Ask the Estate Agent

Ask the Estate Agent

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Ask the Estate Agent episodes

  • Top tips for buying land and building your dream home

    Are you dreaming of building your own home? Buying land and building a property on it is a dream many people share. But what about the logistics? Buying land and building your own house is uncharted territory for most people.

    We have seen many people build their dream homes on land that they’ve bought for that purpose. We’ve seen where things can go wrong, and all of the ways that a buyer can prevent these things from happening. So here’s our do’s and don’ts for building your own property.

    Q: So you want to buy land to build a home. What should you be looking for in the land? Are there any red flags to watch out for?

    A: Firstly, when looking to buy land to build your dream home, carefully consider the land’s location, size, and surroundings. This includes whether the property would be an appropriate size or style that will fit with the neighbours, which will become an important factor when you apply for planning approval.

    Q: Is it feasible to demolish an existing property on land that you’ve purchased?

    A: Always do a land registry search. It’s a small cost to pay, but can tell you a lot about the land you’re considering. The search will be able to tell if the property is registered. If it was built before 1982, it may not be registered, and unregistered land can take time to get papers in order, especially if you’re relying on old deeds, when it may be very difficult to prove title.

    If you’re demolishing a property, you will certainly need an asbestos survey. You can’t just knock a property with asbestos down, and removing asbestos can be a costly job. You’ll also need a bat survey, which usually entails an initial survey and often a ‘dawn and dusk emergence survey’. Before building, you’ll need a geotechnical survey, as without this unexpected building costs can arise, which can add thousands of pounds to your build cost.

    Q: You’ve bought the land, and now want to go ahead with the build. What kind of permissions do you need, and how will this affect the time frame of building your house?

    A: Step back a little. Before exchanging contracts, it’s essential to put a preliminary enquiry into the planning department. This is called a pre-application. You will need to get an opinion from the local planning department, to see if they will grant full approval to build. You can prepare and submit this yourself, as long as you can sketch a rough idea of your design. The cost of doing this is currently around £140, so it’s not a large risk, but if you buy first and don’t get approval, it could be a costly mistake.

    Q: What happens after you’ve applied for permission? 

    A: Subject to the above, you now own the land. You then need to employ an architect or an architectural designer to save money. They will discuss your design requirements, and be warned, architects can charge up to 10% of the property’s build cost, though designers will cost less. Visit the RIBA website to find a list of local firms.

    Q: What else should I be aware of? 

    A: Definitely think about utilities (gas, electricity, main drains, etc.). All these things will add to your total costings. A tip here is to get your solicitor to do a ‘multi search’, which doesn’t provide all the locations of various utilities, but will help you through the process of dealing with the public companies.

    Q: What about trees?

    A: Check and see if there are any trees preventing your build, and if so, if there are any tree protection orders. Speak to the councils’ tree specialist; they are free, knowledgeable and usually very helpful. You may need to employ a professional tree surgeon, especially if the land is heavily planted. Try to find land that’s not too overgrown.

    On another note, make sure that there’s no Japanese knot weed on the land. I’ve seen clients struggle terribly with eradicating it, and it would put me off the land completely unless the seller has it removed by a specialist, who can provide an insurance-backed guarantee that it has been successfully eradicated.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    Please don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  • How to renovate your property on a shoestring budget

    Wanting to make a good impression and make your home stand out in the crowd doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are numerous budget-friendly ways that you can use to make your property more appealing to potential buyers and increase your chances of selling for the highest possible price.

    You can make a big impact without spending big money, too. Subtle, well-thought-out and inexpensive updates are sometimes all that is needed to make a lasting impression and give you the edge in the market.

    Here are some budget-friendly updates you could do before listing your home:

    Start with a renovation checklist 

    Before doing anything else, walk through your home and visit each room to make a list of what needs to be repaired or replaced. It might be difficult, but try to be objective, focusing on how buyers or tenants would view your home. A second opinion from a friend or family members could help during this process. Look for outdated styles and fixtures, bold patterns and colours, unfinished projects and over-cluttered cupboards or countertops. Consider which elements showcase the home in its best light and what doesn’t. Once the checklist has been established, the next step is to set a budget and make time to complete the tasks.

