Your monthly update from McCartney

What happens once your offer has been accepted?

Maybe you have discovered the home of your dreams and your offer has been accepted? Or, maybe you are intrigued to know what will happen when you reach this stage?

To get things moving, here are four things you should do after your offer has been accepted:

Confirmation of acceptance

Once your offer is accepted, your estate agent will almost certainly contact you to congratulate you, and they will likely want to confirm a few details with you, to finalise the offer.

Generally, you will be expected to send confirmation for the following:

• You have enough funds to make the purchase

• A copy of your mortgage agreement in principle

• You have a solicitor or are actively attempting to obtain one

Get in touch with your solicitor

Instructing your solicitor as soon as possible is likely to assist in speeding up your purchase. If you have not already found a solicitor, request a recommendation from your estate agent.

At this point, your solicitor will begin conducting property checks and searches. Depending on the solicitor, they may require payment in advance for some services.

Completion of your mortgage application

You will need to submit a full application for your mortgage once your offer has been accepted, to apply for the specific amount of money you need to purchase the house.

If you are working with a mortgage professional, they will walk you through this procedure and inform you of the information you will need to provide.

Arrange a property survey

While surveys are not mandatory when purchasing a new house, they are a wise investment. Surveys can assist you in determining any present or prospective difficulties with the property. To arrange a survey, ask your estate agent to schedule a time with the sellers.

If you're still on the lookout for a new property, we may have what you need!

Check out our listings here or contact us with your needs for a home so we can help you find the right one.

Three simple ways to speed up your sale

When it comes to selling a property, the small details can make all the difference. While it's easy to spend a lot of money staging your property for showings, you don't have to do so to make it look new.

You can make your home look more appealing to buyers and be on the right track to a faster sale by showcasing the features your property already has, and doing a few simple things to brighten up the overall appearance.

Make the most of natural light

One of the nicest features a home can have is natural light.

Make sure your window ledges are clear and your curtains are fully open when viewings are scheduled. If you have the time, clean your windows as well.

These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference.

Vacuum rugs and upholstery

Give your rugs, upholstery, and sofa cushions a good cleaning if you want your home to look brighter.

These items can become dirty over time, even if you do not notice it. You can make your room look brand new with a fast clean of the necessities. Plus, when buyers walk in, your place will smell amazing!

Repaint walls

One of the first things potential buyers will notice is the walls. The rooms in your home can easily appear larger and cleaner by using a bright, neutral colour.

If you are limited on time, use a magic eraser to wipe the walls clean. Dirt and imperfections can be completely removed with a few quick scrubs!

Thinking of selling your home? Contact our team today or get your valuation here.

Lister Tye, Chelmsford

This detached four-bedroom family residence is located in a prime location and has great access to local amenities. The current owners have spared no expense and the overall result is stunning.

Click here to read Lister Tye, Chelmsford.

1 in 4 households are making home improvements

The last few months have seen energy prices soar and household budgets squeezed. As a result, many homeowners are starting to alter their homes to cut bills and increase the energy efficiency of their properties.*

But it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis that has prompted this trend. Recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. Investing now will not only help you cut bills and boost your eco-credentials, but it could raise the value of your home moving forward.

According to a recent investigation, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing, with energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels, and insulation also high on the agenda.

Meanwhile, general painting and decorating (58%) and installing a new bathroom (26%) took first and second place on the list of priorities, reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners.

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. With more political changes on the horizon and an uncertain energy supply resulting from the war in Ukraine, people may continue to feel the need to adapt their homes accordingly.

If your budget is tight, small changes such as using a smart meter or swapping out inefficient bulbs can still make a difference. We can also advise you on how larger improvements may increase the value of your home.

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation.

*Property Reporter

Housing supply starts to improve

This month, property search portal OnTheMarket published its Property Sentiment Index, offering insights into how things might be changing. According to the report, the number of sale listings is rising, slightly dampening the issue of supply.

In addition, strong market growth over the past two years means that 82% of buyers still believe they can achieve a completion within three months. Along with the promise of moving in time for summer, this confidence is further driving homeowners to list their properties for sale.*

However, due to an inherent lack of housing stock nationwide, prices are unlikely to drop dramatically any time soon. Instead, buyers should look for the coming window of opportunity as the market settles to an ‘elevated version of the pre-pandemic market’.*

Looking to buy? Browse our available properties here.

*OnTheMarket

What are tenants on the hunt for in a property?

A recent report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) has revealed tenants’ top priorities when choosing a home.* The results may help landlords make the most out of their properties while providing a valuable service for the wider community.

While the private rental sector faces huge demand, landlords who listen to their renters’ needs are more likely to attract long-term, conscientious tenants desiring a secure home.**

So, what steps should landlords take next?

Pitch the price just right

After financial pressure brought about by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis, it’s not surprising that 55% of tenants consider price above all else. However, many renters (35%) also prioritise bigger properties, so where is the sweet spot?

Understanding regional dynamics can allow landlords to balance the property’s worth with affordability considerations. For example, some tourist-heavy counties have a disparity between house prices and local wages as homes are snapped up for the holiday market. Rents based purely on the property’s sale value may exclude local families in these areas.

A lettings valuation will give you a clear baseline to adjust accordingly, depending on your circumstances and long-term financial goals – and the type of tenant you’d prefer.

Consider allowing pets

According to the SMF survey, 18% of tenants seek rentals that welcome animal companions. Compare this to the mere 7% of landlords who actively market their homes as pet-friendly.

If you’re preparing a new rental property, perhaps think of ways to make it more suitable for pets, such as choosing wooden or tiled floors over carpets, or securing the garden.

Provide value for money

Everyone loves a good deal – including renters. Although many tenants have a tight budget, plenty will pay more for high-quality interiors and decent gardens. In fact, the latter was cited as a top priority, especially for those looking to create a long-term home.

Choose a property near amenities

If you’re planning to invest in a buy-to-let property, it’s worth knowing that 38% of renters wish to live near their workplace. Public transport facilities and access to shops also factor in for 37% and 36% of tenants, respectively. Therefore, it’s worth searching for opportunities that tick these boxes.

Want to learn more? Contact us to discuss how to boost your property’s rental potential and book a lettings valuation.

*Social Market Foundation

**Paragon Bank

Make your rental application stand out

When you've found your ideal rental, it can be frustrating learning that it is in high demand - and that you're up against some competition.

If multiple people are applying for the house or apartment you want, you may be wondering, “How can I make my rental application stand out?"

Consult a letting agent

First, it’s best to speak to a letting agent before applying for the property. Ask specifically what information you’ll need to include in your application and take notes.

Your letting agent will almost certainly know the landlord, so it's not a bad idea to ask if they have any tips on how to make your application stand out.

Apply as soon as possible

It's usually a good idea to submit your application early. They'll be expecting your application once you've seen the rental property and informed the letting agent that you're interested. Sending your application early can make you appear more serious.

Don't forget anything

When submitting a rental application, you won’t want to miss anything or leave out important information. For example, missing references, bounced email addresses, and missing papers.

This can cause the application process to be delayed and make you appear disorganised to the landlord, so double-check everything before sending.

Write a cover letter for your resume.

Making your rental application stand out by writing a personalised cover letter to your landlord is a great way to do so. Don't be hesitant to sell yourself and emphasise all of the key points

Are you searching for a new rental home? We have a wide range of rental properties available. Browse our properties here.