Author: Tom Middleton

Meet the Lettings Manager and find out about our Landlord Incentive

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Meet Jamie Howell- Lettings Manager

It’s hard to believe we are in April already and it is already proving to be a busy month for the Middleton Estates team.

Our Sales and Lettings department have been kept on their toes with new enquiries, and team meetings have been focused on listening to client feedback to find out what you would like to see more of in the coming months.

 

 

 

One key area that we are keen to continue developing as requested by you, is our lettings portfolio and we are proud to introduce our newest member of the team Jamie Howell.

Jamie has gained market knowledge working in both corporate and independent backgrounds helping people sell or let their homes, and has also worked within the investors industry offering tailored services to suit the needs of property investors who are looking to build their own portfolio or expand their current portfolio. Jamie has already proven himself to be an asset to the team and is hard at work helping our local tenants and landlords.

Landlord Incentive Reward

Alongside developing our lettings team we are also offering a fantastic incentive to reward our current landlords for their loyalty, and to help introduce new landlords to Middleton Estates so we can work together to provide even more quality lets from recommended landlords in the local area.

We are offering a FREE bottle of Moet & Chandon to any landlord who recommends a new Landlord to Middleton Estates. (Middleton Estates must sign up the new landlord for the offer to apply).

 

 

Why use Middleton Estates to let your property?

  • Fast Lettings– Our average letting time is 6 days from the time you instruct us to getting the contracts signed.
  • Quality Tenants– Finding quality, reliable tenants and getting them into your property fast is our priority.
  • Tenant Find Service– £399+VAT.
  • Unrivalled Marketing – We market your property on every available platform. Local magazines and newspapers, popular online property portals, website, social media and email marketing to a vast client base as well as at our prominent office location in Shoreham high street. Professional Photography and Floorplans as standard- includes aerial photography
  • Full Property Management with rent guarantee and eviction insurance – We take the stress out of lettings process by taking care of the management and administration for you (more information is available from our dedicated move managers)
  • 24 Hour Property Management.

To recommend a landlord or to find out more about how we work with our  landlords, then please get in touch with Jamie Howell today on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

 

 

 

Unlock the door to your new home this Spring

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Spring is almost upon us and we have noticed a surge in new buyer activity as the days are getting lighter and the weather is slowly starting to brighten, bringing a more optimistic mood with regards to the property market.

We realise that the level of stock versus the number of buyers looking for a new home is still disproportionate as is often the case, so as a team we decided to find a solution to this problem so that both buyer and estate agent could benefit from a positive and proactive approach to help with what has historically been a frustrating problem within the housing market.

Having listened to our clients we have created a new Home Search Service which includes the following:

  • Free client consultation to establish specific home purchase requirements and establish preferred locations
  • Tailored and professional Leaflet drop to desired search locations
  • Regular service updates for client via phone call and email

Using our Home Search service we work on your behalf to find suitable properties in your desired location. We give homeowners an opportunity to realise that there are potential buyers searching within their area, often providing the encouragement they need to put their house on the market.

If you would like to find out more about our Home Search Service or if you would like to register as a new buyer then please get in touch on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

How To Market Your Home To It’s Full Potential

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Six Top Tips To Market Your Home Successfully

When most people start to think about selling their property, the first thing they tend to do is grab tools and swiftly begin some panic DIY attempts to spruce up any imperfections that they think might put a potential buyer off purchasing their property.

Many sellers think that a property needs to be in perfect order for it to be saleable, however we have found that this isn’t always the case. A large proportion of buyers will be viewing a property and wondering how they can put their own stamp on it, quite often meaning that our painstaking decisions about what colour the bathroom or kitchen tiles should be, means very little when it come to viewings. People’s tastes differ and what one person considers beautiful another might think is less than attractive and will want to make changes.

