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5 Typical Mistakes Sellers Should Avoid When Selling Their Home
Selling your home is not always easy. Get things right though, and it can open up a move to a new place and somewhere to start the next chapter of your life.
We often talk about styling properties, tidying up and making things neutral – in fact, we often advise people on how to make the most of the house they are selling because we’ve got tons of experience and expertise on this topic!
But what many other estate agents forget to do, is offer advice on what home sellers should avoid doing.
Here, we look at five mistakes that home sellers should try to avoid.
- Getting the asking price wrong
As a seller, you want the best price you can get for your property – that’s a given, and why not? Of course you’re going to want to put more pounds in your pocket.
But, sometimes, sellers want too much. Despite the expert advice of their estate agent, sellers want more than the property is actually worth. And by marketing the property too high, often against the advice of their estate agent, they can be putting people off.
If your house is too expensive for the area or is priced much higher than a similar property that recently sold, then people will be turned off.
If they do view, the chances are they’ll make an offer which is deemed to be too low by the seller and not given fair consideration. But it’s not just over-valuing! Similarly, if the asking price is too low, perhaps for a quick sale, this too can put potential buyers off because they may think there is something wrong with the house.
Top Tip Trust your estate agent. We know how to value a house. It’s what we do!
- Failing to think outside the front door
You’ve done your house up inside – the carpets are cleaned, tatty wallpaper has been replaced with a gleaming coat of paint, and all the toys and knick-knacks stowed away.
The thing is though, have you taken a look outside? What’s the all-important kerb appeal like? Are there bins by the front door? Is the front garden a bit shabby and the back garden a wasteland?
Some sellers forget to make a first impression, and for most people, that will be when they drive past.
Top Tip When you’re putting your house on the market, bear in mind that many potential viewers will do a ‘drive-by’ before booking a viewing. Add outside jobs to your list of things to do!
- Choosing the wrong estate agent
It has been known for people to choose the wrong estate agent. Now, of course we would say we know our stuff – because we do! But you must choose an estate agent that knows the area inside out and has the experience of selling homes just like yours.
Top Tip Decide what you want from your estate agent and do your homework. Shortlist a few before deciding we were right for you all along!
- Leaving it too late to put your house on the market
If you’ve seen a house that you like, but have a property to sell, don’t try and put in an offer before you’ve even thought about selling your current home (unless you can afford to buy without selling!).
Currently, houses are selling like hot cakes and if someone comes along and likes the same house but is in a better position than you, then you will almost definitely miss out.
Top Tip Speak with us about the process of getting your house on the market.
- Taking it personally when a viewer says your house isn’t right for them!
If you’ve spent a lifetime in your home, and have raised your children in it, it’s no wonder that you feel close to your house. Some people cannot separate the fact that they love a house with the fact that they are trying to sell it.
This means they are less likely to put things away and neutralise the property ready for viewings or will take offence if someone either doesn’t like a room or suggests knocking a few walls about. Strange as it may appear, some people even think about who they won’t sell a house to!
Top Tip Try and think of selling a house as a business transaction – or at least something that is going to free you up for bigger and better things!
If you think you need some expert help on the do and don’ts when it comes to selling, just give us a call and we’ll talk you through the process. Call us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
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Winter Home Maintenance Jobs for Your Property
We’ve been wrapping up because we know how to keep ourselves warm and in tip-top condition in cold weather, but we also know how hard it is to do the same when it comes to our own homes! Our home is one of the most important financial commitments we will ever make and yet we are all guilty of sometimes neglecting our biggest purchase and failing to invest in a valuable asset.
You’ll know there are jobs that need doing inside and outside your home, but you’ve probably been putting them off! Yes, we are guilty of that too!
At Warren Powell-Richards we have been discussing all those annoying little jobs and chores that we all should be doing now, knowing that spring is just around the corner. So, here are our seven tips to help you get organised and prepare for what will hopefully be a better year ahead.
1.See Clearly
Winter weather often leaves windows looking dull and grubby and windowsills in need of a wipe down. Window cleaners often don’t work when it is icy which makes perfect sense, so you should be giving your ground floor windows at least a once over. This will give you a crystal-clear view of the outdoors and help keep your home looking great from the outside too.
