As we look to the festive season and then to the New Year, it's a natural time for reflection and resolutions. Perhaps among your aspirations for 2024 is the desire to create a positive change, and what better way to achieve that than by exploring the idea of a new home?

The holiday season often sheds light on aspects of our current homes that may no longer align with our needs and desires or what we really want. Are you feeling a bit too distanced from loved ones? Did the holiday break expose the inconvenience of traveling to supermarkets and shops? Or did you find your space challenged when hosting a growing family? If any of these questions resonate with you, the beginning of the year might be a good time for a change.

Here are some great reasons why considering a move in in 2024 could be the perfect start to your year:

1. A Fresh Start to the Year: Moving in January not only allows you to swiftly check off one of your New Year's resolutions but also sets the stage for creating new memories in a new home. Plus, the early move sets you up for an effortless spring cleaning when the time comes!

2. Quieter Social Scene: January tends to be a quieter month socially, providing you with the perfect opportunity to use your free time wisely. Utilize this time to explore properties, declutter, and efficiently pack your belongings.

3. Less Market Competition: With fewer homes typically on the market in January, there's less competition for sellers. Limited choices for buyers often result in obtaining the best price from a buyer in the best position.

4. Summer Fun in Your New Home: While others are grappling with the summer chaos of moving, you can relax and enjoy the warm months in your new home. Consider yourself the perfect host for this year's summer BBQs!

If the idea of a January move sounds like something you might want to consider, then the team at Sawdye & Harris is here to lend a helping hand. With over 175 years of experience in selling homes in this area, we have the expertise to secure the best price for your home in the New Year!

Are you seeking expert advice on presenting your home for sale? Need guidance on decluttering and decorating? Eager to get a head start and launch your home to the market before the Spring rush?

Reach out to us at katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk with the subject line 'New Year New Home,' and we'll be in touch to guide you through this exciting journey.

Cheers to a new chapter in 2024!

As we head into the festive season, sprinkle some extra magic in your home this year with these key Christmas trends for 2023.

1. Bring the outside in

Wreaths are an essential on any festive front door but this year, why not bring the Christmas spirit inside by using a wreath for your Christmas table centrepiece too? You can opt for a traditional wreath but if you prefer a glam look, choose a bauble wreath for a pop of colour to brighten up your Christmas table. Fill the inside of the wreath with large baubles for maximum effect or candles for atmosphere.

2. Double up

Just having one Christmas tree isn’t enough for everyone – 27% of people now have two Christmas trees: a main one for presents and a second ‘show tree’, according to the John Lewis 2023 Festive Traditions Tracker. This figure increases to four in 10 among those with children. So while the evergreen argument about whether a real or fake Christmas tree is best is still going strong – embracing this trend gives you the excuse to have the best of both worlds: a real tree in one room and a fake one in another.

3. Put on a show

It’s not just our interiors that are getting a festive makeover for 2023; 24% say decorating outside their house has become a new tradition, according to the retailer’s research. In fact, a total of 57% of households now decorate outdoors. The majority (72%) believe outdoor lights should be ‘tasteful’, with 18% opting for bright and bold decorations.

4. All the right feels

Christmas in 2023 is all about texture, from tree decorations made from glass, velvet, feathers, tassels and glitter to luxe touches of cashmere and faux fur finishes. The more textures, the merrier – the idea is to make someone admiring your display to want to reach out and touch!

5. Show off your personality

And as well as different textures, the hot trend for Christmas 2023 is decorating trees with unusual decorations. Sales of ‘quirky’ baubles like mushrooms and air fryers are up 43% compared to last year, according to John Lewis. They’ve also spotted a shift in people buying individual baubles rather than sets of them.  

6. Woodland vibes

Creating a frosted forest is a key Christmas trend for 2023, according to Homebase. To create a woodland theme, choose baubles in all shades of green, copper and white. Also, incorporate natural elements in your Christmas decorations too, this cuts back on waste, saves cash, looks fabulous – and smells great too. Add sprigs of holly and pinecones to your mantlepiece and use dried fruit like oranges on your Christmas tree.

7. Light it right

Set the perfect Christmas atmosphere by being creative with lighting. Add Christmas lanterns on your dinner table and to light up you garden and put tealights in pretty candleholders on your mantlepiece. And fairy lights aren’t just for your tree, think about where else you can add them. Can you wrap some around a bookcase or along kitchen shelves to add a festive glow?

