Welcome, First-Time Buyers!
Are you ready to embark on the exciting adventure that is buying your first home? Great, because the team here at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents are looking forward to being your trusty guide! We have some fantastic tips and advice that will help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence.
So let’s get started…
Tip 1. Don’t Let Emotions Run the Show – While entering a charming house with a white picket fence may stir your heart, remember that buying a home is a significant financial decision. Stay grounded, take lots of deep breaths and always let your head lead the way.
Tip 2. Get Your Finances in Order – Ah, finances, the necessary evil. Before you start house hunting, make sure your credit score is looking sharp and consider getting a decision in principle (DIP) for a mortgage in place. This step will give you a clear idea of your budget and demonstrate to the estate agent and the seller that you mean business.
Tip 3. The Art of House Hunting – Get ready to unleash your inner detective!
Always remember, it’s okay to fall in love with a house, but don’t forget Tip #1!
Tip 4. The Art of Negotiation – Now, this is where things can get spicy! When it comes to getting your dream home for the best price, channel your inner negotiator, but remember to be reasonable. Consult with your estate agent, and do not be afraid to haggle – what have you got to lose?
Tip 5. The Inspection Survey – Once you’ve had an offer accepted on “the one,” it’s time to get down and dirty with a survey. Hire a qualified surveyor to uncover any hidden issues that might turn your dream home into a money pit. You don’t want any surprises lurking in the basement!
Tip 6. Embrace the Paperwork Tsunami – Brace yourself for an avalanche of paperwork. From contracts to questionnaires, fixtures and fittings to money laundering – it can feel overwhelming. Take your time, read everything carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to signing for what will probably be the biggest purchase of your life.
Tip 7. Surround Yourself with a Dream Team – No, we’re not talking about unicorns and rainbows (although that would be cool). We mean building a reliable team of professionals, such as estate agents, mortgage brokers, conveyancers and surveyors who will guide you through the process. They’re the superheroes who will protect you from any roadblocks lurking in the shadows.
Tip 8. The Great Moving Adventure – Ah, moving, the joyous event that makes us realise just how much “stuff” we’ve accumulated over the years. Start decluttering early, pack strategically, and enlist the help of friends! And don’t forget to label your boxes, or you might end up with your underwear in the kitchen!
Tip 9. The Sweet Taste of Victory – Congratulations, you’ve made it! You’re now a proud homeowner. Celebrate this milestone, throw a housewarming party, and revel in the joy of having a space you can call your own. Pop that champagne and let the good times roll!
Tip 10. Embrace the Imperfections – Owning a home is an ongoing adventure, filled with repairs, renovations, and a fair share of surprises. Embrace the imperfections because they’re what make your home uniquely yours.
Are You Ready To Jump On The Property Ladder?
As a first-time buyer, finding the right neighbourhood needn’t be a challenge if you follow our tips. If you’ve chosen an area in Corsham, Melksham and surrounding areas and need more information, get in touch with our friendly team at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents on 01225 705650 or at hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk.
We’re experts in the property market and will help you find the perfect home!
Are you tired of dealing with slow internet speeds and constant buffering? Do you find yourself wondering how to fix poor Wi-Fi and boost your Wi-Fi signal at home? Look no further! We know how important a decent Wi-Fi signal is in your home. In fact, many home movers check internet speeds before making a decision to view a property!
The fact is that many of us have multiple devices, working from home is common and dare we even mention the need for a good Wi-Fi signal during the school holidays, so it’s no wonder that Wi-Fi can be sluggish when it’s having to work extra hard. According to broadband.co.uk, the UK average download speed is 78.48Mbps, yet it’s still not unusual to experience buffering.
In this blog post, we will provide actionable tips and advice on how to improve your home Wi-Fi and enhance your internet experience.
1. Upgrade Your Router
One of the most effective ways to improve your home Wi-Fi is by upgrading your router. Older routers may not be equipped to handle multiple devices and higher internet speeds. Invest in a modern router with the latest technology and a strong signal range. Look for routers with dual-band capabilities, ensuring compatibility with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This upgrade will significantly boost your Wi-Fi signal and performance.