    First impressions count

    It takes people just 15 seconds to decide whether they like a house or not. That just highlights the importance of making a good first impression. A buyer’s impression of your home is not only formed by what they see on the interior but starts from outside the property walls. People passing by will judge whether they want to have a look at the property by the way it looks from the street. Curb-appeal is vital and contributes to the success of attracting buyers. Start maintenance outside the property and work your way inside. Basic updates such as painting or refinishing of fences sheds and garage doors, cutting the grass and planting some flowers can improve the look of a home from the outside.

    Kitchen and bathrooms are key

    As some of the most frequently used areas in any home, the kitchen and bathrooms will be a focal point for buyers. Pay extra attention to these areas to ensure they are fresh and look great. Things such as stained shower stalls, broken or missing grout and leaky taps or dated cabinet hardware are easily replaced at minimum cost. Exposed pipes in the bathroom can be boxed in and hidden.

    If laminate on kitchen doors is warped, there are companies who will re-laminate the kitchen doors and carcasses for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. A fresh backsplash is also a great way to update the look of the kitchen while giving the impression of a much bigger renovation. A new kitchen backsplash is surprisingly affordable and DIY-able.

    A fresh coat

    A new coat of paint is an inexpensive way to revitalise the home, especially if you have the skills to do the job yourself. Paint can breathe new life into a dated space and can be used in a variety of applications on walls, doors, cabinets, fixtures and even tiles. It is best to stick to a neutral muted colour palette when deciding on which paint to select, as these colours will appeal to the largest number of people.

    Replace or repair skirting boards

    It is possible to repaint the skirting boards, but sometimes they can be over-painted and in need of a refreshed look, especially next to repainted painted walls or new carpets. At approximately £1.25 per metre, it’s a cheap fix and there are online companies offering a wide range of styles, meaning you can match styles with any skirting boards you wish to keep.

    Replace internal doors and door handles 

    If your property was built in the ’70s and you still have the original doors and handles, then they are nearly 50 years old. It’s safe to say that these types of doors and handles will not be coming back into fashion anytime soon. Handles cost as little as £7.99 each, while a door will cost around £46.99 depending on the style and material chosen.

    Put up new window coverings

    New window treatments can enhance a room without requiring much effort. You can find reasonably priced and easy-to-install shades, curtains, and rods at stores such as IKEA.

    Light switches and electric sockets

    Another cheap but highly effective update, replacing the light switches and electric sockets won’t break the bank but will bring the home into this century. Perhaps thinking of upgrading your white plastic switches to a brushed steel or chrome look for a more modern look. Think safety first – always employ a professional when replacing electrical elements.

    Repair failed double-glazed windows

    While a blown double-glazed window was once very expensive to repair, this is no longer the case. There are many specialist companies who can remove moisture from inside the failed double-glazed glass, clean and re-seal your windows for a fraction of the cost of buying new double glazing.

    Hang wall art

    The look of a room can be completely changed simply by hanging artwork. Before making holes in the wall, layout the artwork on the floor to get the right arrangement if there are more than one or two pieces. Markets, antique stores and second-hand shops are great resources for finding expensive gems.

    Updating your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. By making these small changes before listing a property, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of setting your home apart.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    Please don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.

    Source for this article: Guild of Property Professionals


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  • Potential changes to the buying and selling process

    The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have been researching with the aid of working group called the Home Buying and Selling Group which is chaired by a research firm and includes solicitors and estate agents. They have been considering ideas for the last 11 months of how to improve the process of buying and selling property in the UK.

    Key Stats from research so far

    Timing

    12-14 weeks offer to completion

    Leasehold adds at least a week to this timescale

    Failed Transactions

    25-33% of all transactions fall through

    Costing £270m per year

    Inexperience

    People move every 19 years

    Most people will only move 1 or 2 more times after first move

    Technology

    Rapid changes in finding a new home to purchase but limited progress elsewhere such as the process itself.

    One million homes bought and sold each year.

    Challenges for the government are:

    Market is not broken enough to need an immediate fix

    Lack of consumer experience

    Emotional purchase especially once found dream home

    Dis aggregated market: 4100+ conveyancing firms and biggest has 2% market share

    Need for chains

    Lack of digitization – Land Registry/local authority searches

    Solutions they are considering

    Tackling uncertainty with the use of Reservation/binding agreements

    70% of buyers and 66% of sellers worried that the sale would not make it to completion after they had accepted an offer.

    50% of buyers and 70% of sellers would have been prepared to enter into a legal commitment after offer. – Reservation/binding agreements to be tested.

