Blogs
Jan 2, 2021
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO STAGING YOUR HOME IN CHESTERFIELD
The property market can be very competitive, even cut throat in some areas of the UK. So, when it comes to putting your home in Chesterfield up for sale, you’ll want to make an effort as soon as possible. That’s why many sellers are now spending time ‘staging’ their houses, which basically means ensuring they look their best. Here’s our guide to staging your home in Chesterfield, and how doing so could help you land a quick sale. Selling can be a slow process There’s no getting away from it, many factors have hit the UK housing market, from the tightening of lending guidelines to political uncertainty. The good news is, currently the average time to sell a property is 55 days. The bad news is that the selling time can vary depending on where you live in the UK. Even if you are in an area where properties get snapped up immediately, don’t be too complacent. You never know what the competition will be like or what factors might suddenly affect the sale of your home, so it’s still imperative to make your home as attractive as possible. Ways to stage your home There are many different ways your home can be staged, but whichever way you choose, ‘staging’ just means showing your home in the best possible light. In some cases, it simply means decluttering and moving things around, while some people go as far as changing room colours and renting furniture. For homes at the higher end of the market, you can even hire a professional who’ll really show off the best features of your property. Here are some of the steps you should go through when staging a home. Get objective opinions about your home Your home is your castle, and no doubt you’ve carefully chosen every aspect, from the colour of your paintwork to the carpets. However, taste is subjective, so it’s important to get some outside opinions. As estate agents we are very good at this, as we know what sells a home and what might be setting it back – don’t forget, we hear unfiltered opinions when we show people around your property. Look at similar homes in your area that have sold quickly and note their interior design, layout and their general vibe. In certain areas, particular styles of home will sell faster, so pay attention to what buyers are looking for. Set a budget Prices for home staging can vary wildly, from practically zero if you’re just sprucing up your home yourself, to thousands of pounds if you’re staging a luxury property and employing the services of a professional. If you’re serious about staging and are going to rent furniture and decorate certain rooms, it’s not unrealistic to spend a couple of thousand pounds. While this sounds like a lot, keep in mind that it’s just a small percentage of your asking price, so it might be worth the investment. Focus on the important rooms You may not have the budget to stage your entire home, so focus on rooms that really matter. Our experience tells us that the living room is the most important room to stage, followed by the master bedroom, as these are usually the first photos seen within your online property listing. When it comes to living areas, decluttering and maximising light should be a priority, ensuring they look as large as possible. However, don’t feel as though you have to remove all the personality from the room. A few family photos, cushions and throws keep a cosy, liveable feel without cluttering. Bathrooms should have neatly folded towels, and kitchens should have a bowl of fresh fruit or some fresh flowers on display. Get the right furniture for the space The layout of your furniture is one of the key elements of staging. You want to create space, yet still keep the room looking functional. Stripping rooms of furniture can sometimes be a negative for buyers. For example, if they see a bedroom without a bed in it, they may be wondering whether their king-size will fit, or whether they’ll be constantly bashing their knees on it. Certain pieces of furniture are the focal point of a room, and if they’re looking a bit tired or worn-out, then it drags down the room. If your sofa has been well worn by children and dogs, consider putting it in storage and renting a nice modern one whilst you’re having viewings. Staging your home isn’t as complex as it sounds. It largely involves making your home as appealing as possible to as many buyers as possible, which in turn will help it sell faster. Whether you do it yourself or bring in a professional, it could mean your home spends less time on the market! For more advice on property matters, contact the team at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646 or call in and see us.
Jan 2, 2021
10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME IN CHESTERFIELD!