2. Optimize Router Position in Your Home
Sometimes, the location of your router can make a world of difference to your Wi-Fi signal strength. Place your router in a central location within your home to ensure maximum coverage. Avoid placing it near walls, appliances, or other electronic devices that can interfere with the signal. Elevating the router, such as placing it on a shelf or mounted on a wall, can also help eliminate obstructions and improve coverage.
3. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
If you’re wondering how to fix poor Wi-Fi, securing your network is crucial. An unsecured Wi-Fi network puts your personal information at risk and can lead to unauthorised use of your bandwidth, slowing down your connection. Set up a strong password and enable encryption protocols like WPA2 to protect your network from potential intruders. Regularly update your router’s firmware to ensure security patches and performance enhancements.
4. Reduce Interference
Wi-Fi signals can be easily disrupted by interference from other electronic devices. Identify devices in your home that may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, such as cordless phones, microwaves, baby monitors, or Bluetooth devices. Keep these devices away from your router or change their frequency. Additionally, make sure your router is operating on a less congested channel. Modern routers often have an automatic channel selection feature that can help optimize your signal. Check yours!
5. Extend Your Wi-Fi Range
If certain areas of your home have weak Wi-Fi signals, consider extending your Wi-Fi range with the help of a booster or range extender. Range extenders amplify your existing Wi-Fi signal. By strategically placing these devices, you can ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
6. Optimize Bandwidth
Sometimes, poor Wi-Fi performance is a result of a bandwidth bottleneck. Identify devices or applications that consume significant bandwidth and limit usage, especially during peak times. Prioritize critical devices or applications by configuring your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings. This ensures that important tasks like video streaming or video conferencing receive a higher priority, optimizing your Wi-Fi performance.
7. Use an Ethernet Cable
Wi-Fi is convenient, but an ethernet cable will give you faster speeds because it’s a direct line from your device to the router. Connections are often more stable with an ethernet cable but you will need to stay near your router rather than roam! You’ll also need to connect it to each device you want to use which is not ideal if you have multiple devices. To use an ethernet cable simply connect the cable between your computer and the router via the ethernet port.
8. Disconnect Unused Devices
How many unused devices are still connected to your Wi-Fi? The number of devices in a household of four can soon add up – and that means extra connections adding up too. The more devices you have connected, the slower the Wi-Fi connection is likely to be. Only connect the devices you use regularly and you should see a difference in connection speeds.
By following these tips and advice, you can significantly improve your home Wi-Fi, fix poor connections, and boost your Wi-Fi signal. Remember, it’s important to regularly maintain your Wi-Fi network to ensure optimal performance. Enjoy faster speeds, seamless streaming, and a smoother internet experience for all your online activities.
Get more expert advice on all things property from our team at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents. Call us on 01225 705650 or drop us an email at hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk.
Photographs are an essential step when selling your home in Corsham and are integral to an effective marketing strategy.
Your photos need to look fantastic and stand out in a busy market. The images need to be an accurate and honest representation of the property, which is why staging your home before the professional photographer arrives is crucial.
If you are not hiring professional home stagers, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home in the best possible way before we send our professional photographers out to capture your home at its best!
Pay Attention to the Front of The Property
Even the nicest of cars cause distraction. Remove your vehicle from the driveway to give the viewers the full impact of the outside space and an unobstructed view of the front of the property. Additionally, ensure garage doors are closed. Small changes will make a significant impact on the overall quality of the photography.
If you usually keep the bins at the front of the property, ensure they are hidden away out of any shots. Thoroughly clean windows and windowsills to provide that the all-important front image of the home is immaculate.
Take some time to tidy the front garden, giving the best first impression. Mow the lawn, trim back any hedges and remove any empty plant pots that may be lying around.
Make Your Gardens Attractive
Gardens are often a huge draw for potential buyers, both those who are breaking free from the rental market and those climbing up the property ladder. Gardens are subject to personal taste, but neat lawns, clean decking, smart patios and clearly defined eating areas are what buyers want, so take time to prepare them before the arrival of your photographer.