    Recently announced a field trial of this type of agreement which will start later this year.

    The ideas is that if every party has some ‘skin in the game' (financial commitment) then less likelihood of the purchase/sale falling through.

    Would love to hear your thoughts on this so please comment below.

    Would this have helped you in a recent purchase or sale?

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    Please don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  • Dealing with noisy neighbours

    Noisy neighbours are more than just a nuisance.  If you are subjected to constant dog barking, loud music, screaming children (or even adults), and doors banging at all hours of the day and night, it can feel like your neighbours are ruining your life!

    The brutal truth is that, if you live in an apartment or terraced / semi-detached house, much of the enjoyment of your property rests on the civility of your neighbours.

    But don’t despair.  If your noisy neighbours are driving you around the bend, rest assured that you are not alone.  Most people, at some time in their lives, have had to deal with neighbours who make too much noise.  You do have the right to seek legal redress, but this should only be done as a last resort.

    Start a conversation

    The best way to deal with a noisy neighbour is to pop round and explain to them in a calm manner that their music, dog, children, stomping up and down stairs etc, is disturbing you.  Pick your moment.  Knocking on the door at 2am while a party is in full swing and the occupants have ‘had a few’ may not elicit the best reaction.  You are more likely to have success if you express your concerns the next day, when everyone’s heads are clear.

    In the vast majority of cases, a quick chat sorts the problem out.  Most people are mortified at the thought of causing a disturbance to those around them, and your neighbour may have had no clue that their noise was affecting you.

    Be reasonable and take a balanced view.  Your neighbours have a right to enjoy their property too.  Try to compromise, for example, ask them to warn you the next time they are having a party so you can make alternative plans, and request that any loud music wraps up at midnight.

    Talk to the landlord

    If your neighbour is a tenant and ignores your requests to quieten down, you may need to contact their landlord.  Tenants will normally have a clause in their Tenancy Agreement prohibiting them from actions and/or behaviour that cause a nuisance to their neighbours. Your Solicitor can help you to find out the name and address of the landlord so that you can contact them.

    Contact your local council

    If talking to your neighbour elicits no positive results, you can make a complaint to your local authority.

    Under the Noise Act 1996 and other associated legislation, your local council must investigate any noise that is deemed to be a ‘nuisance’.  If your neighbour’s noise is deemed a nuisance, then the Council can issue an Abatement Notice.  The notice will stipulate that either the noise must stop completely, be reduced to a certain level, or is only permitted during certain times of the day.  If you neighbour fails to comply with the notice, they can be fined up to £5,000 if you are dealing with a person or up to £20,000 if it’s a business creating the noise.  Any device such as a sound system can also be seized by an Environmental Health Officer or the police for up to 28 days until the court decides what should be done with it.

    If the nuisance becomes more than just incidental noise, and you feel threatened, harassed, or in fear of violence, then it is time to call the police.

    Mediation

    Your local authority may recommend that you and your noisy neighbour attend mediation as a way of resolving your dispute.  Mediation is a process whereby an impartial third party, known as a mediator, helps you and your neighbour come to an agreement over how to resolve the noise issue.  Because the process is designed to be non-confrontational and assist parties to resolve disputes between themselves, mediation is also a good way of preserving or re-establishing good relations.

    Get your solicitor to write a letter

    A letter from a solicitor can often be enough to make a noisy neighbour take your complaint seriously.  This strategy works well if your neighbour is a tenant, and the letter points out that if they do not cease in their noisy activities, they could face eviction. If all else fails, you can take legal action against a neighbour through the Courts. Your solicitor can advise you in relation to the process and the likely costs.

    As they say, “our house is our castle”, no matter how large or modest, and noisy neighbours can make life miserable. If a fair and reasonable discussion with your neighbour or their landlord does not elicit the desired outcome, rest assured, you do have a number of non-legal and legal options available to you so that you can enjoy peace and tranquillity in your own home.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  • Your moving house checklist

    When you’re moving home, there’s so much to think about and organise. To help make the process a little simpler, why not check out our quick checklist of essential reminders.

