Advice from haart
Get on your bike and ride!
The icing on the cake
Why now is a good time to sell
UKs amateur cyclists are chasing their own pedal-powered dreams
Cupcakes, a must-have accessory at every party and celebration worth attending
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Pages 8 & 9
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www.haart.co.uk
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
Just ask
Pop into your local haart branch to see how we can help you Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Our typical fee for arranging a mortgage is ÂŁ495. The actual amount payable will depend on your circumstances. H0134741
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
INTELLIGENT ADVICE FROM HAART: WHY NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO SELL As the housing market gathers momentum, we have reacted quickly by launching an innovative consumer advice series to keep customers up-to-date with fast-moving changes. Here, haart Chief Executive Paul Smith explains why now is a good time to sell...
Deciding WHEN to sell your property is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make in life. Should you sell when property prices are increasing in value or should you wait until they’ve hit their peak? At haart, we have a dedicated team who watch and analyse the market and can give you the top quality advice you need to make that crucial decision of … WHEN. And all the indicators are pointing to NOW being the right time to put your home up for sale. The recent announcement by the Governor of the Bank of England that interest rates are to remain low for the foreseeable future means people are looking to invest in property, not save. The feelgood factor has returned to the property market, the economy is back on an even keel and there’s a lot of pent up demand for property combined with a desperate shortage of homes for sale, particularly in London and the south east of England.
We recognise that different sectors of the market are impacted in different ways depending on where you live and how many similar types of property are for sale. First time buyers, for example, have been struggling to get on the ladder for some time. But from January, the Government will be extending its Help to Buy scheme to help home buyers get a mortgage, and that’s going to create a buying frenzy. So here’s our advice from haart… • Sell when everyone else isn’t – people will quickly realise the property market is moving again so all those people who’ve been putting their move on hold will start selling too – just like you. • Demand for property is fierce in many parts of the UK. • Property prices are increasing, so you’ll get a good price for your home – while still being able to afford the next step up.
Just look at the facts: • At haart, we have 9 people chasing every property on our books. • We’re achieving 98.9% on average of the asking price. • And prices have increased by 6.7% on average for a 3-bed property Source: Spicerhaart Data 2013
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
THERE’S A LOT OF PENT UP DEMAND FOR PROPERTY COMBINED WITH A DESPERATE SHORTAGE OF HOMES FOR SALE
• Interest rates are to remain low; which means more people will now be able to afford your property. • The economy is picking up, with two successive quarters of economic growth; that’s helped bring confidence back to the market. • Unemployment is falling – and that usually signals higher wages as companies compete for good staff; and more money means more people can afford to buy. Finally, if you’re looking to get the BEST price for your property, you need to allow time for it to be marketed effectively. The market is very buoyant and we’ve been achieving record prices. So call us at haart for a free valuation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, your home is worth more than you think. * Our new advice series is the latest in haart’s innovative marketing techniques; you can view our video and blog at haart.co.uk and facebook.com/haart. estate.agents
SALES
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday Guide Price £339,995
Elegance And Charm Castle Road, Colchester
Previously a three bedroom house, this fine detached Victorian property is set in this extremely desirable road, with it's excellent locality to the Town, Station and Castle Park. This exquisite home has been updated and altered by the current owners over the years. • Three Bedrooms • Detached House • Three Receptions • Two Bathrooms
• Victorian Property • Original Features • Basement Room • Workers Cottage HRT012912114
Riverside Town House Riverside Place, Colchester £289,950 Exceptional size and space available here in this modern town house with substantial accommodation and luxury fitments throughout. Designed with the growing family in mind this home offers a social open plan kitchen/family room and three bathrooms.
• Four Bedrooms • Town House • Riverside Location • Three Receptions • Three Bathrooms • Rear Garden • Car Port
HRT012912223
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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SALES
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday Spectacular Town House Garland Road, Colchester £249,000 Walk to town and station from this beautifully presented and stylish modern town house overlooking Greensward. With a range of upgrades and extras this exceptional home offers added income from solar panels.
• Three Bedrooms • Town House • Stylish
• Well Presented • Solar Panels • Town Location HRT012912242
A Rare Find... The Avenue, Lexden O.I.E.O £235,000 A unique opportunity has arisen to purchase this truly gorgeous, incredibly charming two/three bedroom semi detached property situated in a beautiful private position in arguably one of Colchester's most sought after roads. • Two Bedrooms • Semi Detached • Three Receptions
• Two Bathrooms • Truly Gorgeous • Sought After Location
HRT112000446
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday £210,000 - £220,000
Years Of Love... Townsend Road, Tiptree
The current vendors have lived here from new and have enjoyed raising their family here having extended this three bedroom family home over the years. Situated in a sought after village location. • Three Bedrooms • Semi Detached • Two Receptions
• Extended • Kitchen/Diner • Local Schools
HRT111809556
Glorious Views... Gernon Road, Ardleigh £190,000 - £200,000
• Three Bedrooms • Semi Detached • Two Receptions • Gorious Views • 140ft Garden • A12 Access
With beautiful panoramic views of open countryside, a purchaser can move straight into this refurbished three bedroom semi detached family home. Offering bright, spacious accommodation and a stunning 140ft garden.
HRT012911971
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday Delightful Village Location Bracken Way, Abberton £180,000 - £190,000
Feature property
Occupying a pleasant corner plot within this highly sought after Village to the south of Colchester is this spacious detached bungalow. The property enjoys two double bedrooms, a delightful south facing garden, garage and no chain. • Two Bedrooms • Bungalow • Kitchen/Breakfast • Workshop • Garage • Village Location HRT012912334
Move Straight In Cedars Road, Colchester £130,000 - £140,000 Get on the ladder or buy to let with this well presented Victorian home within minutes walk from town or the station. Offering two bedrooms, two receptions, modern kitchen and residents parking... All this chain free.
