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Pygott & Crone Newsletter: Latest Property Market Updates
In this months edition of the Pygott & Crone newsletter, as we approach the festive period, we give you all the tips you need to get your home ready for Christmas.
Further into our newsletter as we return back to the tiered system in England, we look at the protection in place for tenants this winter. We also reflect back on the year as house prices have soared in 2020 and we explore what this may mean going into 2021.
Towards the end of our newsletter, we share with you ten tips to saving money when moving home, easing the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet.
We hope you enjoy this months edition! If you have any property queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards
We are delighted to announce that a very successful year for us has been recognised at the annual Negotiator Awards, the property event of the year. We were shortlisted in four categories and are delighted to have achieved three gold awards.
Click here to read Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards .
Aladdin
From now until Sunday 19 January
Performances at the Riverhead Theatre
Click here to read Aladdin.
Toy Collectors Fair
Sunday 26 January
Family friendly jam packed Toy collectors fair at the Epic Centre
Click here to read Toy Collectors Fair.
Dog Friendly Day
Saturday 8 February
Unlock 1,000 years of history with your furry companion at Lincoln Castle
Click here to read Dog Friendly Day.
Preparing your property for sale
With demand for property prior to lockdown soaring, there are sure to be plenty of motivated buyers waiting now that the property market restrictions are relaxed, therefore now is an ideal time to prepare your property for a quick sale.
Kerb appeal
As is always the case with selling properties, a first impression can make or break a sale with a poorly presented property often putting off buyers before they have even set foot in the home. In the summer this is especially important as buyers will often drive or walk past a property before they decide to book a viewing. With the summer sun shining a light on any less-than-perfect parts of the exterior of your property, you should ensure that flowers are planted, weeds are pruned and lawns are mowed. Extra attention to details, such as ensuring that the front door has been cleaned and the windows are streak-free will pay dividends in your selling process.
Accessories
A neutral interior will appeal to a mass market and increase the scope of your property in terms of potential buyers, but if you are looking to make the most of the summer then don’t be afraid of colour. Using accessories to add pops of colour around your home that reflect the brighter summer season – such as burnt orange and lemon – will make your property stand out from the crowd in those all-important photographs.
Lights
When we think of summer, we all first think of sunshine and brighter evenings – so make the most of this light when presenting your home for sale. Get rid of heavy curtains and dark blinds, which can make a room feel smaller and prevent the light from entering a room. Buyers want to feel that rooms are bright and spacious, so if at all possible have windows and doors open throughout the house to create a light, airy feeling (as well as bringing in those fresh summer scents).
Set dress
Set dressing refers to the arranging of a room or space in order to paint a picture of the kind of lifestyle which could be enjoyed in your property. Never is it more important to set dress your garden than throughout the summer months, with potential buyers wanting to know that they will be able to enjoy the outdoor space which your home provides. Tempt potential buyers by showing off your outdoor spaces with garden furniture, fire pits and barbecues.
Viewing times
During the summer months many people like to start work early and leave early in order to benefit from the longer evenings; make sure that you can accommodate as many viewings as possible by being flexible with your viewing times. Allowing people to view your home early in the morning, as well as in the afternoon will help bring more people through the door as well as showing off your property in favourable lighting.
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and public transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below*:
Making a face mask using an old T Shirt
You will need
• One old T-shirt that you no longer want
• Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
• needle and thread
• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and pubic transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below:
Making a face mask using an old T-shirt
You will need
- One old T-shirt that you no longer want
- Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)• needle and thread• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
Are you asking these key questions when you buy or sell?
A recent study has revealed the 'most dreaded' and unusual questions buyers have asked about a property before putting in an offer.
With a small minority asking whether the pets come included in the sale, it’s fair to say that not all of the responses are winners.
However, the report by Hillarys has shed light on just how many Brits lack proper preparation during the home buying process.
Up to two-thirds will not plan their questions ahead of a house viewing, meaning they are not getting the full value out of the experience, as well as potentially wasting an opportunity to find out all of the property’s pros and cons earlier on.
