Ben Siggins Estate Agents Magazine Issue 2

Issue 2

www.bensiggins.co.uk Maidstone: 01622 524110 Gillingham: 01624 581207 Kings Hill: 01732 424090

Home improvement: Low-budget tips to maximise your property’s value

+ Hot properties:

VENDOR FOCUS:

BUYER FOCUS:

MARKET ANALYSIS:

Help your agent capture your home in its best light with this simple guide

The importance of house-hunting etiquette when viewing properties

We uncover the most common DIY disasters for new homeowners

Why y Why you should use our conv conveyancing service

Conveyancing is

Conveyancing is what we do, it’s our specialist subject.

Last year we complete Last year we completed approximately 8,000 property transactions of all types. of all types.

We are con We are the largest conveyancing companythe in our arealargest and one of the largest the country. largest in the country.

Plus we have a veryin good working relationship with estate agent with your estate agent to progressyour your sale or purchase to a successful completion. completion.

Our service is fast and efficient whilst still maintaining the quality of our and Our service is fast customer service tocustomer you at all times. service to yo

We offer all our clients a dedicated personal conveyancer to handleclients your We offer all our transaction from start to finish and keep you informed from 24 hours a day, start transaction 7 days a week through our case tracking facility on the internet.

7 days a week through

For a quotation please either email us at quotes@ctwsolicitors.co.uk For plea or call the CTW New Businessa teamquotation on 020 8859 9297 or call the CT or visit our website www.ctwsolicitors.co.uk

or visit o

Our offices in Eltham, Dartford, Bromley and Maidstone Our offices in will be happy to help you move into your new home so call us today.

will be happy to help

CTW The Conveyancing Specialists !

CTW The

Welcome

Welcome...

to our bi-monthly brochure t’s an exciting time for us here at Ben Siggins Estate Agents, as we can announce the launch of our third branch! Located in Kings Hill, the new branch strengthens our coverage in the wider Kent region, and has been established in response to increased demand for a reputable and unique agent in the area. We look forward to bringing you further news from our exciting venture, but in the meantime, feel free to visit the branch or website to see the available properties in the area.

I In this issue...  NEWS: Stay one step ahead with our bi-monthly round up of essential news and stories affecting the housing market today. Page 4  VENDOR FOCUS: Handy low budget tricks to increase your home’s selling potential. Page 6 Get your home 'photoshoot-ready' with these seven simple steps. Page 11  MEET THE TEAM: Our General Manager, Daniel Riby, talks dream homes, customer misconceptions and selling properties. Page 13 Get to know the Ben Siggins agents in your local area. Page 17  BUYER FOCUS: Exploring the crucial code of conduct when viewing properties. Page 14

It also gives me great pleasure to introduce our newest member of the team, Abbie Morgan.

Abbie, who is located at the Gillingham branch, joins us from Purple Property, so brings a wealth of experience in sales and lettings. She takes pride in her work, thrives from recommendations and enjoys putting her negotiations skills to the test. To find out more about Abbie and the rest of the team here at Ben Siggins Estate Agents, please turn to page 17.

Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you a host of topical articles tailored to those buying or selling property. On page 6, we unveil those simple, yet effective, improvements that can help increase your home’s selling potential. From double glazing and a deep clean through to a fresh lick of paint, these low-budget tricks will work wonders without breaking the bank.

Meanwhile, we outline the crucial code of conduct when viewing properties. Adhering to househunting etiquette is not only common courtesy, it may also work in your favour when putting in an offer. Turn to page 14 to learn more about the faux pas to avoid – you may be surprised!

For more information on any of the issues discussed within the magazine, or would like to enquire about a featured property, please do not hesitate to contact the office where a member of the team would be happy to help.

Ben Siggins Managing Director

 LIVE LISTINGS: A glance at some of the hottest properties currently available through Ben Siggins Estate Agents. Page 18

Get in touch...  www.bensiggins.co.uk  ben@bensiggins.co.uk Maidstone Office:  29 Pudding Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PA  01622 524110 Gillingham Office:  227 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5XB

Have you checked out bensiggins.co.uk yet?

Designed to take the strain out of house hunting, bensiggins.co.uk is the go-to site for buying, selling and renting properties in Maidstone and the South East.  Property search with advanced filtering  Valuation request form  Local information  News, interviews & more

 01634 757070 Kings Hill Office:

Don't forget, you can also follow us online, and see the latest properties first.

 26 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, Kent, ME19 4UA  01732 424090

Designed and published by Reach Out Creative Ltd.

03

Market Insight

NEWS

Stay one step ahead of the game with our bi-monthly round up of all the need-to-know stories affecting the housing market today, because knowledge is power!

Adam Beckett, Propositions Director for Aviva says: “When it comes to decorating and renovating most of us have a ‘can do’ attitude – or we’re at least willing to give things a go!

Budgets are often tight after a house move too, so DIY can be a great way of saving cash.

However, the reality is that some jobs are trickier than they look and can actually end up costing more if mistakes need to be put right.

“It’s always worth weighing up whether the DIY route is the best way to go, particularly when it comes to plumbing or electrical jobs which could be extremely dangerous if things go wrong.

Prevention is better than the cure when it comes to DIY disasters, but when mistakes do happen, it’s worth getting in touch with your home insurance provider – particularly if you have accidental damage cover – as they may well be able to help you get back to that ‘house beautiful’.”

Says:

Four in ten new homeowners have DIY disasters in the first year pilled paint, burst pipes

S and plaster falling off walls are amongst the most common DIY disasters encountered by new housebuyers, according to research from Aviva. A study of around 1000 recent homemovers found that people spent on average more than £10,000 in the first year doing up their new properties. However, the research also revealed that costs are often bumped up by bodged jobs around the house.

Nine out of 10 people surveyed said they tried to save on their domestic outlays by doing at least some of the renovations and redecorations themselves.

