Tag: Sell

Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales, Dominic Parravani suggests how to tackle the property market as we approach the end of lockdown and the start of summer.

Has the world gone completely mad? Indeed just lately the world of property seems as though it might have done. If the press isn’t yelling about renovations at No 10, it’s screaming about panic buying and soaring prices. How much should we believe?

With No 10, one’s view depends on which side of the fence one is sitting. And it’s the same with property. There’s the buyer’s side of the fence and the seller’s side.

Sellers are having a good time of it at the moment. In many parts of the country there is very little property coming onto the market, which is strengthening demand and driving up prices in those areas.

For buyers it is another picture. Competing for every property with many other keen and proceedable buyers is not a calm or comfortable position to be in. Urgency often causes hasty decisions, a little too much compromise and disappointment.

But the property market is fickle. The pandemic, Brexit, low interest rates, looser lending criteria and the stamp duty holiday have primarily created this surge in demand. What will happen when these things, like the No 10 renovation, are only memories?

It is impossible to say for sure. But what we do know is that the property market is cyclical. What goes up usually to some extent comes down.

The first thing one should do is to remember the immortal words of Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, “Don’t panic, Mr Mainwaring, don’t panic”. If you must move or are up for a bit of market rough and tumble then by all means join the fray. But if you want a more leisurely buying or selling experience, then perhaps you should hold off for a little while. The market heat will dissipate before too long, just as Covid seems to be doing.

How do you decide whether to act now or wait? Well, you can leave it all to chance, or you can get some proper advice. The thing is that estate agents don’t just sell property; the best ones advise buyers and sellers wisely. When you think about it they know more about the emotional, practical and financial side of moving than anyone else, because they have seen it and done it hundreds of times for thousands of people and innumerable reasons.

So if you are wondering what and when your next step should be in the property stakes, don’t panic; talk it over with people who know.

It’s National Gardening Week this week, so what better time to announce our support of this delightful project at Fressingfield Primary School, near Eye in Suffolk, with funding from our charitable foundation.

Back in March we received a beautifully written letter from Belle, aged 10, telling us about an exciting project going on at the school to build a sensory garden. Funds had already been raised for a ‘reflection shed’ – a space where children can take time out to be still and thoughtful, but more support was needed to create an area around it that would stimulate the children’s senses.

The children of Yangtze class, led by their teacher Mr Leicester researched the benefits of such a garden, put thought into what sort of plants and features it would need and then set to work writing to local businesses.

“This year has been extremely stressful for all children, so it would really help having a sensory garden to come to, to relax. Children with mental health issues can relax their mind and forget about all their worries.” wrote Belle. She went on to say “Furthermore, having a sensory garden is also really good for wildlife; the sensory garden will attract bees because of the strong smelling flowers.”

Here at Durrants we were delighted to read Belle’s letter which conveyed so well just how enthusiastic she and her classmates are about the garden. We decided to contribute £500 towards the project. We also sent Belle a little gift for her hard work in writing such a lovely letter.

“Making a difference to the local community is exactly what the Durrants Charitable Foundation is about and we look forward to hearing how the project progresses.” said Dominic Parravani, Managing Director of Durrants.

Fressingfield Primary School is one of several beneficiaries of Durrants Charitable Foundation 2021.  You can find out more about it here.

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.

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