News
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A Summer Breeze… for Burglars!
July 21st, 2010
When the weather is good, there’s no beating a British summer. It’s the time to enjoy barbecues, outdoor entertaining, children splashing in the paddling pool and balmy evenings. However, because there is never any guarantee of really hot weather, Durham houses tend not to have air conditioning, unlike other countries where sweltering summers are inevitable.
So [...] -
Should I sell during the summer holidays?
July 8th, 2010
Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, then they should wait until September before selling their Durham property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer.
Firstly, your Durham house is likely to look its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that your accommodation will [...] -
The Media and HM Land Registry
July 2nd, 2010
The issue of house prices is a hot topic and close to every homeowner’s heart. Everyone has their opinion, but even that of experienced estate agents is no more accurate about the future of property prices than that of the layman. Prices are subject to micro and macro economics, political direction, taxation, the City, the [...]
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HIPS are dead, but beware the trap!
June 7th, 2010
The suspension of the requirement to have a Home Information Pack (or HIP) has been welcomed across the property sector. From now on nobody has to have a HIP.
This is really good news if you are thinking of selling, but are worried about the possible delay and costs involved in securing a HIP in time. [...] -
HIPS Abolished!
May 20th, 2010
The suspension (and future abolition) of HIPS can only be a good thing for the Durham housing market. One has to feel sorry for those people who spent large sums of money training to be HIPS providers and setting up their HIPS businesses, but the fact that a house can now be put up for [...]
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The Power of Information
May 18th, 2010
Many Durham estate agents pride themselves on their extensive experience and local knowledge. Indeed, it is extremely important that your agent is fully conversant with every aspect of the neighbourhood and the market if they are to be effective in helping purchasers with the right advice needed to buy your home.
However, too many agents assume [...] -
A New Lawn?
April 28th, 2010
When selling your Durham house the positive impact of a good first impression cannot be overstated, and a good lawn is the obvious place to start. The fast and easy option to improve a very poor lawn is simply to returf it, using rolls of turf. Whilst more expensive than seeding, this does give instant [...]
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The Advertising Myth
April 8th, 2010
It would not be unreasonable to assume that as a property comes on the market, the instructed Durham estate agent will post the property details on various property portals and wait for the enquiries to roll in.
However, this approach is somewhat simplistic! We take a much more strategic and proactive approach to handling new buyer [...] -
First Impressions
March 24th, 2010
You only get one chance to make a first impression! When it comes to selling your Durham house or apartment home, attention to detail could be pivotal in securing an early sale at the best possible price.
Most buyers have a good idea of their preferred location, minimum accommodation needs and ideal style of property. Yet [...] -
The Positive Election Effect
March 19th, 2010
Occasionally a forthcoming general election can have a seriously positive or negative consequence on the property market, depending on the expected affect of any particular policy that might change should another party gain power.
For example, in the past, promises of stamp duty holidays or other tax concessions have persuaded people to put off selling in [...]