However, four out of 10 (39%) admitted they had a DIY disaster while doing up their new home

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“In my view, the only DIY a new homeowner should be taking on without having any experience would be painting. Having said that I have seen some terrible decorating done in properties! My advice would always be leave it to the experts.”

Stamp duty hike 'motivated by fear of EU state aid rules' George Osborne's last budget confirmed an additional stamp duty surcharge of 3% on second home purchases.

Despite hints from the Treasury that this surcharge would not apply to those who own at least 15 properties, it was also announced that this levy would also apply to larger scale landlords. According to Addleshaw Goddard, the effect of this will be additional costs for institutional landlords, which will potentially have an adverse impact on the burgeoning Build To Rent and private rented sectors. On top of this, the Chancellor announced changes to the way SDLT will be charged on commercial property, introducing a new marginal “slice” system that mirrors the rules that apply to residential property. The effect of the change is that investors in properties costing over £1.05m now pay more in SDLT than previously on new acquisitions.

and worse still, when things went wrong, more than half of DIY-ers (54%) had to call in a professional to put right their mistakes.

The most common DIY disasters revealed by the study are as follows: 1 Spilled paint on carpet/furniture 2 Plaster fell off walls 3 Burst pipe 4 Put a hole through wall/ceiling 5 Injured self 6 Did a poor job of decorating

and had to re-do 7 Ceiling fell down 8 Broke a window 9 Broke an electrical item e.g. TV 10 Broke

a household item e.g. ornament/furniture

First-time buyer activity propels market The UK housing market reported healthy growth in Spring, on the back of a surge in first-time buyer activity. There is also welcome and unexpected news for first-time buyers themselves, with a 6.6% year-on-year increase in the number of fresh-to-the-market homes in their target sector of two bedrooms or fewer, the highest since 2007.

Unseasonal acceleration in house price growth The last quarter saw a notable and unseasonal acceleration in house price growth across UK cities according to the latest Hometrack UK Cities House Price Index. Overall city level house price inflation increased to 11.0% up from 8.1% a year ago, the highest annual rate of growth for almost 18 months. Portsmouth, Nottingham and Birmingham recorded the highest rate of annual house price growth for over 10 years, while Leeds and Glasgow have seen the highest rate for over 8 years.

All these cities have experienced sustained house price inflation since 2013 largely due to the improving economic conditions.

Tenants have right to request energy improvements Tenants now have the right to request consent from their landlords to make energy-saving improvements. Landlords will not be able to refuse their consent without good reason, but tenants will need to ensure that they have a way of funding improvements at no cost to the landlord, unless otherwise agreed. This may prove difficult, as it was originally expected that the Green Deal, which was closed down in July last year, would provide much of the funding for this initiative. Making these improvements can be beneficial to

Says:

Finance in focus In a constantly-shifting market, we're here to help you stay abreast of the implications of new legislation, trends and opportunities...

Market Insight

both tenants and landlords, saving on costs and having a positive impact on the environment. A property that is energy efficient can also be an attractive prospect for potential tenants. According to a recent survey by the National Landlords Association, 35% of tenants said they considered the energy efficiency of a property to be an important factor when choosing a place to live.

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“I have never had a buyer request to see an EPC (Energy performance certificate), yet I have been asked by prospective tenants on many occasions. I can therefore see this being a benefit to landlords to have a house that’s rates higher on an EPC graph.

Proportion of London landlords looking to sell quadruples The proportion of landlords in central London who intend to sell property has quadrupled since last year’s Budget, according to new research from the National Landlords Association. Just 4% of landlords in central London had plans to sell property when surveyed before last year’s Budget. However, the figure has almost quadrupled, rising to 19%, when surveyed earlier this year. The 15% increase in intention to sell property is the highest witnessed across the UK over the last six months.

Marsh & Parsons comments on latest DCLG statistics The latest Help to Buy and New Buy Guarantee Scheme Statistics from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) revealed some interesting facts. In the first 33 months of the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme (to 31st December 2015), 73,813 properties were bought with an equity loan. Most of the home purchases in the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme were made by First Time Buyers, who accounted for 59,871 (81%) of total purchases. For the Help to Buy “New Buy” scheme, 5696 house purchases were made since the launch of the scheme in March 2012. Charles Holland, Head of Residential Investment and Development at Marsh & Parsons, comments: “The Government’s Help to Buy scheme has certainly made a splash in the London property market. Across London, buyers – the majority of whom are those taking their first step onto the property ladder – have seized the opportunity to get a helping hand to purchase their dream home.”

East Midlands tenants most satisfied More renters in the East Midlands are satisfied with their landlord than in any other part of England according to new findings from the National Landlords Association. The poll found that 83% of renters in the East Midlands said they are satisfied with their landlord. Tenants in the North West and South West were jointly second on the list, with 82% satisfaction. The findings emerge as the latest English Housing Survey – published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) – shows that average private sector tenancies now last four years.

Landlords to be forced into debt If interest rates rise by just 2.5% over the next four years, traditional buy-to-let could become unprofitable in seven out of 10 UK towns and the average investment property would make an annual loss of £325, according to property crowdfunding platform Property Partner. Property Partner looked at more than 100 of the largest towns and cities in the UK, to see what impact interest rate rises would have on local buy-to-let markets. By 2020, buy-to-let investors will have lost higher rate tax relief on their mortgage interest payments.

Starter homes deemed unaffordable Discounted starter homes could be out of reach for the majority of families in need of an affordable home in many parts of the country, according to new analysis by the Local Government Association. First-time buyers will be able to buy 200,000 new starter homes over the next five years at a minimum discount of 20% to the market value. The LGA is concerned it will help the fewest numbers of people in areas where the housing affordability crisis is most acute and will be out of reach for many people.