Showcase Your Bedrooms
Remove any signs that may be stuck on bedroom doors, especially common for children’s rooms. Store away any children’s toys which may eliminate part of your target audience. If you don’t have the storage room, hide them in the car while the photographer is working!
Make all the beds and plump up the pillows. If any cushions are looking past their best, hide them out of shot. Items like this can do more harm than good and make the whole room look tired.
Add Sparkle to Your Bathroom
Bathrooms and kitchens are the main rooms that can really draw viewers to a home. Simple hacks in the bathroom can drastically elevate your photographs. Simply make sure the toilet seats are down, and mirrors are sparkly clean with no watermarks or smudges.
As bathrooms are often small, create space by being as minimal as possible. Store away cosmetic items such as shampoo, lotions, or razors. The bright colours of the bottles can be unattractive and distracting when photographed.
Remove Kitchen Clutter
Kitchens are the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen is often the factor that convinces unsure potential buyers. Clear all surfaces, leaving minimal appliances in view. This will prevent clutter from causing distraction and give the illusion of a bigger and fresher space with plenty of work surfaces.
Don’t Distract with Electronics
Turn off the TV and any computers and make sure there are no loose electronic devices left on countertops, which are distracting for people viewing the images. The last thing you want to see are beautiful images of your home with a distracting TV show in the corner of the otherwise perfect image.
Let in The Light
Open curtains and blinds wide to let the natural light flow through the home. Your photographer will then be able to manipulate the light to show your home in the best, most natural way possible. If you have blinds, open them tilted upwards. This will push the natural light towards the ceiling, allowing it to illuminate without being too harsh for photography.
Give Your Pets a Day Out!
Although you love them, it is best to keep pets out of your listing photographs whether it is a cat, dog or hamster, if possible, remove the pet from the home for the whole day, as this will give you an excellent opportunity to clean, ready for staging, and prevent them from getting in the way of the photographer.
In addition to the pet itself, make sure any pet toys, food bowls and beds are out of shot. Furthermore, tidy up the garden, ensuring no waste or pet toys are lying around.
Call the friendly team at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents now on 01225 705650 – we use professional photography as standard!
Prospective Buyers List “Ample Storage” Amongst Their Top Requirements!
At Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents, we’ve noticed that an increasing number of modern homes lack storage space. So, it isn’t too surprising that many prospective buyers in Corsham list “ample storage” amongst their top requirements when looking for a new property to purchase.
Whether you’ve just bought a new home and need to find ways to maximise your available storage, or whether you’re ready to sell and want to make your property as appealing to buyers as possible, these seven top tips will help boost the amount of storage space you have available.
1. Multifunctional Rooms Are The Way Forward
More people than ever are living in apartments where living space is at a premium. The best way to maximise your floor space is to choose multifunctional furniture. Storage beds, ottoman sofas, and tables with integrated seating and shelving built in are just some of the ways that you can make your spaces multifunctional.
2. Eliminate Dead Space
If you’re living in a compact home, the last thing you need is any dead space, so take a closer look at areas that you can repurpose. Areas beneath your staircase, awkwardly-shaped corners, and “knee walls” (a short wall, typically under three feet in height) with voids behind them are all dead spaces that can be used for storage.
3. Look Upwards
In your kitchen, you can use your ceiling for added storage. Hanging large pans and pots from your kitchen ceiling will keep them out of your way and avoid taking up valuable drawer and cabinet room.
4. Fully Exploit The Potential Of Your Walls
Many homeowners make the mistake of only using part of their walls for storage, but in fact, it’s possible to get far more storage space out of just one wall than you’d think. Invisible bookshelves, corner shelving, and shelves above and below appliances like your fridge, freezer or cooker will add valuable space without compromising your floors.
5. Use Your Doors
If you’ve never thought of using the reverse of your cupboard doors for storage, it’s time to think again! Over-the-door hangers are perfect for keeping coats, dressing gowns, and jackets out of the way in the bedroom, while hanging racks in kitchen cupboards are perfect for storing spices and other small items.
