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Author: Sophie Winter

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.

Recent Articles

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.

Recent Articles

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.

Recent Articles

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.

Recent Articles

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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Top tips to help you when moving with children

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Moving to a new home can be refreshing and exciting; however, the move itself can be a stressful process for younger members of the family, who often need a bit of extra support and time to prepare. While moving can be a potentially worrisome event for children, much of the negative emotional effect can be mitigated by proactively dealing with the process in a positive manner. 

The reason behind the move often determines the amount of stress caused. If your family is upgrading to a larger home or relocating to a nicer area, for example; there will be far less emotional upheaval than if the move is because of a loss of income or divorce. Another crucial aspect is the timing of the move. According to psychological studies, very young children and older children take moving in their stride; while those between the ages of 11 and 14 years are typically more affected as they’re also dealing with hormonal changes.

Regardless of the reason, there are ways for parents to make the transition easier for their children. Here are some of our top tips:

Before the move

Communication is key 

If possible, tell the children about the move as early as you can to give them time to process the idea. Children generally take longer than adults to get used to change; and will have a higher level of anxiety if they feel as if something is happening and they are not fully aware of the details.

Point out the positives

It is a great idea to highlight the positive aspects of the new home or area to get the children excited about the new location. They may think moving means leaving behind their favourite toys and pets; so take some time to explain that they will all be moving together. 

Focus on things that won’t change

Consistency makes children feel secure, so highlight elements that remain the same, regardless of the circumstances. Parents can emphasise aspects that will not change during or after the move; such as play schedules, bedtimes or the fact that they have a loving family that supports them.

During the move

Let the children say goodbye 

This doesn’t just refer to people, but also some of their favourite local places such as the park. It might be worthwhile to tell the children that saying goodbye today does not mean goodbye forever; and that they may be able to visit those friends or places in the future. 

Don’t let the children see the moving truck

When the truck is being loaded with your household items; it may be better for the children to be out with a friend or family member. Seeing all their possessions loaded into a truck and hauled away can be an upsetting experience for some children. 

In the new home

Make the children’s bedrooms priority

It’s a good idea to set up the children’s bedrooms up first; so they have a familiar and safe retreat to go to when the move gets busy.

Allow time to adjust

For both adults and children, it will take time to adjust and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Make it an adventure by taking children out in the new area to explore. This is a great way to find nearby parks and activities for them to do. 

Get involved

Whether it is joining the local church or playgroup or getting involved in the local community and activities; it will help everyone in the family make friends and feel at home faster. 

Lend an ear

Irrespective of their reaction to the move, it is vital they know they have someone who is listening and paying attention to their emotions and needs. They may need to be reminded there is no right or wrong emotion and their feelings are valid. 

An important element to reducing the stress on children; is for parents to support and help each other deal with the change in circumstances. As with most situations that can have a negative impact on relationships; mutual support is vital to ensure that both adults and children adjust to the move as seamlessly as possible.   

If you are looking for a new home for your family; please contact our team on 01634 570057 today to see how we can help you and your family.

Recent Articles

What to keep and ditch when selling your home

Posted on by Sophie Winter

We know that when you decide to put your property on the market, the process can feel overwhelming – especially as it can be full of uncertainty. Where do you start?  What do you need to do to your home to make sure it doesn’t linger on the market?  Take this as your quick guide to those simple décor touches that can highlight and hide, and will help to get your home sold. They will make your house glow and appeal to buyers in the hope that it will be snapped up quickly. So, what should you keel and ditch when selling your home?

Keep – Fresh flowers

There is nothing like fresh flowers to make a space feel warm and inviting, it gives the buyer the sense that you care about your home and how it is presented.  Think about adding flowers to key spaces such as your dining table, maybe the kitchen island, the living room. You could even think about artificial or dried flowers, succulents or orchids to supplement your displays; a bunch of lavender on a pillow or in the bedroom is always a lovely touch.

Keep – Mirrors

Any room can benefit from a mirror. They brighten the space and can make it appear larger, which is amazing if you live in a smaller home.  It’s not only hanging mirrors, think about adding some mirrored finishes. Perhaps a vase, tiles, or even the odd piece of furniture; as when strategically placed they can easily enhance a room.

