HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS

Whatever the reason for wanting to sell your home fast, these tips will help you waste no time in preparing for your sale and securing a buyer.

Gathering all the paperwork required to sell your home can be a lengthy and timely process, but if you start early and ensure, you have all the necessary documents prepared, this will save you a lot of time.

We recommend choosing your conveyancing solicitor early, and we are on hand to guide you through this process.

Give your property a deep clean, tidy away the clutter and rearrange your furniture to give your home a welcoming and spacious feel.

Put yourself in your buyers’ shoes and consider whether there are any fixable issues that may put you off a property. It may seem obvious, but resolving any problems is key for a quick sale.

We are here to guide you through the whole process, so you never feel as if you must make the tricky decisions alone. We will help secure your viewings, answer any difficult questions and negotiate the best price.

Whilst you may be drawn to accept the highest offer, if you’re looking for a quick sale, a chain free buyer is the best way to go. It can be daunting being faced with multiple offers so we are always on hand to help you make the decision and answer any questions.

If you’re thinking of selling, telephone 01702 341177 and speak to a member of our sales team for a FREE VALUATION or alternatively email southend@hairandson.co.uk


HOW TO KNOW WHEN ITS TIME TO UPSIZE

Is your home starting to feel a bit small? As your needs and preferences change, it’s natural to feel like the home you once thought was spacious is now a little tight, and it may be time to move on.

Here are 5 signs it’s time to upsize:

A growing family 

It’s obvious that you may need to upsize as you have more children, but as your children get older and grow in size, your home may no longer be suitable. Having three young children sharing a room may be perfect, but as they get older, they may be desperate for their own space. Whether you have reached a point that you’re bursting at the seams, or simply anticipate that your family will soon outgrow your home, both suggest it’s time to upsize.

Working from home

The pandemic has transformed the way we work, and working from home, at least for a couple of days a week, is quickly becoming the norm. Dedicating a room to an office space will help you create boundaries between your work and home life and provide a comfortable, quiet place to work.

Hosting friends and family

If you enjoy hosting your friends and family often, you may need a bigger home to make space for everyone. Whether you need a bigger kitchen to cook for your guests, a large dining room to seat everyone or guest bedrooms for them to stay the night, these are all signs your ready to upsize.

Clutter

Are you finding that your home always feels messy no matter how much you tidy? Or perhaps you’re constantly tripping over things? There may simply not be enough space in your home for your belongings. If you have reached your decluttering limits and you’re still struggling for space, this is a tell-tale sign you have outgrown your home.

Moving in with someone 

You may be considering moving in with a partner, or perhaps older relatives need a little extra support and are moving back in with you. Having an extra person in your home, along with all their belongings, can suddenly make your spacious home feel small. Before you get frustrated living on top of each other, upsizing may be a wise move.

Are you ready to upsize? Click HERE to find your perfect home.


Interior design trends for Summer 2022

Supporting your wellbeing and happiness starts with a home that you love, so it’s always a good idea to invest in style and decor. This year, it’s all about boho, minimalism and sustainability! Here are some summer trends which might be missing from your home!

Reworking the living space

Working from home seems to have remained a new normal after the pandemic. Long gone are the make-shift offices on the kitchen table or even the family sofa. Many homeowners have now invested in harmonising their workspace with the rest of their home.

Antiques and second hands

There has been a huge rise in popularity of furniture for re-use and restoration. Thrifting allows more freedom for personalisation as there’s less financial risk involved in painting a re-used piece of furniture rather than something brand new. Vintage items can also create a boho, laid-back feel in your home – perfect for summer!

Arches
2022 will see arches in interior designs come to the forefront according to designers. Curves create a fun yet elegant appeal. Seen in top restaurants and new hotels, they are a subtle and artistic way to implement dimension and style into your home.

Go green!
Tones of green are beloved amongst the younger demographic for their immediate association to nature and serenity. Green plays well into the overarching trend of sustainability and interiors which embrace and implement nature into their design.

Outdoor lighting

As summer begins to bless us with lighter evenings, it’s no surprise that a trend of outdoor lighting has spiked again in 2022. Lanterns and tea lights for your outdoor tables on summer nights can feel reminiscent of sitting outside a restaurant on holiday.


