Tag: Estate Agent

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Kerb appeal that sells

kerb appeal to sell your home

In all walks of life it’s a fact that first impressions count and that’s particularly true when selling your home. Kerb appeal is a term widely used when referring to the appearance and desirability of a property from the outside. But what gives a property ‘kerb appeal’?

What makes a property attractive to one buyer could make it a ‘no no’ to another – architectural style is highly subjective. But no matter what the style of your property there are key things that can be done to improve its kerb appeal and make it more desirable to potential buyers.

When selling your home you should treat every property viewing as you would a job interview. You wouldn’t go to an interview in your slippers and PJs with no knowledge behind you. You’d make yourself smart and know your onions. It’s all about preparation, presentation and attention to detail.

Front Door

The front door is the main focal point of the home and must make a positive impression. Make sure it’s clean and that the handle, letter box and knocker are polished. You may also wish to consider a fresh coat of paint if required. A clean door mat is always nice too. Of course, a stuck, stiff or squeaky door doesn’t give a welcoming feel so if your door is in need of a little maintenance, we’d recommend that it’s attended to.

Windows

Clean windows, frames and sills give the impression that the property is loved. Also consider the curtains or blinds and how they look from the outside. Leave them open, and tidy.

Paths and Driveways

A swept pathway or drive will always give a better first impression than one that is dirty and dusty. A pressure wash and removal of weeds (especially in brick-weave) will also be well-received.

Bins

Wheelie bins are ugly and out of sight is the best place for them.

Grass and Gardens

If you have a front lawn, make sure it’s cut and that borders are trimmed and neat. If your property doesn’t have any greenery, perhaps consider adding something to enhance it – a hanging basket or potted plan for example.

Boundaries and Beyond

Take a look at the hedges/fences that border the property. Do the hedges need a trim or the fences need a bit of TLC? Getting these details right can all make a property more attractive to a potential buyer.

Of course, anything outside the boundaries of your property is not your responsibility, but take a look around prior to a viewing. Is there any litter that needs picking up? Are the grass verges in need of a quick cut? These are all things that contribute to the kerb appeal and first impression of your home and ultimately, the success of your sale.

At Durrants we’re passionate about selling property and are here to guide you through the process from the initial valuation and photos, to viewings and the legalities. If you’re considering selling your home, why not get in touch with us? We’ve been selling houses in Norfolk and Suffolk since 1853 and are proud to offer a service you can trust.

Pictured: 1 Chickering Hall Cottages, Hoxne.

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How much is your property worth?

How much is your house worth

The last 12-months have changed the way we use our homes in a way that none of us could have imagined and the demand for space both inside and outside has created an exceptional demand for larger properties.

In its March House Price Index report, Rightmove has highlighted a 4.1% increase in house prices year on year in the East of England and a 2% increase month on month.  In a recent article published by Zoopla the average house prices and square footage measurements for properties in Mid-Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and South Norfolk were laid out as follows; 

Mid Suffolk

3-Bedroom house, 1,025 sq ft  = £273,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,570 sq ft  = £404,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,265 sq ft  = £543,000

Suffolk Coastal

3-Bedroom house, 1,050 sq ft  = £300,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,530 sq ft  = £424,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,035 sq ft  = £502,000

South Norfolk

3-Bedroom house, 1,015 sq ft  = £263,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,490 sq ft  = £378,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,035 sq ft  = £482,000

So how much is YOUR house worth?

These are all good statistics, but with such a diversity of settings and dwellings in Norfolk and Suffolk what does this mean for your property value?  Well, the best way to find that out is to get in touch with us for a free, no obligation valuation.  We’ll come to the property, assess it and talk you to about your reasons for selling  and your expectations to give you an honest and realistic market value for your home.

For an instant valuation simply complete our online form or get in touch with a member of the team in our of our local offices.

Source: zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/family-homes-what-can-you-get-and-where

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Bedroom presentation to sell your home

Bedroom presentation to sell your home

Bedrooms are meant to be a place of tranquillity, calm and most importantly, a good night’s sleep. This may not be the reality for everyone, especially in these times when more of us are working from home and having to hide ourselves away in our bedrooms for important and uninterrupted calls and Zoom meetings, but if you’re trying to sell your home, presenting it in the right way is an absolute must.

Here are our 5 tips for presenting your bedrooms to help the speedy sale of your property.

Clear the clutter

As with most rooms in your house, clearing the clutter is an easy way to improve its presentation. But in the bedrooms, we don’t just mean photo frames, ornaments and trinkets, we mean furniture too. Space is incredibly important in bedrooms, and the only furniture you really need is a bed (which should be the focal point), a wardrobe or a chest of drawers and a bedside table or cabinet. Anything else is just eating space, so try to remove it if you can.

