Property Today by Blackpool Gazette

A Gazette supplement

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Purrfect!

House with it’s own cattery – page 18

property today

Thursday, February 19, 2009

An agent’s view Justin Allitt, of Allitt Estate Agency, answers readers’ property questions

should I present my property in the best light QHow when trying to sell it? The first rule of selling your property is to take your time and prepare your home. You may not be a marketing professional, but now you must act like one. In principle, selling a property is not very different from selling a car. In a sense, they are both just goods and just as the dented car stays on the garage forecourt, so generally the tired and unloved home will fail to tempt many buyers. The key to selling a property for the best possible price as quickly as possible is to make sure your property attracts the maximum number of potential buyers. You need to work out what type of buyer your property will attract and then you must get into the mind of that buyer. The psychology of selling a property and what makes one house more attractive than the identical house next door is something which every property seller needs to know. Thinking about the kind of buyer who will want to buy your home is the first piece in the jigsaw. For a lot of sellers, this is easy enough. For example, a four-bedroom house in a safe neighbourhood, close to good schools, is likely to appeal to families with children. Your children may have left home long ago, and the spare bedrooms may look faded and neglected. Giving your property family appeal will be the key to getting a quick sale. A small, one-bedroom flat in a neighbourhood with lively bars and restaurants and good transport links appeals to young professionals, who yearn for a clean, uncluttered and contemporary look. Clearing out the clutter and giving the rooms a coat of crisp white paint, may be all that is required to give your flat that touch of urban chic. A cosy two-bedroom country style cottage in a quiet village, say over Wyre, will appeal to retirement couples who are downsizing and moving to the country. Here the idea is to suggest comfort and warmth with good quality soft furnishings and roaring log fires. Other properties may not be so easy to categorise but it is still worth putting some time and effort in to second-guessing the likely buyer. If you know where to look there are clues all around you. For example, what kind of people are your neighbours? Who have been the recent newcomers to your street? Are there good schools nearby? What are the transport links like? A nosy walk around your neighbourhood will also yield useful information. What style of decoration is fashionable? Is it an up-and-coming area with plenty of builders' skips in the street that might appeal to people who want to add value to a house? To get that fresh perspective, ask a couple of friends who fall into the category of likely buyers to give you a wartsand-all assessment of your property. Tell them they can be as honest and rude as they like because an unbiased opinion is what you are looking for. You could be in for a surprise. You might love your Moroccan style kazbah of a bedroom, but a friend might tell you that it gives them the creeps. You have lived with the cat litter tray tucked away in the corner of the kitchen, but a friend might suggest that your house could smell fresher.

In association with Allitt Estate Agency Send your queries to Justin Allitt at 12 Wood Street, St Annes, or email stannes@allitt.co.uk

news

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Homeowners in hunt for bargain HOMEOWNERS are returning to the property market looking to pick up bargains following recent house price falls, research showed today. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said new buyer inquiries had now risen for three months in a row – the first time this has happened since the end of 2006. Seven out of 10 surveyors think lower house prices are responsible for the growth in interest, while 48 per cent believe buyers think the bottom of the market is now in sight. The group said that while the Halifax and Nationwide house price indexes showed a fall of around 20 per cent since house prices peaked in 2007, many surveyors think the drop in transaction prices is closer to 30 per cent. Existing homeowners are the main source of the increased interest, with 74

per cent of surveyors saying they are driving the jump in enquiries, while 38 per cent have seen a pick up in interest from investors. But first-time buyers are continuing to be frozen out of the market as lenders demand high deposits, with only 23 per cent of surveyors reporting a rise in interest from people taking their first step on to the property ladder. There are now just three mortgages available for people with a five per cent deposit, and 88 for those with a 10 per cent one. Instead people now need at least a 40 per cent deposit for nearly one in four mortgages on offer, according to Moneyfacts.co.uk. Research from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association also showed that 58 per cent of first-time buyers were unable to get a mortgage

The RICS research comes as property website Rightmove said asking prices in England and Wales jumped by 1.2 per cent during the four weeks to February 7, as sellers were falsely optimistic about how much their home was worth. But it added that interest from potential buyers was booming, with inquiries during January more than double those seen a year earlier. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: “Interest from owner occupiers is likely to persist over the comings months as those with large deposits look to capitalise on the drop in house prices.