8. Perfect on paper

A good sustainable option and with endless versatility, paper decorations are one of the major Christmas trends for 2023, whether it’s paper garlands and decorations – or even trees made from card. Plus, creating paper decorations is fun for crafters and great for kids to help with too.

9. Have a guaranteed white Christmas

We might not be able to control the weather so that we can wake up to a covering of white on Christmas morning, but that doesn’t stop you having a white Christmas theme indoors. Go for a luxurious and elegant vibe: think white candles, pristine white tablecloth, with a dinner service already laid. You won’t want to leave the table!

10. Gorgeous garlands

Hanging a stunning garland in an archway or hallway by using a shower or curtain rod is one of the key Christmas trends for 2023. To get the look, drape garlands, fairy lights and statement decorations over your rod, then lift into position and tighten so it holds in place. There’s no need to drill so it’s hassle-free and looks incredible.

We hope you enjoy this article and get lots of tips to decorate your home beautiful this Christmas time.

Happy Christmas

Source - www.hoa.org.uk

Deciding whether to sell your current home before finding a new one or vice versa is a common dilemma faced by homeowners looking to move. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully weighed up.

While there is no definitive right or wrong answer, discussing options thoroughly with your estate agent can provide valuable guidance. Remaining flexible is also advisable, as evolving market conditions can frequently cause timelines and plans to shift. With pros and cons on both sides, what works best for one homeowner may be entirely different for another. Here, we’ll take a look at the case for both scenarios and what to think about before making your decision.

The Benefits Of Finding Your Next Home Before Selling

While listing your current house first may seem like the obvious choice, there are several good reasons to consider securing a new property before putting your existing home on the market. It gives you more negotiation leverage.

It gives you more negotiation leverage. With a new place already lined up, you have the opportunity to invest in a property survey that might flag up issues leading you to negotiate harder on the sale price of your new property. Since you're under less pressure to finalise a deal, you can hold out for the right offer on your own home too.

When you search first, you avoid settling for a lesser home. Rushing to buy a new house because you've already sold could mean having to compromise on location, features, space or other key elements that are important to you as a buyer. Buying first means you don't have to sacrifice your must-haves or make desperate choices due to running against the clock.

Purchasing your ideal property first can give you a stronger negotiating position, prevent settling, streamline the buying process and reduce moving stress. The key points are having financial flexibility and not racing against the clock, but, of course, this way of buying relies on you having access to the funds.

Making the Case for Selling First

Putting your property on the market first could be the best approach in certain situations. There are some key benefits for listing your house before finding another. First, it means you’re able to take advantage of high demand. In a sellers' market with low inventory and lots of eager buyers, listing your home straight away can maximise its sales potential. With less properties competing for buyers' attention, you're likely to drum up more interest and potentially achieve a higher sale price. Striking while the iron is hot in a hot market beats waiting.

You can also avoid any double mortgage payments. Carrying two mortgage loans simultaneously while transitioning between homes can put tremendous strain on finances. Selling your current property first means you won't be stuck paying for two properties at the same time. This can provide peace of mind and reduce financial stress.

It will also drum up your motivation to find a new home. Once your house is officially on the market, you have committed to moving. This creates motivation and urgency to find your next home, reducing procrastination. The active listing will no doubt spur you on to view properties and make an offer.

Listing your existing home first can be advantageous if market conditions are right, you want to avoid problematic double payments, and you need a nudge to proactively start house hunting.

Key Factors to Consider

Determining the best order of operations fundamentally depends on your personal situation and objectives. Speak to your estate agent to get their experienced perspective on how much your property is worth and the general interest in your local area for properties, which may influence your decision. For example, if the market is hot and your property has increased in price, it may be worth biting the bullet and putting your property up for sale to get the best price.

Additionally, take a holistic look at your financial position to see if you can realistically manage double mortgage payments if you purchase your next property before selling your existing home. While uncertainty in the housing market remains, there might be less property stock in your area for you to view. Alternatively, if you had already planned to move to a new area, the timing could suit your chances of securing a better offer there than a year ago. 

Evaluate your family's needs like schools, space and commuting logistics to gauge if you have flexibility in your next home search or if you need to find something quickly. Furthermore, consider your must-have criteria for a new house and honestly assess how likely you are to find a suitable match in your desired area in a short timeframe. Selling before securing your next home makes sense if you have broad search criteria and confidence that you can find something quickly. Running both transactions concurrently is very achievable with proper planning, but also carries stress and financial anxiety.

