20 minute read
RUMSEY OF SANDBANKS
Back to the day job
I may not take the train each morning and I definitely do more than nine to five most days but the first quarter of 2022 has seen a return to something close to pre pandemic normality for our business.
First of all everyone is coming to work at a desk in the o ice in a really old fashioned 2019 way. We are all set up to work at home and it’s useful for the occasional flexible day but we are back to sitting together as a team. There’s no reason why at least half of the o ice couldn’t work from home, in fact we are pushed for space but we are there because we want to be. Studies have proved that many people are more e ective at home without the distractions in the o ice and I’m definitely one of them but I don’t care. Working in the same space as a group of people that have become more friends than colleagues doesn’t feel like work to a certain type of character and that is the sort of individual that delivers great customer service.
Lockdown has taught me that physically being with people makes me happy and it turns out I’ve recruited like minded people. It’s also made me realise what I would miss if I retired so all that gardening and visiting National Trust properties is going to have to wait a few more years. (Say 20?!).
Selling Again There’s a perception that those of us in the UK holiday business have been on the end of a staycation bonanza, charging any price and defending ourselves with pitchforks from hoards of people fighting to throw cash at us. At certain times it felt a bit like that, especially during school holidays and whilst it still needed marketing e ort to fill the shoulders and low season we were definitely pushing at an open door. The big challenge for the last two seasons has been delivering the service as the whole infrastructure supporting hospitality was stretched to cope with the extra capacity and we had to pay more for everything, especially the labour intensive side of the business.
If you’re a long time reader of this column you may remember me talking about the day after VE day 2020 when Britain woke up and decided to book a staycation, there was a similar huge spike in demand in February 2021 as the country realised that summer travel would be disrupted again. This year’s pivotal date was 23rd January when it was announced that the requirement to test before returning to the UK would be scrapped. Tra ic and demand fell dramatically and we had 3 or 4 weeks of very low bookings.
Now we are getting back to some sort of normal and the good news is that it’s still better than pre pandemic normal, it’s just that we are going to have to focus more of our energy and investment on marketing and yes actually selling rather than taking orders.
Return of the Dinosaur? About 20 years ago my main business was buying and refurbishing properties in Cornwall and it went really well. With hindsight I wasn’t actually very good at it – costs would spiral, work would run over time but the market rose so fast that it compensated for my deficiencies and I still came out on top. Then the financial crisis arrived and it didn’t end well! I knew some people who quit their jobs at the time to become day traders, picking stocks and watching their capital grow through a bull market. With hindsight they didn’t generally outperform the proverbial monkey with a dartboard, the market carried them up until inevitably it didn’t.
Just Eat, Uber and Amazon have changed the way things work and in our sector we have the rise of Airbnb. The original concept is brilliant – hosts welcome you to their home or a second property round the corner and spend the sort of time and e ort looking after you that a Jurassic agent never can. Over time however the site has become more of a marketing channel and agents like us started listing on it. As the pandemic market went nuts we chose to take all our bookings directly but that makes me a bit of a dinosaur – why bother with all that marketing expenditure and e ort when you can just list on Airbnb and watch the money roll in? A new breed of agent has emerged that doesn’t even bother hosting bookings on their own website, some don’t have a website or even a phone number and it’s all gone very well.
The snag here is that Airbnb is not free, they take roughly the same proportion of the guest’s money as an agent so the guest is paying twice and the owner can end up with barely more than half of the holiday cost. This is not a problem as all you need to do is hike the price on the platform to cover the extra cost and you end up with the same money without any marketing expenditure or expertise. For the last two years the market has carried this concept but I’m not so sure it will this year. Maybe it’s time for dinosaurs like us to rise again, whether we will be a Diplodocus or Tyrannosaurus Rex remains to be seen.
Simon Tolson owns Rumsey of Sandbanks. Contact Simon on 01202 707357. simon@rumseyofsandbanks.co.uk
www.rumseyofsandbanks.co.uk
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3. Wide Variety of Materials
The variety of materials that blinds come in allows you to choose the blind that is most suitable for you in terms of both price and style. For example, if your living room contains wooden furniture, you can complement the room by installing wooden blinds. However, if you find wooden blinds too expensive, you can opt for faux wood instead to keep the costs down. You then have plastic blinds, bamboo blinds, aluminium blinds, and other materials to choose from to ensure that you can always find the right blinds for any room in your home.
4. Enjoy Complete Privacy
Blinds provide you with a level of privacy that you cannot get from many other options such as curtains. For the ultimate in privacy control, consider installing top-down shades. Using these, you can lower the shade from the top so that the natural light can come in, but you can still enjoy as much privacy as you require.
