trapped air will stop the warm water circulating around your radiators properly. As a result it will take your rooms longer to warm up.

Keep the chill out

We hope some of these ideas will help keep you and your home warm this winter. If you are selling your home at the moment in Medway or the Kent area and it feels like you’re out in the cold; we can warm up your sale. Give our team a call today on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Low supply on the property market fuels prices in Kent

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Over the past few months property prices have increased; as the widening supply-demand imbalance continues to have an impact on the housing market.

The latest housing survey from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that 70% of its members reported an increase in house prices last month. This is up from the 69% reported in September. The latest October survey showed the first increase in the property price balance since May this year.

In addition other reported surveys have also highlighted the rising house price growth since July; when the first phase of the stamp duty holiday came to an end, before it expired in its entirety at the end of September.

What does this mean if you’re looking to sell your home?

Well its a win-win situation as it’s reported that the inventory on the market has slipped back towards historic lows; meaning that there is less competition out there when you’re looking to sell. This lower-than-normal supply will only start to equal out next spring given how seasonal the UK housing market is. Meanwhile this supply/demand imbalance will support prices in the meantime.

Additionally more than two-thirds of surveyors said that they expect house prices to continue rising over the coming year; despite the expectations of higher Bank of England interest rates. The low supply on the market is the central point to both the current price trend and expectations for the next year.

We’ve seen a stronger-than-normal demand in buyers here at Century Residential; which has been boosted by frustrated buyers who were unable to move during the stamp duty holiday.

What does this mean for buyers?

A positive for any buyers or home movers is that there are ultra-low borrowing costs at the moment in the mortgage market. As well as many lenders relaxing their lending criteria for the first time since the pandemic began.

How can we help?

Our team are dedicated to helping you make your property dreams become a reality. Give our team a call on 01634 570057 to see how we can help you today.

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How to support your dog through Bonfire Night

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Watching fireworks, especially for children, with all their sparkles, unexpected flashes and colours can be extremely exciting; but for your dogs Bonfire Night and fireworks is like living through a horror movie. Pets can often react by running away as a way to escape the noise; but there are things you can do to help to reduce your dog’s stress levels. With organised events all over Kent, and family parties and the nights getting darker sooner, there are bound to be celebrations this autumn and winter that will involve fireworks. This is why our pet loving team at Century Residential have put together some advice on how to support your dog through Bonfire Night.

Create a place they can feel safe

Firework fright has been known to see dogs jump over or dig under fences, and even shatter windows; this is why it’s important to keep your dog in an area of your home where he or she feels safe and sheltered. Having a designated place to hide that is dark can make your pet feel more secure. The minimum you can do is to keep your windows and doors closed; but a sheet draped over a table can be a great solution. 

Dogs that have their own crates should not be locked inside them, as this can make things more stressful for them; but again place a blanket over the top and keep the door open so they can decide when to go in and hide. One thing you should try not to do is confine them to a room; as they may feel happier curled up in their favourite space rather than being told where they can or cannot be.

Plan if you can

The last thing you want to be doing, is taking your dog out for a walk when fireworks are going off. So, where possible, take your dog for a long and energetic walk before the fireworks start. If you can, tire your dog out before events and displays start and keep their final toilet trip for when the quiet returns.

You also don’t want your pets escaping due to their anxiety, so lock your doors and keep them safe; and if possible try and keep them in an area of your home where the sounds outside are minimalised. They could become destructive if stressed, so you may wish to remove things that can be damaged or be harmful if chewed.

Distract them

One of our friends always puts classical for pets on their Alexa when they leave the house; this soothing music is believed to help to reduce your pet’s stress. Other pet owners like to leave the TV on, but anything you can do to drown out the sound of fireworks to distract them can only be a good thing.

It isn’t just background noise that can distract your fur baby; but also a long-lasting chew, or a toy that keeps them occupied. If you dog has a favourite long-lasting chew, get one ready for the night. This means that they can enjoy a delicious treat whilst they enjoy Netflix.