10 Frequently Asked Questions When Selling Your Home in Chesterfield! If you are looking to sell your house in Chesterfield, you may very well be feeling a little overwhelmed, and who can blame you? It is a huge undertaking, not to mention an incredibly emotional time for you as a homeowner. Many home movers find it extremely difficult to keep their personal feelings separate from their business brain when it comes to selling their home, but that being said, you can successfully sell your home without letting your emotional attachment to the property hinder your efforts. However, it’s good to be as informed and prepared as possible before you start marketing your property, so let’s start with our 10 most frequently asked questions when selling your home. What time of year should I sell my house? This is a very important question as there are key times in the year when people are more likely to be looking to buy a new house. Traditionally springtime is the best season to sell your home, with the first two weeks of May traditionally having the highest sales figures. The least effective months to sell your home are October and December, as less people want to go on viewings after work when it is cold and dark, plus many are preoccupied with Christmas. How long will it take to sell my house? Unfortunately this is similar to asking “how long is a piece of string”, with many factors influencing how quickly, or slowly, your home will sell. These include: Your listing price The condition of your home The condition of the local housing market How you market your home General factors such as political matters Rest assured though that here at New Oak Estates, we are pro-active year round and will market your property effectively whatever the season or climate! How much is my house worth? Of course you will need to know roughly how much your house is worth before you put it on the market. The simplest way to gauge how much your house will sell for is to ask us for a free, no-obligation market appraisal. You may also like to do some research of your own by looking at comparable sales in your local area. How much will it cost me to sell my house? There are of course, costs that you will incur when selling your home, including your estate agent’s commission which can be anywhere between 1-3%, solicitors fees, stamp duty and any removal costs. Should I make repairs or sell my house as it stands? This is a tricky one as some home buyers are looking for a project property (albeit one at a knock-down price) and others may want a property that they can move into immediately with minimal fuss. As a general rule, any small, cosmetic repairs that will not cost a lot of money should be carried out before you show around any potential buyers. For larger, more costly projects, you can either carry out the work yourself or ensure your asking price reflects any work that the new owners will need to carry out. Should I hire an estate agent? An estate agent will have sound property knowledge, access to marketing resources, potential buyers and local market data that are invaluable in helping you sell your property, so it is advisable to hire a professional! What should I do if my house is failing to sell? There could be several reasons why your house is not selling as quickly as you would have hoped. These include: Your asking price is too high Repair issues are putting potential buyers off Your property listing is not up to scratch This is why it’s always best to speak with a property professional who can advise you on the best course of action. How can I prepare my home for sale? When it comes to making your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers, it really is a case of sticking with what works; namely the idea of baking bread and arranging fresh flowers around your home! It may sound silly, but making your home smell nice and inviting really can make a difference to how a potential buyer feels about your home. Other top tips include: Clearing away any clutter Applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls Tidying your front garden to improve your kerb appeal Should I be present during viewings? This is depends on the type of house you are selling and your individual circumstances. Generally, the homeowner, knows more about the house than the agent and therefore is able to offer more informative answers should questions arise. Certain questions may be deflected back to the agent (this should be discussed with your agent). If I accept an offer on my home, is it legally binding? Your estate agent is legally required to pass on all offers on your property to you, although you can reject any offer outright if you are not happy with the price offered. If you do accept an offer, you are not legally bound to it. If you receive a higher offer or simply change your mind, you are within your rights to decide not to sell your home to your buyer, although this is always a distressing situation for the other parties involved. Good luck if you are selling your home, or considering putting your property in Chesterfield on the market. For no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in Chesterfield please contact our expert property team at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646 or call in and see us. We look forward to seeing you.
Jan 2, 2021
ARE YOU READY TO SELL IN 2021?