2.Spring into Action
The chances are that your property will need a really good spring clean to get rid of the build up of grime that seeps into our homes. Make sure the hallways and stairs are vacuumed properly, getting into all the nooks and crannies, and if you notice any stains, now is the time to get on top of them.
3.Clean up After Walks
If you’ve got a pet dog and you regularly go out for muddy walks, it’s important to keep your carpets and flooring clean from dirt and rogue bugs that sneak in. Always clean up mud and dirt straight away so that it does not become ingrained. And it’s not just muddy paws! You may also have muddy boots yourself, so give them a hose down outside or if you need to store them indoors, use plastic floor coverings when you enter the house.
4.Paint a New Look
Stairs and bannisters see a lot of wear and tear and front doors and windowsills are open to the elements so can easily start to look tired. These can all be painted though, which is a relatively cheap and easy way to make your house look fresh.
5.Get Your Garden Ready
As winter closes and spring edges ever closer, it is time to think about your garden. The chances are you may have neglected it as the weather turned inclement, but now it is the time to get your green-fingers out, or at least get your thinking cap on and start tidying up. Sweep up, check your guttering and down-pipes, pull up any dead plants and tidy the shed so that your garden furniture is easily accessible in anticipation of sunnier days!
6.Complete Niggly Jobs!
When it is cold outside, you will have the heating on more often and hot water on demand ready for a nice hot bath at the end of a long day. Your boiler and central heating works harder in the winter so it’s important you get your heating system regularly serviced by a certified professional. Now is the time to get that yearly service booked in.
7.Clear Your Gutters
When the windy weather comes, leaves and moss can be blown into your gutters and downpipes. Left unchecked, blockages can happen causing damage and flooding so you should clear your gutters regularly. While you’re doing that, also clean up driveways and paths that may have a build-up of moss on them.
Contact us for Expert Advice
At Warren Powell-Richards we can help you sell your home, so, if you need some guidance simply get in touch with us and we’ll share our expertise with you. Call us or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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How to Create a Dog Friendly Garden
A garden is a perfect place for dogs to get some exercise, have a play, and of course explore.
However, they can also be full of potential hazards, so before letting your four-legged friend run riot around your lawn, here’s a handy guide to some of the ways in which you can create a dog friendly garden so it’s as safe as possible.
Make Sure it’s Secure
Some breeds of dog are notorious for digging, especially smaller ones like Jack Russells and Yorkshire Terriers. Check that your fence is secure and there’s no way of your dog escaping underneath it.
If you have a bigger dog then you’ll need to ensure that the fence is high enough too. Some dogs can jump much higher than you imagine, so ensure you have a fence that’s at least 6ft.
Make sure you keep gates closed at all times too. Even the most well-trained dogs can make a bolt for it if they see something that catches their eye, so don’t give them the chance to get out.
Keep Sheds & Garages Closed
If you’re leaving your dog unattended for any period of time, even just for a minute, then ensure that you’ve left the shed and garage firmly closed.
There are all sorts of hazards that could harm curious pooches, such as paint, chemicals and sharp tools, so make sure they’re out of bounds to pets to help avoid any accidents.
Avoid Toxic Plants
Some plants can be very harmful to dogs and it’s important to know which ones to avoid before letting your pets run wild in the garden.
Daffodils, Hydrangea and Yew are some of the more common ones to avoid, but it’s best to check all plants individually before doing any planting.
Add Some Dog-Friendly Plants
Not all plants are bad for dogs, although of course you don’t want to encourage them to be eating any at all.
Do a little bit of research before you buy any plants and you’ll find there are lots of affordable, attractive plants that won’t cause any harm to your dog if they do decide to chew them.
Sunflowers, Honeysuckle and Camellias are just some of the more dog-friendly plants you’ll be able to find.
Avoid Slugs & Snails
While you can’t watch your dog at all times, you should try to keep an eye on them to stop them from eating any slugs or snails, as these can cause lungworm.
Try and ensure your dog is kept away from them altogether, or use a pet-friendly slug repellent to keep them out of your garden.
