Tuesday, 21 May 2013

MAY NEWSLETTER


Welcome to our Wilkins Vardy May Newsletter! With the snow well and truly behind us, the sun still can’t make its mind up whether to make a regular appearance or hibernate a bit longer.
As usual, post Easter activity saw a surge in properties entering the market, with subsequent viewer numbers increasing but still erratic in the spread of properties viewed. Nevertheless with the Spring Bank Holiday round the corner we’re well and truly into the main house buying season, so the best is yet to come!
Best Wishes

Julia

Julia Coombs, Director



ROLL ON SUMMER

Picture the golden daffodils swaying gently in the soft breeze as the Spring sunshine filters softly through the trees, and a young couple enjoy the moment as they decide which Wilkins Vardy property to offer on!

MAY’S TOP TIP – WINDOW DRESSING


Windows can be a great asset to your home, flooding it with natural light, but equally many properties have “problem” windows which are odd shapes, lack privacy or have unsightly views. It’s therefore important to think carefully about how to dress them to their best, particularly by considering the following:
·       Curtains - For dramatic swags, twist voiles or other lightweight fabrics around drape hooks positioned at either side of the window.
·       If you want to create a new look without having to change your curtains, simply choose a different shaped curtain pole.
·       Blinds – For rooms that get strong sunlight, installing a blind with heat-reflecting properties will help to reduce fading of soft furnishings and pictures.
·       If you can’t decide whether to use blinds or curtains, use both for a dramatic style statement.
·       Shutters – You can still add texture to your windows by fitting sheer curtains above the shutters.
·       Look for shutters crafted from FSC certified wood to ensure the materials have been sourced from sustainable forests.
·       Accessorise – Look for shaped pelmets to add extra interest.
·       Choose designer window film to add an individual touch.


·       Problem Windows – Small or oddly shaped windows need a very simple window dressing such as a roller blind or voile.
·       For bay windows, use a specialist curtain pole following the natural shape. For a streamlined look, use a pelmet to hide the curtain track.
·       If the view is an issue, use a “bottom-up” blind which will allow you to banish the view and still let light in from the top. Or try using frosted window film which restores privacy without sacrificing natural light.


NOW YOU HAVE THE IDEAS, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS STUNNING INTERIOR IN OUR THREE BED DETACHED AT WALTON
WANT A SUPERB FOUR BED DETACHED IN S45? LOOK AT THIS ONE FOR CO-ORDINATION!


EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
Looking to purchase and dazzled and bemused by the jargon used in the buying and selling process? Everything you need is here in this glossary, but don’t forget the best place to seek help and advice is at any of our branches.


TIM THE MORTGAGE MAN

Another month, another blog giving you the latest in the mortgage market.


Average fixed rates continue to fall as lenders battle for business

Tim Malia of Mortgage Advice Bureau talks about the continued competition, falling rates and increased product availability in the mortgage market:

March has once again witnessed strong competition amongst the major protagonists in the mortgage lending arena, with almost all changes witnessing further reductions right across the loan to value range.

In the recent budget, the Chancellor announced that further discussion was to take place as to the future shape and longevity of the Funding for Lending scheme. There will be many arguing in favour of an extension as the scheme certainly seems to have reduced borrowing costs. However, critics have commented that in its current format it is not effective enough in ensuring that lenders support specific borrower sectors, in particular first time buyers and those home movers with low levels of equity. We can only await the outcome of these discussions that will no doubt involve the Government, Treasury, Bank of England and the lenders to see what changes if any are made to the scheme.

Stats from the start of April are positive for potential borrowers, with the average 2, 3 and 5 year fixed rates falling further to 3.83%, 4.17% and 4.00% respectively.  In addition, borrowers continue to be firmly in favour of fixed rate mortgage products, with nine in every ten transactions during March being conducted on a fixed rate basis.

The Bank of England in their Credit Conditions Survey report that mortgage borrowers are set to continue to benefit in the second quarter, with further competitive pressure on interest rates as lenders look to increase market share.

This is reflected in a continuing increase in the number of mortgage products typically available to intermediaries, with product numbers in March rising by 4% over February to more than 6,600 products, the highest number since December 2011.

To find out if you could take advantage of the continued competition in the mortgage market, whether buying for the first time, moving house, or remortgaging, you can contact Tim Malia by calling 01246 270123 or emailing timm@mab.org.uk. 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.


WHAT WILL £250,000 BUY YOU IN THE UK PROPERTY MARKET?
Read this article and you’ll soon know!

THE WILKINS VARDY FASTEST SALE AWARD FOR APRIL

Super “Team WV” has done it yet again, only this time
We have two winners of the esteemed award 


17 HEDLEY DRIVE, BRIMINGTON – 3 BEDROOMED DETACHED HOUSE – 
ACCEPTABLE OFFER RECEIVED IN 17 DAYS
18 PENMORE GARDENS, HASLAND – 3 BEDROOMED SEMI-DETACHED – 
ACCEPTABLE OFFER RECEIVED IN 15 DAYS


AND FINALLY TO END ON A MARKET HIGH…

Click Here


A GLOWING TESTIMONIAL!




Many thanks to our vendors Mr Stewart and Miss Masters for their very much appreciated comments

“Amongst all the competition vying for our business, Wilkins Vardy stood head and shoulders above the rest and since choosing to sell our home with them, they have continued to impress us. The friendly staff team have shown that nothing is too much trouble, and we truly feel that a quick and stress free sale of our home is as important to them as it is to us. We have found the service to be professional, efficient and very personal, especially when considering the large number of customers they look after. We would have no hesitation in giving Wilkins Vardy our custom in the future and would recommend them to anyone wishing to sell their home.”

Mr K Stewart & Miss C Masters- Newbold