Are you Ready to Sell in 2021? If you’re thinking of putting your Chesterfield property on the market in the New Year, you’ll want to make it stand out from the crowd and generate as much interest as possible to make sure you achieve the full asking price. The team at New Oak Estates are highly experienced in property and will always make sure we give our utmost attention when accompanying viewings on your property, but there are always little tweaks you can make to your home to make sure it’s in outstanding condition and ready for the most discerning viewer! The New Oak Estates team have put our heads together and want to share with you the top nine things you can do to get your property ready for a new year sale! Neutralise Your Home There’s nothing wrong with injecting your personality into your home, but if you’re selling, then garish paint and leopard print feature walls won’t be to everyone’s taste. If this sounds anything like your property then give some serious consideration to some light redecorating, ideally using neutral colours such as off-white, magnolia, greys or pastels. It’s far more appealing to potential buyers and it will also allow them to visualise their own ideas better if they have a blank canvas to work with. Lighten Up Following on from our first point, there are some simple lighting tricks you can do to make your home feel brighter, which in turn will make it feel more spacious and appealing to potential buyers. It can be as simple as putting up a mirror opposite a window to reflect the light, or ensuring you have high-voltage light bulbs fitted. If you have blackout blinds or curtains in your bedrooms then make sure these are open before any viewings, to avoid rooms appearing dark or gloomy. Declutter We all tend to throw empty boxes in cupboards (just in case) and gather ‘stuff’ as the years pass. If you’ve been hoarding items, then the sale of your property is the perfect time to get rid of unwanted items and declutter. It’ll help your home appear more spacious and there’s potentially the added benefit of making a few pounds selling some of your old belongings. Deodourise Did you know that your home has its own distinctive smell? Obviously not all houses have strong smells but if you regularly smoke or vape indoors or you have a cat or dog causing a whiff, then no matter how beautiful your house may be, this is likely to be the first thing a visitor notices when they walk through the front door – and it can be very off-putting. If your property has a strong smell to it then give it a good deep clean before any viewings or get professionals in if you need to. First Impressions are Everything It’s rare that you’ll make a sale on first glance, but you can definitely lose one! If you have an overgrown garden, a grubby front door and a broken gate then it’s time to get your gardening gloves on and tidy it all up. Kerb appeal is important not only because many potential viewers will do a ‘drive by’ to check out the property before booking a viewing, but first impressions are what always form the basis of someone’s opinion of your property. Things that can damage your home’s kerb appeal include having dirty wheelie bins on display, smeared windows and chipped paintwork, so spend a little time maintaining your outdoor areas and be sure everything is up to scratch before the viewings start. Adding little extras like a potted plant or a lamp to light up your entrance can make a big difference too. You don’t need to do anything extravagant, just remember, it’s all in the details! Show Off Your Homes Assets Step room to room in your home and check for little things that may detract the attention of a viewer: If you have a study or a room you are using as an office, make sure your desk is tidy and your paperwork is filed away so that viewers can see an organised workspace. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s not being blocked by toys or extra bits of furniture that you haven’t stored away so that viewers can imagine themselves cosy by the fire. If you have a dining table – a common dumping ground for pretty much everything – make sure it’s clear of any paperwork or household bits that have been piling up so that viewers can see there is a defined place to eat. If you have a utility room, remove piles of laundry and tidy away detergents so that viewers can appreciate the extra space catering for the needs of a family. When it comes to our homes it’s easy to take some of the features we see every day for granted, but to a viewer they may be just what they’re looking for in a home, so be sure to highlight all of your property’s best features. Be Prepared Think back to when you bought your property. What questions did you have for the estate agent? If a buyer were to ask how old the windows are and if they have a guarantee would you know the answer? What about the last time you had the boiler serviced? When was the central heating checked? Be prepared and find your paperwork and service history relating to your home before it’s requested to save time! Service the boiler Check the central heating system Look out any guarantees and warranties Fix up, Look Sharp Keeping on top of the maintenance of your home is crucial for when you bring your property to market. If you haven’t regularly maintained your home, now is the time to get all those little niggly jobs done. Make sure everything’s as well maintained as possible, whether it’s fixing a damaged fence or just replacing a broken lightbulb, these minor details can make a big difference to potential buyers. It shows that your house is well looked after, and it will give viewers fewer excuses to negotiate. Make your property as flawless as possible – touch up paintwork and don’t forget to check gutters and drainpipes to get rid of leaves and debris. Depersonalise Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a home, so seeing pictures of strangers all over the house can actually have an off-putting effect, even though it’s your home! Don’t remove every family photo, you’re still living there of course, but there’s a fine line between making a home look lived in and loved and showcasing it as someone else’s dream home! Think about putting a few photos away before viewings. The space created will allow viewers to get a better idea of what they would do with the space and to imagine it as their own. For no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in Chesterfield please contact our expert property team at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646.
