Month: August 2021

The Secrets Behind What Stops Properties Selling in South Devon

 In this three-minute read, we look at what South Devon sellers can do to avoid their property sitting on the market.

 Making a bad impression

We’ve all heard the adage that first impressions are the most important. This is definitely the case when it comes to selling your home. Smart presentation is a must as it sets the tone for the whole viewing.

First things first – kerb appeal. Does your property entice strangers to want to peek inside? If it doesn’t, make a difference by tidying up the outside of your home. Maintain the same level of pride throughout your home. Make sure you’ve cleaned and tidied and the space is smelling fresh. Clutter can be distracting, making it difficult for prospective buyers to imagine how to make your property their home.

Poor state of repair

It’s critical to make sure the basic fixtures in your home are in good working order. You may not need to replace whole bathrooms and kitchens before you go to market, as any modernisation required will be reflected in your sale price. But minor issues can create doubt and concern about what further essential work might be needed.

Fix broken door handles, attend to areas of damp and replace faulty fittings. A little bit of pride goes a long way.

The price is too high

Sounds simple, and it is. Pricing your home is not about how much it’s worth to you, it’s about being realistic. Consider the strength of the market, the area, and what similar properties around you have sold for recently.

Naturally, buyers are always looking for a bargain and there’s a fine line to tread, but take the guidance from your agent seriously. If you’re overpriced, you’ll struggle to get viewings, never mind offers.

Poor photography

Great photography of your home will make all the difference online. True first impressions begin here and if you think about how many property listings the average buyer scrolls through, it’s crucial to stand out.

TOP TIP: Remove any unnecessary objects as the eye will be drawn to these first. Dishcloths, bathroom products, piles of toys, and clutter should be out of sight for pictures – even if it just means hiding them for the photographs.

It may sound like a cliché, but fresh flowers can lift a room by their mere presence. Remember, you are creating a lifestyle that accompanies the home so your accessories should reflect that.

Human interaction is key and the right agent can make all the difference. Here at Chamberlains, we create demand and a buzz around your property rather than solely waiting for it to be discovered online. Call us to find out more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hassle-Free Holidaying in Your South Devon Home

A three-minute read sharing top tips for your South Devon staycation.

This summer, the question mark over foreign holidays is as agonising as Ross and Rachel’s will-they-or-wont-they story.

Some have taken the stress out of the decision and opted to book holidays in and around the UK. But for many, rising prices and limited availability has resulted in staycations at home being the preferred choice.

Here’s a roundup of our favourite tips to make the most of your South Devon staycation.

Turn the tech off

Remember the good old days when a break was actually a break? For some, working from home has led to a seemingly constant availability. Work has crept into evenings and weekends and the line has most definitely blurred. Turn your phone off, put your out of office on and recharge your batteries.

Cull the chores

Holidays mean leisure, not labour. Put an embargo on laundry, cleaning, shopping, even cooking (unless that forms part of your R&R). Indulge in some guilty pleasures: sleep in, read some feel-good fiction, binge on Netflix, eat pancakes and syrup every day.

Satisfy ALL the senses

If a holiday means havaianas, Harvey Wallbangers and halloumi – have it. Use a coconut scented body lotion or sunscreen (if we’re lucky enough to see the sun…). Get out your fluffiest bath towels to turn your bathroom into a luxury hotel spa. Hang some fairy lights, splurge on some holiday-scented candles and spin some Café del Mar tunes for a holiday oasis.

Get outdoors

There’s bound to be somewhere in Devon that you have yet to discover. Search the net for recommended woodland dog walks, hiking trails, or picnic spots. If you have the space, borrow a tent from a friend and set up camp in the garden. Toast some marshmallows, put on a little festival music, and lie out under the stars. (A chemical toilet is optional.) If rain stops play, set up camp inside. You can even listen to cicadas or a crackling fire on YouTube.

Parklife

Get your mates together for some football, rugby, or rounders in the park. Get everyone involved and throw some bangers on the barbie for a post-game jolly.

Try something new

You’re never too old to learn something new. Try your hand at a new sport (a dining table and a table tennis paddle and ball can provide hours of fun) or have a go at painting, yoga, or perfect your mum’s pavlova.

Whether you’re vacationing or staycationing, from all of us here at Chamberlains, have fun and stay safe.