The de-cluttering goes for inside your wardrobes too. Storage is key in bedrooms and we’ve met very few purchasers who don’t like a sneaky peak in the wardrobes, whether they’re built in or free-standing. If your wardrobes are bursting it gives the message that there’s not enough storage.

Create the right atmosphere

We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms and it’s easy to become nose-blind to our everyday scent. Make sure bedrooms are well-aired and smelling clean and fresh prior to viewings. Freshly washed bed linen for viewings is a good idea not only to create a fresh scent, but to enhance visual appeal too.

Temperature is also essential in creating the right sleeping environment. According to the ‘The Sleep Foundation’ the perfect temperature for a good night sleep is 18.3°C. If a room is too cold or too warm and stuffy this can deter potential buyers from making an offer.

Make mine a double!

A double bedroom is, generally speaking, more desirable that a single. If you’re bedrooms can accommodate a double bed it’s important to demonstrate that where possible. Now we’re not suggesting buying new furniture to sell your house – that would be silly, but maybe you’re using the spare room as an office or you have a bedroom that’s being used for storage. In these circumstances putting in a made up airbed could help a potential buyer see past the current use of the room and leave them in no doubt that it can accommodate a double bed.

Consider the room layout

Often, and particularly in children’s bedrooms the bed will be pushed against the wall to allow more space in the room. This may not be the best layout to really sell your bedrooms (although it may be the most practical for you). Making the bed the main focal point of the room, with access to get in it from both sides can make it more appealing.

The finishing touches

As with all rooms, décor is a big deal. Our recommendation for bedrooms are keep it simple and coordinated with no bold statements. Think white bed linen, neutral walls, blinds or curtains that are thick enough to create enough darkness for good sleep, a few scatter cushions and perhaps a throw, et voila!

 

So there you have it. Our five tips to present bedrooms to help sell your property. Of course, the golden rule to finish on, which goes for every room in the house, is make sure it’s tidy. Make the bed as neatly as you can, remove overflowing laundry baskets, put children’s toys away, have a quick dust and hoover and clear away unnecessary clutter.

If you’re interested in selling your property and would like a free valuation from our friendly and knowledgeable team, get in touch today.

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Keep the home fires burning

Stamp duty announcement Budget 2021

Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales for Durrants, Dominic Parravani comments on Mr Sunak’s budget.

In his spring 2021 Budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has chosen to keep the fire under the property market well and truly alight.

The UK is now experiencing a property buying demand reminiscent of a 1970s or 1980s type boom. We know there’s a property boom when adverse events that might otherwise have knocked the market off course fail to do so. Lockdowns 2 and 3 haven’t dented the recharged enthusiasm for property purchase, which began in the first lockdown; nor have the threatened end of the stamp duty holiday or the dark cloud of a post-furlough unemployment spike.

It’s clear that the wider British public is back in love with home ownership, and the Chancellor has chosen to give that fire a further stoke. Mr Sunak has extended the stamp duty holiday from the end of March to the end of June. After this date, the starting rate of stamp duty will be halved to £250,000 until the end of September.

The Budget announcement also included a mortgage guarantee scheme to help people with small deposits get on the property ladder by offering incentives to lenders to provide 95% mortgages.

Simultaneously the Chancellor is easing the country from an end of furlough cliff edge and has turned away from increasing capital gains tax – an increase in CGT could have dented the holiday home and investment sectors. These moves point the way to a lively property market through 2021.

Out of the Chancellor’s control, but helping the market with other boosts, is the sensational march of Covid vaccinations and the pandemic-prompted and facilitated sea change in lifestyle choices.

With the public looking forward to the stepped retreat from lockdown and many people planning new ways of working between office and home, there are compelling new opportunities for buyers looking for first homes or for homes with more room in different surroundings.

As we wake up from the Covid nightmare it looks as if, aided by the Chancellor, a greater number of people will be turning some of their more pleasant lockdown dreams into realities.

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Don’t lose sleep over selling your home

you won't lose sleep when you sell with Durrants

Despite the excitement it can bring, it’s often said that moving house is one of life’s most stressful events. Packing up all your belongings, leaving behind neighbours and friends, taking time off work, arranging finances, not to mention the cleaning; these are all factors that add to the stress levels.

But perhaps the biggest factor that causes people to lose sleep when buying or selling a house is the process itself; the amount of people involved and feeling that things are out of your control, the movable feast that is the time it’s all going to take, the trepidatious journey to get to those milestone moments of exchange and completion.

