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For a friendly, jargon-free approach to conveyancing, contact us today for a no-obligation quote.

WE KNOW THE LOCAL AREA

Our experienced conveyancing team are based across our South London offices in Bromley, Crystal Palace, and West Wickham

WE WILL WORK TOGETHER

Our solicitors will liaise closely with your estate agents and the other property lawyers to make the process as smooth as possible

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THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FROM PROCTORS

HOME

Welcome to the Proctors Magazine! We are delighted to have you here and look forward to introducing you to the Proctors team.

At Proctors we are passionate about helping our clients find their dream home. We understand that buying a home is a big decision and we are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team of experienced estate agents are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and advice to our clients.

This magazine is designed to provide homebuyers new to the area with useful information and lifestyle articles. We hope that it will help you to make an informed decision when it comes to buying a home along with the huge resource of information available on our website at www.proctors.london. We look forward to helping you find your perfect home. Happy reading!

Local branches, local people.

Proctors is much more than a full service estate agency; we’re passionate about property and the community in which we live.

Between the London Borough of Bromley and Shirley we’ve got the best shops, schools, parks and cafés, and a whole bunch of charm and vibrancy. South East London is a brilliant place to be - even if we do say so ourselves - and we’re keen to keep it that way. That’s why at Proctors we invest in the local community - sponsoring sports clubs, charities, school fêtes and local initiatives.

We live, work and breathe London life. We eat at local restaurants, we use the public transport, our kids go to the local schools - and our knowledge is here for you. Because we know Bromley and South East London like the back of our hand, we can recommend the ideal place for you to live.

Experts in our area

All Proctors staff are highly experienced estate agents, many of whom have been with us for years – each office is run by knowledgeable Partners – committed to making sure you get the best customer service. In fact, over 75 years after George Proctor founded the company, some branches are still run by members of the Proctor family.

Over 75 years of service

We’ve seen a lot since the doors of the very first branch opened in 1946, but each and every time we help you sell your property or find your dream home it remains just as special. We’re looking forward to many more years, delivering the same high quality service we’ve become known for.

A personal approach

Proctors branches span a wide area of South East London, including Beckenham, Bromley, West Wickham, Park Langley, Petts Wood through to Shirley in Croydon.

Proctors is big enough to offer the resources of a large estate agency but small enough to care. You can be sure of a personal touch, plus the support of our network of agents. And because our agents aren’t incentivised on individual commission, you can be sure they are dedicated to getting the job done with your best interests at heart. It’s no surprise our customers return to us again and again.

Charles Proctor and Timothy Proctor, Partners

SIX inspiring storage solutions

There’s no such thing as too much storage space. And that goes double for thoughtfully designed, carefully constructed cabinets, closets, shelves, and other home stowage solutions.

The most successful built-in storage answers a specific need; it might be micro scale – like a drawer to store and charge electronic devices – or a macro project – such as outfitting an entire mudroom – but its usefulness, durability and aesthetics will depend on how good the planning, materials and execution are.

1

In-drawer charging station

Smart phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices, along with their tangle-prone power cords, are a perennial source of clutter. A dedicated drawer equipped with a charging outlet gets the gadgets out of the way – and looking great while they power up.

2

Pots and pans drawers and pullouts

A deep centre drawer holding bulky saucepans makes for an organised kitchen which is also accessible. Flanked by a pair of vertical pull-outs for smaller utensils, adding more drawers to your kitchen is a practical and elegant solution.

3

Kitchen island storage

You can make use of the centre island’s storage possibilities. Open shelves and deep cubbies not only help break up a big piece of furniture but also provide neat pigeon-holes for magazines and create an attractive display space for silverware and ceramics.

4

Under-stair storage

The wedge-shape void beneath a staircase is often underutilized in multilevel residences. You can put this space to use by creating a triangle of custom built-in cupboards and drawers. A storage wall also creates an almost sculptural work of decorative design.

5

Built-in wine storage

The space at the top of a staircase can be almost as problematic as the underside. Custom shelving, cabinets, and wine-storage systems create a welcoming and practical space in what otherwise could be a wasted nook.

6

Mud room built-ins

Make the most of your mudroom by creating cubbies for each member of the family. While you can all share a communal bench for taking off boots, having a personal cubby for each person will keep the space organised, maximising the space’s potential storage.

Homewares to make you happy

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies has everything you need to give your living space a seasonal refresh.