05

Vendor Focus

Low budget tricks to increase your home’s selling potential If you're looking for ways to improve your home without breaking the bank, consider these handy tips to boost its value and selling potential.

hen going through the

W process of selling your home, you will find that buyers fall into one of two categories.

The first group are those who are willing to renovate and take on a ‘project’ – they will look past the imperfections and see the potential for improvement, however they are more likely to offer below the asking price to make way for a healthier renovation budget. The second group are those who are looking for a home that is ready to move in to – one that takes after their own tastes, or better still a blank canvas that does not entail any cosmetic or structural modifications – some buyers are just simply put off by the idea of DIY. If you’re struggling to attract the latter group, you may find that some crucial preparations and staging is needed. Here are some handy, low budget tips that will bring your home back

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to life and increase its selling potential.

Highlight your assets Outdoor structures can prove to be a real asset when it comes to selling your home, however they

can easily fall into disrepair. In the greenhouse for instance, be sure to replace broken panes of glass as these are unsightly and unsafe, and could result in your property being out of the running for viewers with young families. Greenhouse

glass can be easily replaced and made to order fairly cheaply.

Transforming your shed’s appearance can also be achieved simply by a lick of wood paint, stain or preservative. If you can bring these outbuildings up to a

The kitchen is used day in, day out, so understandably will require some TLC to attract those discerning house-hunters

Vendor Focus

A pressure washer is a brilliant tool to get your outdoor surfaces looking good as new

Light and warmth Windows play an important role in attracting potential buyers.

They determine how much light will fill the property but also impact on the energy efficiency of the building. Estate Agents insist that new double-glazed windows or fitting secondary glazing inside existing windows will add value while making a home more ‘sellable’. Although you can expect to pay up to £20,000 depending on the size of your home, installing these could potentially add as much as 20% to the existing value of your home. Similarly, wood burners are a worthwhile investment if you want to reassure prospective buyers that they will be warm and cosy in your home. You can expect to pay up to £2500 for a brand new wood burner, and it could potentially give 5% added value.

Kitchen update

presentable state, then you could potentially add significant value to your property, and might prove to be of great interest to those green-fingered house-hunters.

The kitchen is the hub of the home. It is used day in, day out, so understandably will require some TLC to attract those discerning house-hunters. The first, and easiest, suggestion would be to look at the cabinetry and hardware. Could you reface those tatty cupboards? Do all hinges and soft closers work

Installing double glazing could potentially add as much as 20% to the existing value of your home

properly? Would the cabinetry benefit from more contemporary hardware to enhance aesthetic appeal? You can source new cabinet doors from as little as £15 and could really make a world of difference.

Space is a key issue for many kitchens, so it’s important to present this room clutter-free.

Clear all work surfaces and organise any pots and pans discreetly, or better still, creatively.

Wall mounted pot racks are a 

Immaculate landscape The power of a well-maintained garden and outdoor space should never be under-estimated when attracting potential buyers. First and foremost, mow the lawn and cut back any trees and hedges so that you reveal the true space available. To add a splash of colour and vibrancy, a handy tip would be to purchase some inexpensive plants. These can be obtained from all main home improvement retail stores and garden centres.

Don’t forget the patio, pathways and driveways either! A pressure washer is a brilliant tool to get these surfaces looking good as new. If you don’t own one, ask around.

Failing that, pressure washers can be hired for around £100 a day from all reputable hire companies.

The power of a well-maintained garden and outdoor space should never be under-estimated when attracting potential buyers

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www.bensiggins.co.uk ben@bensiggins.co.uk

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D E R I R E QU for sales & lettings

Contact us today quoting 'Reach Out Creative' to receive a 25% discount on selling or letting your property.

Offices in Maidstone (01622 ) 524110, Gillingham (01634) 757070 & Kings Hill (01732) 424090

Vendor Focus

quickly put off potential buyers. A thorough clean by a professional tradesman will help bring your floorcoverings back to their former glory, and believe it or not, this effort won’t go unnoticed by viewers.

Fabrics and furnishings

A thorough clean by a professional tradesman will help bring your carpets back to their former glory

great way of utilising the unused space in the kitchen and they make available valuable storage space. There are a whole host of finishes on offer to complement your kitchen's scheme.

A lick of paint The days of TV’s ‘Changing Rooms’ and bold feature walls are long gone. As much as you’d hate to see that crimson wall go, the fact of the matter is ‘neutral’ interior schemes sell. A fresh lick of neutral paint will not only help attract prospective buyers, it

will also make your home seem lighter and bigger. The same applies to any external paintwork.

With first impressions being so important, a fresh lick of paint to the front door, window frames or weatherboard can make the world of difference and is easily affordable.

Deep clean If you’re hoping to welcome an influx of viewers within a short time frame, it is worthwhile to invest in the services of a professional window cleaner

and carpet cleaner. Both trades charge reasonable rates and will be sure to leave your windows and carpets looking spotless. If you’re selling in the Spring or Summer, visibly clean windows will leave a longlasting impression – they will also enhance the brightness of rooms within the property.

Carpets unfortunately don’t just harbour stains, they also cling on to odours. If you have pets or smokers in the house, unpleasant smells can linger in the property, which could

As much as it’s important to neutralise your home’s interior, it’s also crucial to retain some colour and texture. It is essential to reveal some of the home’s character and make it feel ‘homely’ and welcoming. You can purchase stylish and affordable throws and cushions easily from all home stores. Don’t forget to consider the windows too. Naked windows can leave a room feeling impersonal and cold, so be sure to allocate some of your budget to curtains or blinds.

Although it may seem counterproductive to be making improvements to a property you’re eventually going to be vacating, it really is worth taking the time and spending a small amount if you want to reap the rewards. Even if you consider just one or a few of the recommendations above, in the eyes of the viewer it could be what turns your house into their dream home. 