Choosing the right agent to sell your property is the first step towards making sure you sleep well and your stress levels are kept to a minimum when selling your property. There’s a lot more to choosing your agent than just the commission rate. Here at Durrants we’re very proud of the service that we offer our clients and the positive testimonials that we regularly receive highlight the professionalism, knowledge and commitment of our team. The relationships we build with our clients are based on trust and mutual respect.

Knowing the market and you

We have an exceptional knowledge of what’s going on in the property market. When we come and value your property we’ll talk to you to understand your reasons for and expectations of selling to provide you with a realistic and honest market value for your property.

Marketing that’s right for your property

From ‘For Sale’ boards, brochures and our office window displays to our website, featured listings on Rightmove and promotion via our Mayfair Office and digital communications we will tailor the marketing of your property to a relevant audience to generate viewings and ultimately the sale of your property.

Communication

We know how important it is for you to understand how the sale is progressing and will keep you in the loop at all times during the process. Our friendly team have a wealth of experience and can guide you through with patience and understanding.

Building Consultancy

Did you know Durrants has its very own building consultancy team? We can offer RICS homebuyers reports and more comprehensive building surveys. We can also advise on extensions, alterations, planning and much more.

Advice and guidance

There’s a lot to think about when selling your property from presenting your home for viewings to packing. We’ve seen it all before at Durrants and are happy to offer helpful tips on all manner of topics from how to manage your packing to the best ways to manage the transfer of utilities.

Local Knowledge

With teams in Beccles, Halesworth, Harleston, Diss and Southwold we have a good knowledge of Norfolk and Suffolk and are well connected with other local businesses. We can advise you on many aspects of your move, from the best removal companies and mortgage advisors to use to the best café to get a coffee whilst waiting to collect your new keys on completion day.

If you are considering selling your home, why not get in touch with Durrants to arrange a free no-obligation valuation with a member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Durrants volunteers making a real difference in the community

The Durrants Team volunteering in the community

Playing a part in the local community in which we do business is something very close to our hearts here at Durrants and we’re very proud to have some real local heroes in our team. Read on to find out more about just three of our team who play important roles in their community.

Paula Goldsmith, our Covid hero

Paula Goldsmith is one of our holiday cottages team members, dealing with customer queries and accounts. She has worked for Durrants since 2018 and is also a member of Southwold Town Council and a well-loved member of the local community. An already busy-bee but not happy to let an opportunity to help slip her by, Paula has recently been volunteering two days a week at Sole Bay Health Centre in Reydon to assist the smooth operation of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“It’s a really varied role and I’m part of a lovely team. Each shift I could be doing anything from directing traffic and checking-in patients to reassuring people about the vaccination or making sure they’re comfortable and don’t have a ‘wobble’ after having the jab.”

We’re really proud of Paula and her fellow volunteers – keep up the good work!

Leah Smith, making new lives matter

As marketing manager for Durrants Holiday Cottages and a new first-time-mum in 2019, it would be fair to say that Leah has her hands full, but she has also found time to play a huge role for Baby Basics, a community based group who work with midwives, health visitors and other professionals to provide support to families who are unable to provide for their new arrival. Each family is gifted a moses basket full of baby essentials such as toiletries, newborn clothing, blankets, muslin cloths and other essential items.

“After becoming a first time Mum in 2019 I was stunned at how much you need to prepare for your new arrival, and it made me wonder how families in need across the country were able to obtain the basics, let alone higher priced essential items such as prams and car seats.

Part of my role within the organisation is to seek fundraising opportunities. In 2020 we sought a permanent ‘baby bank’ trolley in our local Tesco foodstore, set up regular donations from our local supermarkets and we also run an annual Christmas appeal where we ask members of the public to donate Christmas presents for the families we have supported throughout the year.”

Teresa Walsh, the festive spirit of Halesworth

Having worked for Durrants for 24 years, Teresa really is a part of the furniture – the team simply wouldn’t be the same without her. The same applies for the Christmas celebrations every year in Halesworth. For the last 6 years Teresa has been chair of Halesworth Events Management, or HEM for short, which is a group of volunteers who work tirelessly to organise and fund the Halesworth Christmas Lights.

“Christmas in Halesworth is so magical. Every November we celebrate with a parade including a band and Santa’s sleigh, followed by the big celebrity switch on. After that, there’s live music and dancing in the market place plus Santa’s Grotto at the church. Thousands of people come to the town to enjoy the festive celebrations. It’s an event that is enjoyed by not just the young but also the young at heart as many elderly residents look forward to attending this event every year.”

It’s a year-round job for Teresa, who together with her fellow volunteers, organises quizzes, fashion shows, and other fundraising activities, not to mention the risk assessments and licences that are required to pull such a tremendous event together.