Keep it normal

Dogs are so in tune with their owners, they can sense when you’re stressed, feeling ill or unsettled; so act normal, and no matter what is going on outside keep your normal routine. Being overly attentive to your pet and even following them around your home can make them even more confused. Encourage them to play with a toy with you, or let them cosy next to you on the sofa; but just let them make the decision on what they will feel happy to do and when.

Keeping everyone happy

We know as dog owners how you can worry about your beloved furry family member on Bonfire Night; but we hope our advice will ensure you can try to keep everyone happy and safe from fireworks.

If you have any property questions, our team are always happy to help: give us a call on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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How to sell your Medway home this Halloween

Posted on by Sophie Winter

The summer has well and truly gone, and there are even signs that Christmas will soon be here; judging by goods in the shops and some ads on TV. But before we deck the halls and hang the tinsel; we have a more eerie celebration on the cards, when the spooks and ghouls rule the night. Since the fright night has been somewhat reduced over the last couple of years; we know that many of our local residents are looking forward to celebrating in style. How should you decorate your Medway home if you decide to sell this Halloween?

Does spooky sell?

Even though the stamp duty holiday has ended, we are still seeing buyers eager to find their next home in Medway. And don’t worry if your home has it’s own Casper or requires the Ghost Busters because; according to a recent study by Inventorybase, you could actually scare your home’s value. The study found that homes that look (supposedly) haunted had sold by 18% more than their more warm and welcoming neighbours. That being said, we find that today’s buyers in Medway are looking for a home and not a house of horrors; so before you make any haunting mistakes, we have put together some decorating tips.

Eliminate the cobwebs and spiders

Although cobwebs and spiders are the perfect companions for Halloween; they are not looked on so favourably by buyers. So, before you put up any seasonal décor make sure your house has been decluttered; as adding more items will make your home feel disorganised and smaller. Also, give your home a deep clean, it doesn’t look good when buyers have to run screaming from a smelly fridge or an unsightly corner.

Tame for gore

Of course, you may wish to decorate your home to give your family a Halloween to remember, but don’t go overboard. Remember buyers are coming to see your home; and they need to be able to see it and all the key features that it holds. Not everyone loves Halloween; and it isn’t only young children that could be put off by scary and gory decorations. If you’re having a party, decorate for that and then pull it back ready for any viewings.

Treat the senses

Selling your home is all about the senses, so don’t forget to treat your buyers with some autumnal scents. This season has some of the most delicious aromas, from gingerbread to pumpkin spice and cinnamon. However use them carefully and make sure you avoid any artificial scents as these can be overpowering. Whether you bake an aromatic traybake for a viewing; or add these natural smells in another way, don’t forget to treat your buyers’ senses.

Elegance over tacky

Who doesn’t want to go overboard with gory and spine-chilling decorations; but if you’re selling your home we are afraid you want to make sure you make the best impression. Try to keep things elegant, and there are many beautiful home decorations available to add some shivers rather than some frights. Make sure your choices complement your home’s existing colour schemes, and use warm, earthy tones. You also need to keep your decorations looking fresh; especially if you’re using real pumpkins and flowers; buyers don’t want to see smelly rotten displays, that’s another way to give buyers a scare.

Don’t hide your features

What beautiful and wonderful features does your home have? One thing you need to make sure is that your decorations celebrate these rather than hide them; which is why you need to decorate strategically. Add touches that will accentuate fireplaces, brighten dark corners and highlight beautiful period features. Ensuring your décor works with your home, rather than against it, will also appeal to potential buyers.

A six sense

Buyers have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing whether a home is right for them; and you don’t want to put any barriers in the way. Therefore, this Halloween, don’t make any haunting mistakes and eliminate the cobwebs, tame the gore, treat the senses, keep it elegant without hiding any features. If you would like more advice on how to prepare your home this October, please call our team at Century Residential on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Avoid these exhausting mistakes when moving home in Kent

Posted on by Sophie Winter

There is nothing more exciting – or stressful – than seeing your moving date start to rush towards you.  You have been looking forward to the day you can step foot in your new home; but you also look around you and feel overwhelmed. How will you be ready in time?  It is always advisable to plan ahead and we have some great tips that will make moving home in Kent less stressful by helping you to avoid some common and exhausting mistakes.