Whether you’re looking to brighten up a neutral bathroom, inject life into your home office, or give your lounge an upgrade with interiors that can be used both indoors and out, Dobbies has something to suit all styles.

From timeless designs to trending products, Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Hayley Ker, talks through all the newness from the garden centre and showcases how you can welcome happiness into your home. >>>

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Effortless throws

Dobbies’ throws demonstrate how easy it can be to transform a space.

Hayley says: “For anyone looking to instantly elevate a sofa, bench or sitting area in their home, a stylish throw is the perfect choice. Use these to create a cosy, lived-in feel and bring your interiors together. Lightweight fabrics are great for the warmer months and can be used outside as an extra layer when the nights cool down. These will look just as chic tidied away in a wicker basket as they do draped over an armchair, so you can have fun styling them and switching up your space.”

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Fleece throw, £9.99

Simply Green throw in orange, £29.99

Simply Green throw in green, £34.99

Face cushion, £19.99

Simply Green cushion in blue, £29.99

Blue stripe floor cushion, £49.99

Versatile cushions

Just like how throws can elevate your space, so too can cushions

Hayley says: “ “Throw pillows are a great value way to change up your interiors for the new season and can add warmth with different textures and designs. If you’re looking to add some personality into your space but don’t want to commit to a bold paint choice or wallpaper, throw pillows can be a fun way to express yourself and add a pop of colour. Mix and match different sizes to add dimension, and if you’re working with a smaller space, larger pillows can double up as extra floor seating when you entertain. We also have sustainable options from the Simply Green range.”

Statement vases

To make the most of foraged foliage or dried stems, Dobbies has a range of vases to give your interiors the wow factor

Hayley says: “There’s no better time than spring to invest in some good-quality vases, and we’ve got something to suit spaces of all styles. The trend of terracotta and clay designs is showing no signs of slowing down and these classic vases will last for decades if cared for properly, making them a great value buy for your home.”

THIS PAGE:

Beautiful baskets

Baskets can be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, and Hayley notes how these can work in your home

Hayley says: “Baskets are great storage solutions for every room in your home, especially if you’re working with limited space. Their versatility means they can just as easily be used as a place to put extra blankets and throws, as a quirky container for large houseplants or as a stylish way to tidy away children’s toys. Group different sized baskets together for a more curated look and have fun with colours and texture as a way to add some personality to your interiors.”

Fabric striped basket, from £29.99 To explore Dobbies full range of homewares and for more advice and inspiration, visit www.dobbies.com

Cammy vase, £12.99

Mottled vase, £32.99

Wavy handle vase, £39.99

Seagrass baskets, from £19.99

Make the most of spring and summer

Spring into summer is one of the best times of the year to put your house on the market: with wonderful weather, longer days and happier people making it more likely for buyers to come along and snap up their dream home. Here are our top tips on what you can do to make your home more desirable and generate the best price during these months.

Capitalise on the busy housing market

Spring and summer are the busiest periods for the property market, with early summer being a particularly active period for home buying. However the market tends to slow down in August once the school holidays begin, so make sure to start as early as you can.

Boost your house’s kerb appeal

If you want your house to sell fast, then make sure to focus on your kerb appeal. Keeping the outside areas tidy, the lawn mowed and pathways clean will go a long way in making a good first impression.

Try painting your front door, adding plant pots and summer plants to give yourself an edge against your competition. Having a nice garden can help potential buyers imagine themselves in the home and make them more likely to put an offer on the property.

Have a spring clean

Spring cleaning has it’s name for a reason! Most people will clear out the house and give it a good clean once the weather starts to get warmer, and this is even more important when putting your house on the market.

Potential buyers want something that looks fresh and clean, and not something that looks like they’ll have to put extra

effort into after they move. Give old carpets or flooring a deep clean and wash your curtains. Remember to dust the skirting boards and above cupboards. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a good dust can make.

You can also plug in some air-fresheners and light candles to get rid of any lingering pet smells.

Make the most of natural light

Another good reason to sell your home during the summer is the abundance of natural light. Make sure to let as much light in as you can, with open blinds and drawn back curtains.

Removing objects from window ledges can also help cover each room with natural light, making your home feel larger and more welcoming.

The more aesthetically pleasing your home looks the better your estate agents pictures will look, leading to more interest.

Keep decorations minimal

While you may be tempted to decorate your home to attract buyers, remember that not everyone has the same taste. Try and keep decorations to the absolute minimum, and where they are needed keep them neutral colours and out of the way. This will help buyers imagine the house in their own style, and not feel like they’re intruding into someone else’s home.