The most dreaded questions from buyers:
Has it dropped in value? 54%What local plans could affect us? 42%What’s the lowest price we could get it for? 33%Is the seller in a chain? 21% To help you make the most of your viewings the next time you decide to buy or sell, we thought we'd share practical suggestions for you to consider. What are some of the more serious questions you should be asking?Whether you're instructing an agent or viewing a property, how prepared you are will determine how quickly you're able to move.Are you asking these key questions:1. Exactly what is included in the sale? Whilst it's safe to assume most sellers will want to keep their pets, it's important to outline what content might be included, such as fixtures, fittings and garden furniture.2. How long has it been on the market and how many offers have they received so far?3. When are the sellers looking to move out? Knowing whether they've already found another home or they're still in the midst of looking will help you to determine how long the process may take and how much room for uncertainty there is.4. Have there been recent renovations or any difficulties with boilers, drains and guttering?5. How did the agent decide on an asking price? Good agents will be able to provide justifications for the value of a property, so you'll know whether it's listed at the right amount or if it's overpriced. What to ask when selling:1. How will you market my property? Are they regularly contacting a database of suitable applicants to give you greater market exposure, or does their strategy start and end with a basic Rightmove listing?2. What are your success metrics and how do they compare to other agents? In other words, what's their experience selling a home like yours at a price like yours?3. How much will you charge? Choosing the agent who offers the lowest fees won't guarantee you reach asking price and you may lose time and money on the market, be savvy when you instruct representation for your property investments.4. What are the contract terms? Before beginning any contractual relationship, know exactly what it is you should expect from them.If you're thinking of selling and want to find out the value of your home, contact us.
Market your house correctly for a speedy, seasonal sale
The property market has continued to experience remarkable levels of activity.
In the first week of August, properties at SSTC (Sold Subject to Contract) were almost at double their number compared to figures from the same period in 2019. This indicates a significant release of pent-up demand due to lockdown.
If you, like a lot of homeowners right now, are considering putting your property on the market, here are some of the ways to market your house well to potential buyers.
Make sure your property images are professional
In order to get viewings, you need to reel them in with your property advert.
Make sure your photos are clear and focused. If it is a cloudy day, see if you can rearrange the shoot. There is nothing nicer than a clear blue sky!
Increase your kerb appeal
It takes just seven seconds for somebody to make their first impression of your property, so make sure your property’s exterior is the best it can be. You want them to walk down the drive feeling impressed and excited to go inside.
Some easy ways to do this is to give your front door or fencing a fresh lick of paint, put up some hanging baskets to add colour, pull out any weeds, move the bins out of sight and make sure the lawn is mowed.
De-clutter
The hallway is famous for housing plenty of clutter: shoes, coats, handbags. Make sure everything that can be put away is tucked out of sight to make it appear more spacious.
As some hallways can be dark and narrow, adding a mirror to a wall can give the illusion of space and can also brighten it up.
A kitchen is a big selling point, so make sure all desktops are wiped down and free of clutter.
Give your viewers space
Let your viewers freely wander around your home with the agent.
This will make them feel much more comfortable asking questions and it also means they might take their time in each room.
Be ready to answer any questions after the viewing. Also be sure to leave hand sanitiser dotted around your property, so not only you but also your viewers will feel comfortable.
Make the most of outdoor space
Since lockdown, we have noticed a real shift in property priorities.
Everybody is putting outdoor space at the top of their agendas, so make sure your garden is well showcased.
If this is an impromptu house viewing, you might not have time to lay a new flower bed, but make sure the lawn is freshly mown, trees and shrubs are cut back to create more space, weeds are removed, and outside furniture is laid out nicely.
How to get your home ready for Christmas
With Christmas on its way, our homes will soon become the hub of the season.
When starting your preparations, it can be easy to quickly feel overburdened with a never-ending to do list of jobs around the home and supplies to buy.
Before the pressure mounts, we've provided a few simple steps to help you take each item step-by-step.
Decorating
Already in November, reports revealed that many households were decking their homes even earlier this year, in an effort to move 2020 along!
Putting up Christmas decorations is the official sign that the holidays are on their way.
Whether you're transforming your home into a winter wonderland, investing in a festive wreath or keeping it simple this December, it's important to include the whole family when dressing your house.
So grab the Baileys and start untangling the Christmas lights for the moment when everyone gathers around the tree!
One of the most effective decorations you can bring into your home is a scented candle, as a cost-effective and subtle way to add to your festive ambience.
Many people overlook the importance of getting the scent of your home right, especially when it comes to staging a property for viewings, such as using a mulled wine or winter berries smell in December.
Preparing the kitchen
With Christmas dinner one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for Brits, it's key to be as organised as possible!
That way, you can avoid spending the entire day tucked away finalising kitchen preparations and clean-ups.
Give yourself as much space as possible by clearing surfaces in the weeks running up to Christmas. With plenty of seasonal recipes to choose from, it's also worth considering doing as much of the work as you can before the big day arrives.