Avoid Using Cocoa Chips
Some gardeners like to use these as an alternative to bark, however cocoa can be very poisonous to dogs, so if you are putting chippings down, then make sure you use bark instead.
The above tips have focused on potential hazards and things to avoid, but below are some of the positive things you can do so your dog can make the most of the garden and have a safe place to roam.
Create a Designated Play Zone
There are lots of advantages to creating a specific play area, with the primary one being that it will help teach your dog to avoid some of the no-go areas of the garden. You can train your dog to only use the play area in the same way you would train them to go to the toilet outside, or to only jump on a specific chair in your house for example.
If your dog has a fun area to play in, then it should hopefully make the rest of the garden less appealing to them, meaning you don’t have to worry about plants getting damaged, or slugs being eaten.
To make the play area attractive, put some toys in there, maybe bury some treats for them to find and even put a bed in there for them to lie on. Anything you can think of to make the space their own will work.
Give Them a Shelter to Lay in
Dogs love to be outside, but if it’s wet and windy, or they need some protection from the sun then a shelter is the perfect solution. It doesn’t need to be large or fancy, just a small wooden hut with enough space for a bed and a water bowl.
It will give your dog a great place to have a nap, while still getting some fresh air and having humans nearby.
Create Clear Boundaries
Creating clear boundaries in the garden will reinforce to your dog that it mustn’t cross into certain areas.
In much the same way as the sofa or your bed may be out of bounds, your bed of plants could be a no-go zone too, marked with a border of stones or bricks for example.
It can also serve as an additional feature for your garden, so it’s a win-win for you and your dog!
Let us find you the perfect home for you and your dog! Call us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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How to Save Money for a Deposit When Renting
Banking on a deposit, tips to save for your perfect pad!
Looking to buy your own place and move out of rented accommodation? What a great thing to be doing, to get on the property ladder is a wonderful sense of achievement and a milestone to be proud of.
So you’ve sat down and worked out you want to move, and you may even have found your ideal location in the area, perhaps even seen your dream pad. Four beds? Nice garden? Garage? Room to grow your plants or even grow your family? Brilliant.
Unfortunately, at this point, some people stop right there though when they realise they’ll have to put a deposit down, as they say, they’ll never be able to afford it.
But you’re not one of them! It sounds like you’re one of those who are up for a challenge, and know you want to save for that deposit and buy your perfect place.
There are a number of schemes available to help people, but a general rule of thumb is that you’ll need around a 15 per cent deposit.
That can mean a large sum of money saved in the bank before you even start to make an offer for your new home.
It can seem to be an uphill struggle, but if you’re prepared to work hard to save up for a deposit, that dream can become a reality.
So, what can you do?
7 Ways to Save Money for a Deposit
- First off, speak to a professional mortgage advisor and work out how much you need to save and over what period. If you don’t know what you need, how will you know what to put to one side?
- If you’re currently renting, can you move into a place where the rent is cheaper and put aside what you have saved into your deposit fund? Yes, it might mean not living exactly where you want, but it’s your dream to own a property after all.
- Along similar lines, have you thought about moving back home with relatives? Sure, it may seem like you’re going backwards and could lead to tantrums and tears, but think of the money you will be saving!
- If you’re paying for a car, do you really need it? Can you buy a smaller one or get rid of a car altogether? Yes, you’d have to think of other means or transport to get about for a while, but think of the bigger picture.
- Switch your energy bills – this sounds small fry, but it’s advice from the Which?organisation and it shows how much you can be saving. Which?also says you should check your council tax bill – are you paying too much or should you have a discount? That money is better in your savings pot.
- Are you spending too much on clothes? Cosmetics? An expensive gym? Eating out? Again, these may be lovely things, but you’re on a mission to save so cutting out or slimming down your day-to-day living expenses can make a huge difference. We bet you’ll soon see how frivolous a lot of your spending is!
Think about it. Say you’re paying £50 a month for a gym membership, can you workout at home instead using YouTube for example? That’s a £600 saving already. Put that in a savings account with the rest and it all adds up.