It is also worth thinking about replacing works of art with mirrors. As we all have our own taste is style; your decor preferences may not align with a potential buyer’s and it could subconsciously turn them off your home.  Use a large wall mirror in a small room; this adds dimension to the space making it more appealing. Another piece fo advice we can give you is to place mirrors near windows; so the space can benefit from the reflected light in the room.

Keep – New towels & Ditch – Used towels

Yes, towels. This may seem a strange conversation to have; just like which way the toilet roll should be placed (although the answer is always over, in case you’re curious).  Bathrooms are one of those rooms that can win buyers over; they want to see a haven, a spa-like experience that makes them want to relax and ease their stresses away.  And nothing screams luxury quite like fluffy new towels, which is why we recommend you purchase a couple that can be used for photographs and viewings. These sacred towels are there for display purposes only – that is, until you move, then you can get the full experience of wrapping yourself in these glorious bundles of softness.

Keep – Good lighting

One quick way your home can turn off buyers is to have no light shining in – there is nothing attractive about a dark and moody home.  We would always recommend the rule of three when it comes to lighting your home. By this, we mean having three sources of artificial light per room; such as two table lamps and one floor lamp. Make sure you use clear, incandescent lightbulbs.

In addition, don’t forget to emphasise your home’s natural light; open all your curtains and blinds and cut back any trees that could be stopping light from flooding a room. A light-filled home is welcoming and will assist you in selling your home quicker.

Keep – Blue

It has been scientifically proven that the colour blue can make people feel more relaxed and calm. That doesn’t mean that you need to grab a paint brush and start adding blue to your walls, as this could see buyers running. You can add blue in a more subtle way; such as adding a blue or teal cushion, a throw or even a planters in your garden.

Ditch – Politics, allegiances

We are all have our opinions, sports teams we support, and groups we may be aligned to. This is great, but not everyone will have the same viewpoint.  You may be lucky and only have viewings from similar minded people; but what is more likely is that someone will view your home and instead of focusing on what your property has to offer, they will take away that you have different opinions.  Where possible, neutralise your home so it can appeal to the widest number of buyers possible.

Ditch – Collections

You may be passionate about vinyl, be Star Wars obsessed or a Lego nut!  But when it comes to selling your home try and find a way to hide your collections or tone them down a lot.  A lot of ‘things’ will not only make your home feel cluttered, making buyers think it lacks storage or is smaller than it actually is; but it will also make it hard for a buyer to envision themselves living there. This is never a good thing when you want to sell.

Ditch – The personal

We all have family photos and portraits displayed in our homes, and they are doing no harm – right?  Actually, they can hinder your sale. Again some buyers will only see you in this house and could struggle to picture themselves living there.  It isn’t just photos but also medals, fridge magnets, costumes – anything that reveals too much about your personality or lifestyle. You should make space for buyers to imagine your house as their home.

Keep – Our number 01634 570057

If you’re looking for help to not just list but sell your home, come and speak to an agent who understands that the smallest of details can make the biggest difference when selling your home.  Our team at Century Residential are looking forward to your call.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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Huge mistakes you can make when choosing an estate agent

Posted on by Sophie Winter

One of the biggest decisions you will make when you sell your home is choosing the right estate agent to get your house sold.  There is a wealth of choice, from high-street estate agents to those working online; from big national companies to local independent estate agents, such as ourselves.  You may think that this decision is pretty straightforward, yet it is vital that you don’t make any huge mistakes by rushing your decision without doing your homework.  Instructing the wrong estate agent will do doubt lead to financial and emotional headaches ahead, so what do you need to look for when choosing an estate agent to sell your home?

Attracted by the lowest commission

Once you have decided to sell your home, it’s time to interview a number of estate agents. Where many sellers go wrong is that they see an agent valuing their property as just that.  It’s more than a valuation – this is your time to question, challenge and discover everything you can about this agent.

There are many estate agents who will offer a very low commission simply to win your business. You may see this as saving money, how can it be a bad thing?  As with every business, estate agents invests in many areas, from the marketing strategy for your property to ensuring you have the support you need as you move through the sales process.  At the end of the day, we have exceptionally high standards for what we believe a client experience – your experience – should look like, even if issues arise.

What experience will the other estate agents provide? Make sure you understand what and how they invest in selling your home.

