Unlocking the value of your home doesn't have to be complicated - if you make the right moves, you can add worth without breaking the bank.
Take your home up a notch with creative ideas like extending the living space, installing an eye-catching modern kitchen and refreshing its exterior appeal. Your house can be revitalised in no time!
By taking on projects that are fast and simple, you'll be able to give your interior a quick makeover with immediate results. If you're looking for more substantial changes, consider investing in extensions – they can not only boost curb appeal but also increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell!
While you may be tempted to do large scale project don’t forget the smaller things can also add value too.
How to Add Value to Your Home by Decorating
Decorating is perhaps the most obvious task when thinking about how to add value to your home.
Even though minor blemishes may not decrease the value of a home, they can be enough to drive away potential buyers and make it difficult for owners to get top dollar.
These typical defects will put many buyers off, but are easily resolved by any competent DIYer:
Peeling paint
Squeaking or sticking doors and windows
Door latches that don’t work
Mouldy sealants in kitchen and bathroom
Dripping taps
Loose tiles
Sewer smells
Broken or damaged windows
Squeaky floors and stairs
Cracks to ceilings and plasterwork
Lifting flooring
Add an Extra Bedroom
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, adding an additional bedroom is a smart move. Not only will this create more usable space in your property - providing potential buyers with greater flexibility and choice – but also adds appeal for both young families and couples looking to downsize alike.
Having more bedrooms in a property is usually seen as beneficial by potential buyers since it can add considerable value. However, there are limits to this depending on the location of your home - once you hit that limit, additional rooms won't give much bang for their buck!
Extra bedrooms can be created by dividing up existing space by removing and adding walls, by converting the loft or cellar, or by extending.
Re-purposing an existing room is a great way to freshen up your home without spending too much. Older homes with large bedrooms are the perfect candidates for this eco-friendly transformation!
Make sure you create a balance between bedrooms and the number of bathrooms a ratio of one to three is a minimum.
Kitchen Makeovers That Add Value
Having an attractive, spotless kitchen is a must-have for both potential buyers and home appraisers. Before replacing the entire set up in your cooking space, take into account its shape, position and then decide if you need to change anything about it - or even move it somewhere else!
Very often, kitchen renovations can be carried out for a modest investment. Small changes such as repainting or replacing unit doors or just the worktops can have a huge impact, as can new floor tiles or better lighting.
Give Your Garden a Makeover
Redesigning your garden can be a great way to not only increase the value of your home, but also make it more attractive to potential buyers. A well designed and tidy outdoor space is sure to add that extra flair – making it an eye-catching attraction!
Even if you do not makeover your garden, make sure you carry out at least the basics:
After months of anticipation, it's now time to embark on the exciting journey of finding a home. Taking that first step onto the property ladder is an unforgettable experience and one full of potential new memories - from needing more space or looking for something in another location, moving can open up all sorts of opportunities!
For many people, the phrase 'first-time buyer' tends to evoke a feeling of excitement. But for those looking to take their first step on the property ladder in reverse - selling their first home – confusion and uncertainty can arise as quickly as thoughts of joy. How do you start? What steps should be taken? Unfortunately, there are few resources dedicated solely to helping potential sellers navigate this process with ease; however, understanding what it takes is essential before any sale goes through!
Here’s what you need to know about selling your first property for those preparing to start a new chapter and move somewhere new.
Set An Asking Price
Selling your first home is a major step, and having an experienced real estate agent by your side makes all the difference in making it quick and hassle-free. Without their expertise, you could be stuck with long delays or worse yet - no sale at all! It's essential to find someone who will give you top-notch advice along every part of the way.
Choosing the right estate agent is key to ensuring your property makes a successful sale. They will conduct an accurate valuation and recommend a price that not only works for you, but appeals to prospective buyers as well!
When it comes to pricing your property, the decision is all yours. However, ensure you factor in what's trending on the real estate market so that your asking price has a realistic value. Your chosen agent can provide guidance and insight throughout this process - helping you strike a comfortable balance between valuation and practicality!
Prepare Your House For The Market
Show off your home's best assets and appeal to potential buyers by preparing your house for the market. It takes a little effort, but imagining what it would be like from a buyer’s perspective can make all the difference when trying to sell. Consider who might most want purchase – is there something particular they're looking for?