    1. Post: Those final bills, magazine subscriptions or the store card vouchers you’ve been saving up may still be addressed to your previous home. To give you time to change your address on everything, you can set up post redirection through the Post Office (though be aware you will have to pay a fee).
    2. Internet: Argh what will I do without Netflix?! Speak to your current provider about your contract terms as sometimes you’ll be able to transfer it over to your new house or it could be a chance to shop around if you’re finishing your contract. You’ll need to book a date for installation though and that could take several weeks so try and plan ahead if possible.
    3. Gas & Electric: Let your current energy supplier know you’ll be moving at least 2 days before you move and take your final meter readings to pass on so that you get an accurate bill. When you move home you can stay with the provider or change to a new one, and make sure you take the new meter readings when you move in.
    4. Banks: Inform your bank and any credit and store cards of your new address as soon as possible, to make sure all of your communications are coming through to the right property and that you have the correct billing address set up.
    5. TV license: If you’ve paid your TV licence annually up front, you just need to change your address with them and the contract will carry on as usual. If you’re moving in with someone then you will only need one licence per household.
    6. Council Tax: Get in touch with your local council to finalise your current bill, and get set up with your new council as soon as possible as you need to pay from the date you move in.  Council Tax differs in amount per area, per property type and even by the amount of people in the property.
    7. Doctors & Dentists: There may be a waiting list for good doctor and dentist surgeries in your new local area so sign up with your new address as soon as possible – you never know when you may need them.
    8. Water: As with your energy suppliers, your water supplier also needs to be notified and you need to have your details changed with them. Your new area’s water supplier will contact you once you’ve moved in to work out a payment plan with them.
    9. Insurance: Do you have your buildings and contents insurance planned? If you’re renting, find out which you’re covered on (usually building insurance will have been sorted by your landlord). If you’re buying, be aware that you need to have building insurance from the point of exchange, not on completion – so make sure you remember to sign up.
    10. Voting: Make sure you’re registered to your new address on the Electoral Roll, so you can be involved in national and local votes. If you’re asked to register and you don’t do so, you could be fined by your local Electoral Registration Office.

    Make home-moving easier by ticking off this list before and during your move, to take a weight off your mind and enjoy your new home!

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min
  • Understanding the tenant referencing process

    When you’re looking to rent a new property, there are some checks it’s important for you to understand so you can make sure you hit the criteria before you start your search.

    If you’re renting through an estate/letting agent then their lettings administration team will be handling and processing your paperwork but if the landlord is doing the checks themselves, these are all or some of the searches they will want to conduct in order to protect themselves when you are their tenant.

    Application Forms

    In these initial pieces of paperwork you’ll give all of your basic information, such as contact details, previous address, employer information, your bank details and a declaration that you allow the landlord or estate agent to carry out the below checks.

    Employer References

    You will have been asked in your application about your work and salary in order for the landlord to be reassured that you’ll always pay rent on time. Generally they want to see that you’re making about 2.5 times your portion of the rent, and this should help you work out what you can afford. They will just seek a reference from your employer to confirm your salary and that your job there is steady and you haven’t had any unexpected breaks in employment in the last six months. If you’re self-employed, your income will be measured as an average of the last 3 full years.

    Previous Landlord References

    You will also be asked for your previous address and previous landlord’s details in order for the upcoming landlord to confirm that you were a reliable tenant who paid rent on time and looked after the property. If there are delays to this, it could hold up your paperwork on your new home.

    Credit Check

    Websites such as Experian and Clearscore are great to see your credit score. These sites take into account all sorts of things, such as whether you have any unpaid bills or any debt on credit or debit cards. The landlord will be checking to see that your credit score is at a good level and that you are reliable for rent payments. It’s important for you to get your credit rating up as when you come to get a mortgage when buying a house, this will be checked again.

    Right to rent Checks

    Right to rent checks: what they mean for you. … From 1 February 2016, all private landlords in England will have to make right to rent checks. This means checking that tenants have the right to be in the UK.

    Landlords will need to see certain documents, which prove that the tenant has the right to be in the UK.

    Acceptable documents include:

    • UK passport
    • EEA passport or identity card
    • permanent residence card or travel document showing indefinite leave to remain
    • Home Office immigration status document
    • certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

    The Landlord will need to see the original documents and check that they are valid with you present.

    They are then required to make and keep coipes of the documents and record the date the checks were made.

    Guarantors

    You may also be asked for a guarantor, who needs to be someone who is a homeowner who will be willing to vouch for you if you’re struggling to pay your rent. They will be required to sign a declaration stating they will pay your rent if you default. They will also be referenced.