100 Years in Local Property

At the ripe of age of 21, Gordon Hair, known as Gordon by his close family and friends, started business in January 1922 with an office in London Road, Leigh opposite Westleigh School. Originally named Edmunds and Hair, the partnership of two gentleman soon became one and the name changed to Fredk G Hair. At this time, Gordon was in partnership with his brother Alec who was considered to the real salesman of the family!  After only a few years in business Gordon Hair acted for The Salvation Army in their sale of what is now a large section of the Marine Estate in Leigh and sold the land between Thames Drive and Tattersall Gardens in the Firms first £100,000 (the equivalent of £6,000,000 in today’s money values) deal to a builder by the name of Jack O’Connor. The majority of these roads were developed between 1935 and 1939 with the last remaining plots at the top of the road being developed only after the Second World War. There were many, many changes in the region during the early years of the century and 1922 must have been a very exciting time for a young 21-year-old to be looking to start out in business.  Gordon Hair eventually retired in 1961 and his son William Robert Hair took over the running of the company up to the early 1990s. The company is now run by its joint partners, Laurence Cox and Nick Verdin.

 

The past 100 years have seen the company go from strength to strength establishing Auction, Lettings, Commercial, Survey, Residential Property and Block Management departments in addition to the Sales Department. Hair and Son truly is your local, long established property services company that has served the community well over many years and we hope for many years to come.


Great British Fish and Chips - could this be the beginning of the end?

Many businesses survived the pandemic, grants were available to small business and coupled with small business rate relief, that continues. Just when we thought things were getting better, we have war in Europe, soaring energy costs and a cost of living crisis in the bargain.

We should all spare a thought for our local fish and chip shop.  For many families fish and chips on a Friday or a Saturday night are just part of ‘normal’ life.  That much loved ‘ British’ institution is now under serious threat.  It is reported that according to insolvency Company Debt, that about one third are at risk of having to close their doors..  Contrary to what is popular belief, the industry has apparently always works on tight margins.  With basic costs of fish and sunflower oil having jumped between 60-70% in the last year, aside of soaring energy costs, many  will struggle to survive this current wave of price increases.    There is a general reluctance in  the industry to pass on these costs to the consumer when budgets are already stretched.   It is thought that the cost of a portion of cod and chips could rise to £10 by the end of 2022.  It has always been perceived that catering premises run with high profit margins and with the cost basic commodities increasing that is no longer the case.

Fish and chip shops will not be the only small business to be under pressure right now with many consumers looking very closely at where they spend their disposable income. As a result of this we are likely to see a levelling off in the rental growth  in the retail sector which has been enjoyed by many landlords over the past few years.  Whilst our High Streets have already seen a decrease in rental levels in some areas that has not been the case for secondary retail premises , at present we continue to see demand outstripping supply.  We may well see some of the heady rent rises,  seen over the past few years pulling back, if landlords are to retain continuity of income from their business premises . However, at the time of writing this article we, as letting agents, continue to experience strong demand for retail premises in good locations.  Demand continues to outstrip supply for retail premises along with all the other sectors of the commercial property market.

It is, of course, hoped that our politicians will bring in measures to ease the pressure on consumer’s pockets over the coming months but as we are frequently being told our government cannot offer complete protection to individuals against the current cost of living cris9s.  In previous articles, I have made reference to that money tree in the garden at 10 Downing Street – regrettably such a tree doesn’t exist , if it did we would all want one !!!

 

Diane Tait

Associate Partner


Why extend your lease?

When the lease on a property drops below 80 years, it immediately becomes less valuable and desirable. The more the lease drops, the more the value of the property will depreciate. If your property has less than 75 years remaining on the lease, it will be more difficult to find a mortgage lender, and the number of potential buyers will become significantly limited.

As the UK government begins to implement new legislation to make lease extensions more affordable, now is the best time to take action. Acting sooner rather than later will allow you to take advantage of all the benefits lease extensions bring.

 

Types Of Lease Extensions Available:

  • Voluntary Extensions

If both the landlord and tenant agree to a lease extension, the process is simple. Our experts will assist you with voluntary extensions, carrying out inspections, calculations, valuations and negotiations (if required).

  • Statutory Extensions

In accordance with the Leasehold Reform, Housing & Urban Development Act (1993), tenants can extend their lease if they are happy to pay the landlord a premium. Statutory extensions add 90 years to the existing lease term and reduce the ground rent to zero.

 

What’s Right For You?

Voluntary extensions are typically used when the terms of the extension are agreed upon by both the landlord and tenant. However, it’s worth knowing that either party can back out at any time.

Statutory extensions have strict rules and timeframes, offering more protection for both parties. Either party can apply to the Tribunal if there is a disagreement about the terms. There will be penalisations for any party that withdraws after the initial notice.

Steps Involved With Our Lease Extension Service:

  • Acquire a copy of the lease: This allows us to determine the terms and demise of the property.
  • Inspect the property: Our experts will thoroughly inspect the property to ensure accurate estimates.
  • Carry out calculations: Research from in-person inspections and desktop estimates will fuel our calculations.
  • Valuation reports: We will prepare and issue a valuation report, providing an accurate estimate of the premium payable.
  • Negotiations: If required, we will conduct negotiations on your behalf.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Extend A Lease?