Story: Hannah Frackiewicz www.bensiggins.co.uk

Don't forget to mow the lawn and cut back any trees and hedges so that you reveal the true space available

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Vendor Focus

Staging for the sale Photography is a key component of your property’s brochure and listing, but in order to increase its impact, you as the homeowner can help contribute to some subtle staging with this simple guide.

f you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you’ve taken the first steps to selling your home. But before you welcome a host of potential buyers, it’s important to help your agent market your home to the best of its ability.

The house’s main photograph has to immediately connect with the buyer. It is the handshake, the first impression. Buyers will decide in around 3 seconds (according to Rightmove research) whether to dismiss it or not. High quality photos make a difference, a big difference.

Most reputable agents, like Ben Siggins Estate Agents, will co-ordinate a professional photoshoot on your behalf. They will recommend capturing your home’s frontage, rear garden and notable rooms within the home. Whilst they have access to Photoshop and other specialist software, they will need your

I

assistance to reveal the property’s best assets.

1. Make space Space is a huge selling point.

Where possible, re-arrange your rooms so that the photographer can highlight the amount of floor space available. Buyers are instantly drawn to the perception of space, so it’s vital that the photography captures this. Put away rugs for the time being, as these can sometimes make rooms look smaller than they actually are, or perhaps consider pushing furniture back against the walls.

2. Clear clutter Remove any unnecessary clutter that you’ve become accustomed to on a daily basis, to create the illusion of space. Clear surfaces are vital when presenting the kitchen for instance, as househunters are intrigued and

Ben Siggins Estate Agents is renowned for presenting properties in their best light

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attracted to the quality and finish of this room. Cluttered counters and general living spaces will immediately detract the focus, and can make the rooms appear cramped.

3. Depersonalise Depersonalise rooms by removing personal belongings such as photographs and

clothes. The photographs should show signs of life as this will help viewers warm to the property, however it can sometimes be off-putting to viewers if you reveal too much. If you’re unsure, your agent will advise you on what items are appropriate to remove or be left in the frame.

4. Nice and neutral In a heavily internet-driven market, your property’s online listing must compete against an abundance of similar properties. You, and your agent, should therefore strive to make your property stand out from the crowd with a clean and concise image portfolio.

Neutral is the watchword, especially when it comes to fabrics and linen. White or cream bedding, complemented with subtle accents of colour using cushions/throws, gives the impression of a hotel experience and is a great eye-catcher.

If you’re afraid you’ve gone too far the other way by removing all traces of colour, organise for some flowers to be displayed for the photoshoot. These will help to breathe some life into the rooms

Vendor Focus White or cream bedding, complemented with subtle accents of colour using cushions/throws, gives the impression of a hotel experience

1, the floorspace available is likely to be a key point of interest.

7. Positive attitude

To inject some colour, organise for some flowers to be displayed for the photoshoot

and it will also communicate to potential buyers that you take pride in your home’s appearance.

5. Garden and exterior Be prepared for the agent to want to photograph the exterior of your property. Turn to page 6 for a simple guide on how prepare your home and garden for viewings but in the meantime, for the photography, quickly deweed the driveway/patio areas. A freshly mown lawn and wellpruned garden will look good for the camera, but weather conditions may not always make this feasible. Again, remove any personal items and uninspiring plants from view, and give the windows/front door a quick wipe down to offer a welcoming and inviting lead image. At Ben Siggins Estate Agents, the photographer will always come back on a day where the sun is out and a blue sky is present to really show your home off in the best possible light.

will ensure you attract the most viewers. A glistening kitchen and bathroom suite will go a long way when it comes to marketing your property, so it’s worth going to the effort. The power of a visibly, freshly-vacuumed carpet should also never be underestimated. If you follow the guidance in point

Regardless of how your estate agent decides to stage your home, it’s vital to have a flexible attitude. You may be required to accompany the agent/ photographer throughout the process to remove additional personal items from each room. Being accommodating and working alongside the photographer is a crucial aspect of this process if you want to get the very best results.

At Ben Siggins Estate Agents, the company takes pride in the quality of images it publishes with each and every one of its

listed properties. Professional photography is carried out at no extra charge by owner Ben Siggins, where he has been trained specially in this area. The company's handson approach to photography is testament to the service it offers its customers. Meticulous attention to detail, complemented by a wealth of expertise, is proving to generate great results, time and time again.

Visit www.bensiggins.co.uk to see for yourself. 

Story: Hannah Frackiewicz www.bensiggins.co.uk

6. Clean and tidy Tip top cleanliness is vital at every stage of the selling process, but capturing this from the outset

Ben Siggins Estate Agents advises that you depersonalise rooms by removing items such as photographs, toys and clothes

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Showcase your home from a different perspective

www.bensiggins.co.uk ben@bensiggins.co.uk

...with aerial photography by Ben Siggins

Aerial photography is a fantastic way to show properties and their surroundings in an amazing new light, for just ÂŁ149 (+VAT).

Contact us today to discuss the best ways to market your property.

Offices in Maidstone (01622) 524110, Gillingham (01634) 757070 & Kings Hill (01732) 424090

Here Daniel Riby, General Manager at Ben Siggins Estate Agents, reveals how he got into property, explains why communication is key and reflects on his dream home.

Please provide some information on your professional background D: I have been working in estate agency since the age of 18. I started in Gillingham and worked for Halifax estate agents. Halifax estate agency was sold to LSL property services and a lot of the branches were closed, so from there I was placed into the bank and worked as a cashier. I was in the bank for only nine months and was itching to get back into estate agency so I moved to Your Move in Tenterden. From there I moved my way up the career ladder and eventually worked with Ben Siggins in a Countrywide. He brought me on board to help open up Ben Siggins Estate Agents in Maidstone which is now a great success. Following that, Ben decided to open the new branch in Gillingham, where we are now building another successful estate agency.

What would be your dream home?

D: My dream home would be a detached house in a village location, with enough bedrooms for my family and to be able to have several guests stay over at one time, an indoor heated swimming pool, with acres of land and with views over the countryside.