If possible, give yourself a buffer so you are not forced to accept the first available option. With good agent advice and analysis of your own circumstances, you can determine the sequencing strategy with the highest probability of success and least disruption.

Deciding whether it's better to sell your existing home first or buy a new one is a very personal decision that depends on your unique situation and goals. There are compelling cases to be made for both approaches. Key factors to weigh up include current market conditions, your financial flexibility, the needs of your family and your lifestyle, commute considerations, and your must-have criteria for a new home.

Remain open-minded and flexible, as timelines often need to shift to adapt to changing market conditions. With proper planning and advice, either approach can work. The right decision is the one that enables you to find your ideal next home with the least stress and financial strain. Talk through your options thoroughly with your estate agent to understand the dynamics of your local market and for valuable guidance.

For many the firs point in a house move journey is to understand the value of their current home. Whether you want a quick, instant online valuation indication or a more robust specific and individual valuation, we would be delighted to help - click here to get your online valuation.

Katie Griffin

Modern homebuyers are demonstrating a clear preference for properties that promote eco-conscious living. In fact, according to one study, 89% of prospective buyers are looking for homes that are kind to the planet. This suggests that there is an obvious benefit to upgrading your home’s eco credentials. But before doing so, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re looking to sell, read on to discover if you should make your home more eco-friendly first.

It could add value

One of the main reasons why sellers may be reluctant to add new eco-friendly features to their home is the cost implication of doing so. However, making your home greener could ultimately make it more desirable to buyers, boosting its value and providing a favourable return on your investment. While it’s difficult to attach a precise figure to this claim, recent research suggests that upgrading a property’s EPC rating from G to A could boost its value by as much as £40,000.

It’s important to consider that the overall added value of any modifications will depend on the specific changes you make. For instance, a large-scale renovation that drastically improves a property’s efficiency and sustainability rating will appeal to customers looking to reduce energy bills. However, smaller improvements that won’t offer too many noticeable benefits to new owners will have less of an impact on the overall value. Think carefully about the cost of any new features and whether or not they’ll attract higher bids from prospective buyers. 

How to do it

If you’re interested in boosting your home’s eco credentials, there are plenty of ways you can do it before putting it on the market. To proverbially kill two birds with one stone, consider tying any maintenance or cleaning work that needs to be done in with your eco upgrades. For example, if you need to give the walls a lick of paint, look to use low or no-VOC paints that leave less of a stain on the environment. Plus, freshly painted walls will go a long way to boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Similarly, if you need to give the furniture a refresh, look for ways you can upcycle your old items, or buy high-quality second-hand furniture. Before putting your property on the market, you’ll want to have it looking its best. Fortunately, tidying up your home can go hand in hand with making some eco improvements, so be sure to carefully plan your maintenance tasks to get the maximum benefit. 

What are the drawbacks? 

There are of course a few things you’ll need to consider before deciding whether or not to go ahead with your pre-sale eco renovation. First and foremost, think carefully about the ROI of any new feature. For example, solar panels can be a really effective option for homeowners looking to reduce both their carbon footprint and utility bills. However, these systems cost thousands of pounds to install, and studies show that it can take around six to ten years before you even start to breakeven. 

Plus, large-scale renovations in certain properties may need planning permission or authorities’ approval before going ahead. When you’re looking to sell and time is of the essence, you won’t necessarily want to be waiting for the green light to make any modifications. If you’re looking to sell quickly, consider some smaller changes, such as switching to LED light bulbs, utilising smart technology, and installing low-flow water features. 

Should you commit to eco-friendly upgrades? 

Ultimately, it all depends on your personal circumstances and the sort of changes you’d look to make. Any eco-friendly features within your property can make it more appealing to buyers, but don’t look to install things for the sake of. Carefully consider what upgrades you’d like to make, and whether or not it’d impact the property’s value, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not it’s worth the investment of your time and money. 

Either way, even if there isn’t an immediate and obvious financial benefit, committing to eco-friendly installations within your home is a positive investment regardless, since it’ll help to drive more positive environmental change. 

Selling your property is one of life’s many challenges facing homeowners, and with the evolving housing markets of today, it can prove even more unpredictable. However, selling properties after the owner has passed away is arguably even more complicated and, for many, incredibly daunting. 

However, with the right guidance, the process can be more manageable and not overly complicated.

If you have ever wondered how to sell a probate property, or are facing this task imminently, look no further as this guide is here to help you. This short step-by-step guide will cover all the key considerations that you need to be aware of, along with tips for selling a UK probate property with minimal disruption and stress.