With Hair & Son, there are no hidden costs or unwanted surprises. Our lease extension service costs start from £395 + VAT and if needed, an additional £325 + VAT will be charged to assist in negotiations. Fees will only be adjusted if a matter is taken to Tribunal.


BEST HOME FRAGRANCE

Choosing a fragrance is a key part of decorating to help make your home smell as good as it looks. From candles and reed diffusers to room sprays and fragrance oils, there are a lot of products available to make your home smell its best and attract those potential buyers.

Follow this guide to help you find the perfect scent.

Living room

For the living room, bear in mind that you are likely to spend a lot of time in here, so choose a more neutral scent to avoid it becoming overwhelming. Scented candles work perfectly to make your room smell good and create a cosy, homely atmosphere.

For a clean and fresh feel, choose scents such as basil, green apple or pomegranate, or for a warming atmosphere choose amber, ginger or almond

 

Kitchen

In the kitchen, choose a fresh and clean scent such as lemon, lime or grapefruit to help neutralise the smells of cooking.

Steer clear from spicy or sweet scents as these can clash with the scents of food and create unpleasant smells.

 

Bedroom

For the bedroom, candles infused with essential oils such as lavender and jasmine to create a therapeutic atmosphere and help you unwind. Vanilla and sandalwood scents have also been proven to help relaxation and improve sleep.

 

Hallway

Reed diffusers are perfect for hallways as the reeds slowly absorb the fragrance to keep your home smelling good for weeks. Greet your guests and make a strong first impression with a bold scent such as white florals, rose scents or wood.

 

Bathroom

Diffusers with essential oils are perfect for the bathroom to help purify the air and remove unpleasant smells. For a calming atmosphere, try ginger, peppermint or eucalyptus.


EXTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

When it comes to selling, first impressions are key – many buyers decide whether they love or hate a property before they even set foot inside the house.

Follow these exterior design trends to boost your kerb appeal and make buyers fall in love with your home .

Sustainable materials

With the growing concern about the future of our planet, it’s no wonder that sustainable materials are being used more and more in both interior and exterior design. Reclaimed roof tiles and bricks add character to your home and using sustainably sourced timber to add accents to the front of your home gives a contemporary look.

 

Keeping in natural

In line with the trend for sustainable materials, the colour palette for exterior trends is moving towards natural colours such as brown, green and grey. Freshen up your fences and decking with a lick of paint and add large outdoor plants and climbing roses for a modern but timeless exterior.

 

Lots of windows

The desire for a light and bright interior has been a popular trend over recent years, and one of the simplest ways to achieve this is by adding lots of windows. Not only does it make the inside of your home feel more spacious, large windows also give your property a lavish, modern look.

 

Exterior lighting

Adding lighting to your porch, paths, driveway and bedding areas can transform your outdoor space and give your home a luxurious and welcoming feel.

With house prices in your area increasing, are you curious to know how much your property is worth?

Call us on 01702 39 49 59 or email southend@hairandson.co.uk.


KEY LOOKS FOR YOUR GARDEN

As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to start refreshing your garden, ready to enjoy the sun. This is especially important if you’re thinking of selling as many buyers value outdoor space. With property viewings on the increase, now is the ideal time.

Follow these key looks to help you and your potential buyers fall in love with your garden.

Grow your own

Whether you have a designated vegetable path or a simple potted herb garden, growing your own produce is becoming increasingly popular due to its relation to natural and sustainable living.

If you have a large outdoor space, you can build stackable raised beds using reclaimed materials to grow a mixture of vegetables, or if space is limited, you could fix boxes or pots to a wall to plant herbs, salad leaves and tomatoes.

Outdoor living room

Gardens are increasingly being used as an extension of the indoors with sofas, cushions, rugs and fairy lights creating an outdoor living area.

Rattan is a popular texture for outdoor furniture to create a holiday feel and is weather-resistant and durable too. L-shaped sofas around a table are perfect for socialising and adding a patio cover helps to make the most of the area all year round.

Garden Jungle

Nature’s association with relaxation and mindfulness has fuelled the trend for creating mini garden jungles. You can create your own oasis by purchasing large leafy plants and tall grasses and adding a comfortable seat or hammock to relax and unwind.

Patchwork patio

Solid patios are becoming a thing of the past and patchwork patios mixing stone slabs with gravel or woodchip are becoming more popular. Not only do they look more interesting, they incorporate sustainable materials, especially if you choose recycled paving stones.

Curious to find out how much your property is worth? Call us on 01702 39 49 59 or email southend@hairandson.co.uk