With our extensive experience of the property market, we have compiled our six top tips to help you market your property to it’s full potential:

  1. Curb Appeal– All too often we forget about the exterior of the property, but remember that first impressions really do count. Make sure that the property looks fresh from the outside, simply washing the windows, tidying up the garden front and back (adding a few fresh flowers, even in the winter months) and clearing the pathways will help to ensure a positive impact on arrival.
  2. De-clutter– With modern lifestyles often being hectic , it’s all too easy to collect and clutter. Nothing will put buyers off more than having to try and work out what the space would be like with less “stuff.” This includes making sure your loft space and garage (if you have one) is organised and tidy. There are clever storage solutions available which can help to reduce clutter in the home, no matter how tight on space you are.
  3. Minor repairs– Fix any broken fixtures and fittings, put a coat of paint on tired looking walls and make sure all rooms are clean and dust free . Bear in mind that occasionally  buyers like to have a nosy in cupboards and wardrobes, so just make sure you don’t have anything hiding in them that you don’t want them to see.
  4. Lighting– Make sure you add some lighting to any particularly dark areas. A soft lamp light around the property can give a warm glow to any room, creating a more homely feel.
  5. Scents– Don’t overwhelm your prospective buyers with too many incense sticks, but one or two carefully placed soft scented candles, a well placed bunch of fresh flowers, freshly brewed coffee, a lit fireplace, or a fresh baked loaf of bread can help to create an inviting ambience.
  6. Warmth– In the Winter months it is especially important to invite potential buyers into a warm, cosy home. Keep the heating on just enough to warm the house, if you have a fireplace then leave it on (safely of course, don’t forget the fireguard). A cold home can really put people off a purchase so keep this in mind before every viewing.

These six top tips will really help you to market your home and appeal to potential buyers. Don’t let the colder months delay you from putting your property on the market, buyers will be searching now so don’t miss your opportunity by waiting until everyone else is competing for buyers too.

If you would like to put your property on the market and need advice, or to arrange a viewing on any of our current properties, or simply wish to join our mailing list then please contact us on 01273 454878, come and see us at our office in Shoreham-by-Sea or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk 

Local Property Market Review 2016 & Predictions For 2017

Posted on by Tom Middleton

The property market in 2016

The UK property market has been through several significant changes this year, reflecting the major economic changes that have occurred.

The start of 2016 saw a number of challenges in the UK property market, the introduction of the second property Stamp Duty was introduced on the 1st April meaning that any buyer with their name on a set of property deeds Sole or Joint becomes liable for an additional 3% on top of standard Stamp Duty. As a result we experienced a surge in buy to let purchasing prior to the changes, with a rush to ensure transactions were completed before the 1st April. Following this, buying activity noticeably slowed and in particular buy-to let sales were affected.

We were then hit with “Brexit” and during the six weeks leading up to the final result we saw a reduction in buyer activity with many people waiting until the result was announced to see what impact this would have on the UK’s financial markets. The after effect of the Brexit vote meant almost a month of exercising caution, after which time a return to normality saw the property market beginning to show improvement.

Quarter 4 of 2016 brought a return of investment buyers to the market and November was a record month for our company in terms of sales and instructions for new properties.

Since launching the business in February this year we have miraculously weathered two major changes in the political and financial world and have found that there is a place for a forward thinking approach to estate agency. Our firm has already started to build a reputation for being a trusted, friendly local estate agent.

We value our local community and have been proactively sponsoring our local charities and schools including the RNLI, Swiss Cottage School, Buckingham Primary School and Holmbush Primary to name just a few. We are avid football fans and are proud to have sponsored the Lancing Under 7’s team and have provided corporate sponsorship to Shoreham FC.

It’s been an amazing first year for Middleton Estates with February 2016 seeing the launch of our business which has received an overwhelming amount of support from friends family and local residents, many of whom have now also become valued clients.

Predictions for 2017

I am extremely optimistic about 2017, especially the start of the New Year, with interest rates on borrowing at an all time low and an apparent hunger to buy from both first time buyers and investors at the bottom of the market, we expect 2017 to provide a surge of new stock and new buyers.

In terms of the business we are further developing our services and marketing for our clients, providing bespoke brochures available for all sellers, piloting our state of the art auction proposition and launching our new and improved branded website with updated user features.

If you are thinking about buying, selling or renting a property, then please get in touch today to speak to one of our property professionals. We can arrange a free no obligation valuation of your property and give you expert advice on the local property market.

I hope you have enjoyed reading and look forward to helping you move home in 2017.

Tom Middleton, Director.