What is your favourite part of Kent and why?

D: I do love where I live in Maidstone, there is so much to do and with one of our branches just a 20 minute drive, I would have to say my heart is where my home is. However I did live in Medway for 19 years and a lot of my family still live there so I am torn between the two. With Capstone Park, Hempstead Valley, Chatham Dockyard, Diggerland, Rochester Castle and the Riverside Country Park to name a few of the things I like to do with my family around the Gillingham area, I am hard pushed to choose.

When it comes to customer service, what do you pride yourself on?

D: Communication is key, it’s understanding your customer and acting for them with their best interests in mind. I feel I provide an excellent service for all my clients and it comes down to listening to what the client needs.

What do you find is the most common misconception with customers buying or selling a property?

D: A lot of the time customers don’t take into account the cost of moving and all the fees for solicitors, removals, stamp duty etc – the bills all start building up.

In your view, what makes Ben Siggins stand out from other agents in the area?

D: Our marketing is unique and our photos are by far the best, but not only that, it’s the personal service we offer across all of our offices. Also our branches stand out with branding and decor.

Meet the team

Q&A with Daniel When you are not selling properties, what do you like to do in your spare time?

D: After living in flats for the past six years I do enjoy my gardening. Cycling and snooker are also big passions of mine.

But most of all, spending quality time with my wife and son.

If you were not an estate agent, what career would you see yourself doing?

D: It would have to be something to do with property.

I have always had an interest in property, so maybe developing, investing in property or renovating.

How do you anticipate the property market to perform over the next 12 months?

D: The property market is a tough thing to predict. It seems that the market is continually moving in an upward direction and prices seem to reach their peak. Hopefully this momentum will continue over the next 12 months and we don’t see a dip in prices. 

What do you enjoy most about working in the property industry?

D: Every day is different. I really enjoy meeting new clients and helping them find their dream home. I also love the feeling of exceeding the client’s expectations and giving them a fantastic service.

In his down time, Daniel's favourite places to visit in and around Kent include Chatham Historic Dockyard (far left), Rochester Castle (above left), and Diggerland (left). Daniel also enjoys seeing the county by bicycle (above).

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Buyer Focus

The importance of house-hunting etiquette When viewing any property, there are certain rules of etiquette you should follow. Not only is it common courtesy to follow these rules, but failing to do so could have a negative impact on your chances of buying the property.

irst and foremost, if you cannot attend a viewing give plenty of notice to the estate agent. Homeowners who prefer to be present while the viewing takes place will have organised their day around your visit. If you fail to attend or give short notice, you may receive a cool reception next time and it may just hinder your chances of having an offer accepted.

F

may feel more confident bringing along a partner or a friend for a second opinion, but any more than two is unnecessary and can often be quite intimidating for the homeowners. If possible, avoid taking children along to your first viewing. It could become distracting, and if the vendor is

childless they may find it a bit of an imposition.

Respect the property When arriving to a property, it’s important to treat it with respect.

Regardless of whether you do or don’t in your own home, take off your shoes when entering.

Arriving on time is one of the key things to remember when viewing a property. It is respecting both the homeowners and the estate agent. Be courteous – remember that they have organised their schedule to accommodate your viewing.

Don’t bring the whole clan

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Ask permission before taking photos It’s not good etiquette to start taking photographs in a property without asking the estate agent or the homeowner first. This is someone’s private home after all, and they may not be happy or feel comfortable with you taking photos of their rooms. If you are given permission, only take photos if it is really necessary, for example if a partner can’t attend the viewing with you.

Be punctual

Whether you’ve got a private viewing, alternatively if it’s an open house day, the rules still remain the same: keep the viewing party to a minimum. You

It’s courteous and makes a good impression with homeowners.

Remember to respect certain areas of the home too. Rooms are there to be viewed, not touched. It is possible to conduct a thorough viewing without riffling through drawers and belongings.

Don’t view the property too many times It is polite to take off your shoes when entering the property

It’s perfectly normal for you to want to be sure about purchasing a property, but

Be tactful Not all properties are to everyone’s tastes, but it’s important to be tactful with your opinions in front of homeowners.

When walking through the property, explain what you like and admire about the home, highlight its strengths but save your criticisms for when you’ve left the property. It’s likely that the homeowner is very proud of their property and they will not warm to you if you pick out its downfalls. Similarly, if you’re seriously considering purchasing the property, don’t openly discuss what you would intend to do it, such as knocking down a wall.

The homeowners may not like the thought of someone changing it drastically once they are gone.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t make any changes but keep them to yourself at this stage.

Save the survey Your first instincts may be to look for signs of damp or structural damage, but this is bad practice until you’ve had an offer accepted. Moving furniture around to check for such imperfections can be seen

as rude, especially if the vendor is present. When you’re in a position to inspect the property, a surveyor will carry out the necessary checks on your behalf.

Buyer Focus

discouraged from doing this – if anything, it proves to the vendor that you’re serious.

Don’t overstep the mark Even if you warm to the vendor and strike up a good relationship it’s important to know your boundaries. For instance, don’t turn up unannounced for one final tour before putting in an offer. It is the estate agent’s responsibility to arrange a viewing until the keys are in your hands. Similarly, it’s natural to want to get a feel for the area, identify the local schools etc, but don’t go overboard by introducing yourself to the neighbours prematurely.

Be upfront Finally, it’s good practice to be upfront about where you are in the conveyancing process. Your honestly will fill the vendor with confidence and may increase your chances of having an offer accepted. Being evasive about your current situation, could lead the vendor to question your level of commitment. 

Story: Hannah Frackiewicz www.bensiggins.co.uk

It’s good practice to be upfront about where you are in the conveyancing process

viewing the home too many times could give mixed messages to the homeowner.