How to sell your home in winter

Has your property been on the market for a while with no luck? Traditionally, winter is known to be a hard time to put your house on the market. With bad weather stopping people going out to view houses, and the gloomy atmosphere making your property appear less desirable, there are lots of reasons why winter can put off potential buyers.

Government data shows that the colder winter months (October to March) saw an average of about 10,000 fewer monthly UK house sales than the following summer months (April to September). To try and overcome this seasonal slump, here are a few of our useful tips to help your property sell even during the slow winter months.

Get rid of discouraging DIY tasks

From rattling windows to drill holes in the walls, take this slower season to quickly patch up your half completed DIY jobs. They might not feel like a big deal to you, but potential buyers see them as just another job they’ll have to complete once they move in. Touch up the paintwork on your doors and skirting boards, and try to make your home as attractive as you can.

Don’t over scent your home

It makes sense to try and make your home smell nice with different candles and sprays, but remember that not everyone likes the same smells. Avoid over powering air fresheners and candles as they can put potential buyers off, and opt for neutral scents like fresh linens or vanilla instead.

Winter can be a great time to get baking, with multiple holidays and cold nights giving the perfect opportunity to make some sweet treats. When you know you have people coming over to view your home bake something before they come to give your house a nice homely smell, and leave a couple of your baked treats out for them to try. Little details like this is what will make your home stick in people’s minds.

Keep it cosy and warm

When it’s cold and miserable outside, nothing is better than going into a warm cosy home. Make sure your fire is going or the heating is on to welcome potential buyers, but make sure not to make it too hot! Little details like a knitted blanket

or warm lighting can help people imagine themselves being cosy in the house during winter.

Let in the light

As the days start to get shorter and darker, even the early afternoon can be a gloomy dark time for a house viewing. Putting up the right lighting will help to stop the gloom.

Make sure all your curtains are open and window ledges cleared to let in as much natural light as possible. Try changing your lightbulbs for a warmer colour to make each room seem naturally lit as well.

Keep your garden tidy

When the weather gets cooler, many people tend to neglect the garden as they spend less time outside. But for people viewing your home, the kerb appeal and garden is a big part of their decision.

Remember to keep the outside areas clean and tidy even if all the plants have died, helping potential buyers to imagine how the garden will be in summer.

Keep pets hidden

Even though we love them, our pets can put buyers off. Some people have allergies and may be put off viewing the house, and some people don’t like the idea of lingering pet smells. Make sure to keep your pet away during viewings and ensure you hoover up any hair that may trigger allergies.

Tips for healthy snacking

For busy families on the go, try these healthy snacking tips to help you curve your cravings and reduce your calories.

1. Plan Ahead

Carrying family snacks in your purse, car or gym bag while out and about can prevent vending machine and fast food cravings. Apples, Raisins, nuts and whole-grain crackers serve as great portable options.

2. Find the Perfect Snack Pairings

A blend of nutritious fats, complex carbs and lean proteins can help curb appetites. Consider a cheese stick and pear slices, fruited Greek yogurt or trail mix.

3. Refuel Your Body Naturally

The first 30 minutes after any physical activity is the most critical time for parents and kids alike to replenish the body’s energy stores.

When family schedules go into overload, healthy eating is easily overlooked. And when time is tight, it’s even more important for snacks to pack a nutritional punch.

Reboot with a natural snack like a handful of dried fruit, which also contains antioxidants and fibre.

4. Curb Those Cravings

A healthy bite after school can keep the kids satisfied until dinner. Try carrot sticks and sugar snap peas dipped in hummus, a strawberry banana smoothie or a brown rice cake spread with natural peanut butter topped with banana slices.

5. Treat Yourself With Decadent Alternatives

Satisfy your chocolate cravings with nutrient-rich combinations, like strawberries dipped in dark chocolate syrup and rolled in slivered almonds or whole-grain crackers with natural chocolate hazelnut spread.

Next time that late afternoon hunger strikes, why not try our trail mix recipe which satisfies both the sweet and savoury tooth?

Afternoon

Reboot

Trail Mix

2 cups cocoa roasted almonds

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup red raisins

1 cup pistachio kernels

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup cashews

Place almonds and cinnamon in large bowl; toss well to coat. Add remaining ingredients and toss again. Store in an airtight container. This recipe may also be prepared with 2 cups of cinnamon almonds tossed with 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.

Shake off excess cocoa in a colander before mixing with other ingredients.