5. Easy to Maintain
Finally, one of the best things about window blinds is that they are typically very easy to maintain. In fact, many blinds simply require a quick wipe with
better choiceInstalling window blinds is one of the easiest and most effective ways to instantly change the appearance of a room in your home. a damp cloth from time to time to remove the dust. Compare this to curtains, which need to be washed every once in a while, and blinds start to look like the most convenient option. In addition, they are also long lasting, especially blinds made from wood or aluminium, meaning you won’t have to replace them until you decide you are ready for a change.
Find the Perfect Blinds for Your Home
Whatever style you have in mind for the rooms in your home, consider installing window blinds. Not only can they become a unique feature of the room, but they also don’t have to cost the earth. In fact, they can often be cheaper to buy and install than curtains, especially if you choose an option like faux wood instead of real wood. So have a look online or in the store next time you go shopping and try to find the perfect window blinds for your home. We offer a comprehensive made to measure and fitting service for ease of mind or you can choose the self fit option. Whichever service you partake of, you can be assured that your blinds will be custom made to meet your requirements, that you will be kept up to date, and that you will receive an excellent service.
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‘NO FAULT DIVORCE’ WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
On 6th April 2022 no fault divorce becomes legal. This is arguably the biggest change to matrimonial law for a lifetime, but the question people are asking is ‘What is going to change?’
Grounds for Divorce
Up until now, divorce has only been granted on the ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of a marriage and this has needed proof for one of fi ve following criteria; 1. The other party has committed adultery 2. The other party’s unreasonable behaviour 3. Desertion 4. Two years’ separation with consent 5. Five years’ separation Thought the grounds for divorce will still be the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, it is no longer necessary to satisfy one of the fi ve criteria. Instead, parties can fi le either a sole or joint statement of irretrievable breakdown.
Change of Procedure
Under the new procedure, once the statement of irretrievable breakdown has been fi led, the Respondent has 14 days (extended from the previous seven) to fi le an ‘Acknowledgement of Service’ to confi rm whether they are objecting to the divorce or not. Parties must then wait 20 weeks (which is being viewed as a ‘cooling off ’ period) before being able to apply for a ‘Conditional Order’, which replaces the current Decree Nisi. After that, the same six week wait applies before parties can apply for a ‘Final Order’, which replaces the Decree Absolute to fi nalise the divorce.
How long will it take?
A divorce under the new procedure will take 26 weeks from start to fi nish. It is unlikely to be quicker, may in fact take longer, but there is discretion of the Court under the new legislation to shorten this period (without guidance on reasons why this may be permitted, but it could be if one party is well and has a shortened life expectancy.)
Is anything the same?
Some things do remain unchanged. Parties must still wait 12 months from the date of the marriage before being able to apply for a divorce. Likewise, the Court only has the power to make any Financial Orders after Conditional Orders have been made. The law and guidance in respect of the division of the matrimonial fi nances and assets remains unchanged.
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What does this all mean?
It is thought the new rules and elimination of the requirement to apportion blame will mean less contentious divorces. As parties can fi le either a sole or a joint statement of irretrievable breakdown this means the Respondent will not be able to use the threat of defending the divorce as leverage. The grounds for defending a divorce are now much more limited and are likely to be restricted to the Court not having jurisdiction or that a divorce has already been issued.
The new procedure and rules are likely to mean that if one party wants to leave and end the marriage then the other party should not be able to stop them. If you want more information about these changes or to discuss whether to issue under the current legislation or new rules then contact one of our family team.
Upton | 01202 744944
Guide price £1,100,000
Fantastic property in a highly sought-after area of Poole with generous reception rooms including office and games room with stunning outlook to the large garden, terrace and swimming pool. The sweeping feature staircase leads up to 4 spacious bedrooms including an exceptional master suite all served by two en-suites and one family bathroom all have abundant space and stunning high ceilings.
Upon entering the property, you are welcomed with an extremely generous reception hall with sweeping staircase to the first floor. An impressive vaulted, double height lounge with bi fold doors on two sides lead onto the terrace, an integrated 5.1 surround system with automated projector, and a feature corner wood burning stove - a real focal point, complete the room. There is a further choice of two reception rooms, to include the all-important home working office and the other is a games room, ideal for entertaining. Double doors lead from the entrance hall into the Dining area with extensive space for formal dining.
A stunning kitchen/breakfast room, the hub of the home, is equipped with a luxury range of two-tone units and features a whole host of high-end appliances to include twin ovens, two dishwashers and two fridge/freezers. There is an impressive centre island with prep area, inset induction hob with countertop sunken extractor, and contrasting circular breakfast bar ideal for casual dining. Additional full height units incorporate a wine fridge. Complimentary tiling. Door through to the Utility Room with ample space for appliances and sink unit, further door to room which houses the media unit. The sweeping curved staircase leads to the spacious landing boasting feature full height ceiling. The exceptional master suite also features vaulted ceilings with walk in dressing room and large en-suite with corner Whirlpool bath, his and hers basins, WC. and large walk-in Rainfall shower. A guest room has ample space with fitted wardrobes and stunning en-suite with Whirlpool bath and walk-in Rainfall shower. The remaining bedrooms are both doubles ideal for the larger family. The family bathroom also has stunning full height vaulted ceiling with beautiful mosaic tiling, Whirlpool bath and walk-in shower.