- How much is a nice coffee, and how many times do you have one during the week? Sounds daft, but if you’re having a ‘double frothy chocolate top latte’ two or three times a week, you’re drinking your savings away. Treat yourself for sure, but keep an eye on the spending.
Top Tip: If you are using a bank with an app you can manage and monitor what you’re saving or spending. So, now you’ve started to save money – and put it away in your pot – you should think about earning a few extra pounds too.
3 Ways to Make Money for a Deposit
- Have you thought about freelancing or tutoring in your spare time? If you have a skill or can offer help to someone, this can become a lucrative second income.
- What about selling some of the things you’ve collected over the years and are sitting gathering dust on a shelf? There are so many apps you could be using to help you manage online sales of items such as books and clothes.
- It’s cheeky, but don’t forget to ask your boss for a pay rise! If you don’t ask, you won’t know the answer. Think about how to broach the subject and make sure you explain why you think you deserve a raise. You should show your boss how your work and commitment will benefit the business rather than making it all about yourself!
The Bank of Mum and Dad!
If you’re saving and being careful but still not getting near your total, there is the potential to use the Bank of Mum and Dad. We know that this isn’t available to everyone, but it’s worth the chat to see if a relative can assist you. With this option though, check out the legal rights and responsibilities as it may not all be straightforward.
The team at Warren Powell-Richards are always available to offer advice so please don’t hesitate to call us or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will be delighted to offer our words of wisdom on all things property.
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Landlords: How To Keep Your Tenants Happy
As a landlord, you want stability, and you want to be confident in the knowledge that good tenants are going to stay and the rent will continue coming in.
Here, we look at how landlords can keep their tenants happy – and why it is so important.
Happy tenants = happy landlord
There are many reasons people become landlords. They might have some money to invest perhaps, or they might have inherited a property.
What’s true of every landlord though is that they want stability. They want to know that their investment is safe and that a paying tenant is staying put.
That’s what being a happy landlord is about.
If a tenant wants to move out, it causes hassle for the landlord.
- They have to find a new tenant.
- They have to get updated safety checks carried out.
- Maintenance costs or cleaning costs may come in.
- Time is needed to check on properties.
That’s why being a happy landlord is important, and it’s why keeping a tenant happy is crucial.
What’s a happy tenant?
That’s a good question. A happy tenant is someone who will want to stay in the rented accommodation long-term.
But tenants are all different, and so what makes one happy may not make another happy. As a landlord – all you can do is your utmost to ensure a good relationship between you and your tenant.
Here’s how to keep your tenant happy!
Be responsive
If a tenant has a problem, and they let you know about it, respond. Not just to their message, but to the actual issue itself.
If you say you’ll get round to a problem within a set time, ensure that you do. Solve the problem.
In doing so you’ll also be looking after your investment by sorting issues out before they become big problems.
Be flexible
Things happen.
So if a tenant comes to you and says they have a problem, perhaps with rent payments, be prepared to be flexible. Work out a solution that means payment is perhaps deferred or delayed.
- Create a payment plan.
- Offer a short rental holiday.
- Agree timescales and get everything in writing.
Be respectful
There are rules for landlords when it comes to visiting properties and checking up on things.
But, we say as a general rule, a tenant’s house is their home and you should treat it as such. You should not simply arrive unannounced.
Your tenants want to get on with living their own lives with privacy and don’t want to worry about their landlord checking up on them all the time.
Be truthful
The tenancy agreement should be clear, particularly about rights and responsibilities. This sets things out on the right footing should anything happen during the tenancy.
If a tenant is unsure about the future of the property they live in, they may be nervous. Don’t go idly talking about selling up or increasing the rent, even if you are considering it. Be truthful about things.
Be friendly
We’re not talking about popping in for cups of tea or going out for a beer. But, check in on your tenant sporadically (and by appointment) to make sure all is OK. If you know someone has an issue of some kind, ask if they are all right. If a tenant thinks you are looking out for them, they are more likely to be happy, look after the property, and importantly stay – keeping you happy.
These are just a few pointers for you. We work with a number of landlords in the area and we will be more than happy to share our thoughts with you.
Call us on or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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