When it comes to staging your home, the type of prospective buyer you are targeting is key! Is it a single professional? A young couple starting their life together? Or perhaps even a family looking for some more space. Whatever kind of buyer best suits your house, focus on making sure they'll feel at home as soon as they walk through the door. Keep everything neat and tidy and make any necessary repairs before guests come by - that way when potential buyers tour with an eye towards placing in offer, all will be ready!
Put your property’s best face forward and make sure it gives potential buyers a great first impression. Improving the exterior can be just as important as sprucing up the interiors when you're trying to boost kerb appeal, so take some time on making those outdoor areas look inviting and tidy – don't leave that part of house hunting until last!
Legal Steps To Take
Reaching a point of agreement to buy or sell your property is an essential decision. All offers should be thoughtfully evaluated before making the final call, even if they seem not worth taking up – you can always decline them in diplomacy. Your real estate agent will communicate this message on your behalf whenever necessary.
Once you've accepted the offer, it's time to get down to business! Drafting up contracts and exchanging them is part of any successful move. Make sure your legal team can provide a helping hand for clarification during this process - they will make all the difference when tackling those conveyancing tasks.
Although buying or selling a property is an exciting milestone, the legal process that follows can be daunting. To ensure your sale runs as smoothly and stress-free as possible, having experienced solicitors by your side to guide you through conveyancing is essential - luckily there are detailed guides available which outline every step of the journey!
Move To Your New Home
Completion day is a thrilling time for all involved in the house selling process. Although this momentous occasion may bring with it some stress, it's also filled with anticipation and joy of what lies ahead. Whether you are simply moving into your new home or experiencing the added excitement of welcoming buyers to their own dream place, Completion Day can be an incredibly rewarding experience!
After everything that needs to be transferred has been completed and your mortgage has been redeemed, the keys to your first home will be given to its new tenants. This significant step will mean that you have just sold your first home. As such, you can live in your new home to begin a new chapter.
Buying a house, it is often claimed, is one of the most important decisions you ever make.
Buying a home is a decision which, thanks to the difficulty of getting on the housing ladder, more and more people are taking later in their lives. But buy the right house at the right time and the benefits in terms of long-term security could be incalculable.
Here at Eleanor Charles Homes the team has but together some of our top tips for anyone contemplating buying their first home. Much of the advice you will already know and is common sense and is still relevant to existing homeowners planning to move house in the not so distant future.
Check out possible areas where you can afford to buy.
Put together the main pieces in your property jigsaw – how much you can afford, how far from your place of work you are prepared to live, etc. – then track down areas which would enable you to complete the jigsaw to your satisfaction.
Try to pinpoint up-and-coming areas.
When you're looking at a property, the most important thing is knowing its history. You want to know how much traffic it gets and what projects are planned for improvement or replacement in the near future; if there's anything significant happening with regards regeneration then this will be an even better investment than one without any news on that front!
Ensure your finances are in order.
It is extraordinary how many people find their dream home and then phone their bank manager. Don’t make the same mistake. Unless you are buying without a mortgage, find a lender you trust and establish how much they are prepared to lend via a mortgage in principle. You also need to work out how big a deposit you need.
Look for properties where you can add value by improving or extending them.
There are many benefits to investing in property that can be extended as your family grows. Not only do you get a return on investment, but there is also tax relief for paying extra fees related with adding onto or renovating an existing home!There are plenty of reasons to invest in a property which can be expanded as your family grows. These include new build properties or those located in conservation areas with tough planning restrictions - but if you're looking for something that will last over time, consider buying an extended home ownership opportunity instead!
Moving into a new home, setting up a new kitchen? Check out our guide to what you'll actually use in the kitchen.
Chef's Knife
A good knife is a chef’s best friend. This is one of the few things that you’ll thank yourself for investing in. Carbon-plated stainless steel will stay sharp over time, but go to a specialty store to find the best match for you. Choose a knife that you feel comfortable handling. It should feel balanced in your hand, easy to hold and control, not too heavy, but definitely not flimsy. Believe us, you’ll be using it a lot, so take good care of it.
Metal Spatula
A sturdy metal (or high-quality plastic) spatula is vital for flipping, tossing, and serving all kinds of foods. Think eggs over easy, puffy pancakes, roasted veggies, sauteed meats, baked salmon…we could go on.
Whisk
Sturdy metal whisks come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a mid-sized whisk with a handle that fits comfortably in your hand. Use it to mix dry ingredients together before baking, stir eggs for a frittata or emulsify a vinaigrette.