    There’s no need for referencing to be complicated. As long as you’ve considered all of the above pointers, when it comes to your property referencing you’ll sail through. If you think your references will not be straightforward for any reason, speak to the estate/letting agent and landlord upfront about it so you can work out the quickest and easiest way to solve this.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  • Understanding the tenant referencing process
    When you’re looking to rent a new property, there are some checks it’s important for you to understand so you can make sure you hit the criteria before you start your search.
    If you’re renting through an estate/letting agent then their lettings administration team will be handling and processing your paperwork but if the landlord is doing the checks themselves, these are all or some of the searches they will want to conduct in order to protect themselves when you are their tenant.
    Application Forms
    In these initial pieces of paperwork you’ll give all of your basic information, such as contact details, previous address, employer information, your bank details and a declaration that you allow the landlord or estate agent to carry out the below checks.
    Employer References
    You will have been asked in your application about your work and salary in order for the landlord to be reassured that you’ll always pay rent on time. Generally they want to see that you’re making about 2.5 times your portion of the rent, and this should help you work out what you can afford. They will just seek a reference from your employer to confirm your salary and that your job there is steady and you haven’t had any unexpected breaks in employment in the last six months. If you’re self-employed, your income will be measured as an average of the last 3 full years.
    Previous Landlord References
    You will also be asked for your previous address and previous landlord’s details in order for the upcoming landlord to confirm that you were a reliable tenant who paid rent on time and looked after the property. If there are delays to this, it could hold up your paperwork on your new home.
    Credit Check
    Websites such as Experian and Clearscore are great to see your credit score. These sites take into account all sorts of things, such as whether you have any unpaid bills or any debt on credit or debit cards. The landlord will be checking to see that your credit score is at a good level and that you are reliable for rent payments. It’s important for you to get your credit rating up as when you come to get a mortgage when buying a house, this will be checked again.
    Right to rent Checks
    Right to rent checks: what they mean for you. … From 1 February 2016, all private landlords in England will have to make right to rent checks. This means checking that tenants have the right to be in the UK.
    Landlords will need to see certain documents, which prove that the tenant has the right to be in the UK.
    Acceptable documents include:

    * UK passport
    * EEA passport or identity card
    * permanent residence card or travel document showing indefinite leave to remain
    * Home Office immigration status document
    * certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

    The Landlord will need to see the original documents and check that they are valid with you present.
    They are then required to make and keep coipes of the documents and record the date the checks were made.
    Guarantors
    You may also be asked for a guarantor, who needs to be someone who is a homeowner who will be willing to vouch for you if you’re struggling to pay your rent. They will be required to sign a declaration stating they will pay your rent if you default. They will also be referenced.
    There’s no need for referencing to be complicated. As long as you’ve considered all of the above pointers, when it comes to your property referencing you’ll sail through. If you think your references will not be straightforward for any reason, speak to the estate/letting agent and landlord upfront about it so you can work out the quickest and easiest way to solve this.
    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:
    Facebook: www.facebook.
    14 min
  • 10 Tips to buying your perfect property

    When it comes to buying a home, this is probably the most expensive purchase you’re ever going to make, so you definitely shouldn’t rush it or go into it half-heartedly. To help you, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 tips to help you find your perfect home!

    1. Work out where you want to buy

    Location is key. You can change the aesthetics of a property, but you can’t change its area so head to some areas you’re considering. Have a wander around and take special note of local schools, transport links and amenities. This will also help you narrow down which part of a neighbourhood or which streets you may want to buy property.

    2. Do your research

    Before you rush into anything, do your research. Speak to local estate agents or have a look online at properties on the market, or which have just sold in the area. Find out what’s on the market, how fast stock is moving and what current sold prices sit at.

    Also work out how much you can afford – taking into account monthly repayments next to additional costs, such as transport and household bills. Read up and gain an understanding about mortgages and work out how much mortgage you will roughly be offered before you start hunting for properties at a specific price.

    3. Get in quick

    Sign up to property portals and with local estate agents in your area for email alerts to make sure you’re in the know as soon as new properties come onto the market. This way you can get ahead of the game and get your viewings in first.

    4. Make a pro and con list

    Before you view any properties, make yourself a pro and con list of issues which are most important to you in your property choice. This way after your viewing, your decision will be based on logic and practicalities over emotions and feeling towards the property you just saw.