• Two Bedrooms • Mid Terrace • Two Receptions • Victorian Home • Modern Kitchen • Courtyard Garden HRT012912374
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
IF YOU FOLLOW THE ROUTE, YOU EARN A GIVEN NUMBER OF POINTS WHICH YOU CAN USE TO BUY ITEMS OR FOOD AT COMPANIES SUCH AS M&S
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday £1,350 PCM
Village People Hines Close, Aldham
A fabulous family home is now available in the pretty Village of Aldham. Ideal for a professional family. The property is ideally situated within walking distance of the local church and with easy access to good local schools and has excellent access to the A12. • Four Bedrooms • Detached House • Village Location
• Modern Bathroom • Station Access • Country Walks
HRT042601688
Life Of Luxury The Mill Apartments, East Street £1,150 PCM
• Three Bedrooms • Apartment • Communal Gym • Spacious Living Room • Three Bathrooms • Highly Sought After
A stunning three bedroom apartment in the exclusive development, The Mill Apartments. Ideally located off East Hill, this impressive apartment is within walking distance to the Town Centre, Castle Park, and the Train Station.
HRT042602467
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday
East Is East East Hill, Colchester £950 PCM A fabulous four bedroom, three bathroom period property very close to Colchester Town Centre. Well presented with neutral decor throughout and lots of original features, this lovely home is packed full of character. • Four Bedrooms • Period Property • Three Floors • Modern Kitchen
• En Suite • Rear Garden • Allocated Parking • Town Location
HRT042602441
Perfect For A Family Cowdray Avenue, Colchester £900 PCM A fantastic three bedroom semi detached house situated on Cowdray Avenue. Ideally located within excellent access of the Town Centre, North Station and the A12. Well presented throughout, this is the perfect family home.
• Three Bedrooms • Detached House • Spacious • Unfurnished
• Dining Room • Modern Kitchen • Rear Garden • Great Location
HRT042602478
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday Starter Home Gilberd Road, Colchester £650 PCM A fantastic two bedroom quarter house situated in New Town. Newly renovated throughout with a new kitchen, bathroom and carpets, this lovely home is in excellent decorative order throughout.
• Two Bedrooms • Quarter House • Contemporary • Bay Window
• Newly Fitted Shower • New Town • Modern Kitchen HRT042602463
Highwoods Heaven Brinkley Place, Colchester £600 PCM We are delighted to offer this well presented two bedroom first floor flat in the popular Highwoods area. Ideally situated with easy access to all local amenities, the A12, Colchester Town Centre and local bus routes. • Two Bedrooms • First Floor Flat • Highwoods Location
• A12 Access • Light Sitting Room • Fitted Kitchen
HRT042602225
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday Lovely In Lexden Lexden Place, Halstead Road £575 PCM
Feature property
A lovely two bedroom first floor apartment situated in Lexden. Ideally located within excellent access of the A12 and local amenities. This is the perfect home for a professional couple.
• Two Bedrooms • Apartment • Well Presented • Fitted Wardrobes • Modern Bathroom • Communal Parking HRT042602479
Executive Apartment Albany Gardens, Colchester £850 PCM An executive style two bedroom apartment situated in the popular Albany Gardens development. Perfectly located within excellent access of the University of Essex and all popular amenities. Could this be your new home? • Two Bedrooms • Apartment • En Suite • Spacious Sitting Room • Modern Ktichen • Furnished HRT042602484
Colchester 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes INGREDIENTS Sponge 500g plain flour 1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp. salt 225g butter 200g caster sugar 3 beaten eggs 1 lemon zest only 490g soured cream 1 tsp. vanilla extract 120g fresh blueberries Cream Cheese Frosting 225g butter 225g cream cheese 1 tsp. vanilla extract Juice and zest of 1 lemon 950g icing sugar 24 blueberries Blue food colour, optional METHOD To make the cupcakes: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. 2. Line a 24-cup cupcake tin with cupcake cases. 3. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt together into a large a bowl. 4. Place the butter into a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy and very pale - now add sugar. 5. Next add the beaten eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly in between each. 6. It is now time to add some flavours; pour in the vanilla and lemon zest and mix. 7. Add the dry ingredients in three or four phases, in between each add some of the sour cream and leave a little flour mix so you can end with the dry ingredients - do not over mix at this point. 8. Lastly stir in the blueberries. 9. Now fill each of your cupcake cases two-thirds full with the mixture. 10. Bake in your pre-heated oven for 16 to 20 minutes - test your cakes with a cocktail stick inserted in the centre; it should comes out clean. 11. Cool the cakes on a rack. Now you have delicate and light cupcakes, it is time to get FROSTING!
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
The quarterly property magazine from haart
Another happy customer…
Spring 2013
Bathroom bliss Soakaway your troubles with one of the best reads of 2013 Page 03
"Our house was actually on the market for three days before we sold with haart." Chris and Ciniza Meigh-Andrews
"We have told our friends and family about the real estate agent work haart does."
"I would recommend haart, and I actually already have done to several of my friends." Gemma Bush
Michelle Amos
Fresh to the market 100’s of great properties to buy or rent
These are just a few of the 1000s of people who’ve successfully sold or let their homes with us in recent months. Call us today for a free valuation on 01206 546432 8am - 10pm everyday
haart.co.uk
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