Dec 21, 2020
CENTRE STAGE: 7 TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR CHESTERFIELD HOME LIKE A PRO
Centre Stage: 7 Tips for Staging Your Chesterfield Home Like a Pro If you are considering putting your house in Chesterfield up for sale, but are not sure where to start, there are methods you can follow to help ensure it is fresh and market ready. Not just for new build show homes, you should consider staging your home, or to put it another way, setting the scene to arouse immediate buyer interest in your property when it comes to market. To be truly effective, you’ll need to look at staging both the inside and outside of your home, so here at New Oak Estates we have put together our seven top tips to get you started and on the road to staging your home like a pro. Declutter This is one of the most necessary things you can do. You’re going to be moving home anyway and will have to pack, so it makes perfect sense and is a straight-forward job to declutter and start packing at the same time. Pack up everything you don’t need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage if you have one, or consider temporarily renting a small storage unit. Keeping the look minimal can help sell your home. Organise Whilst we don’t like to think of strangers opening our cupboards, the reality is that they probably will. If you have built-in wardrobes, hang similar colours and garments together because this will make the cupboards look bigger. An organized space always appears larger, and you want your cupboards to look as tidy and spacious as possible. De-personalize You should de-personalize your home as much as possible when preparing to put it on the market. This is so that potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space. This means minimizing and putting away everything you don’t need or currently use. Clear kitchen worktops as much as possible, stash away all those gadgets and appliances and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes out of sight. Look from the Outside Stand on the street outside your property to see the view your prospective buyers will get as they approach your property in Chesterfield. Be aware of any negative impressions they may get such as overgrown borders, peeling paint, broken windows and so on. A poorly maintained exterior will make a prospective buyer think that the house has not been well taken care of. Even if you have spent the time and money to ensure the interior is amazing, it will all be wasted if the prospect gets a bad first impression as they approach your property. What do you really see? Step outside your front door and close it; then stand on your step and simply look around for a couple of minutes. This might appear to be a strange thing to do, but it is mimicking the likelihood of your estate agent fumbling around for keys before finally opening the door! During this time, you will see exactly what your potential buyers will see. So, what is it? Cobwebs on the door frame? Dead plants? A broken lightbulb in the porch? A less than shiny letterbox? First impressions count, so it’s worth taking some time to clean up. If you want to go a step further, consider painting the front door or adding new accessories. Don’t forget the back garden A tidy and inviting back garden is just as important as your front garden, so don’t neglect it. Whilst it might not be part of the potential buyers first impression experience, you should make sure it is in the best condition possible. Pull up the weeds, water the plants, do some sweeping and maybe even purchase new furniture or accessories such as plant pots or bird houses. This all adds to the vision of ‘living the dream’ your potential buyer wants. The biggest tip of all Simply imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at your property in Chesterfield for the very first time. See it through their eyes and ask yourself: What impression does the house give you? How is its kerb appeal? Would YOU buy your house? What would you like to see that’s different before you put an offer on your house? Finally, to stage a home will cost money but you’ll get that back, and often more, when your property sells. Proper staging will help you sell your house in a shorter time and importantly at the price you want. For expert advice on showing your home in Chesterfield to its full potential, contact the team at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646 today.
Dec 14, 2020
HOW RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR CHESTERFIELD HOME
The best reason to renovate any room in your home is because you want to make it more comfortable or in-keeping with your taste. However, it could also be because you want to improve the aesthetics of your home whilst you are living in it, absorb the costs of the renovation, and then when you are ready to sell, reap the rewards from having a more valuable home. That being said, when renovating, it is important to be smart about your investment. A new kitchen can add a lot of value to your home, but only if it is done correctly. It’s the Heart – or stomach – of the home The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home. It is the heart, or stomach! And designed well, the kitchen can become the true social hub of your property in Chesterfield. That is why a well-designed kitchen is so critical. It is the personality of the home, and if a potential buyer falls in love with this personality, you will have them hooked. It is also one of the trickiest renovations for buyers. Changing the colour of the walls is easy to do on their own, and arranging their furniture is all possible without the help of professionals, so if you can offer them a beautiful space that they want to keep exactly as is, then they may be willing to go above their budget because they no longer need to think about renovation costs. It’s the preferred renovation of choice amongst buyers Buyers want beautiful kitchens. In a survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket, it was discovered that kitchens were the most desired renovation at 22%. The second most preferred renovation? A garden