6. Switch To Sliding
While we’re considering how doors can help boost your storage space, consider switching your standard doors to sliding ones. Without having to accommodate the open swing of a door, you’ll find that you can free up a whole lot of room that could be better used for storage.
7. Be Organised
Maximise your existing storage by investing in baskets, trays, buckets, and containers that can keep your items organised. Choose designated areas for storing different items, and make sure you have a clear system for what goes where! Staying organised will help you keep your home from looking messy and cluttered, even if it lacks storage space!
If you’re selling a property in Corsham or want to buy a home (with plenty of storage!) get in touch with the Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents team today on 01225 705650.
Autumn Jobs: How to prepare your home and garden for autumn
A rare warm breeze is a playful reminder that we are now into autumn, the summer months having passed us by. Blue skies peppered with clouds will seemingly quickly turn to rain. Mornings start with wet ground underfoot, while the nights are already drawing in and the streetlights in and around Corsham will be glowing earlier. Children are collecting conkers, and while some of us relish the walks through the fallen golden leaves, others might be looking forward to snuggling down at home in the warmth. It’s the perfect time to get our homes and gardens in order, ready for the rest of autumn, the slow onset of winter, and the cold, snowy weather it often brings. So, we’ve put together six things you should be doing right now to prepare your home and garden for the weeks ahead.
Store your garden furniture
You may already have been prepared and put all your summer items away, but some of us just haven’t got around to it yet, reluctant to say goodbye to the slim chance of just one more warm and sunny day! It’s a job that must be done though, so make sure that your patio furniture is stored away in a garage or a shed, or at least has a protective sheet over it. Chances are, you will have spent a few pounds on the furniture so you should look after it.
Top Tip: Give your garden furniture a good scrub before storing, as not only will it mean things are clean, it means you won’t have to spend time doing it when you bring your furniture out of hibernation in spring next year.
Don’t leaf it too late! (Sorry! We couldn’t resist!)
Many trees and plants have now shed their leaves, and you might love the look and sound of those crunchy piles as they mount up against a wall or fence, but it’s best to sweep all the fallen debris up before it begins to rot and leaves an unsightly mess in your garden. Similarly, ensure your gutters are free from mud, leaves and twigs.
Top Tip: Invest in a composter. That way, you have somewhere nearby to put garden clippings and leaves in, and, if managed carefully, you’ll have the beginnings of great compost.
Check your pipes and drains
As the days become colder, it makes perfect sense to make sure that you don’t get any headaches from broken pipes or blocked drains. With drains, ensure that they are not blocked by leaves or soil. With pipes, it’s best to ensure that they are well insulated. It’s also recommended that you keep your heating at set temperatures, even if you are away from home so that pipes don’t keep contracting and expanding, making them prone to damage.
Top Tip: Landlords who let out properties have a duty by law to have gas safety checks and boiler checks, but it’s easy for homeowners to skip an annual service. It makes sense to us here at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents for every homeowner to make sure their heating and boilers are in good working condition. It’s safer and more efficient, saving the pennies.
Ensure insurance is in place
No matter what you do, sometimes things go wrong, and it can prove costly. Through no fault of your own, harsh weather conditions in winter can mean leaks, breaks and cracks can happen. Check that your insurance is in place and that it covers you for everything you need.
Top Tip: As you’re checking your insurance cover, take the time to do an audit of other bits and bobs of paperwork too. Perhaps your car insurance needs looking at, or you need to renew policies or update your will. Seriously, spending time doing essential paperwork can save you money and heartache.
Sound the alarm
With the coming cold weather, chances are you’ll be spending more time indoors – the kettle is on, the fire is roaring, candles are lit, the heating’s on. While you’re indoors, you need to know you are safe, and that if anything should happen, you will be quite literally alarmed. Get a smoke alarm fitted, and a carbon monoxide alarm too. A few pounds spent could save your life.
Top Tip: If you’ve got your alarms sorted, do you have a plan of what happens if one sounds? Make sure you and your family know what they should do in the event of a fire or other emergency, including escape routes.