Wanting to view the property a second time is natural, but if you arrange a third viewing without even putting in an offer, it is unlikely you’re going to buy it and therefore you should expect to receive a cool reception from the owners.

Don’t measure up It’s a wonderful feeling to walk into a property and instantly visualise yourself living there, but it’s important not to get to ahead of yourself before your offer is accepted. Taking a tape measure to a first viewing is definitely unnecessary. The estate agent’s details will include floor plans so you will have access to the dimensions. If you want to check whether your sofa will fit, it’s best to wait until your offer has been accepted. At this point, don’t be

It’s important not to get to ahead of yourself before your offer is accepted

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Award-winning, fully insured & protected...

Lettings by Ben Siggins We endeavour to develop the highest quality letting service in Maidstone, Gillingham and Kings Hill even further. Our competitive commission rates are always fully insured and protected, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey with us. Call us to arrange a time for us to come and see you to provide an up-to-date rental value.

No Worries

The Best Price

We ensure a fully-insured letting service, meaning your property and income are always protected in the event of non-payment of rent, or eviction. Your investment will be protected with Ben Siggins, giving you peace of mind.

We hold a proven track record in marketing homes to achieve the best price for you, and in providing an unbeaten service. Embellished with complimentary professional photography, floor plan layouts and personal advice, it's no wonder we’re held in such high-esteem.

Safe & Secure

No Hidden Costs

We operate under the Property Ombudsman Scheme for Lettings, giving full protection of your deposit stake.

Furthermore, we offer a Client Money Protection policy whereby monies are further protected in the extremely unlikely case that your deposit contributions are misappropriated.

Transparency and honesty are core principles at Ben Siggins. Unlike other agents, there are zero additional costs for property inspections, mid-term checks, rent reviews and even end of tenancy check-outs.

These are all included in the monthly fee.

Contact us today quoting 'Reach Out Creative' to receive a 25% discount on selling or letting your property.

Offices in Maidstone (01622) 524110, Gillingham (01634) 757070 & Kings Hill (01732) 424090

www.bensiggins.co.uk ben@bensiggins.co.uk

At Ben Siggins Estate Agents, the company takes pride in the personal and professional service that it offers its customers. Moving home or selling a property is an extremely personal experience, which is why the team at Ben Siggins is renowned for understanding and listening to its clients.

Meet the team

Meet the team

BEN SIGGINS MANAGING DIRECTOR

DANIEL RIBY

After 12 years of successfully working for large estate agents, Ben Siggins opened up his own independent branch, with a view to offering a more personal, professional service. He thrives on the competitiveness of the industry and takes pride in delivering the best results for his clients.  ben@bensiggins.co.uk

GENERAL MANAGER Daniel Riby has been working in estate agency since the age of 18 and is now the General Manager across all branches. He believes communication is key, as is understanding his customers, so he has their best interests in mind. Outside of finding customers their dream home, he enjoys gardening, cycling and snooker.  daniel@bensiggins.co.uk

Maidstone Branch  01622 524110

MATTHEW GROVES BRANCH MANAGER With 12 years' sales experience, Matthew found his passion for property three years ago. He now heads up the Maidstone branch, where his main aim is to meet all of his clients’ needs, effectively and efficiently.

Outside of work, Matthew can be found socialising or working on his competitive streak on the football pitch!  matthew@bensiggins.co.uk

LINDSEY DYSON SALES & LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR Lindsey joined the team in August 2015 with an extremely successful sales background.

Previously a buyer for one of the UK’s leading retailers, she prides herself on her excellent negotiation skills and can be found always going the extra mile. Lindsey enjoys socialising and spending time with family. She is also a keen traveller.  lindsey@bensiggins.co.uk

ILZE FREIMANE SALES & LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR Latvian-born Ilze joined the team in August 2015, bringing a wealth of expertise plus three fluent languages! She thrives on meeting people and developing her understanding of the property sector to provide the best possible service.

When not negotiating, Ilze can be found on the tennis court and walking her little Pomeranian.  ilze@bensiggins.co.uk

Gillingham Branch  01634 757070

LYDIA JAKOB-GRANT BRANCH MANAGER Lydia joined the team in January 2016, bringing with her a wealth of sales experience. She takes pride in her communication skills with vendors and is renowned for the rapport she builds with her customers. In her spare time, Lydia can be found spending time with her family, walking her sausage dog and going to West End musicals.  lydia@bensiggins.co.uk

ABBIE MORGAN SENIOR SALES & LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR Abbie Morgan joined the company in April 2016. With over six years’ experience in sales and lettings, she is well-versed in the property industry. Abbie takes pride in her work, thrives from recommendations and enjoys putting her negotiation skills to the test, and as result, has earned herself an excellent reputation.  abbie@bensiggins.co.uk

Find out more and browse all current

 properties at www.bensiggins.co.uk

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www.bensiggins.co.uk ben@bensiggins.co.uk

for sales & lettings Do you target homeowners & landlords in the South East?

To reach new audiences and promote your business in our next issue: Call Daniel today on 01622 524110

Rectory Lane, Maidstone

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£825,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this stunning five bedroom detached home in the sought after location of Rectory Lane, Maidstone. Situated on a substantial gated plot this luxury home is a must-see. With a generous rear garden, heated swimming pool and bespoke fixtures and fittings throughout, the list goes on. Please contact us today to avoid disappointment.

Warden Close, Maidstone

£500,000

This spacious five bedroom property is situated on a substantial plot on a desirable cul de sac off the Queens Road. As soon as you walk in it feels like home and offers generous accommodation throughout. Upstairs are four well proportioned bedrooms with the master bedroom spanning the depth of the house. Externally the property has a large block paved drive to the front with separate garage and a private garden to the rear.

Leonard Gould Way, Loose, Maidstone

Properties

Live Listings

£425,000

This substantial, semi-detached, four bedroom home is in excellent decorative condition and boasts all modern amenities and facilities.