Part exchange could be the answer ANYBODY who has lost out on a dream home move because they couldn’t sell their current property knows it can be a heartbreaking experience. At Crossing Gates development in Wesham this worry could soon be a thing of the past under Bryant Homes’ part exchange scheme on a range of homes including plot 95 – a stylish four bedroom detached Longworth design. With its price already reduced from £310,000 to £249,950 , the Longworth offers house hunters plenty of luxurious living space. On the ground floor there are two reception rooms, one with French patio doors leading onto the garden, a spacious kitchen, cloak room and a separate utility room. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two of which have fitted wardrobes and a family bathroom, plus a luxurious en-suite to the master bedroom. Elaine Smith, regional sales manager for Bryant Homes, said: “The stylish Longworth home is ready to move into immediately, meaning someone could be enjoying life at Crossing Gates in a just a few weeks. While the current market means it can be tough to get onto the property ladder, those with equity looking to move to a larger home could snap up a great deal. “Our expert team of homes consultants can offer advice on the range of schemes we have available such as our part exchange scheme. This is such a convenient process and is hugely popular with families who have so many

STYLISH DESIGN: The Longworth four bedroom detached other things to worry about when moving besides finding a buyer for their old home. “Under the scheme Bryant Homes takes the stress out of moving by buying your current home at an agreed price, relieving the worry of broken property chains and saving you the stress and expense of finding the right buyer. With no need to instruct estate agents, you’ll also be saving money on fees too, leaving you with spare cash to spend on your brand new home. And of course,

INSIDE residential agents 3-17 focus: metcalf

Property team

through their broker during the final quarter of 2008, although in half of these cases this was because the most suitable product was not available through intermediaries.

Editorial: 01253 400888 EDITOR : Steve Singleton 2244

news

house call

Lettings

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle Disley 2735

19-27

with no chain to maintain, your move can be arranged so you’re in your new home on time and on schedule.” Crossing Gates is a development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, Currently available is a collection of four bedroom detached homes priced from £241,950. For further information visit the marketing suite (open daily between 10am and 5.30pm), call 0845 071 8775 or log onto www.bryant.co.uk/ northwest/crossinggates

focus: mcdonalds news

Advertising: 01253 361810

TELEPHONE SALES: Darren Stacey 2748 COPY PROCESSOR: Tracy McCormaic 2759

25 27

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 19, 2009

advertiser focus

www.propertytoday.co.uk

MILESTONE: At the opening of new premises on Topping Street last year are sales negotiator Ashley Dribben, Mayoress Ms Julia Massey, Mayor Coun Mary Smith, director Hamze Ballout and principal John Metcalf

Auctions defy slump

METCALF’S were established in the 1960s and during their long reign as one of Blackpool’s most popular independent estate agents they have witnessed many ups and downs in the property market. Through their years of experience they have found that during difficult times auction sales always come out on top. Director, Hamze Ballout says: “In the current climate we are finding that auctions are the way to sell property. “Due to the credit crunch a lot of estate agents are struggling but at Metcalf’s we are as busy as always attracting a lot of clients who are ready and willing to buy at auction.” In 2008 Metcalfs had a very successful year selling over 50 per cent of their auction properties and are now looking forward to the year ahead. If you are thinking of selling by auction but are not sure if it is the right path for you, below are some answers to Metcalf’s most commonly asked questions:

Frequent questions about auction ● How much? Metcalf’s commission for selling at auction is two per cent + VAT (minimum £1,500) and they have a competitive auction entry fee of £300 + VAT. ● Why auction? It offers maximum advertising for your property and a quick secure sale to a buyer who has the funds available and is ready to exchange. ● How long? Once contracts have been signed it takes 28 days for completion. ● What happens if the property doesn’t