The property is approached via electric gates with a block paved in and out driveway. The rear enjoys a good degree of seclusion with extensive private sun terrace immediately abutting the rear of the property, ideal for alfresco entertaining. There is a heated swimming pool and pump house. The remainder of the grounds are laid to lawn. The double garage has an electric roller door with a room above, this could make a fantastic teenage suite (stpp) or further games room.
Impressive family home | Circa 3200 sq ft accommodation | Vaulted double-height lounge with bi-fold doors on two sides | 5.1 Surround system with auto with automated projector & feature wood burning stove | Underfloor heating & lutron lighting | Stunning kitchen with appliances and central island | Sweeping curved staircase to full height landing | Exceptional master suite with dressing room & en-suite | Guest room with en-suite, two further bedrooms & bathroom | Double garage, generous gardens & swimming pool | EPC B
Ferndown | 01202 855595 OIEO £900,000
Fine & Country Homes from Edwards are pleased to present this beautifully modernised and substantially extended detached house now offering 2,276 sq ft of actual living accommodation plus the garage and outbuildings, situated on a generous plot with a private rear garden measuring 95ft in length.
Stylish, substantially extended & remodelled 4 bedroom property | Fabulous living room with dual aspect bi-fold doors | Large family room with a wood burner | Stunning 32ft long kitchen with utility room | En suite to master plus family bathroom and ground floor shower room | Versatile accommodation flexible to suit lifestyles | Unique detached house only 0.36 miles from the town centre | Attractive brick paviour driveway to a detached garage | EPC C
Edwards are delighted to bring this immaculately, very spacious three double bedroom apartment on Southbourne cliff tops with sea glimpse within the sought-after development Blue Bay. This property is luxurious, spacious, and exceptionally well kept. It offers a host of modern benefits such as underfloor heating throughout. Entering the apartment, you are welcomed with a spacious hallway, doors leading to all rooms and a nicely finished high gloss tiled floor which continues throughout all living spaces.
Verwood | 01202 829777
Guide price £825,000
Fine and Country Homes from Edwards are delighted to offer for sale this impressive five bedroom character house offering superb light and spacious living accommodation throughout with the majority of the home having been recently decorated with ‘Farrow & Ball’ paint. Sitting on a generous plot close to Ringwood Forest this fantastic property further boasts a detached two storey annex.
Character house | Five bedrooms | Superb living accommodation | Generous plot | Detached annex | Three bathrooms | Two en-suites | Conservatory | Garage/Gym | Private rear garden | No forward chain | EPC D
Colehill | 01202 842842 OIEO £695,000
This luxury detached bungalow was newly constructed in 2019. With three double bedrooms & two luxury bathrooms the property is spacious and finished to a high specification. The open plan kitchen living room has vaulted ceilings and overlooks the private garden.
Verwood | 01202 829777 Guide price £595,000
Maybank is a delightful three double bedroom detached character cottage occupying a considerable plot within Verwood town centre. Originally a B&B this residence boasts a wealth of character and charm in addition to an extensive southerly facing rear garden.
Detached character cottage | Considerable plot | Three bedrooms | Three receptions | Separate utility area | Inglenook fireplace | Southerly rear garden | Driveway and single garage | Verwood town centre | EPC C
Wimborne | 01202 842842 Guide price £500,000
This 1930’s detached two bedroom house is very well presented throughout. Accommodation also includes a large kitchen/family room overlooking the neatly landscaped rear garden, a separate lounge, cloakroom, utility, bathroom and ensuite. A notable feature is the detached garden room and there is also a garage and ample off road parking.
Detached house | Two double bedrooms | Bathroom and ensuite | Large kitchen/family room | Separate lounge | Cloakroom | Utility | Garden room | Garage and parking | Private rear garden | EPC TBA
Bournemouth | 01202 744944 Guide price £525,000
Description: Edwards are delighted to offer for sale this beautiful two double bedroom second floor apartment with panoramic sea views from the two balconies. This apartment also benefits from large open plan kitchen/living area with extra space for an office, underground gated parking, two bathrooms (ensuite off the master) and utility room.
Panoramic sea views | Modern throughout | Secure underground parking | Two balconies | Two double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Lift in block | Bicycle store | First floor | Walking distance to local amenities | EPC B
Wimborne | 01202 842842 Guide price £475,000
This two bedroom detached bungalow with garage occupies a good size corner plot and is in level walking distance of the town centre. The property offers well proportioned accommodation and would benefit from some general updating. No forward chain.
Detached bungalow | Two bedrooms | Kitchen | Lounge | Garage | Driveway parking | Private Rear garden | Level walk to town | No forward chain | EPC TBA