We can’t thank our Durrants volunteers enough for their contribution to the community in which we do business. They really are shining stars. Thank you!

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Durrants announces £20k funding for local charities

Baby Basics and Durrants Charitable Foundation

Leading Norfolk and Suffolk property and consultancy firm Durrants is delighted to announce new funding of £20,000 available for local charities and community projects. Grants of up to £2,000 are available and applications must be submitted by 31st March 2021.

George Durrant & Sons Limited provides a range of agency, professional and consultancy services across the residential, commercial and agricultural property sectors and has played its part in the community since it was established back in 1853. Over the years Durrants has supported many local events and community projects including the work of East Anglian Air Ambulance; YANA, a rural mental health charity and Clinks Care Farm near Beccles, which provides disadvantaged people the opportunities to work and learn a variety of agricultural roles including working with livestock, carpentry, market gardening and more.

The Durrants Charitable Foundation has been set up to formalise the company’s support for local community and charity projects and this year a fund of £20,000 is available with applications for grants of up to £2,000 being accepted until 31st March 2021.

Dominic Parravani, Managing Director for Durrants said, “Being an active part of the community in which we do business is very important to us, and in these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to show our support.

The Foundation aims to support projects in the areas of Beccles, Diss, Halesworth, Harleston and Southwold, where we have offices. Perhaps a local school needs devices for remote learning, a sports club needs new equipment, or a new community event needs financial support getting off the ground. These are all examples we would consider supporting through the Foundation.”

A recent beneficiary of Durrants funding is Baby Basics, a Lowestoft based organisation that works with midwives, health visitors and other professionals to provide moses baskets and starter kits to vulnerable families in Lowestoft and the surrounding area. Leah Smith, Durrants employee and volunteer for Baby Basics commented, “We are delighted to have received the support of Durrants. This will make such a big difference to many vulnerable families in the area.”

Full details of how to apply for funding and terms and conditions are available here.

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Exodus

Demand for Suffolk countryside properties increases due to covid

Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales for Durrants, Dominic Parravani looks ahead to a busy spring in the property market.

In the wake of Covid 19 the UK experienced an exodus. This was the evacuation of urban dwellers to the land of milk and honey – the countryside.

The flight from city lockdown to a pastoral idyll was and is a compelling idea, especially when working practices have changed so much in the light of the pandemic.

But will this movement last? In a post-vaccination world there may be a gradual drifting back to the pleasures and convenience of big town or city life. But for many the change in lifestyle is now locked in. Roots have been put down in earth rather than concrete.

Despite the looming end to the stamp duty holiday deadline on March 31st there is little or no let up in demand. Lockdown 3 has brought even more buyers to the market and house price rises have reflected this.

Many exodus purchases have been a straight swap – town for country. But a good proportion of transactions have been for holiday homes with a view to longer-term permanent living through career change, altered lifestyle or retirement. This is clever thinking as any potential rises in capital gains tax could favour greater investment in principal residences, rather than second homes.

Covid19 has affected the property market in ways that we never expected, and we imagine it will continue to do so for quite a while. Unwelcome, horrifying and shattering as the disease is, for many buyers and sellers it has also unexpectedly proved to be a profound catalyst for change. If Covid19 fades in its potency into the spring and summer, we think those changes will continue to grow and become wonderful new opportunities. For many, the land of milk and honey beckons.

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The increased demand for rural and coastal properties explained

rural property sales in norfolk and suffolk

Since the initial lockdown in March, the demand for rural properties has increased massively due to changing property priorities and working habits.

Rightmove’s yearly review for 2020 shows that both coastal and rural areas were favoured by buyers as many moved away from central locations.

The top 10 best selling areas in the UK last year were dominated by idyllic locations, such as Devon, Surrey and Somerset.

Similarly, properties with larger living areas, dining rooms and gardens all seemed to be the most popular on the market.

With many expecting to be working from home for a while, or even swapping to remote working on a permanent basis, the significance of a central location is no longer as prevalent for buyers and tenants.

According to Rightmove, out of the top ten best selling areas of 2020, seven of those had a population of 10,000 or less, showing that life away from the hustle and bustle of the city was preferred by many during the pandemic.

Specific areas that have seen impressive growth since the outbreak are Wiltshire, Hampshire, Stockbridge, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

Amongst these, Hertfordshire was the most popular with a 75% increase in sales year-on-year, and no evidence of this slowing down.

Similarly, suburban areas in the north west have seen the biggest price growth this year, with prices rising from £184,299 to £213,706 on average.*

Rightmove’s director of property data, Tim Bannister, said: “this year we’ve seen an uplift in the number of home-movers escaping to the country and we think this trend will continue for now as people show their willingness to make significant life changes.