Seal up for winter
No matter how new your house may be, a little gap here and there can let in drafts – and allow heat to get out. Make sure your insulation is good and do any work to make sure doors close properly, or gaps in window frames are sealed. It’ll keep you warm and save you money.
Top Tip: A nice draft excluder by the front door can actually add to your decor. If you’ve got children, perhaps they would like to make a draught excluder out of old clothes and textiles as a fun project!
These are just a few tips to help you prepare your home and garden for autumn and winter. If you would like any more advice, we will be more than happy to help. Call a member of our team at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents on 01225 705650 or email hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk.
The UK is a true melting pot where street names are concerned! We certainly have our favourites, with over 3000 ‘high streets’ and 2000 ‘station roads’ across the country. However, there are also some unusual and hilarious street names hidden across our beautiful counties.
11 of the UK’s Most Quirky Street Names
1. Ha-Ha Road
Located in south-east London, Ha-Ha road has to be one of the most unusual street names the country offers. Unfortunately, the story behind the name is not quite as funny as one would first assume. A ha-ha is the name of a sloping ditch, used in this instance to create a separation from the land housing livestock and the land owned by the ministry of defence.
2. Frying Pan Alley
Situated in bustling east London, Frying Pan Alley takes its name from the original shop that previously stood here. A place specialising in pots and pans of all shapes and sizes, it has a large sign outside showcasing what the shop used to offer.
3. Crotch Crescent
Oxford’s unusually named road routinely features in the list of the most embarrassing street names in the country. However, the occupants believe the giggles are well worth it. Houses on this road are a whopping £40,000 cheaper than those on the surrounding streets!
4. No Name Street
The only street in the UK with this name can be found in Sandwich, Kent. Whilst no one appears to know to origination of this name, it certainly attracts a lot of attention.
5. Tickle Cock Bridge
Tickle Cock Bridge is a pedestrian underpass in Castleford. The name provides a laugh for those that visit, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. Following a renovation in 2008, the council changed the name to Tickle Cott Bridge, which was met with outrage from those who live nearby. After many petitions and protests, the local authority reinstated the much-loved Tickle Cock title.
6. Christmas Pie Avenue
This road has attracted an enormous amount of attention over the years, and was unsurprisingly voted the most festive street in the country by the Royal Mail. Interestingly, the name has nothing to do with the Christian holiday. Instead, it originates from a prominent family who used to live in the area.
7. Backside Lane
This street in Doncaster gets its name from Medieval English and simply refers to its location at the back of the village. Whilst it doesn’t have the most extravagant backstory, the road attracts plenty of laughs from passers-by.
8. Pocket Handkerchief Lane
There is an air of mystery about this strangely named road in Rotherham, as nobody is quite sure where the name originated. Perhaps one of the most unusual names in the country, but which unfortunately offers no explanation.
9. Hanging Sword Alley
In Tudor times, this area was home to many fencing schools. In a similar fashion to countless other streets in London, the Hanging Sword Alley took its name from the activities or amenities available.
10. Knightrider Street
Due to its proximity to Tower Bridge, knights would be regularly seen riding along this street, hence it’s name.
11. Slaparse Lane
Slaparse Lane sits just outside of Exeter, and unfortunately, there is no concise story about how this street gained its quirky name. But, it will continue to attract a giggle from visitors who pass by every day.
Changing Road Names
After many years of being embarrassed over living on Butt Hole Road, the residents of Conisbrough petitioned to have the name permanently changed. It wasn’t necessarily the name that offended the locals, but the tourist attraction it had become. Visitors flocked to the street to have their photo taken with the street sign, which was stolen repeatedly. A coach load of American tourists even arrived to have their picture taken with it.
Following approval in 2009, the name was changed to the rather more sedate, Archers Way. Can a Street Name Increase the Value of Your Home?
Interestingly, properties ending in ‘Street’, ‘Court’ or ‘Terrace’ tend to be significantly more affordable than those ending in ‘Road’ or ‘Lane’. Additionally, studies show that homes with odd house numbers are worth, on average, £30,258 more than those with even numbers.