They are going to sell it for how much?

Who wouldn’t be attracted by an agent who values your home at a few grand more than the rest? You can see pound signs popping up in front of your eyes. Choosing the agent who offers you the highest valuation is a very common and natural mistake to make, but think: is this price realistic, or are they sneakily trying to get your business?

Some agents may value the property higher than others; as long as they can show a track record of achieving their asking prices, you have nothing to fear. But overpricing a property is a curse – let us explain why. There is an optimum time period when your home will attract buyers when it is listed online; which is in the first few weeks.  Buyers do their homework; they will know every home on the market in the area within their budget and will have alerts set to be notified when such a home becomes available.

If it’s priced too high, your home won’t even come up in their searches. Even if they do see it, they will know themselves from viewing other similar properties that it seems a little steep. They will either view and put in a cheeky offer, or just ignore your home and move onto the next. The longer your home sits on the market, the staler it will become, losing its initial ‘star power’ to be replaced with a sense that it has been left on the shelf.

This is why you should research the agent’s track record; ask them for their results, make them prove to you they deserve your business. At Century Residential we want to show you what we have achieved for our clients; because we are proud of our successes.

Just because they’ve sold more houses

Of course, it looks good if an estate agent has sold lots of houses; but again you need to put that into context.  How many houses that they’ve listed have they sold?  Let’s explain. If this agent has sold 50 houses and their competitor only 20, then they must be better, right? Maybe not.

If Agent A has sold 50 houses but they listed 90; that’s a high percentage of houses that they committed to sell and didn’t. If Agent B has only sold 20 houses but listed 21, this shows they have been dedicated to getting those houses sold. The data is only a guide; but if you put it into context you’ll get an understanding of who the agent is and how they work.

I liked the first one

When you decide to sell your home, estate agents may have been recommended by friends and family; and one in particular may stand out to you so you decide to get them round.  You like what they have to say and without seeing anyone else you decide to choose them.

How can you compare different agencies if you only see one?  Each estate agent will have their strengths; they may offer different marketing approaches, some which may really suit your home and its potential buyers.  Interviewing more than one agent will give you a better understanding of the property market; and who will be the best fit to sell your home.

What do their clients say?

You may have already read the testimonials on their website or Facebook page; but why not ask previous clients their thoughts? By placing a message on one of the local Facebook pages you will no doubt get some honest replies. Another way is to do your own mystery shop. Call up the agency and ask some questions; this will give you an idea of how clients are cared for and supported by the agency.

Big decisions

Without doing your due diligence it is easy to make a mistake when choosing an estate agent to sell your home. We love it when a client puts us through our paces; because we know they are committed to making the right decision for them and their home.

Are we up to the task of selling your home? Call our team today on 01634 570057; so we can organise a time to tell you why we are the best agent for you and your property.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

Recent Articles

10 easy ways to improve your outdoor space

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Your garden is more than just an outdoor space; it’s an extension of your home. So, just like you would any other room, why not make it an appealing space to be in? Not only will making small improvements to your garden create a welcoming oasis for yourself and your guests to enjoy; but it can also increase the value of your home. Having the benefit of your own green space is already a favourable position to be in when it comes to selling your home; but creating the best garden possible will make the offering much more inviting to potential buyers. 

Freshen up

Our top tip is to keep your garden clean and tidy all year round. The easiest way to ensure the area is free of clutter is to create storage. This can be something like a little cubby to hide cushions or throws when they’re not in use; most rattan furniture comes with built-in storage. You can also build shelving that is out of view to place gardening tools on; not only does it keep the area organised, it also makes things easy to find when you need them.

When it comes to cleaning your outside space, it is important to ensure your patio is well maintained by sweeping it regularly and scrubbing the slabs every few months to stop buildup. It’s important to make sure that you are using the appropriate amount of force when cleaning a patio; some slabs may not be suitable for pressure washing, so be sure to check which method is best. Weeding your outside space is also of high importance; this easy-to-do chore will make a huge difference to the appearance of shingle, patios and flower beds. Whilst using a chemical weed killer might seem like the quickest and most efficient solution; there are plenty of natural measures you can take in order to protect wildlife. Even boiling water or household vinegar can work wonders in killing off young weeds.