    5. Consider all the options

    There are several different home-buying options open to you. Why not check out government schemes such as Help-To-Buy if you’re a first time buyer or even property auctions. You might just find yourself a more affordable new home!

    6. Be prepped and ready at the viewing

    Check out our previous episodes on things to look out for and make sure you ask these on your viewing! There are lots of questions to consider, such as how many years are left on the lease, the age of in-built appliances and what comes with the property.

    7. Take photos

    Caught up in the rush of the moment, you’ll forget to look at many little details so take photos of rooms to look back at when you get home. When you inevitably remember all the questions you forgot to ask, you can check the photos for reference.

    8. Once you’ve found the property, check out the area in more detail

    You’ll have already visited the area but visit again with more specific focus on what it would be like to live here. Some things to think about are whether it feels safe in the evening and whether the amenities nearby are right for what you need.

    9. Negotiate with the seller

    Check out nearby selling prices of properties, then consider whether there’s any work that will be needed to be done to the property. This will help you work out what price it’s worth and whether you’ve got room to negotiate the price with the seller before you put in an offer.

    10. No red flags? You’re good to go!

    Final things to consider. Are all your questions answered? Has communication with the seller been easy and efficient? Is the area ticking all the boxes? So long as there’s no niggles in your mind, you’re good to go! Work out the highest price you’re willing to pay and put in a first offer. If your offer doesn’t get accepted, don’t panic and go above your budget – there’s plenty more fish in the sea and it’ll be worth it when you find the right one!

    Follow these 10 tips and you’ll be in your new home in no time – with no unforeseen problems! Good luck with your hunt.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  • 10 Tips to buying your perfect property
    When it comes to buying a home, this is probably the most expensive purchase you’re ever going to make, so you definitely shouldn’t rush it or go into it half-heartedly. To help you, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 tips to help you find your perfect home!
    1. Work out where you want to buy
    Location is key. You can change the aesthetics of a property, but you can’t change its area so head to some areas you’re considering. Have a wander around and take special note of local schools, transport links and amenities. This will also help you narrow down which part of a neighbourhood or which streets you may want to buy property.
    2. Do your research
    Before you rush into anything, do your research. Speak to local estate agents or have a look online at properties on the market, or which have just sold in the area. Find out what’s on the market, how fast stock is moving and what current sold prices sit at.
    Also work out how much you can afford – taking into account monthly repayments next to additional costs, such as transport and household bills. Read up and gain an understanding about mortgages and work out how much mortgage you will roughly be offered before you start hunting for properties at a specific price.
    3. Get in quick
    Sign up to property portals and with local estate agents in your area for email alerts to make sure you’re in the know as soon as new properties come onto the market. This way you can get ahead of the game and get your viewings in first.
    4. Make a pro and con list
    Before you view any properties, make yourself a pro and con list of issues which are most important to you in your property choice. This way after your viewing, your decision will be based on logic and practicalities over emotions and feeling towards the property you just saw.
    5. Consider all the options
    There are several different home-buying options open to you. Why not check out government schemes such as Help-To-Buy if you’re a first time buyer or even property auctions. You might just find yourself a more affordable new home!
    6. Be prepped and ready at the viewing
    Check out our previous episodes on things to look out for and make sure you ask these on your viewing! There are lots of questions to consider, such as how many years are left on the lease, the age of in-built appliances and what comes with the property.
    7. Take photos
    Caught up in the rush of the moment, you’ll forget to look at many little details so take photos of rooms to look back at when you get home. When you inevitably remember all the questions you forgot to ask, you can check the photos for reference.
    8. Once you’ve found the property, check out the area in more detail
    You’ll have already visited the area but visit again with more specific focus on what it would be like to live here. Some things to think about are whether it feels safe in the evening and whether the amenities nearby are right for what you need.
    9. Negotiate with the seller
    Check out nearby selling prices of properties, then consider whether there’s any work that will be needed to be done to the property. This will help you work out what price it’s worth and whether you’ve got room to negotiate the price with the seller before you put in an offer.
    10. No red flags? You’re good to go!
    Final things to consider. Are all your questions answered? Has communication with the seller been easy and efficient? Is the area ticking all the boxes? So long as there’s no niggles in your mind, you’re good to go! Work out the highest price you’re willing to pay and put in a first offer. If your offer doesn’t get accepted, don’t panic and go above your budget – there’s plenty more fish in the sea and it’ll be worth it when you find the right one!
    Follow these 10 tips and you’ll be in your new home in no time – with no unforeseen problems! Good luck with your hunt.
    15 min
  • 10 ways to improve your credit score