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Family fun on a budget

Family budgets are tightening. But that doesn’t mean fewer family activities. Budget-conscious mums and dads can connect and spend quality time with their kids throughout the year with our top five ideas for family activities on a budget.

Family Activities at Home

One of your biggest monthly investments is your family home, so why not get your money’s worth? If your kids don’t think staying home is cool, here’s your opportunity to get creative:

1. Establish a weekly game night

There’s no need to buy new games, just ask other parents if they have games that you can borrow.

2. Subscribe to a movie streaming service

Let the kids add their favourite movie to the queue as rewards for accomplishments.

3. Dining in style

Try to eat more meals at home. Keep the meal simple, so the family can prepare it together and create some lasting fun memories.

Budget-Friendly Family Activities Out of Town

No matter the season, families benefit from fun trips and activities. With tips 4 and 5, families can plan little escapes that don’t jeopardize the mortgage:

4. Plan trips close to home

Look for locations which are far enough away for the kids to get excited but still close enough to home to not need to worry about your petrol budget.

5. Try camping

Once a popular option, many young families are getting back into the adventurous spirit of camping. During cooler months you can even rent a cabin at a discounted rate.

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Lighting tips to enhance your outdoor living space

Make the most of your family and friends’ time – look around your outdoor space to see if the existing lighting works properly and enhances the ambiance.

A few updates to your outside lighting can make your outdoor time more enjoyable. And the best part: It doesn’t have to be complicated or costly to transform your existing patio, deck or pool area into a lovely retreat.

“Creating a beautiful landscape doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Rick Wiedemer of Hinkley Lighting. “A few well-placed, low-voltage path or accent lights can make a huge impact on a well-manicured landscape.” No lawn is too small. “Even modest homes or those with limited yards or gardens can benefit,” he says.

Layer outdoor lighting

Just like indoor lighting, outdoor lighting is most effective if it utilizes overhead, task and ambient light sources. Even outdoors, where there are not typically boundaries and borders, those three layers will enhance enjoyment and help define smaller sitting and entertaining areas as though they are outdoor rooms.

Create a safe and secure environment

Enhance security with lighting near entrances and in dark corners. Aim lights away from the door so as not to blind anyone as they enter your outdoor area.

Reduce glare

Light walkways and paths with light that is cast downward and fixtures that are hooded. In many cases, exterior-safe dimmers and movable fixtures, which can be added to a patio or porch as needed, can provide flexible control over the level of light.

Add decorative elements

While functionality is the top priority, aesthetic elements are important for a relaxing and inspiring setting. Focus on lighting that highlights architectural and natural details, as well as other decorative elements like arbours, pergolas, patios, etc.

Conserve energy

Consider LEDs for their efficiency. Remember to check the colour (chromaticity) of LED outdoor lights. Low chromaticity lights (2700 or 3000K) will look similar to incandescent and halogen bulbs. Higher chromaticity LEDs (4000K and above) will have a whiter, bluer look.

Is your garage great or grim?

If you own a garage, I know you will sympathise when I tell you that I recently had the absolute misfortune of finding myself in need of visiting said outbuilding hands-on in my quest to find ‘that food processor attachment that we never use’.

Flung into a box more than two years ago when we moved into the property, ‘the food processor attachment that we never use’ had not even been missed, until now, when it was required in order to complete, in my opinion, an overlycomplicated Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe that I was never likely to attempt again and my entire family would probably turn their noses up at anyway.

But I am not a quitter, and so I found myself stood, hands on hips, contemplating the mountain of furniture, boxes, tools, suitcases and assortment of things that fall into the category of ‘let’s put it in the garage just in case’ that we had been steadily stock-piling for years.

You might think I was alone, stood in this lonely world of accumulated clutter, but I can assure you I was not, because you see, a study by RAC Home Insurance found that nearly half of Britain’s 10.6 million garages are no longer being used for their original purpose.

That’s 4.6 million garages bursting with stuff that is not motor related!

Whilst not technically a ‘room’ as such, the garage is a part of the home that is often overlooked....by sellers. Chances are that if you are anything like me and have been in your home for more than a few years, you will have collected a fair amount of ‘stuff’ which when surplus to requirements ends up in the garage.

When it comes to selling a home, the garage is often overlooked – even though it can be a huge asset and something that many prospective purchasers will actively look for when deciding whether to view a property.

For most people the garage is simply a holding pen for years of junk that we can’t or won’t get rid of ‘just in case’ and so the ‘stuff’ builds and builds. Now, this may not seem like a big deal on a day to day basis, but if you are selling your home, then clearing out your garage should be a consideration.