makeover. With the position of many kitchens being towards the back of the home towards the rear garden, this is your opportunity to really make a cohesive, stunning space that flows and enriches. A garden can be purely aesthetic, it could have an outdoor dining area for those sunny summer days, and it could even have elements of a kitchen garden. All of these features will sell your home faster, because you aren’t just selling a property, you’re selling a lifestyle. It adds monetary value to your home Kitchen renovations add, on average, 5.5% to the value of your property so it’s important to be careful and not overspend on a renovation. An overly expensive kitchen will not automatically mean that the cost is added to the value of your property. To put this into perspective, consider you own a property valued at £300,000. Adding a kitchen renovation that costs £100,000 is not going to make your property worth £400,000. Instead, keep your renovation in line with the rest of your property. Typically prices for a new kitchen start at £2000 and average out at around £12,000. It is in this range you will see the most value for your money. It’s the fourth most worthwhile renovation Kitchens are the fourth most worthwhile renovation in terms of value increase, coming in behind a new bedroom in the loft which offers approximately 10.8% increase in value, a rear extension which adds 8.8%, and a conservatory which adds 6%. This means if you increase the size of your kitchen into an extension in your home, you can potentially see a huge increase in the value of your home and an improvement in both the functionality and design of your property. It’s the most cost efficient renovation Of all the renovations listed above, a kitchen renovation also happens to be the most cost-effective, meaning you’ll get more value added for your investment. The average kitchen renovation costs between £2000 to £12,000, and that money can add 5.5% value to your home. There are also plenty of opportunities to bring the cost down. If you are moving plumbing or electrical wiring, then you will need professionals, but if you have some skill in tiling or laying flooring then you can reduce the cost substantially. A great kitchen can result in achieving the asking price If your home is beautiful, with a fabulous kitchen which welcomes you as a true hub of the home, plus it’s also in a great location and does not require any work then you potentially have the perfect property to bring in many interested buyers who will be happy to pay the asking price. For a free valuation of your property in Chesterfield, please contact our expert team here at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646
Dec 7, 2020
PLANNING TO DOWNSIZE?
Are you starting to feel like you’re rattling around in a house that’s too big for you? Are you ready to put less time, effort and money into somewhere new? Have you got your heart set on being closer to family (or further away)? Have you always dreamed of that coastal hideaway or a chocolate box cottage in the countryside? Now is the time to move on to the next chapter in your life. When it’s time to start thinking about making changes to your lifestyle, your home may well be your most valuable asset. It is vital that you realise its financial potential. Now is the time to downsize. We think downsizing is actually a step forward, a really positive move. A move full of options and opportunity. This blog is all about what it really means to downsize, and how we can work out the practicalities needed to make this next chapter get off to the smoothest of starts. So how do we know? How do we realise the time is right? Moving into a smaller home is not a decision most people take lightly. We may want to ask ourselves some questions before making the final decision to sell and move on. Our experience of helping thousands of homeowners to move has led us to create a checklist to provide some clarity. We often talk about downsizing as the next chapter, so let’s think of it like writing a novel… THE PLOT Sometimes, when we least expect it, or maybe when we most expect it, the way we feel about our home starts to change. We can embrace the opportunity in front of us and make some positive changes, moving forward and making thoughts and dreams a reality. This is where the research comes in. It is really important to have a plan. Plan your finances to determine the price you need and want from your sale and decide on a date to put your home on the market. Planning out the implications of your move in detail is vital to seeing the full picture. Downsizing often releases equity, and having a plan for your pennies will give you a goal to reach for. Make a wish list and a deal-breaker list for your next home, and start to look around. See what’s out there, and find out what you really like – what would you love to have in your new home now the practicalities have changed? Having your next home in mind will keep you motivated. Arrange consultations with three estate agents and then choose the one you would like to work with. Choosing the right estate agent is the difference between selling at the price you really want and your home sitting on the market for months. Your agent needs to have the right attitude when it comes to selling your home, a high level of accountability and exceptional marketing techniques. THE BEGINNING So now we have the plot and the characters; it’s time to begin… Go through your home, and make a list of any outstanding jobs. It’s time to get them done. If your home has a more dated décor, it may be prudent to make some changes to avoid those low offers that are based on your home being too dated for some buyers. Make a list of any accessories to buy to dress your home for photography. Today, for your home to capture a buyer’s attention online, it needs to stand out. From croissants and flowers in the kitchen, to fluffy towels and luxury toiletries in the bathroom, to candles and coffee table books in the living rooms – it all adds to the ‘wow’ factor for prospective buyers. Work with your agent and photographer to take and then approve the images