Hot Property September 2013

Advice from haart

Curtains are in pole position

The icing on the cake

Why now is a good time to sell

Here we take a step back in time to look at window coverings over the decades

Cupcakes, a must-have accessory at every party and celebration worth attending

Page 3

Pages 8 & 9

Pages 14 & 15

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: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday

Feature property

O.I.E.O £460,000

Location, Location, Location Rede Court Road, Rochester

This elegant and imposing detached residence is set on a highly sought after road in Strood, offering superb access to commuter routes. Pull up onto the sweeping in and out driveway and you are met with a stunning double bay fronted property; a perfect family home offering four double bedrooms, with en suite and dressing area to the 26' master bedroom.

• Four Bedrooms • Detached House • Conservatory • Master Suite

• Spacious Accommodation • Double Bay Fronted • Extensive Plot • Modern Kitchen HRT025706109

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday Simply Stunning Dairy Farm Oast, Church Street £650,000 - £700,000

Feature property

Situated in the popluar Village of Higham, this detached Oast House offers flexible and spacious accommodation, complimented by large gardens, a double garage and a detached summer house. Viewing is simply a must.

• Detached Oast House • Five Bedrooms • Three Receptions • Summer House • En Suite • Double Garage HRT025706070

Commuters Delight Everest Lane, Rochester £130,000 - £150,000 Positioned in a tucked away location, in a popular part of Frindsbury, this Victorian style home is perfect if you want a quiet life but still need to be close to the Station.

• Two Bedrooms • Mid Terrace House • Lounge/Diner • Station Access • School Catchment • Rear Garden HRT025705840

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday

Individual Longfield Avenue, High Halstow £330,000 - £350,000 A unique and individually built property set on an established road in the Village of High Halstow. Imagine pulling up on the extensive shingle driveway and knowing that this outstanding looking home is all yours.

• Outstanding House • Five Bedrooms • En Suite

• Conservatory • Two Gardens • Popular Location

HRT025705627

Substantial Farm House Stoke Road, Rochester £500,000 An undoubtedly substantial and imposing residence set in the heart of the Village of Allhallows and boasting extensive and stunning country views. Accessed via a private driveway with electric gates, this detached country house boasts a rich history and is set on a commanding plot.

• Five Bedrooms • Private Driveway • Detached House

• Two Receptions • Electric Gates • Rich In History

HRT025705387

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday Walk To Town Copenhagen Road, Gillingham £150,000 - £180,000 This stunning property is located on a one way tree lined road, a short walk from Gillingham Mainline Railway Station, shops and schools. Accommodation is fantastically spacious and includes three double bedrooms.

• Three Bedrooms • Mid Terrace • Lounge/Diner • Cellar

• Workshop • Spacious • Bathroom • Rear Garden HRT025705987

A Fine Example...

Athelstan Road, Chatham £180,000 A fine example of modern and contemporary design with well presented and stylish accommodation throughout. The property boasts many original features alongside the new.

• Character Home • Three Bedrooms • Bay Fronted

• Converted Cellar • Modern Kitchen • Attractive Garden

HRT025706040

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

1 Property - Hot Property 0813

1 Property - Hot Property 0813

LETTINGS

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday

Feature property

£1,175 PCM

Dream Home Drayton Close, High Halstow

Set in the ever popular and pretty Village of High Halstow is this well presented and spacious four bedroom family home. Offering a large conservatory to provide additional living space, fitted kitchen/breakfast room,and four bedrooms.

• Four Bedrooms • Detached House • Unfurnished • Village Location

• En Suite • Conservatory • Driveway • Garage Hrt062100236

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday £775 PCM

A Touch Of Class Avery Way, Allhallows

This beautifully presented three bedroom home in Avery Way, Allhallows, really does tick all the boxes. Countryside location, driveway, garage, dining room, modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

• Three Bedrooms • Mid Terrace • Modern Kitchen

• Modern Bathroom • Garage • Driveway

HRT062100234

Penthouse Apartment Lyon Court, High Street £795 PCM

• Two Bedrooms • Penthouse Apartment • En Suite • High Street Access • Balcony • Security Gates

Rochester High Street location, two bedroom penthouse apartment with wrap around balcony, modern fitted kitchen, en suite, family bathroom, drive thru security gates and all this whilst being decorated to a high standard.

HRT062100224

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday Room For The Family Oxford Road, Gillingham £1,350 PCM

Feature property

This beautifully presented four bedroom detached house is ideally located in Gillingham. With a light and airy feel, the property offers a lounge, dining room, kitchen which is open plan to a third reception room and offers French doors leading to a good size rear garden.

• Four Bedrooms • Detached House • En Suite • Three Receptions • Off Street Parking • Tandem Garage HRT062100206

Definitely Top Drawer Elford Road, Cliffe £750 PCM Modern two double bedroom end of terrace home in the Village location of Cliffe, situated on a corner plot with a larger than average garden. The property boasts a modern fitted kitchen, ground floor cloakroom, lounge, two bedrooms and family bathroom.

• Two Bedrooms • End Of Terrace • Modern Kitchen • Allocated Parking • Rear Garden

HRT062100006

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us now on: 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday Stop - Circle - Call Kingshill Drive, Hoo £925 PCM Don't miss out on this beautiful and spacious three bedroom semi detached home in the popular area of Hoo. Having been newly decorated and recarpeted throughout this property is ready to move straight into!

• Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Unfurnished

• Refurbished • Conservatory • Garage and Drive HRT062100251

Amazing Views!

Marina Point West, Dock Head Road £650 PCM A gorgeous studio plus apartment set in the popular and trendy Chatham Maritime. This sought after location boasts stunning views over the pretty Marina, plenty of bars, restaurants, shopping facilities and a multi screen cinema are on your doorstep.

• Studio Plus • One Bedroom • Built In Storage

• Modern Bathroom • Views Of Marina • Don't Miss Out

HRT062100243

Strood 1 Property - Hot Property 0813

- 06 -

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

"They’re always there if I have any questions I need answered."

Keith Patching

"I felt like they had my interests at heart, they wanted what was best for me."

"I was kept informed at every turn."

Terry Spink

Mavis Westbrook

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 01634 719955 8am - 10pm everyday

haart.co.uk

HOT PROPERTY - 8pp template