Remember that when your home is viewed, every room, yes, including the garage, will be under scrutiny. A clean and tidy garage space can even help sell your property, particularly to those viewers who have a vision and may want to utilize the extra space to create a home gym, an office or playroom. Or goodness – perhaps they might even want to park their car in it.

So, maybe it’s time to sort through your stuff and decide what is really worth keeping. Be brutal and tip, sell or give away anything that you do not need. Then, once you’ve done that, invest in some shelving to improve the look and feel of your garage as a whole.

You’ll feel better for it – and it could help you sell your home faster.

Oh, and by the way, in case you’re wondering, I never did find ‘that food processor attachment that we never use’.

Keep calm and carry on hosting

The cold winter months are full of opportunities for celebration, and the summer sun brings everyone together to enjoy the warmer days. No matter what time of year, gathering your close friends and family together to enjoy good food and drinks and spend quality time together, is an ancient tradition which is bound to please all of your guests.

However, when you’re planning on hosting multiple people at your own home staying on top of your family’s everyday needs can seem overwhelming, and you can find yourself not being able to enjoy the fun events you put so much effort into planning. The good news is that with a little planning, you can save yourself stress and have everything you need to be able to relax and enjoy the occasion, whatever it may be!

Take a kitchen inventory

Every family has go-to staples they need on a weekly basis, all year round. To make sure you don’t run out of any must-have items, do a quick tour of your kitchen and list what you know you can’t do without on any given week, along with the quantities you usually go through. Your list will be unique to your family, but may include items like a pint of milk, a loaf or two of bread, a carton of eggs or boxes of pasta. Hosting guests for more than a couple of days? Simply double your list.

Plan your menus

For special holidays, dinners or other occasions when you plan to entertain, make a menu well ahead of the event so you can check your recipes and make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need. If your recipes call for fresh ingredients, plan to pick them up close to the event date. Make a note to yourself on your calendar or planner so you won’t forget.

Shop ahead

Make the time to shop these essentials well ahead of any holidays or busy weekends, so you won’t be hustling through crowds to fill your cart while you’re stocking up. This helps relieve stress, even if you need to do a last-minute run for a few key items. Better yet, skip the store all together and order online.

One-stop shop when you can

To avoid having to run around town when you’d rather be at home enjoying the company of your friends and family, find one supermarket you can depend on to have everything you may need at good quality and affordable prices. That way you can get everything you need in one location and can spend minimal tine out shopping.

Organise your kitchen

You don’t have to do it all yourself. You can enlist family members to help you with food prep, clean-up, table setting and decoration. Even young children can take on simple tasks, with a little direction- and they love to contribute. It really helps to lessen the load, and builds a feeling of camaraderie when everyone pitches in.

With these tips, you’re bound to feel more prepared and ready to relax and enjoy your precious time with family and friends.

Your moving home checklist

As you get close to owning your new home, there are lots of things that you will need to do. To make this process a little easier we have put together this comprehensive checklist of things to do.

Four weeks before...

Order boxes, labels and packing materials

Clear out unwanted items, take to charity shops, freecycle or take to the tip

Go through your attic

Go through the garage and shed

Two weeks before

Once you have exchanged and have an agreed moving date...

Gas Supplier

Electricity Supplier

Water Supplier

Telephone

Sky / Cable / On Demand / Video Services

Council Tax

TV Licencing

Broadband Supplier

DVLA

Car Insurance

Bank / Building Society

Credit and Store Cards

Loans

Inland Revenue

Accountant

Pension Provider

Passport Office

Doctor

Dentist

Health Club

Newspaper / Magazine Subscription

Post Office Redirection

Work

Friends & Family

Boiler or Appliance Insurance

One week before...

Empty and defrost your freezer

Pack everything you don’t need in the next week

Re-confirm your removals company or van hire reservations

Make arrangements for childcare or pets

Two days before...

Speak to the selling Estate Agent and understand the plan for keys

Ask about any alarms on your new home and the code

Pack the final things you don’t need in the next day

Take down any lights and curtains you are taking with you

The Big Day

Confirm final meter readings at the home you are leaving

Switch off power and water supplies if your home is not being occupied straight away

Lock all the windows and doors, leave window keys by the relevant window

Drop the keys off at the Estate Agent

Take meter readings at your new home

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

PROPERTY

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Our friendly and understanding team will assist in all aspects of the preparation and registration of your Lasting Powers of Attorney.

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