With the promise of leniency on the number of households able to meet, you may also need to stock up on alcohol and desserts to reduce the amount of shop runs needed, with enough glasses and cutlery to serve everyone.
On Christmas day, the kitchen can be a natural place for family members to gather. By setting up a drinks table away from where you are preparing food, they can celebrate with you whilst keeping out of the way.
Outdoor decorations
Fairy lights are often the most common type of outside decoration and can be placed along your gutting, windows or plants – making your house light up at night.
Other effective decorations can also include light-up wreaths for your front door, adding a festive look during the day and night.
If you're thinking of bringing your property onto the market in the new year, book a consultation with our agents to find out how we can help.
New protection for tenants this winter
House prices soar in 2020
10 tips to saving money when moving home
Protection for tenants this winter
 As we emerge from a second national lockdown in England and return into the tiered system, housing secretary – Robert Jenrick – has confirmed tenants will remain protected over winter.What are the restrictions?During the second lockdown, it was announced that no bailiff enforcement action will be allowed to take place in December.Evictions will also not be allowed to happen up until at least the 11th January 2021, supporting individuals and families who have found themselves in financial difficulty through no fault of their own.The government have gone on to further announce that the six-month notice periods will stay in place until at least the end of March 2021 – except for the most serious cases.Bailiffs had already agreed with the government in October that they would not enforce court orders against tenants that were in tier two and three locations. Courts will – however – remain open through the national restrictions to ensure protection for both tenants and landlords.This will include the strict prioritisation of cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes.These protections are on-top of the unprecedented package the government has already put in place, including support for businesses and strengthening the welfare safety-net.Jenrick has stated the government are now going further to help protect tenants from evictions during new national restrictions and throughout the Christmas period. The aim is to strike the right balance between helping tenants in need, while ensuring landlords have access to justice in the most urgent cases.How landlords can help resolve tenant problemsBoth landlords and tenants must work together to continue a tenancy during such uncertain times.After all, the aim of a successful let is to find a tenant who will take care of your property, and for a tenant to find a good quality place to call home.Talking to your landlord about your financial situation may seem daunting, which is why we're here to mediate those conversations, where able.It should also be noted that landlords can be a source of information for tenants, helping them to access support they may not be able to reach themselves.If you are a tenant or landlord and have any further questions or want more advice, please contact our team today.  How to get your home ready for ChristmasHouse prices soar in 202010 tips to saving money when moving home
House prices soar in 2020
 Since the start of the year, house prices have soared 7.5%, adding – on average – up to £18,000 to a property's value.This latest analysis from Halifax is welcome news to homeowners looking to sell, as it provides many with an incredible incentive to reap the benefits this winter.After initial concerns around the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the housing market, we're now seeing the average house price rise to a record-high of £250,457 outside London.What is behind this price jump?Over the country's first lockdown, pent-up demand reached new heights, meaning that when the market reopened in May, buyers and sellers were quick to react.Paired with the introduction of the stamp duty holiday, this has caused a tremendous surge in the amount of people hoping to buy or sell this year. Looking back on the second lockdown, it's clear to see activity hasn't been dampened by the reintroduction of tougher measures – especially considering that the market remained open and active this time around. In the following weeks and months, the stamp duty holiday will prompt buyers to tie up deals before the deadline at the end of March 2021, with savings of up to £15,000 on offer.Whilst it's unclear how the government will respond next to the pandemic, many property experts remain convinced that the property market will only grow.With prices soaring and the stamp duty holiday enticing buyers to commit, this is truly a great time to sell.To get your house valued by our professional experts, visit our website. How to get your home ready for ChristmasNew protection for tenants this winter10 tips to saving money when moving home
Ten tips to saving money when moving home
Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money saving solutions used by savvy sellers.
These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place.
Pack smart
Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.
Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.
Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables.
Recruit the troops
Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.
With social distancing restrictions in place, it's also more difficult to bring in additional outside help from friends and family members.
Where possible, rely on people within your household and support bubble, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.
Pick your days wisely
Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.
Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.
Prepare early
On your moving day, you'll already have enough stress to deal with overseeing the packing and unpacking of your property's contents, so you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.
Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free.
Conquer the DIY fear
Whilst lockdown has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.
From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.
Declutter as you go
Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.
Refrain from a moving day takeaway
Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.
If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.
Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.
Redirect your mail
Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.
For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.
However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example bills and pay slips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from.
Swap to the cheapest utility providers
Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year round, it's even more important following a move.
You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.
It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.
Frugal furnishings
The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.
Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.
For a second-hand find, try websites such as Freecycle or Gumtree – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them.
Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website.
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