Suitable for a couple or family, the beautiful interior has been thoughtfully decorated and is ready to move into. It is situated in the sought after village of Loose in a quiet, cul de sac location close to the County town of Maidstone. It boasts a garage, off road parking and a large, rear garden.

White Hill Road, Detling, Maidstone

£800,000

Offering bags of potential and an endless list of features, Ben Siggins is delighted to offer to the market this stunning four bedroom home situated in an exclusive gated development in Detling, Maidstone. The home is located in the North Downs area of outstanding natural beauty and is situated on a substantial plot and needs to be at the top of your list! Call today to avoid disappointment.

Mill Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone

£450,000

A stunning, chain-free five bedroom detached home in the sought after location of Mill Lane, Coxheath. As you enter the large bespoke porch entrance it feels like home and it's clear to see this comes from all the time and energy invested by the current owners to make this such a wonderful property. With a beautiful private rear garden and a large driveway for four cars this home is a must-see.

Penenden Heath, Maidstone

£425,000

This stunning four bedroom home in the sought after location of Heathfield Avenue, Penenden Heath, Maidstone is situated on a generous plot with plenty of curb appeal. Boasting character features throughout, plus conservatory and driveway, the list goes on. The garden to the rear is beautiful and has a large decked area and garden which stretches far back and has direct access to Penenden Heath park.

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Properties

Live Listings

Trevor Drive, Maidstone

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£400,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this stunning four bedroom chalet bungalow to the market in the sought after location of Trevor Drive, Allington. As soon as you drive up to this home you will notice the property is located on a generous plot and has plenty of curb appeal.

As you enter the large hallway it's clear to see the owners have invested a lot of time and energy into creating this well presented property.

Park Avenue, Linton, Maidstone

£360,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this stunning three bedroom semidetached home to the market in the sought after village of Linton.

Nestled in the quiet location of Park Avenue this home has everything you could ask for. The rear private garden is an oasis, attracting wildlife and is the perfect area to enjoy with friends and family or alternatively a quiet sanctuary to relax in.

Sutton Road, Maidstone

£325,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this fantastic opportunity to purchase this spacious three bedroom detached bungalow in the sought after location of Sutton Road, Maidstone. With a large driveway, clean contemporary interior, converted attic room and a private rear garden with the luxury of your own heated swimming pool this beautifully presented home is a must-see!

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River Close, East Farleigh, Maidstone

£375,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this stunning, chain-free three bedroom detached home in the sought after location of River Close, East Farleigh. With picturesque views over the countryside and a beautiful private rear garden this home is a must-see and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Please call Ben Siggins today to avoid disappointment!

Burrage Road, London

£340,000

This fantastic property in a popular residential location with gated off road parking for one provides a wonderful home for any single person, couple or small family. The apartment comprises of entrance hall, bathroom, two bedrooms (one with en-suite) and lounge/kitchen/diner.

Here is your chance to be part of the next property hot spot at an entry level price.

Allen Close, Chatham

£325,000

A beautifully presented, four bedroom detached house in immaculate condition, in a sought after cul-de-sac location near Capstone Park and close to a range of good schools. This attractive property boasts a spacious lounge, stunning conservatory and enclosed garden – making it suitable for any family. The house is fully double glazed, has gas central heating, a detached garage and a driveway suitable for at least two cars.

Chartwell Drive, Maidstone

£325,000

A fantastic mid-terrace town house situated in the desirable Chartwell Drive, Allington consisting of three spacious bedrooms, arranged over three floors. As soon as you enter into the large hallway it feels like home and it's clear to see that the owners have invested a lot of time to maintain and keep a well presented home. Externally the garden is well maintained, and the property benefits from allocated parking and driveway

St. Catherines Road, Maidstone

£300,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this immaculate, end of terrace home to the market. Set over three floors with four spacious bedrooms this is a perfect family home. St. Catherines is set in the sought after development in the Parkwood area of Maidstone and is all ready to move into. On entering into the hallway it feels like home and it's clear to see that this home is showroom quality.

Lower Road, Dover

£280,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer to the market this stunning, detached, three bedroom home in the sought after village of River, Dover. As you pull up onto the drive you will notice that this home has plenty of curb appeal and is situated on a generous plot. There is a garage to the front with a beautiful established garden and private tiered garden to the rear.

Properties like this don't come to the market often!

Live Listings

Richmond Way, Maidstone

Properties

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£300,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer to the market this fantastic opportunity to purchase this three bedroom semi-detached home in the sought after location of Richmond Way, Maidstone. Situated on a substantial corner plot this home offers bags of potential for future development.

The current owner has extensively modernised this property – fitting new double glazed windows, central heating system and electrics.

Barned Court, Maidstone

£300,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this impressive, three bedroom, semi detached house with planning granted for a rear extension, in a quiet location in the sought after area of Barned Court, Maidstone. This home has everything you could ask for including off road parking, garage and large rear garden and the open plan layout lends itself perfectly for family living.

Fordcombe Close, Maidstone

£275,000

This impressive, three bedroom, semi detached house in a quiet location in the sought after area of Senacre has everything you could ask for. The open plan layout lends itself perfectly for family living.

Externally you have a private, south-facing rear garden and a rear garage with side access. This beautiful house is completed by double glazing, gas central heating and off road parking for at least three cars.

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Properties

Live Listings

Bridgeside Mews, Maidstone

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£260,000

This immaculate, mid-terrace, three bedroom home is situated in a sought after development in Maidstone just 1.8 miles from Maidstone East station and the High Street, and is all ready to move into. On the first floor you will find two bedrooms and a modern family bathroom with a further master bedroom on the top floor boasting a fantastic en-suite shower room.