Other Factors
Aside from the property itself, there is a vast range of factors that will affect the value of your home. For example, the proximity to excellent local schools can drastically increase the worth of your home. For those with young children, or those looking to start a family, this is often a non-negotiable element in their house search. Additionally, a nearby local pub and proximity to a train station will also add huge amounts of value to your home.
What’s the quirkiest street name you’ve ever heard? Let us know so we can add it to our list!
Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents are your local property experts for the Corsham area. Call us on 01225 705650 or email hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
I love to give back to the community whenever I can, and sponsoring Bathford Primary School throughout 2024 is one of the many ways I am supporting the community. This sponsorship, in particular, is very close to my heart. Me and my sister, Joanne, grew up in Bathford and my whole primary education was at Bathford school. In addition, my Mum, Liz Whitfield, was the reception teacher for many years and some of you may recognise her name. Apparently, I wasn’t happy she was a teacher whilst I was attending, but I don’t remember that. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. I do remember Mrs Mullins, the dinner lady, though! “Eat your cabbage, it will make your teeth curl”. I didn’t want curly teeth, and still don’t eat cabbage! Some very odd but also very fond memories were made there.
My eldest daughter and her husband are both teachers now in Berkshire, and I know firsthand the difficulties all schools have with funding various projects or even the basics. Supporting schools and giving back to communities is important to my business and Bathford was a clear choice for me. To me this is more than just a company sponsorship, this is supporting a school community that holds fond memories for all my family and is an integral part of the village. A great school maintains great property demand and pricing in your area, so it is essential to give it your support.
For those who don’t know, when I decided to set up Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents, it was important to bring back the values that I felt had been lost over the years by other estate agency firms. We have 4 key goals which are to act with honesty, integrity, expertise, and with a personal touch. Moving home can be stressful, and we are here to guide you through the process as your personal property advisor. We’re not a faceless website or a large national network. We focus on delivering a premium personal service that you can not only rely on but will be happy to recommend to your family and friends.
Our team are local to their areas, very experienced and look after everything from start to finish. These are the key ingredients needed to assist you in selling your property. From the moment you speak to our team to the time that the property sale completes, we will be central to your move. It may seem like an obvious thing to expect from an estate agency, however, from experience, it isn’t always offered within this industry. So please feel safe, reassured, and stress-free, we are the team and will make this experience something to remember for all the right reasons.
There are no plans to be the biggest agent in the many areas we cover, but we do aim to have the best reputation. Jaine herself has built an excellent following in the Corsham and Melksham areas, we are now expanding our areas through our growing team of specialist area property professionals.
So if you are thinking of moving home, or looking for your next home in the Wiltshire area, please get in touch on 01225 705650 or via email at hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk and have a chat to the team about how we can help you.
Here at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents, we have regular conversations about ‘dream homes’ and for many people, owning a period home is the ultimate property ambition. Whether you’re a fan of country cottages, rustic farmhouses, stately homes or Victorian terraces, there’s nothing quite like owning a piece of British heritage. However, a potential drawback with this kind of property purchase is that they often need a lot of renovating before they are ready for a modern lifestyle. Of course, some people may relish the challenge and the opportunity to bring a period home back to life – it’s all part of realising that dream.
Consult an architect
Before you begin, you need to ensure you get planning permission for the changes you want to make. It’s often best to consult an architect or a planning consultant as they will be able to advise you on the materials, costs, design and processes involved. While you can do this yourself, engaging a professional will save you money, time and stress in the long run.
Use the property as your guide
The most successful renovations of period properties are those which take inspiration from the property itself. If the property is Victorian, for example, can you pay tribute to the period in your furnishings or décor? When you’re replacing windows and doors, they should be as energy efficient and strong as possible but consider choosing a more traditional style. Traditionally, windows had timber frames, but these can be costly and require a lot of maintenance, so you might want to opt for aluminium or composite frames with a timber effect finish.
Keep existing features
Try stripping away recent décor to expose what lies beneath. You may find original features which have been forgotten such as timbers, tiling, brickwork or boarded up fireplaces. You can use these original features while modernising other areas of the property to achieve a charming mix of the past and the present.