Don’t wait until the last minute

Have you started to prepare for your move?  It is never too soon to get started; there are things you can do even before you place your home on the market.  If you do a little here and there, the whole process won’t feel so insurmountable; and as your moving date approaches, you will feel a lot calmer. No matter where you are in the sales process; one thing you can do now is start organising your move by decluttering.

Start decluttering now

Whether your home is yet to be placed on the market or you are in the midst of the sales process; it is never too early to start decluttering. We all accumulate a wealth of stuff over the years. From things that have moved into the attic never to be seen again, to drawers full of mystery; and do we mention those clothes that you’ll never wear again?  Do you really want every tiny thing in to find its way to your new home, only to be stuffed away again?

This is a job you can do little by little; you may have a spare 10 minutes to sort out a drawer, or an afternoon to organise a bedroom. Sort things into:
Keeping – will need before we move
Keeping – but can pack it now ready for our move
Donate
Sell
Bin

When you start to put things back, you will have less to do; which will help should you be looking to stage your home for sale. You will have some boxes already packed for your move, which means less to pack when the time comes.  Make sure you label your boxes clearly, as this will make things a lot easier when you’re unpacking at the other end.

Forgetting to measure

You are no doubt taking a lot, if not all of your existing furniture, from your current home to your new one; but have you checked that it will all actually fit?  It’s funny how our minds can play tricks on us and resize spaces or furniture when the reality can be a little bit different. If you haven’t already done so, organise a time to view your new home again but this time with a tape measure.  This way, you will know for sure what furniture you can take with you; and what pieces you may have to get rid of before your move.  This is far less stressful than arriving with a van full of your belongings and realising that the vision you had in your head cannot be achieved. Then being left with things that won’t fit whilst you’re trying to make your new house feel like home.

Not organising your change of address

In the UK, we are lucky that Royal Mail can redirect post for a set amount of time, thus giving you some breathing space to check that you have changed your address on everything.  As great as this is, it is still advantageous to plan your change of address in advance, even if companies won’t actually let you do it until after your move.

Start by making a list, from banks and subscriptions to the electoral roll. When you have a list to work through, it can make the process a lot easier and less time consuming. It is worth starting your list sooner rather than later as some organisations may only communicate with you a couple of times a year, whereas you may hear from others monthly. 

Doing everything yourself

The idea of doing the whole move yourself can be attractive, especially if you’re only moving a short distance; but there is a lot more work than you could imagine.  Yes, moving your possessions yourself could save you money compared to hiring a professional removal company, but it isn’t an easy job.  Friends may offer to help you with your furniture; but bear in mind life happens and you could get let down at the last minute.

Moving home furniture isn’t easy, and you will be moving a lot of it. Plus boxes and general ‘stuff’ throughout the day. As the day moves on and you begin to tire; you will be more susceptible to injuries, or even an accident where something gets broken. There is knack to packing a van. Knowing what to place where and how to make the best use of the space, to protect belongings and ensure nothing is damaged in transit. A removal company will have the right equipment to protect any expensive furnishings; and will make sure everything is packed correctly.

There are a wealth of removal companies in Kent, our past clients can share their thoughts and ask on Facebook pages for recommendations.  It is worth investigating as this is one easy way of eliminating a physically and mentally exhausting moving mistake.

Not preparing to move with kids and pets

Moving day will be stressful enough without the added worry of what your children and pets are up to and if they are safe.  It will be difficult to keep them occupied whilst your attention is taken in another direction. Can your pets be cared for at a pet day care facility, and your children left with a friend of relative? They can have a day of fun and you can focus on your move. 

A smoother move

At Century Residential we want to ensure that when your moving home it isn’t exhausting and stressful, but smooth and enjoyable.  If you’re looking to move, we can make sure you have a wonderful experience from start to finish. Call our team today on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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How to market a property to find the perfect tenant

Posted on by Sophie Winter

All landlords know the value of a good, long-term tenant. It means less turnover, less stress, more profit and a well looked after investment. However, how do you find this perfect tenant though? The answer lies in targeted marketing…

Marketing is incredibly important to make your property visible to potential tenants; and your marketing efforts will yield even better results if you focus on your marketing efforts to a targeted audience. Here are few ways that you can use targeted marketing to find the perfect tenant:

Do your homework

Remember, different people look for different amenities in a home. So, you first need to make a list of amenities that your property is offering. Next, you need to customise your marketing strategy based on the target audience. Apart from the property, also make a list of features in the areas that the property is situated in.

