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McFly, Rock City, NottinghamWed, 22 Nov 2023

Seven No.01 singles. Six albums, two of them chart-toppers. One hiatus. One reunion. Hundreds of shows. Thousands of fans. Millions of streams. Countless awards. After all of that, McFly still have one question for you. Where Did All The Guitars Go?

Click here to read McFly, Rock City, NottinghamWed, 22 Nov 2023.

Lettings agents have never been more important to landlords and tenants

Nothing is quite as simple as it used to be, and whether you are renting your home or letting it, the guidance of a seasoned letting agent is a must-have. There is new legislation, such as the Renters Reform Bill, and the complexities of a competitive market. Add to these greater, greener government demands and simply finding a great place to rent that is maintained properly, and you realise the importance of a good letting agent.

The Renters Reform Bill

What is the Renters Reform Bill? The Renters Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament for its first reading on May 17, 2023. Its aim is to improve life for 11 million renters and 2.3 million landlords in the UK, and it is based on five years of research conducted with landlord and tenant groups.* Here are some of its proposals:

the removal of Section 21
improved grounds for possession under Section 8
the change from assured shorthold tenancies to periodic
the creation of a property ombudsman

Has the Renters Reform Bill been passed?
Not yet. It’s at a very early stage of a long journey through parliament. The earliest date it may be passed is probably the first quarter of 2024. Then it will take at least 6 months before it comes into force for new tenancies, and 18 months for existing tenancies.

What does it mean for tenants?
Tenants can feel more secure with the proposed abolishment of Section 21. Protecting tenants from unfair evictions creates a more homely feeling and gives tenants real peace of mind. Renters will also be able to challenge landlords when it comes to providing good-quality homes. It's good news for your pets too, who will also have more rights than ever before.

What does it mean for landlords?
Section 8 will be strengthened, which allows landlords to end tenancy agreements early if they have good reason to do so. Despite the fears some have expressed about abolishing Section 21 - ‘no fault’ evictions, the reality is that it will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour and repeated missed rent payments. While blanket bans on pets have also been proposed, with the new legislation in place, landlords can insist on their tenants' pets having pet insurance, certificates, and, in the case of dogs, being microchipped. Landlords will be able to increase rents, but the notice period to do so will be doubled.

Maintaining your property
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it pays to opt for a fully managed service. If there are any repairs needed to the property, they will be taken care of. That allows both parties to enjoy a good night’s sleep, whatever happens!

Keeping it legal
Estate agents make it their business to keep one step ahead of the game when it comes to legislation and paperwork. That keeps the property in question compliant for all. Failure to do so can lead to fines for landlords. If you are a tenant and want your reference or deposit taken care of, then this is just as much in the interests of the landlord.

It's about working together
Letting agents are the bridge between the ever-more complex landlord-tenant relationship. And it’s comforting for both parties to have an expert on your side that you can call at any time.

GOV.UK*

What does a modern estate agent bring to the table?

There is so much more to your local estate agent than meets the eye. The skill set, depth of knowledge, and range of skills that are needed to succeed in the industry today are staggering. It’s little wonder most people still use a traditional estate agent over an online-only estate agent, and much of this is down to market knowledge and technology.

Technology
Your home will get great exposure to ready-and-waiting buyers thanks to connecting home buyers and sellers like never before. With access to databases of home movers, property listings, market analysis tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) software, your agent has the technology to sell your home quickly. Additionally, your agent may use virtual reality or 3D tours to provide immersive property viewings for remote clients. Add to this the huge social media reach, and you are on the move in no time.

Great personal service
There is no substitute for the friendly face of your local estate agent. It’s comforting to have a professional person to offer assurance and emotional support through what is an exciting time but is also a little nerve-racking. When you are moving, you have a lot of what-ifs. There is a lot to do, and having someone on the other end of the phone to guide you through all aspects of your move is very comforting.

Valuation
Valuing your home at the right level is critical in today’s complex and fluctuating market. If the asking price is too low, you could cost yourself some serious money. Too high, and your home will not sell. Potential buyers start to ask questions like; How long has the property been on the market? Your house sale becomes stale. This can lead to achieving a much lower price, as you are forced to sell at a lower price to regenerate buyer interest.

Market and area knowledge
Your local estate agent will know your local property market better than anyone else. Modern agents are made up of a talented team of people, from valuers to marketing strategists and property experts. Staying on trend with everything to do with property, they will know your local area as well as you will after living there for years.

Mortgages and other services
Modern estate agents have a broad network of contacts within the industry, from mortgage brokers and conveyancers to removal companies. Putting you in touch with a good mortgage advisor could be the difference between finding the right road to your new home and getting lost. This all makes for a seamless, less stressful move.

Marketing expertise
Gone are the days of traditional marketing methods. Modern estate agents are well-versed in digital marketing strategies, including social media, online listings, and virtual tours. They know how to present properties in the best light, creating eye-catching listings that attract potential buyers. Their marketing efforts extend beyond just listing a property; they also know how to stage homes for viewings and use professional photography to highlight your property's strengths.

Negotiation skills
Negotiating the price of your home can be a complex and emotional process. Your agent will make sure you get the best possible deal in the time frame that works for you. They act as intermediaries, helping to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers and ensuring that both parties are satisfied with the outcome. And this experience and knowledge make their fees worth every penny.