Add pops of colour

When we think of gardens we tend to think of the natural hues of green plants and grass; breaking up these tones is a great way to add interest and intrigue to your outside space. Colourful plant pots are the easiest way to add accents of colour into the area; and offer you the chance to get creative with your colour pallete. There really is no end of options when you are playing with colour in the garden as you don’t necessarily need to complement colours, just as mother nature intended.

Be realistic

If having the time to maintain a lawn is a luxury you just don’t have, investing in artificial grass is the perfect way to go; as there’s no need for mowing, strimming and treating. With the realistic look and feel of artificial grass, there is no reason why this solution shouldn’t be used as a like-for-like replacement for your lawn. It is durable, weatherproof and robust, minimising your monthly upkeep.

However, there are still many pros to keeping natural grass in your garden; as it offers great biodiversity and, of course, is far more environmentally friendly overall. If a lack of time or a change in ability has left you concerned about the upkeep of your lawn; consider hiring a company to maintain the area for you. This stress-free option will keep your garden looking its best with minimal effort on your part.

Islanders, please gather around the firepit

How could we write a blog on gardens without mentioning the outdoor piece everyone is raving about – the firepit? Ranging from an off-the-floor bowl for lighting a mini bonfire, to an extravagant designer cube with built-in marshmallow toasting zones; there is an option for every budget and garden. This outdoor luxury creates a focal point for the rest of your garden. It will also ensure your guests are kept warm and snug in the chillier evenings. 

A lick of paint

Sheds don’t have to be brown, you know, and fence panels come in a variety of colours these days. There are lots of different shades of outdoor paint to chose from in your local hardware store. We’s strongly recommend getting testers of these paints just as you would if you were painting the walls inside your home. Remember, the garden is a continuation of your inside space, so decorate it with the same attention.

When it comes to choosing a colour to paint your wood panels, it is important to consider what is on and around them. For instance, if you have trailing or crawling foliage, you may wish to paint in either; a dark blue colour to create a contrast and really make the natural greens pop or magenta for a more dramatic look. We suggest steering clear of pale colours; not only do they become grubby quickly, they can also make your garden space seem smaller than it actually is. Preparation to be done before you paint your fence or shed, including preserving the wood and selecting a brand of paint that will protect the wood too. You will also need to consider the maintenance and upkeep of these painted areas.

Under the covers

With the unpredictable weather we experience in the UK, it is not a bad idea to create a covered area of the garden. Whether it be with a pergola and a canopy or a semi-permanent gazebo; these can create some welcomed shade in the summer months or a well-utilised shelter when that incontestable rain arrives.

We’re a ‘succa’ for this tip…

If you are not the most green-fingered of people, then consider planting things that don’t need much care and attention. Succulents are a great plant that can flourish without the need for daily watering. Consider creating a rockery to keep your succulents healthy and thriving in an area that looks edgy and well-designed in your garden with relatively no maintenance. Also, take note of perennial flowers as these are plants that tend to grow quickly; and will either regrow year after year without the need to replant them or stay evergreen throughout all seasons.

Mirror, mirror on the… fence

Any interior designer will tell you that using a mirror will make a room seem much bigger than it actually is; the same is true for outdoor spaces too. Hanging a large mirror onto a fence or an exterior wall creates the illusion of more space; especially in a busy area of the garden, where there are lots of plants or trees. The reflection of the leaves and flowers in the mirror forms a repetition, making it seem like there is more greenery. Mirrors can also add depth to a smaller garden or even replicate the look of an additional window; flooding even more light into an already bright outside space.

Lights, camera, action

Lighting your garden is a must to be able to utilise the area all day and late into the evening. String lights come in an array of designs, from dainty fairy lights to statement bulb-shaped lights to hang from your fence or around the pergola. These can be a simple but pretty way to keep the area well-lit. Solar-powered lights are great as with many gardens not having their own power source, these are the perfect solution – charging themselves throughout the day, they shine bright all night. Another great tip to utilise is floor lights as well as string lights to create different levels to your outdoor space. Floor lanterns and light up globes are trendy pieces that can enhance pathways and illuminate flower beds. 

Contact us 

If you are on the lookout for a property that already has a gorgeous garden, begin your search today by contacting our team on 01634 570057.

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