Get Legal Advice From The Outset

The first thing you should do is seek legal advice from solicitors and property experts who have experience dealing specifically with probate sales. They will be able to provide tailored guidance based on the unique circumstances surrounding the property, owner and sale. Having this support early on will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

A solicitor can help with various aspects, including applying for probate and obtaining legal authority to deal with the estate. They can also navigate any tax implications or considerations surrounding the property sale, or if they do not handle that in-house, they can refer you to trusted partners that can oversee these aspects. Additionally, trusted legal professionals can oversee the valid transfer of property ownership and any associated conveyancing processes.

Understand The Probate Process

Before putting the property on the market, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the probate procedure.

• Probate officially recognises someone’s last will and testament and gives authority to the executors to handle the estate as set out in the will. Interestingly, recent reports show that less than half of UK adults currently have a will.

• To obtain probate, you’ll need to locate the latest valid will, apply to the probate registry, pay any inheritance tax owed and submit the various legal paperwork.

• The process usually takes around 3-6 months to fully complete, but more complicated property and assets may delay the completion process.

• In certain circumstances, you may be able to obtain special legal permission to sell the property before probate is fully granted. Your appointed solicitor can provide guidance and accurate timescales for this.

Value The Property

To determine an accurate listing price, you’ll need to get the property professionally valued by a third party. You can approach a local estate agent to assess the home, who can look at similar home sales in the region to gauge current market value. 

You can also commission an independent valuation from a chartered surveyor which will involve a thorough inspection to identify any issues that could influence property value. These reports are not the same as estate agent valuations.

Fundamentally, comparable local properties to yours can be viewed on property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla but these are NOT guaranteed or sold prices. Be sure to factor in any restorative or renovation work as this can influence the final valuation and sale price.

Prepare The Property For Sale

Before putting the property on the market, some essential preparation may be required. For starters, you might have to declutter and stage the property so it presents in the best possible light to viewers. 

First impressions count and prospective viewers will want to see the listed home in a tidy, clean and clutter-free way, with any minor renovations to fix damage and wear and tear commissioned or done before viewings. 

You will also need to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the listing so prospective vendors can get an idea of the property and its energy efficiency. Partnering with a reputable estate agent can help take this administrative burden off your hands.

Decide On The Method Of Sale

There are a few options when it comes to selling probate property. Most sellers will go through an estate agency that will market the property, handle viewings, negotiate offers and liaise with solicitors to progress the sale as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If a will was not drawn up and a person died ‘intestate’, a seller might choose to put the property up for sale in an auction.

Other options for sale include all interested parties submitting their best and final offer or a tender or sealed bid situation. Your estate agent should talk you through all the options for sale and disucss with you the one that best suits your situation.

For probate sales and complicated wills, it may be most prudent to go with an approved estate agent to ensure a seamless transition.

List The Property For Sale

When listing the property, ensure full transparency about its probate status. Ensure that all prospective viewers are aware of whether probate has been granted or not, with any deadlines or restrictions clearly communicated in listings and during viewings (if they proceed).

Review All Offers Carefully

When an offer comes in, don’t rush to accept it as a means to conclude the probate process as quickly as possible. Talk this through with your estate agent and your solicitor and carefully consider the offer amounts. Be mindful of how quickly a buyer can complete and whether they themselves are experiencing any delays which could impact the completion of the probate property you are selling.

Progress Sale Completion

Once an offer is accepted, the buyer, in accordance with their own mortgage provider (if they are having a mortgage) and conveyancing solicitors’ requirements, will often need to conduct surveys of their own to progress the house purchase.

Your solicitor will liaise with you about contract details and exchanging of information with the buyers’ firm, advising you of any alterations if need be. For instance, you may need to amend exchange amounts if a survey highlights issues that need addressing, or if the buyer pulls out due to their inability to obtain sufficient financing or encounter other difficulties.

Your estate agent will remain engaged with you and your solicitors throughout this process to ensure everything proceeds smoothly through to completion.

Adhere to Probate Requirements

Remember, you have a legal duty when selling a probate property. This means:

• Following all probate rules and procedures, even if it causes delays.

• Not distributing sale proceeds until you have permission.

• Keeping accurate records for the estate administrators and executors.

Cutting corners could put you at significant legal risk, so take your probate obligations seriously and work with a reputable, professional estate agent and soliciotrs to make the whole process as smooth as possible.

For more information just get in touch with us.