sell? They usually get post sale interest. However, if this isn’t the case, then there are three options. 1. You can withdraw the property. 2. You can put the property for sale on the normal market. 3. You can put it into our next auction for half price (£150 + VAT) ● How frequent are they? Metcalf’s is holding seven auctions this year and they take place approximately every two months. ● What is the first step? You would need to book a valuation. They are free of charge and you are under no obligation to sell your property with Metcalf’s. ● Can the buyer pull out of the sale? Once the buyer has signed the contract and paid the 10 per cent deposit, they are committed to the sale. If they pull out for any reason, they will forfeit their deposit and could face legal action from the seller. ● Will there be a reserve on the property? Yes. However this is usually discussed nearer the auction. The property will be advertised with a guide price. The reserve is confidential between Metcalf’s and the seller. Entries are now being taken for the March auction so don’t miss the deadline, guarantee your property a place and enter before February 13. If you want to book a free valuation or if you have any further questions regarding auction, you can call Metcalf’s on 01253 624047, or pop in and see them at 73 Topping Street, Blackpool. There has never been a better time to consider auctioning your property and seeing it sold!

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 19, 2009

news

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Big deposit key for first timers

HOUSE price falls have made it cheaper for first-time buyers with big deposits to buy a home than rent one in the majority of places across the UK, research showed today. London and East Anglia are the only regions of the country where renting is still cheaper than buying for people with a 25 per cent deposit, according to high street bank Abbey. The group said the average price of a typical first-time buyer property such as a flat or terraced house has fallen by 12.6 per cent during the past year to average £111,628. At the same time, the Bank of England Base rate has dropped from 5.25 per cent in February last year to a record low of 1 per cent, making mortgage rates for people with large deposits increasingly affordable. The research found that outside of London and East Anglia, the average monthly rent on a

typical first-time buyer property is £429, while those buying a similar home with a 25 per cent deposit would pay an average of £378 a month, based on a mortgage rate of 4.19 per cent. The North West offered the biggest savings to buyers over renters, with it costing around £77 a month less to buy a property in the region than to rent a similar one, followed by Wales, where buyers could save around £68 a month over renters. But it is still significantly cheaper for people to rent a home rather than buy one in London, where a typical first-time buyer flat costs £275,566, giving monthly mortgage repayments of £1,113 once a 25 per cent deposit has been taken into account. First-time buyers have been hit hard by the credit crunch as lenders demand increasingly high deposits. Nearly one in four mortgagees now requires a deposit of 40 per

cent, while there are just three different deals for people who have five per cent to put down and only 88 for people with 10 per cent. However, the Abbey research is based on the cost of one of its own mortgages for people borrowing 85 per cent of their home’s value, with a rate of 5.84 per cent used for the calculations. Using a best-buy rate of 4.74 per cent, offered by Clydesdale Bank for people borrowing 90 per cent of their home’s value, would increase affordability levels. Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, director of Abbey Mortgages, said: “The tide is turning in favour of first-time buyers. “With property prices falling and competitive mortgage offerings now available, those who have built a significant deposit will be able to reap the benefits across most of the country with lower monthly outgoings.’’

HOME HUNT: Buying is an increasingly attractive option for first timers

Mortgage choices cut back THE number of different mortgage deals available has slumped to only a tenth of its level before the credit crunch first struck, figures show. There are currently just 1,542 different home loans available across the market, compared with 15,599 in July 2007, according to Moneyfacts.co.uk. The fall in choice has been particularly acute for people looking to borrow a large proportion of their home’s value, with the number of different deals available for people with just a five per cent deposit diving from 1,079 in July 2007 to just three now. Choice is also limited for people with a 10 per cent deposit, as there are currently only 113 different mortgages available for consumers looking to borrow 90 per cent of their home’s value. Instead the majority of lenders are demanding deposits of at least 40 per cent if homeowners are to benefit from their best rates. The latest slide in mortgage availability has been driven in part by lenders withdrawing their ranges of tracker products ahead of last week’s interest rate cut. But there have also been steep falls in product availability for people with impaired credit histories and so-called self-certification borrowers, such as the self-employed.