    When buying a house it’s vital your credit score is at a certain level, otherwise your mortgage could be declined. If you wait until you come to get a mortgage, it’s impossible to make quick changes to improve it. That's why it’s important that in the year leading up to purchasing a property or re-mortgaging your property, you spend time looking at your rating and work on ways to make improvements. Here are 10 tips to help you out.

    1. Get some bills in your name

    If you live in a rental right now and your housemates, family or partner pay all of the bills, take on some of the bills in order to build your credit rating. Not having had to pay bills may seem like you were responsible but it doesn’t actually show lenders how you are with money. So take on some of the bills and make sure you pay them on time to see not just more stamps on your credit score but also a steady increase in your score.

    2. Card and bill payments

    A quick win is to pay off your credit card in small payments throughout the month, as opposed to just once a month when your bill arrives as this will improve your rating. This extends to phone bills, utility bills and any other household bills too – any late payments will show on your account and immediately lower your credit score so it’s important to pay them as soon as they’re due.

    3. Credit card usage

    It often confuses people that they can be penalised on their credit score for not having a credit card whatsoever. It’s good to have a credit card but it’s all about how you’re using it; keep your credit card usage at 30% or less and pay off your bills when they come in, even if it’s just the minimum amount. Consider closing down other, unused account you have and if you have multiple credit card balances, consolidate them with a personal loan. Over time your credit score will increase, although it’s important to note that after the initial credit check from a card provider, it will drop slightly (more info in point 4) – but don’t panic, this will go up.

    4. Be aware that checks take points

    Every time you apply for credit (i.e. for a credit card, loan, new utility bills) your rating will dip slightly when a hard search is done on your accounts. Therefore, be conscious of how many you’re doing, as these checks take a year to be wiped from your record. Don’t apply for credit too frequently in a short space of time as this may make lenders feel that you’re overly reliant on credit and are high risk for them.

    5. Save for those big purchases

    When it comes to large purchases, instead of just sticking unusual, large amounts on your credit card or missing your credit card bills to afford them, think ahead and save regularly in a savings account for rainy days and purchases like this. This way, the purchases can occur without affecting your credit rating.

    6. Register on the electoral roll

    You are legally obliged to vote so make sure you sign up online or by post. It’s easy to do and alongside your registered bills, it will prove your address and therefore make your credit score higher. This is an easy way to add a few extra points to your score.

    7. Keep your address up to date

    When you move house, your credit scorer loses tabs on you and therefore your score can drop. Registering to vote is a good way to get your new address to sync with credit scorer sites so make sure you check for your new address and pick it once it’s available. If it’s incorrect then report it immediately. The longer you’re at an address, the steadier your credit score will grow, so try not to move regularly otherwise your credit score will show uncertainty.

    8. Get your joint accounts in check

    If you have an account which is linked to another person, such as a spouse, friend or family member, actions in a joint account will still affect your credit score so it’s important to keep an eye and a handle on these too. In the run up to your property purchase it’s important they act responsibly in your joint accounts to keep your credit score as healthy as possible.

    9. Check for fraud

    Although rare, if you notice odd credit checks or any activity which doesn’t apply to you on your credit score account, make sure you report it and investigate whether someone has been using your details fraudulently. It’s important to check this and act on it as taking the responsibility for someone else’s credit actions could be affecting your credit score negatively and will take a while to be investigated and resolved.

    10. Dealing with outstanding debts

    If you already have debt, you should focus on clearing your repayments in the short term, in order to see your credit score improve. Don’t apply for new credit, as the checks and the use of more credit will see your credit score drop more.

    When it comes to improving your credit score, there are some really simple corrections you can make which will make a massive difference to your score, so why not action some of the above pointers and get your credit in order. Speak to a mortgage broker or financial adviser for more detailed help and advice on improving your rating.

    So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagent

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagent

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEA

    Website: www.asktheestateagent.co.uk

    So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

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Ask the Estate Agent - News, views, tips and interviews to help you negotiate the property market from industry experts. Your on demand source of property market knowledge and information.

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