for use in your marketing. Communication is key. Sign off the brochure once you’re happy with it, and the plot can develop. THE MIDDLE Once your home is on the market, it’s time to get the story moving. Keep your home looking its best for every viewing. Buyers like to see things clean and clear. Clear surfaces and floor spaces, and clean everything until it sparkles. Light and reflected shine are the best ways to show off the size of your rooms to their full advantage. Contact removal companies for quotes. It can be really worthwhile getting your ducks in a row for moving. There will be a lot to sort, many years of memories (and junk!) to go through and lots to take on your journey with you. Decide on a company and what services you need – a good removal firm will advise you and help you decide what is right for your move. THE CONCLUSION The time has arrived! The crescendo of the piece! The height of the drama – if there’s going to be a plot twist, it will be now. But let’s keep to the narrative and think about those moving days. Pack as much as you can the night before, and have a survival box full of essentials for your last night and morning. Keep this box for your first night and morning, to keep things as simple and easy as possible. Make arrangements for child and pet care as necessary. Moving day is not the time or place for animals or small children, so keep them all safe and happy whilst you get things set for them in their new home. Make plans for that first night – will you go out, get a takeaway or have ready meals in for dinner? Make the beds as soon as you can so you can relax later, and have that special bottle of wine ready to celebrate your new home with! So, there you have it. Our top tips to help your move to the next chapter. Downsizing means having the opportunity to enjoy more of what makes you feel happy, comfortable and fulfilled. With downsizing comes choice, time, money and a sense of wellbeing, and that sounds just the ticket, don’t you think? Call us on 01246 211646 or email us at info@newoakestates.co.uk to find out how our specialist agents can help you start your new chapter!
Dec 7, 2020
HOME WORKING: 5 BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOME OFFICE IDEAS
Working from home is now a major part of people’s lives. For some, working from home has been the norm for many years, while for others the concept is still a little confusing. What’s important though is that your home office is somewhere you feel comfortable, can work competently and efficiently. Work has to be done, whether it’s in a purpose-built office or in a spare room. So what should you be thinking about when setting up the perfect home office? Do you need to separate work life from home life? Do you need space to make calls, write, use the computer, analyse data? For most, both of these things will be important, so think about where your space is going to be. Is it a corner in the dining room or kitchen, or will it require the spare room, garden shed or integrated garage to be completely transformed? Once you’ve decided this, then you can look at what you’re going to do with the space. Make a list of what you need or want in your office space, and then prioritise the items. Refurbish and repurpose Setting up a home office doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Do you already have a desk or table in the garage that simply needs to be repainted? Do you have a few jars in the shed gathering dust and cobwebs? These could easily be washed and cleaned and used for pencils and pens and other stationery items. Make the most of what you already have to hand. Don’t get hung up on buying expensive prints Here’s an idea, instead of going to big chain stores and buying prints to hang on the wall, print out a favourite photo and buy a frame in which to put it. Not only is this a cheap way to furnish your office, it’s also more personal. Instead of spending a ton of cash on prints of New York skylines or forest glades, you could have an image of a favourite family holiday instead. These will look great and they will be inspirational too! Be thrifty If you think you need an office desk, or filing cabinet, then you could be thinking ‘expensive’. But wait. There’s no need to hot-foot it to your local office furniture shop. Why buy new when you can find what you need simply by asking around? It might be that a local company has moved or scaled-down its office operations and is giving things away or getting rid of them cheaply. A friend or family member might have something you can make use of. Why spend a lot of money when you can find something cheaper or free? Keep an eye out on social media in particular and don’t be afraid to ask. Use blackboard paint Feeling creative? If you’re one of those people who needs to draw up creative ideas, or throw ideas on a mind map, then blackboard paint is for you. For just around £7 a tin, you can paint a blackboard area on part of a wall. You can then write on the wall with your creative ideas or formulae, and then simply wipe it clean afterwards. You will save on having to buy any equipment, and paper too, so you’re also doing your bit for the environment. Double the size with mirrors Working from home can often mean working in a smaller space than you’re used to, but have you thought about mirrors? A cleverly-sited floor-standing mirror will make your space immediately look bigger. Wall-mounted ones will also do the trick, as long as the frames are quite thin. It’s a trick that interior designers and retail outlets use so you should also make use of it. A floor-standing mirror from IKEA will cost from £50 upwards, and large frameless mirrors are only around £15 or £20. Designing and realising a home office is a personal thing, so get creative. Minimalist or packed with items, with a little thought, creating your home office doesn’t have to be an expensive project. If you’re thinking of upsizing instead, and treating yourself to a property with a ready-made study, call our friendly team at New Oak Estates on 01246 211646 or email us at info@newoakestates.co.uk and we will be delighted to assist you.