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 19, 2009

house call

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Home is cool for cats By JULIA BENNETT A PRIVATE cattery, with room for 12 to 15 cats, is one of the unique features of this contemporary home. Not only is each room beautifully decorated, there are some other unusual features including a wooden summer house and hot tub. As soon as you approach the white house you can see the quality on offer. The spacious entrance hallway is fitted with a beautiful oak floor, coved ceiling and ambient feature lighting. There is a cloakroom with contemporary glass wash hand basin, wc, black ceramic tiled floor and a coved ceiling. Unique ambient lighting sets the scene in the stunning lounge which boasts a beautiful contemporary stone fireplace with black granite hearth housing an inset brushed stainless steel coal effect basket fire and a bay window.

DETAILS Summary: Stunning home with unique features Address: West Drive, Cleveleys Price: ÂŁ399,950 Agent: Entwistle Green, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys, (01253) 852341 The breakfast kitchen is fitted with an extensive range of walnut wall and base units with LED plinth lighting. There are complementary work surfaces and tiled walls, a fitted stainless steel Bosch microwave oven and plate warmer.

There is an integral breakfast eating area as well as plumbing for automatic washing machine, space for dryer and dishwasher. The L-shaped dining area is fitted with feature lighting which makes the room perfect for entertaining. Also on the ground floor there is a bedroom

with walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite shower room as well as a further room which could be used as a bedroom or a study. On the first floor where there are three other bedrooms, one of which is fitted with an ensuite shower room. The luxury family bathroom comprises a contemporary four piece suite including freestanding bath with feature waterfall tap, double shower cubicle, tiled floor with under floor heating and illuminated mirror. Outside there is block paved parking to the front of the property with ample parking for several vehicles. Additional parking to the side is ideally suited for a caravan or boat. There is an extensive garden with a wide variety of established trees, bushes and shrubs, a patio area and lawned gardens. But the real highlights are the eight-seated hot tub and pavilion, wooden summer house and conservatory with oak floor. There is also an enclosure cattery with measurements and standards suitable for a letting cattery.

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

advertiser focus

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Manager of Blackpool office Rosemary Dawson

Manager of Cleveleys office Louise Darbyshire

Manager of Fleetwood office Ian Donaldson

Best move you’ll make MCDONALD Property Rentals is a privately owned company who specialise in letting and managing residential properties throughout the Fylde. They are a long-established company who have built a high reputation based on honesty, providing clients a genuine comprehensive property management service. With three prominent ground floor offices, they are able to give a personal service to all their clients. The offices are on Whitegate Drive, close to Devonshire Square, Blackpool; Brighton Avenue, close to the tram track, in the centre of Cleveleys and Lord Street, at the Copse Road end, Fleetwood. At McDonald Property Rentals there are qualified property managers who live and work in the area and who

can give an accurate rental valuation of your property. If a property is not offered at a fair current day rental figure, it could be let very quickly, in which case the rent may be too low. If the asking rental is too high the property could take a long time to let and rental income could be lost. It pays to obtain professional advice, free to all landlords. McDonald Property Rentals spend a lot of time, effort and money on advertising, and offering the properties they have to let, and work really hard for their clients. Properties are displayed with photographs on RightMove, PropertyFinder and PropertyLive. Details of properties with photos are on their web page www.blackpoollettingagents.c o.uk

It is important all prospective tenants receive assistance to make a move into a property as easy as possible. That is why a McDonald’s staff member accompanies all prospective tenants on viewings. A detailed application form is required to be completed, together with references and proof of identification. A full month’s rent and a bond equal to one month’s rent is required at the time of signing the lease and inventory. McDonald Property Rentals are aware that it is important to keep maintainance costs under control. That is why they obtain competitive quotes from qualified tradesmen, saving landlords money. The professional organisation for all letting agents is the Association of Residential Letting Agents. McDonald Property Rentals

Thursday, February 19, 2009

property today

Blackpool office

Cleveleys office

Fleetwood office are members and take pride in their professional service to landlords and tenants. As one of the largest letting agents on the Fylde coast they

can make bigl savings on overheads, which is why their fees are so competitive compared with any other agency offering the same service.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

DIY

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Help for the handyman... NEW PRODUCTS Natural paint manufacturer AURO has launched a new-look label that incorporates Ethical Consumer magazine’s new Best Buy logo. Ethical Consumer ranks companies and their products against a number of ethical issues and then recommends the top-performing ones as best buys. AURO’s new labels also point to the company’s CO2-neutral manufacturing process, as their factory in Germany uses wind and solar technology to reduce energy consumption, and rainharvested water for washing down the machinery. CO2 emissions from transport, business trips, etc, are offset through the Climate Neutral Group, which finances renewable energy and forestry projects. AURO paints are even biodegradable and can be composted with household waste.

