The Wellingborough Property Blog

  While a real Christmas tree can be a fabulous addition to the home at Christmastime, there are many impracticalities to them when you are looking to sell your home. When it comes to having a tree to decorate while you are in the midst of a move, faux is best, and there are very convincing faux alternatives available. Real trees drop needles on to your carpets leaving you with more cleaning up to do before a house viewing – there are many solutions that claim to stop trees from shedding however it will inevitably and avoidably still cause some mess.  You may wish to clear away your tree entirely when conducting viewings. This is when a fake tree is at its most functional because it can be easily folded up and packed away at relatively short notice. Remember, many potential buyers are looking for space as a priority in their new homes, and a tree, fake or real, can make a room feel small and overcrowded.  Use Christmas lights to illuminate as well as decorate Christmas li...

  When it comes to Christmas selling, there is no single answer on if it is the right time to sell. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether your home could benefit from being on the market over the festive season, or whether it is worth waiting until the New Year. Here are our top tips if you decide to put your home on the market during the Christmas season.   Be Flexible When selling your home you need to be prepared for viewings at a moment’s notice – and with a house full of visiting family, it may not be possible to show your home at its best. Cluttered homes are difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in, as you tend to see the items as opposed to the space. If your schedule is flexible during the holiday season, this may benefit the sale of your property, as you have time to prepare your home for viewings.    Expect committed buyers  For those who do venture into the market over the holidays, you are more likely to find a ...

  When it comes to selling your property, making a good first impression is imperative. We have identified the top 10 biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers and how to avoid them. Clutter Clutter is not only distracting, but it could indicate that the property does not have adequate storage. Creating a clutter-free, minimalistic environment will help buyers visualize themselves living in your home. Additionally, too much furniture can make a property seem a lot smaller than it is. It can be a good idea to declutter before a house move to ensure your possessions are organised when unpacking your next home, and it has the added bonus of making your current property look even more sleek. Smells No matter how pleasant your home appears, persistent odours such as the smell of pets, cigarettes, or pungent food can be detrimental when it comes to selling your property. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we suggest opening your windows to air out your property before a viewing and use...

  Summer is the most socially invigorating season; pub gardens open up for business, the kids are off school and the weather is primed for barbeques. Whether you’re prepping for fire-pit parties or outdoor dinners, we’ve got some top tips for your home so you can be the host with the most this season.   Change the layout Whether it’s your garden setup or your living room layout, changing up the furniture positioning is a great way to get your guests mingling. For example, if all your sofas are facing the TV, try repositioning them so that they’re facing each other instead. This will enable both intimacy and openness, without distraction. For a garden layout, try to section off as many small spaces as possible, so guests have the opportunity to break off into smaller groups.   Set up a drinks station What could be more summery than a cocktail bar? Set one up on a small table and leave it there for the entire summer. On the other hand, if you have a designated bar inside or...

  Summer lends itself perfectly to property viewings and to preparing your home. Here’s how to make your property as appealing as you can to set the scene for potential buyers and create those all-important good first impressions: Make Your Home Appealing At First Glance   The front of your home is typically what prospective buyers will see first, so it must look the part. Use your phone to take pictures of anything that needs attention, whether that’s weeding, trimming bushes, cleaning window frames, or repainting the fences and the front door and create a checklist of quick fixes. Making the most of your home’s kerb appeal will help you make the most of its value, so pay attention to the details. Creating a pleasant pathway to your home should be the beginning of a captivating viewing.  Create Clean, Decluttered Well-Lit Rooms   Tidying away clutter from kitchen worktops and organising books, clothes, blankets or toys from the sitting room and other rooms...

What Do You Know Abnout Probate? Probate explained Technically, 'probate' refers to getting permission to carry out the wishes within someone's will, though the term also applies to the whole process of settling someone's estate. If you're responsible for executing someone's will, there are specific rules that set out how you notify the authorities and distribute the estate. For permission to manage this process, you'll need to apply for  grant of probate , or grant of confirmation in Scotland. There are separate rules if someone dies without a will, otherwise known as  dying intestate. In the United Kingdom, probate statistics provide insights into the handling of deceased individuals' estates. Here are some key points from recent data: Probate Applications and Grants : In the second quarter of 2023, there were 63,815 applications for probate grants, and 57,935 grants were issued. This reflects a stable volume compared to previous yea...