Get personal

The only way to attract potential ‘perfect’ tenants is to stand out from the crowd. So, it is better to go personal in your communications. One effective way to market to a targeted audience is by bringing personalisation and building a genuine connection.

Location is important

Location is quite an important deciding factor when it comes to renting properties. For example, if there is a university nearby; you should target your marketing efforts to students. If you are targeting families, highlight the benefits of the location such as proximity to schools, the station, stores, and other transport options.

Look through the eyes of the tenant

When it is your property, you always see the good points; but you are not the one who is going to live there. Look at the property through the eyes of the people who will actually going to live in it. If you don’t live in the area of the property; you need to make yourself familiar with the surroundings. Look out for things that a tenant will look out for in and around your property; and compare the price of your property with the others being offered in the area.

Happy tenants not only feel well treated, but they also keep the property in a good condition. Problems with tenants will not only cost you money but also result in stressful situations. Finding a tenant over and over can be tough, so it’s important to make the right choice of tenant the first time around.

Get in touch if you are a landlord looking for your perfect tenant! We’re here to help.

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How to revamp your home decor for the colder months

Posted on by Sophie Winter

As the weather starts to turn cooler, we tend to spend more time indoors and this means that viewers take more notice of our home decor. But how can you maximise your enjoyment and stage your home for the new autumn season? Here’s our top tips for Autumn and how to revamp your home decor…

Colour to change with the season

As the nights start to draw in, being cosy becomes key. An easy way to spruce up your home decor is to take a good look at the nature around you; get seasonal colour inspiration from mother nature herself. In autumn we’re presented with rich berries, the darkening skies, the orange and reddening hues of leaves that are dropping from trees. All these autumnal colours are warm, rich and comforting; take inspiration from them for your colour palette. Using them in your accessories adds an instant injection of warmth.

Taking inspiration from the changing colours outside, adds a zap of colour that blends in with the majority of colour schemes really easily. With grey being a base palette that most people now have in their homes; the introduction of a colour can lift the space and add visual interest.

Unusual autumn colours

However, remember that there’s more to autumn than the deep burgundy and orange hues. Green tones from emerald to chartreuse can be used to accessorise your home; from a cushion, throw, candle or, for the more daring, an upholstered product such as a chair or sofa. This year will have a strong yellow tone added to it with ochre becoming a real on trend colour. The strong mustardy tone works really well to bring in an almost gold shade to schemes.

Pink is also having a moment and can be used in varying tones to create different ambiences and atmospheres. Dusky pinks are just beautifully warm and classic, mixed with ochre and grey they are a real winner for autumn.

Geometrics

This year has seen a lot of geometric designs used for tiles, fabrics and wallpapers and they are set to continue into next year. Injecting this print into your home for whatever the reason, maybe to add a splash of colour, can be done with little expense. A colourful piece of artwork, cushions in bold fabrics or a statement accessory to your home decor can bring the room to life again.

Lighting

As the days start to draw in earlier there’s a huge emphasis on good quality lighting to illuminate the darker days and lots of candles and layers to add warmth and cosiness to rooms.

Layers

Getting that chic cosy but not messy and cramped feeling can be tricky; but sheepskins, throws and shaggy rugs are all perfect for adding an extra layer to a room. Just adding a few of these to the room will instantly transform the space into one ready for a hot chocolate and a cosy film night.

You can further adorn your home decor with some stylish sofa garments. This season we would splash out on a little luxury in the lounge by adding cushions and throws on the sofa. Not only do they bring comfort and warmth, but they add a splash of colour; and can help keep your room up to date and looking fresh without spending too much money.

Big decisions

Have you thought about staging your home to sell better in the colder months coming? Get in touch for more tips on staging your home specifically for local buyers, or for that first step of a home valuation by calling 01634 570057.

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