TOP TIPS FOR ... using wood filler ■ Wood filler dries quickly, which is handy when you’re in a hurry but makes getting it off your fingers a pain, so wash it off straight away or wear disposable gloves. You can usually sand wood filler quite quickly after applying it, but leave deep repairs overnight to harden. ■ If the filler hasn’t hardened properly before you sand it, you won’t get a good finish, so don’t continue if it seems soft. You may need to start sanding with coarse sandpaper, such as 40 or 60 grit, and work through to finer sandpaper, such as 80 or 120 grit. ■ For repairs on things where movement occurs, such as window and doorframes, use flexible wood filler. Unlike most flexible fillers, this isn’t rubbery in texture and can be sanded. ■ As with any filler, it’s important to store wood filler properly to prevent it drying out. If it’s in a tub, try pouring a little water on top of the filler, cover with a piece of plastic bag and make sure the lid’s on tightly. If it’s in a tube, ensure the lid’s on properly at all times.

Get the job done with a little help from DIY guru Julia Gray To find a local stockist, visit www.auro.co.uk or phone 01452 772 020. ■ If you’re starting your spring clean and sort out early, Focus’s new easy-to-build shelving unit could be just the thing for your DIY tools and materials. Made of natural pine, the fourtier shelving unit with storage box, which costs £21.99, can be waxed, stained, varnished or painted. If you’re painting it, just remember to seal the knots with knotting solution first. For your nearest store, see www.focusdiy.co.uk or call 0800 436436.

ASK THE EXPERT

My painted banisters are Q chipped in places – what’s the best way to repair them? Remove any loose paint A around the chip, then give the edges a quick sand and wipe clean. When it’s dry, apply wood filler over the whole area, press down and smooth off. Once the filler’s hard, sand carefully because it’s easy to accidentally sand off the paint nearby, wipe clean and paint over when dry.

SEASONAL TASK If you have a frozen pipe, warm it gently with a hairdryer (after opening the tap fed from the pipe). If there’s a leak, thawing the pipe slowly should enable you to see where the leak is and so mend it or get a plumber in before it causes too much damage. If in any doubt, call a plumber before you do anything.

property focus

property today Thursday, February 19, 2009

Character and charm West Drive, Cleveleys

£239,950

A traditional semi detached house retaining many original features and offering character and charm throughout. Briefly comprising; hall, lounge, dining room with french doors to the garden, modern kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and wc. A driveway leads to a garage and there is a superb mature rear garden offering a good degree of privacy.

Allitt (01253) 863030

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Many original features

Kenilworth Gardens, Blackpool

£184,950

A semi detached dormer home home boasting many original features. There is a hallway, lounge, dining kitchen, bathroom, utility room, shower room and three bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has a fitted wardrobe and another built in furniture incorporating a bunk bed. The front garden has trees and a shared drive leading to a garage. The rear garden has a pond, decking and a summerhouse.

Farrell Hayworth (01253) 341000

Seek out a dream home Recently modernised Crossway, Cleveleys

£145,950

This recently modernised semi detached true bungalow offers well appointed, gas centrally heated and double glazed accomodation comprising; hallway, lounge, kitchen diner with integrated appliances, conservatory, two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a flagged garden to the front with borders. The rear garden is also flagged with a pebbled area, trees and shrubs. A driveway leads to the garage which has power and light.

Oystons (01253) 866000

Deceptive semi detached Newton Drive, Blackpool

£214,950

This lovely semi detached house is truly deceptive offering a lounge, dining room, conservatory, kitchen, bathroom, three first floor bedrooms and a further bedroom in the attic. The property also benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. The front garden is mostly paved with a driveway to a garage. The rear garden is over 70 feet long, mainly laid to lawn, with a patio, rockery and borders.

McDonald (01253) 398498