Slotted Spoon
Whether it’s wooden or metal, a perforated (or slotted) spoon acts like a miniature strainer, removing solids from liquids—think pulling potatoes or small pasta noodles from boiling water.
Instant-read Thermometer
Easily (and quickly) check to see if your meats have cooked enough.
Saucepans
A large saucepan is essential for making pasta, boiling potatoes or corn, and simmering big batches of soups and broths. Look for a 5- or 6-quart size. A smaller saucepan (1.5 or 2.5 quarts) comes in handy for smaller items, like boiled eggs, rice and porridge.
Immersion Blender
This handheld tool makes it so easy to blend soups, smoothies, and pestos with the push of a button. I find much easier to handle than a traditional blender, and it’s great because it takes up much less space, too.
Colander
Wash fruits and drain pasta, veggies and other boiled foods. I like a colander that can balance on the edges of my sink, but a classic footed colander is just fine. Look for metal or ceramic, which are sturdier than plastic.
Prep Bowls
This might sound like a no brainer, but it’s important to have a variety of mixing bowls. Get ones that are metal or glass because they’re less porous than plastic. They won’t pick up stains or odours.
Cutting Board
A sturdy, stable surface is essential when it comes to prepping your food. A wooden cutting board will help protect your knife from dulling quickly, as well as make cleanup a breeze
Moving away from home for the first time can sometimes require you to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. One of the hardest but important hurdles of being a student is finding a balance between your academic and social life.
Being presented with this new found freedom can be very challenging, especially if you struggle with self-discipline. It can be quite tempting to use your time at university to focus on the ‘student’ experience, but cultivating some good work practices now will set you up for future success.
Benefits of Breakout & Communal Space within your Student Accommodation
It is important to set aside some relaxation time or short ten minute breaks when studying. Taking breaks and doing something completely different allows the brain time to absorb the information and reduces stress levels.
Modern student accommodation provides entertainment, communal and fitness facilities which allows students to manage time more effectively by having all amenities in one area. The ability to have the option of break out space to play pool with friends, or retreat to study is not one which requires a lot of time nor effort. The convenience of having such facilities can help students with their time management.
The Importance of a Dedicated Study Space
A study space minimises the stress of having to physically go to the library and find that perfect spot that isn’t too noisy, too quite or too crowded.
Having a dedicated study area prompts your brain to get in the zone. It’s vital for student to have a recognised space for the sole purpose of studying. This will minimise the time it takes them to focus and leave less room for distractions to occur. Having a separate environment for work allows the brain to associate and identify that room with studying.
University is an experience like no other, and the key to enjoying every aspect of student life is finding a happy medium between your social and academic life. Focusing on one while alienating the other isn’t advisable for anyone. The last thing you want to do is allow one to negatively affect the other. If you manage to attain a nice balance between the two you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy student life and all it has to offer.
Student Accommodation providers are increasingly trying to develop and enhance their work play environments, providing greater balancing options for their students.
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Top Tips When Moving Into Your First Home
Let’s start with the important things you shouldn’t forget!
The DVLA need to know you’re moving so you can update your driving licence and remember to change your address on the V5C vehicle registration certificate – these are both legal requirements.
Redirect your post, this can easily be done online from the Post Office. It’s a good safety net, it’s hard to remember everyone who has your address.
Tell your bank! The last thing anyone needs is a drama of a lost card and the ‘proof of address’ being different to your current address.
Update your address on all online shopping accounts! Else next time you go to tea at your mums she’ll be rocking your new scarf!
Things to do now to make things easier later
One of the first things you will need to set up is your Gas, Electric & Water. Shop around to get the best deal, it’s a very competitive market!
Arrange internet connection at your new property. If you leave it too late you will risk not being connected for weeks!
If you’re getting a nice new sofa, fridge freezer or any other house appliance, it’s worth arranging delivery straight to the new address at a time that is suitable. Maybe not the same day your entire family and Mum’s neighbour Mary shows up to see ‘how you’re getting on’.
Pack the Kettle and some tea bags last, it will make it easier to find when you get to your new home so you can make a brew for you and your hard working removers.
How to pick a removal company
When you know the date you’re moving you should be thinking about transporting your possessions, so start looking for an accredited removal company such as a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
Choosing a BAR accredited remover can protect you against damages and are the industries mark of quality.