On the other hand, the process of renovation is supposed to improve your lifestyle, so don’t feel you have to keep an original element of the home if it doesn’t work for you. If you find features which you don’t want to keep, you may be able to relocate them or use them as materials in another area. Wood, for example, could be used to create furniture.
Maximise natural light
Older properties tend to have lower roofs and smaller windows, which can limit the natural light you enjoy. A great way to maximise the light in your home is to add new windows or even to add bifold doors. These doors can replace an entire wall with glass panels which fold back in a concertina fashion to remove the barrier between the inside and outside. If you are adding new windows or bifold doors, you should also consider installing period style shutters. The shutters will not only look great with the rest of the property’s period features but will also make your home more private and provide an extra layer of protection against heat loss.
Avoid Common Mistakes
If you are a new homeowner wishing to renovate your first property, there are several common mistakes you’d be wise to avoid. These range from underestimating how much the work will cost to complete and ending up wildly over budget, to expecting every aspect to run according to plan. Unfortunately, with any renovation task, there will be unexpected issues that arise, and which you need to be prepared for.
Additionally, you, as the homeowner must ensure you ask the right questions, and enough questions, when consulting with designers and contractors. As it’s your money you are spending, you need to be 100% confident and comfortable with the plans in place. If you’re not, or you don’t understand how something will work or look, don’t be afraid to ask.
Another common mistake is homeowners attack renovations with a broad view; they try to do it all at once and end up with multiple rooms in various stages of disarray. Instead, you need to assess each room and what each one needs as a separate entity, for example:
Does your current kitchen simply need new appliances or does it require a complete renovation? Think about your bedroom. It should be a haven to retreat to and is one room you should focus on solely before attempting to change any others to give you a relaxing retreat amid the renovation work. Likewise, bathrooms can look tired and worn out quickly. This is also a room which needs to be focused on solely. Think about adding a calming theme – for example, the beach or the ocean, with calming colours.
Whatever you decide, the renovation process needs a great deal of planning and a respectful, balanced approach to restoration and modernisation.
For expert property advice contact the team at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents on 01225 705650.
Here at Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents we often get asked this question. And we can categorically say no, don’t take your house off the market just because it is December!
Now is an ideal time to have your property listed for sale, and you really ought to be instructing a proactive estate agency just like Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents to get things moving.
We think now is a great time, and here are our five reasons why…
It’s quieter – but people are looking
This time of year, when the ground is frosty, and the air is crisp, it’s undoubtedly a quieter time for the property market. There are other things on many people’s minds, such as buying presents, getting the house dressed for the Christmas festivities, or looking forward to spending time with close family.
But people are also still looking for the right house to move to. Website traffic shoots up over Winter. Think about it – people are at home more, particularly this year, and they have a bit more time to browse properties. Some might just be being nosey, but many will be people looking to move.
New house builders and property portals like Rightmove report high traffic levels during December, even on Christmas Day afternoon and Boxing Day. Perhaps people have eaten or drunk a little too much and just want to chill. So what do they do? Look at properties they could be moving into!
Top Tip: Choose an estate agent who understands the importance of marketing on the internet, particularly during the winter months. If you’re struggling to think of one – it’s us!
Winter can be Welcoming…
Picture the scene. A warm house, a fire lit, the smells of gingerbread and spiced teas permeating through the house. Decorations are up, and family pictures with smiling faces are displayed. What a lovely setting and how warm a feeling will a potential buyer get when they step into your home?
You’ll want them to fall in love with your home, just as you did when you made the decision to purchase, and you want them to picture themselves living there in the coming years.
Top Tip: Set the scene. Fragranced candles or air fresheners help to create a lovely atmosphere. Perhaps you can create a small display of winter twigs with a splash of colour from holly berries.
But…Don’t Make too Much of a Scene
You want your home to be welcoming and seasonal too. What you don’t want though is a mess of blingy decorations inside or out. You want people to see the house and imagine being there. Keep it classy!
Top Tip: Decorate but do not go overboard. You want to create an impression, and a stylish setting will work best with a two-colour theme throughout.