Egmont Road, Sutton

£250,000

This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase this share of freehold one bedroom Victorian apartment in a sought after location. The apartment consists of a large double bedroom, bathroom and a generous lounge/ diner with an open plan kitchen. The light and airy apartment boasts a variety of character features including picture rails, high ceilings and a stunning original sash bay window.

Lushington Road, Maidstone

£250,000

Ben Siggins is delighted to offer this fantastic three bedroom home to the market situated in the sought after location of Lushington Road, within close proximity of Maidstone West station (1.2 Mile). As soon as you enter it feels like home and is all ready to move into. Externally this home has a large driveway to the front for two cars and a beautiful rear garden perfect for all the family to enjoy.

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Pearl Lane, Gillingham

£250,000

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a fabulous, modern, two bedroom apartment situated in the new popular Victory Pier development. The property comprises delightful open plan kitchen/living/dining room, balcony which has views of the river, two double bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite. The property also benefits from an onsite gymnasium, wi fi lounge, allocated parking, entry phone system, lift and secure bike store.

Barton Road, Maidstone

£250,000

This fantastic, three bedroom property has been brilliantly extended and renovated to the highest of standards, creating a modern, spacious home perfect for any couple or family. The ground floor comprises of kitchen/diner, reception room and lounge. The kitchen/diner is fantastically modern with a recently fitted kitchen and underfloor heating.

Wrangleden Road, Maidstone

£240,000

A stunning, chain-free, two bedroom bungalow in the sought after location of Wrangleden Road, Maidstone. This bungalow is one of two newly developed properties which offer modern, open plan living with contemporary fixtures and fittings. The property is light and airy and has many windows throughout and large sliding doors to the rear which flood this home full of natural light.

Aylward Way, Rainham, Gillingham

£230,000

This immaculate, mid-terrace, three bedroom home is situated in a sought after development in Rainham and is all ready to move into. As you enter the open hallway it feels like home. The ground floor consists of a WC, modern fitted kitchen and a large lounge/dining room for all the family to enjoy. The lounge/diner is bright and airy due to the beautiful patio doors leading to the private rear garden and floods the property with natural light.

Wrangleden Road, Maidstone

£220,000

A stunning, chain-free, one bedroom bungalow in the sought after location of Wrangleden Road, Maidstone. This bungalow is one of two newly developed properties which offer modern, open plan living with contemporary fixtures and fittings. The property is light and airy and has many windows throughout and large sliding doors to the rear which flood this home full of natural light.

Plumpton Walk, Maidstone

£200,000

A fantastic, chain-free two bedroom property situated in the sought after location of Plumpton Walk, Maidstone. This home offers bags of potential whether you are looking to get your foot firmly on the property ladder or looking for that perfect investment project. Externally you will find a small garden to the front and beautiful garden to the rear with access to the allocated parking spaces.

Live Listings

Wheeler Street, Maidstone

Properties

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£220,000

A stunning, three bedroom, mid-terrace home in the sought after location of Wheeler Street, Maidstone, within a 0.6 mile walk of Maidstone East train station. The ground floor consists of a lounge, kitchen/diner and bathroom. The lounge to the front of the property is inviting and has a beautiful exposed brick fireplace and new double glazed windows which flood the home with natural light.

Charlton Street, Maidstone

£210,000

A fantastic, chain-free, mid-terrace home consisting of three bedrooms, arranged over three floors. Situated in the sought after location of Charlton Street, Maidstone, the property is 1 mile from Maidstone West station. With bags of character, space and a beautiful rear garden this home is a must-see and needs to be at the top of your viewing list.

Please call us today to avoid disappointment!

Rockwell Court, Maidstone

£190,000

An extremely well-presented two bedroom duplex apartment, situated in the popular area of Rockwell Court, Maidstone. The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, lounge/diner, modern fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms a cloakroom and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from access to an allocated parking space, as well as electric central heating and double glazing throughout.

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Live Listings

Bower Mount Road, Maidstone

For the full range of properties to buy or rent, visit bensiggins.co.uk

£550,000

Are you looking for that perfect detached family home bursting with character and charm? This substantial period detached four bedroom home is outstanding, boasting character features throughout and has space for all members of the family to enjoy. Situated in a very sought after location close to a mainline station and the County town of Maidstone.

Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone

£475,000

A stunning three bedroom detached bungalow located in the sought after location of Sittingbourne Road and needs to be at the top of your list! The property features a large, open-plan kitchen/diner which is flooded with natural light due to the large bi-folding doors and large glass rooflight to the rear. The property also benefits from a large private garden perfect for all the family to enjoy

Edwin Road, Gillingham

£450,000

This substantial detached four bedroom family home with two bathrooms and a 150ft (approx) rear garden is situated in a premier residential setting in Edwin Road. Doors from both the dining room and kitchen lead onto the pleasant rear garden which is mainly laid to lawn.

This lovely property is completed by a single, attached garage, off road parking for up to 3 cars, central heating and double glazing.

Swain Road, Gillingham

£490,000

This substantial four bedroom, detached family home is situated in a premier residential setting in Wigmore, Rainham. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, spectacular lounge with underfloor heating and frame less glass curtains which lead to a luxury well designed garden.

The modern fitted kitchen has everything to offer with built-in appliances throughout.

Penenden Heath, Maidstone

£450,000

This stunning four bedroom detached home in the sought after location of Penenden Heath Road is situated on a generous plot with large drive, private south facing garden and substantial living space. The home has an abundance of curb appeal and is set back off the road. As soon as you enter it feels like home and it's clear to see this comes from the current owners' time and energy that has been invested.

Baron Close, Bearsted, Maidstone

£425,000

This very impressive, four bedroom, detached house in a quiet cul-desac in the sought after area of Bearsted will be the perfect home for a couple or growing family. The separate lounge and dining room are light and airy and feel very spacious. The kitchen is beautifully fitted with a range of modern wall and base units. There are four double bedrooms, en-suite to master, separate bathroom, gardens and garage.