Nov 30, 2020
YOUR 6 STEP GUIDE TO THE CONVEYANCING PROCESS
Finding the house of your dreams in Chesterfield is exciting and your next step is to secure the property as soon as possible. But buying a new home can be a complex process, particularly when it comes to understanding the conveyancing procedure. Here at New Oak Estates we always endeavour to ensure your sale and purchase runs smoothly, with no surprises along the way. So, with this in mind, we have created a no-jargon guide to the conveyancing process to help you. But, first things first. What is conveyancing? Conveyancing is the legal term for the transfer of home ownership between a buyer and seller. The process begins once your offer is accepted on your chosen property and completes when you have the keys in your hand on moving day! This conveyancing process is absolutely essential to ensure that all the legalities of your sale or purchase are covered and to make certain the transfer of ownership happens with as little stress as possible. Who does the conveyancing? Although you can do it yourself, we always recommend that the conveyancing process is undertaken by a professional solicitor or a conveyancer as it can be a multifaceted process. You’ll need to instruct a legal professional as soon as your offer on a property is accepted, so it’s wise to make enquiries and carry out due diligence so that you have several options ready and can start the process without delay. Once you have chosen and appointed a conveyancer or solicitor, they will draw up a draft contract and advise you of their charges. The 8-step Conveyancing Process Step 1: Initial contact is made between legal representatives The first task undertaken by your solicitor or conveyancer will be to contact your seller’s legal representative to request a copy of the draft contract, the property’s title and other standard forms. Your solicitor or conveyancer will thoroughly examine these documents and raise any initial queries. They will also action a number of ‘searches’ to make sure there are no issues you need to be aware of that are not in plain sight. The most common searches are local authority searches, environmental searches and drainage and water searches. Step 2: Mortgage and survey requirements are confirmed At this point, if you need one, you should make sure your mortgage is in place as your solicitor or conveyancer will require a copy of your mortgage offer for the next stage of the conveyancing process. You will also be required to get a mortgage valuation. This is carried out on behalf of your mortgage lender and is to satisfy the lender that the property is secure against the amount of money they are loaning you. A necessary survey may also be required at this stage. Whilst not a legal requirement, whether you decide to instruct a survey on the property or not will depend on both the property and your specific circumstances. Step 3: Contracts are signed Once all the searches have completed, queries have been answered, you have provided your mortgage offer and are satisfied with the survey that has been carried out on the property, your solicitor will agree details regarding the transfer of your deposit funds along with a completion date. You will then be ready to sign the contract in preparation for exchange and completion. Step 4: Contracts are exchanged Next comes the exciting part! Exchange of contracts between buyer and seller. Your deposit will be paid on exchange and at this time you will be in a legally binding contract. The good news is that the seller can no longer accept another offer on the property and must sell the property to you. However, if you back out of the purchase at this stage, you will lose your entire deposit. There is usually a deliberate delay between exchange and completion to allow the deeds to the property to be transferred into your name. Step 5: Finally, it’s completion day! Completion is usually set for 12 noon or 2pm on the agreed date, however, in reality it can happen as soon as the sellers’ solicitor confirms that all monies have been received. You can then collect your keys to your new home from us – a moment that always makes us smile! Step 6: The final legal work is completed Whilst you move into your new property, your solicitor or conveyancer will tie up all the loose ends from a legal perspective. They will ensure stamp duty is paid on your behalf, send your title deeds to your mortgage lender and make sure you receive copies of your legal documents. They will also send you your final bill for legal work undertaken. Now all that is left for you to do is to unpack, settle into your dream home in Chesterfield and enjoy your perfect surroundings. If you require further independent advice, help and assistance regarding the conveyancing process, the New Oak Estates team are happy to help. Contact us on 01246 211646 or email info@newoakestates.co.uk.