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Transform your home for entertaining this summer

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  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 outside, then
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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR VIEWINGS THIS SUMMER

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  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 will make them appear bigger
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What do you know about probate?

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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
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SEASONAL TRENDS ON A BUDGET

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When attempting to prepare your property for a new season, it can sometimes come at a costly expense. We are here to introduce you to budget-friendly ideas on how to embrace the current season in your property. By incorporating new and exciting décor into your home, you can create a refreshed look ready for the warm weather.   Utilise Seasonal Colours  Each season has a different colour palette that complements the time of year. To symbolise the seasons, summer should be light, breezy, and fresh, whereas winter should be counterbalanced by darker, more warm tones. When it comes to decorating for a new season, a lick of paint goes a long way. Give your outdated summer garden furniture a new colour for an updated appearance.   Transform Space With A Statement Piece Just by investing in one large statement piece, you can make a big difference and transform a space. Whether it's a giant potted plant generating a fresh, homely atmosphere or an elegant, crystal chandelier, they soon make
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A HOMEBUYER'S GUIDE TO NAVIGATING CHANGING MORTGAGE RATES

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  Mortgage interest rates are falling, which is good news, but fluctuations in the recent past can feel a bit unsettling. So, let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to help insulate against changing interest rates.    You May Be Able To Move Without Changing Your Mortgage  If you want to move home and take your existing, cheaper-than-currently-available mortgage rate with you, then porting your mortgage is ideal. Porting your mortgage allows you to move to your next home with your current mortgage. You may also be able to borrow more in addition, but it’s important to remember that each mortgage provider will offer different terms.     Fix Your Mortgage Interest Rate  Variable interest rates tend to be higher than a fixed rate and many people prefer the stability and predictability of fixed-rate mortgages. However, if the variable rates fall below current fixed rates, then you save. This tends to happen when interest rates are very low. If you are planning on keeping your c
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TOP TRENDS FOR A BATHROOM MAKEOVER

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If you’re looking to enhance the value of your home, a modernised kitchen or bathroom is the way to go. However, a full kitchen renovation isn’t always an affordable option, so you might want to focus on the small yet dynamic space of your bathroom. Here are some of the top current trends for a fresh bathroom makeover.   Spa Aesthetics   Modern bathrooms are much like personal spas, with soothing design elements and plenty of space for self-care essentials. Luxury finishes like thick glass doors, detailed mosaic tile, and quartz countertops create a room that offers an experience rather than just utility.    Colour Schemes   Your bathroom is the perfect canvas to experiment with bright colours and pull together an interesting scheme. While the rest of the home may call for calm neutrals, the bathroom might benefit from a splash of vibrancy – so take advantage! Quirky Hardware   Make your bathroom space feel personal with some quirky hardware adjustments and unique fixtures. From vintag
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BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR HOME IN 2024

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  A full home refresh doesn’t always mean spending the whole nine yards. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform your living space and elevate your everyday life. If you’re working with budget constraints, here are a few wallet-friendly ways to breathe new life into your home this year.   Textile Transformation   Updating your soft furnishings is a cheap and easy way to give your home a facelift. Consider swapping out old curtains, throw pillows, and rugs for something fresher and bolder, as this will inject some vitality into your living spaces. DIY Décor   There’s an inner artist inside everyone, no matter your skill set. In today’s world of technology, you can find tutorials and inspo for almost any facet of interior design, so get personal with some DIY crafts and test your hand at repurposing old furniture. From hand-painted accent walls to DIY splashbacks, the possibilities for homemade magic are endless.   Find Second-Hand Treasures   One person’s trash is another perso
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