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As of 13 May, the Government has updated their guidance for England only to allow physically distanced viewings that carefully adhere to public health guidance. It is vital that safety comes first, with the guidance reflecting that with several measures that need to be followed to conduct viewings safely:

Viewings must only take place with serious buyers who are genuinely interested in the property.
Initial viewings should be done online as virtual viewings. We have created a guide on how to conduct your own virtual viewings. Your estate agent can also assist you on this.
When conducting physical viewings, they should be done by appointment only and open houses are not permitted.
If your home is being viewed, open all windows and doors prior to the viewing taking place and if possible, leave the property for the duration of the viewing.
Everyone involved must wash their hands prior to the viewing and hand washing facilities should be made available with separate paper towels if possible.
Estate agents will look to restrict the number of people present at the viewing in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
Once the viewing has finished, the homeowner should ensure surfaces such as door handles are cleaned.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before the viewing your estate agent will confirm with you in writing that you have appropriate protective equipment. If you do not confirm prior to the viewing, your estate agent may cancel the appointment. Our members are working to best practice guidance which outlines the equipment all parties involved should use during viewings, including gloves and face coverings.

This guidance is designed to protect everyone involved with property viewings. It is important that you work with your estate agent and use the appropriate PPE to ensure everyone’s safety.

You can find the full Government guidance on property viewings ON THEIR WEBSITE.

Notification came in Tuesday evening that we are allowed to go back to work, effectively to get the economy moving again with suspended house sales, amounting to some £82 billion, which will bring much needed tax from Stamp Duty and Vat on all bills. This gets removal companies going again, Tradesman, retailers selling home furnishings, DIY and all connected with some one moving home and all the things required to change and improve a home.      

Just to let you know Lonsdale's are maintaining our business as normal operations will allow. I am presently working remotely from home on my own, and also occasionally from my office on my own. I am able to deal with all business enquirie's by email 12 hours a day from my PC'S, mobile phone or Tablets which are always with me operating a mobile office. I can offer you valuations by ways of you letting me have a selection of pictures and information to assess a valuation, without a physical visit until we are allowed. This is called a virtual valuation, and we are actively looking to attract new business once we are unlocked so to speak. The market is moving and we have had 3 completions along with another 2 this month pending. We believe there is pent up demand to move and to acquire your first home. I believe that since this Covid crisis, we will all have appreciated that one of life's major benefits, is to have a roof over your head along with some garden space to enjoy this isolation period. I hope that as we all realise to some extent we can all enjoy ourselves socially, the savings made recently, could be utilised towards possibly paying off more on the mortgage, or considering a move. If you are in rented accommodation, it is likely that you will be able to service a mortgage more cheaply, should you be able to raise a deposit. Interests rates are likely to remain very low for along time, enabling the economy to grow again, hence borrowing money to invest in property, would make sense to home ownership. If you are looking to move, don't hesitate to get in touch and I will reply same day.               

If you find your circumstances are such that you need to sell but are worried that you won't get the price you need, talk to us. We may still be able to help. Our innovative solution could get you moving quicker than you think and without the hassle of lots of potential viewers in your home...    

Selling your property quickly and for the best possible price is always a priority and there are a few simple steps that can greatly improve your chances of making a good first impression to potential buyers:

Exterior

Many people will “drive by” your home prior to booking a viewing. Try to ensure that the exterior of your property is always well maintained - not just for viewings. The frontage is a good place to spend a little money.

A tidy garden gives the impression of a well kept home. Bedding plants & flowers are not generally expensive but will improve the image.

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders to the appearance of external fences, doors and window sills.

Clearing out garages and external stores can give the impression of more space.

Interior

Make sure that you home is clean throughout. A good spring clean always helps and don’t forget the windows.

Try to ensure the interior of your home is free of clutter, particularly in hallways and in smaller rooms. Consider the position of furniture to make the best use of the space. Clutter makes homes feel smaller and less organised.

Objects such as photographs and ornaments can personalise the home to you and can make it more difficult for a potential purchaser to identify it as their home.

Opening the windows in summer can give a brighter, light and airy feel. Ensure there is adequate lighting in every room, particularly in Winter.

Try to keep décor neutral and light to increase the feel quality and spaciousness. Not all buyers view the potential of a home….only as it is currently presented. Simple is always safest.

Not everyone likes pets so if you have a viewing booked, try to keep them isolated.

Use objects to enhance the space such as mirrors which will help to reflect the light and make areas look bigger.

It’s a question I have been asked alot in the last 22 years from homeowners in Thackley & Idle who are thinking of selling but consider delaying until the weather improves.

Its a myth, new year new broom mentality. Just think of all the news year resolutions made by people over Christmas. We all have family and friends round over Christmas and realise we might just need a bigger home or something more practical. January is like mushrooms popping out of the ground, the same could be said for sale boards.

January is a time when people who are looking to buy are active in the market. We know things do happen in Thackley at this time as I have 22 years of evidence which accounts for it.

The Boris bounce has happened, confidence is returning to many.

So, things do happen in the Thackley property market in January.

Now is an ideal time to get your home on the market and get noticed by buyers throughout January.

Contact us for a chat to see how we can help you in January and February 2020.

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