Legal compliance
It’s easy to fall down a legal pitfall when moving. This is why a modern estate agent is imperative for a smooth sale. Complex legal documents are included, from exchanging contracts to local regulations, and their expertise will save you time and money. Then you can enjoy the excitement of moving property to the fullest without any worries.

Don’t be scared of decorating your home for Halloween

Your home is full of happy, special memories. Make some more this Halloween by creating a thrilling and haunting space that will send shivers down the spines of all who enter.

Halloween is your opportunity to have some fun and make the most of the suddenly darker nights, made worse by the clocks going back. Whether you are decorating for a great party and inviting friends around for a few drinks or looking for some ideas to entertain the kids, here are a few ideas to inspire a horrible Halloween!

Greetings
From the moment your guests set eyes on your property, they need to feel a little spooked by your efforts. Create a path to your home with candles. You can't have Halloween without pumpkins. And if you’re feeling extra creative, paint them in addition to carving them.

A spooky garden
There’s nothing quite like a spooky garden, even if you don’t party in it. The mere sight of it through your windows should be enough to raise a few hairs. The choice is yours: skeletons, webs, bats, candles, scary signs, and very scary scarecrows! Your imagination is your only limitation. Go online, check out the supermarkets or make your own stuff. Create a dimly lit walk to the shed of horror. With unexpected sound effects and music to add atmosphere.

The shed of horror
Whatever your guests most fear, then perhaps concentrate all your efforts on whatever that is! Perhaps your shed already has a few spiders living in it. Maybe add a giant spider that suddenly appears as you open the door. Maybe you prefer an old witch sitting in a chair with a cauldron? Whatever you prefer, don’t be too scared!

Go natural
If you prefer a more understated and natural approach to Halloween, perhaps you could take a more sustainable approach. Avoid plastics and manufactured decorations. Utilise leaves, conkers, pines, and wreaths. Add a few well-placed candles for a haunting atmosphere. You can still be creative and create decorations and costumes in a more sustainable fashion that are to your taste.

Are you haunted by thoughts of moving to a better property? Contact us

Tenants, here are some money-saving tips for you

Finding a great home can save you money as well as make you feel happy and content. It’s so much easier to enjoy nights in and almost every other aspect of your life in a snug, well decorated, and energy-efficient home. You just feel better from the moment you wake up, and that feeling stays with you throughout the day. As the nights draw in and as the cold becomes more severe, you can’t be blamed for feeling a little apprehensive when it comes to managing your bills through the winter months. And with Christmas approaching, you don’t want to feel the pinch too much, so here are a few things you can do that may help you relax.

Stay snug
There are lots of little things you can do that, when combined, will make a big difference while keeping you warm and saving you some money. And choosing a well-insulated home in the first place means you are well on your way.

Turn down the heating thermostat or turn the heat off at night.
Make good use of quality curtains or blinds to stop heat from escaping through the windows. Open them fully during the day to trap the sunlight.
Block any drafts using a draft excluder or door snakes- some are very pretty!
Move your sofa if it's blocking your radiator.
Turn off any radiators you don’t need.
Invest in a nice throw and curl up on those colder nights.

Food
The price of food has shot up, and this is one of the biggest expenses for most households. The old saying that you are what you eat still rings true. It’s all about quality. TikTok and food blogs have thousands of recipes that will keep you healthy and save you money. Batch cook; that way, you have prepared meals for a few days and used less energy. Timing is key when it comes to finding bargains in the supermarket or hunting for discounts online. Having less takeaways and more home cooking saves a lot of money. For example, have you ever made fresh pizza? They can cost less than a couple of quid to make and taste amazing! In addition, planning is a top tip, a simple list on your phone that you can add to throughout the day in the form of ingredients will stop you from impulse-buying expensive processed meals. This means meal preparation takes less work as you are prepared. A home with a good kitchen always helps the cause.

Budget
Create a budget for everything from heating bills to entertainment. Even if you are not a lover of a good list, it will make you stick to a predetermined budget if it’s written down. If you only have a small amount left over for entertainment, then think of something that does not blow the budget. Maybe it’s time to invite friends around? It’s often useful to shop around for everything, from insurance to energy suppliers.

Your energy bills
Did you know that if you pay your energy bills as a tenant, you can choose which supplier you can use? Thankfully, energy bills are reducing at long last. Using a cost-effective energy supplier combined with energy-efficient appliances in a well-maintained property with an already good EPC rating can all add up to significant savings.

The right agent can lead you to the right home
If you are relaxed in the place you call home, then everything is easier. Finding the best property for you that makes you feel settled so that you can sleep well, enjoy having friends around, and make use of a good garden all add to your well-being. These things make it easier to implement money-saving strategies and lead to a healthier, more cost-efficient lifestyle. Opting for a fully managed property means you will be taken care of completely. From viewing, tenancy agreements to your home’s maintenance. It’s little wonder more and more people are choosing to rent.

Insurance
Make sure you are insured. Having good contents insurance will protect your precious belongings. The last thing you need is to fork out thousands if you accidentally damage your property.

Are you looking for a better life? Then find a better home with us. Contact us