“The data highlights just how influential the unexpected events of this year have been in shaping the nation’s housing priorities, with many buyers determined to swap city streets for rural and coastal retreats.”

If you’re looking to prioritise green space in your next property we’d love to help you.  Click here to arrange a free property valuation and get expert advice from one of our friendly team.

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A guide to understanding your property’s value

Understanding your property value

If you are planning to sell or rent your property, then it’s important to get an accurate estimate of how much the property could be worth.

To give you an agent’s perspective of what that involves, we’ve provided some of the key take-away points below.

Market value

Firstly, knowing how much your property is worth is more commonly known as its ‘market value’, which relates to the price a buyer is willing to pay when considering local and national market conditions.

What impacts the value of your property?

The value of your house can be determined by a variety of factors, such as any recent changes to the property or your neighbourhood.

Some of these factors may also include the size, location, amenities, condition and the asking price of similar houses nearby, so it’s always beneficial to talk to a local agent with familiarity selling in your area.

The difference between market value and asking price

Valuing your house accurately is one of the most important parts of the process.

Bringing your home onto the market with an asking price that is too low could mean you receive offers below market value.

Whereas if the asking price is too high, you may not receive any offers at all, causing time delays and market stagnation as the ideal buyers are put off a home that falls outside of their price bracket.

So, whilst it can be tempting to instruct an agent based on who is offering the highest value, the risk of this is that you may need to gradually reduce your price anyway to reflect the property’s actual market value.

How much could your house really be worth?

The best way to see how much your house is worth is through a combination of tried-and-tested
methods.

Over lockdown, it would be advisable to begin by referring to online house price calculators and valuation tools, as these will provide a guide based on Land Registry Data.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that for the most accurate and up-to-date valuation, you should organise time with an agent, as an in-person appraisal will guarantee any recent developments to your home are taken into consideration.

To arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your property, get in touch by completing this simple online form. 

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We’re still open and here to help

Durrants in Southwold

This week it was announced that England is to enter another national lockdown with a review to take place mid-February.

Despite the lockdown, the good news is that the property industry is to continue operating, with estate and letting agents remaining open, house viewings and home moves still permitted. Of course, estate agents and all personnel involved in house moves will be closely following government guidelines to keep safety measures in place.

Propertymark’s chief policy adviser has released this statement: “We welcome the news that the housing market is to remain open throughout this new lockdown period, but it is essential that all agents continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus through following all relevant guidance on how to safely conduct viewings.

“It is vital that agents operate in accordance with government and Propertymark guidelines to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, keep movers and buyers safe and keep the housing market moving through these uncertain times.”

For us at Durrants, it’s business as usual. We don’t believe that we will see a decline in the high levels of buyer activity seen since June and we’re confident that property prices will continue to be on an upward trajectory. Rest assured, we are adhering to stringent safety protocols that were set in place last year and will continue to follow government guidance as it is released.

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Lessons learned

House News Story

As the second wave of Covid19 affects lives, Durrants MD Dominic Parravani looks at what it augurs for the property market.  

One thing that has proved to be resistant to Covid-19 is the property market, which has fed off the pandemic.  If anything the spring lockdown acted as an incubation period for the market, as Coronavirus fuelled people’s desire to move to larger homes, often in more relaxed locations.

Now we are moving into hopefully a shorter second lockdown the question is, what will happen to this bull market?  

The answer seems clear. Whilst we all know that these conditions can’t last forever, the early signs are that these second-wave precautionary measures will only act to fan the flames of the current market.  

We understand now that during lockdown would-be buyers weren’t idle. Far from it; they were actively watchful. Once lockdown ended these buyers, armed with knowledge, stimulus and the freedom to act, broke out. The market became a feeding frenzy. Now, just as the national lockdown acted as an incubation period, the latest round of measures should do so again. But this time there will be added stimuli.  

Completion by Christmas is often the aim when buying or selling property in the autumn. But now there is another target date: March 31st. This is the day the stamp duty relaxation measure is due to end. Buyers will be racing to complete purchases by then to avoid extra expense – money they could use for a deposit or for improvements to their new home.  

Of course the Chancellor may postpone the cut-off date, or best of all discontinue the unpopular and opportunistic windfall tax altogether. But if he does neither strap yourself in – it’s going to be a hectic five months.  

If there is one thing we learned how to do during the initial lockdown it was to work successfully in a highly unusual and demanding property market. Now we will take that experience and do so again, making sure that our buyers and sellers can move, not just when they want to but also when they need to.