Plan for the New Year and Beat the Rush
While it is often quieter over Winter, many people see New Year as the time when they will buy somewhere new to live. A New Year, new house, new chapter in their lives.
What better time then to market your house. If others are deciding to wait before selling, you have the opportunity to stand out in the market and be noticed. Moving home does take time, but if you’re able to get ahead of the game, you’re winning.
Top Tip: It’s all about planning. Do your research so that when an offer does come, you’re ready to get the process moving. Choose a conveyancer, sort finances, get recommendations for a removals company, think about packing and consider whether you will need to downsize your belongings.
Time to Get Your Own House in Order
In Winter, you’re more likely to spend time at home. During this period you could be preparing your house for sale by tidying up the garden, doing the DIY jobs you’ve been putting off, cleaning windows, and clearing gutters. When you’ve done this, your house will be sparklingly clean and ready to present. By putting it on the market, you’re giving yourself a deadline and a purpose to get things done. And, as we said earlier, you can take advantage of those potential buyers who are spending Winter looking for their new home.
Top Tip: Write yourself a list of things to do around your home. Then make your home beautiful and ready to sell.
If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, please get in touch with us, and we can explain the next steps. Email hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk or call us on 01225 705650.
It’s the time of year to stock up on marshmallows and get toasting over an open fire! A bonfire in your garden can be great fun. But it’s always important to stay safe. Plus, if you’re selling your home, the last thing you want to do is cause fire damage!
If you’re looking to entertain your family and friends with a garden bonfire this Guy Fawkes night, here are eight tips to keep you safe.
Pick a Good Spot
To have a safe bonfire, pick a spot that’s away from anything that will burn or set alight if the wind catches the flames. Steer clear of fences, decking, sheds, greenery and – of course – your house!
Make sure you look up as well as around you when picking a spot. The last thing you want to do is burn down your washing line or sever a cable.
Use Safe Fire-Starters
Skip anything dangerous and unpredictable, like aerosol cans, and stick to safe bonfire starters. Things like firelighters and empty egg cartons are great fire-starters that will grow your bonfire slowly and safely.
Burn High-Quality Wood
To keep your guests happy, don’t just chuck any old thing on your garden bonfire! Things like plastic, greenery and rubber can create bad smells and dark smoke.
Stick to burning dry, high-quality firepit logs for an all-round better evening. They’ll last longer and you’ll be able to enjoy seeing the flames, rather than smelling them!
Watch Children and Pets
When the fire’s lit, keep an eye on the kids to avoid accidents. Some animals find the sound and smell of a bonfire distressing, so keep them inside or somewhere safe. Rabbits or guinea pigs that live outside should also be brought indoors to keep them away from the smoke and noise.
Supervise!
Treat your bonfire like your child and make sure it’s supervised at all times. A fire left unattended can easily spiral out of control, so keep an eye on it and nominate someone else to watch the flames if you need to head inside.
Keep a Hose or Bucket of Water Nearby
Prevention is always key, but if things get out of control with your garden bonfire, you want to be prepared to act immediately. One of the best ways to have a safe bonfire in your back garden is to keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby. You can use it if something goes wrong or to dampen the fire slightly if the flames get too big.
Make Sure It’s Completely Out
Embers in your fire can easily set alight again in the wind – even if you’ve just watched it die out. Before you head inside for the night, sprinkle your firepit with water to make sure it’s completely out.
Call for Help if You Need It
Even if you take precautions to keep your bonfire under control, accidents happen and things can go wrong. If your bonfire gets out of hand, call for help if you need it. It’s always better to call sooner rather than trying to tackle an inferno yourself.
Celebrating With a Bonfire?
If you’re celebrating the end of an era in your home with toasted marshmallows, toffee apples and a bonfire, we’d love to talk – and not just because we love sweet treats! At Jaine Whitfield Bespoke Estate Agents, we’re experts in selling homes in the Corsham area.
Give us a call today on 01225 705650 or email us at hello@jainewhitfield.co.uk with chat to a member of our friendly team.
