Hull High Street Campaign 20th September

9 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

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" ! ! ! ! $ Don’t settle for an online estate agent, use qualiďŹ ed and experienced estate agents in the local area that know everything there is to know about it. They actively promote your property, not wait for potential buyers to stumble across it online and unlike online agents, they happily handle all aspects of marketing your property with no additional fees!

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10 Thursday September 20 2018

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hull-live.co.uk/property

Send your e-mails to news@lincolnshirelive.co.uk

Thursday, June 28, 2018 Lincolnshire Echo

MAI-E01-S3 ECH-E01-S6

YOUR STREETESTATE ESTATEAGENTS AGENTS YOUR HIGH HIGH STREET

LOTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET

W

hen you are thinking of putting your property onto the market who would you turn to first?

Should you stick with the traditional high street agent or perhaps risk using an online or call centre agent?

Whichever route you decide to choose, it’s important to consider the significant differences between the high street and the online agents.

Local estate agents are backing a campaign to use high street agents, amid criticisms being made by the advertising watchdog for certain online agents “making unsubstantiated and misleading claims” in their advertising.

A report last summer by Which? magazine highlighted Purple Bricks, HouseSimple, Hatched and other online agents for falling foul of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

HouseSimple was reprimanded by the ASA on August 16, 2017 for stating that its customers saved £5,000 on average in fees, in TV advertising and in similar claims on its website, without providing evidence to support its claims.

This is the third time in the past year that HouseSimple has been rebuked by the ASA. Housesimple was criticised for stating customers could sell a home for £495, but not making clear that they had to use its conveyancing and mortgage advice services to get that price.

They also claimed they were ‘three times quicker’ at selling properties than other estate agents in an advert displayed on the London Underground.

However, the ASA didn’t feel its evidence was enough to prove that assertion.

And Purplebricks has also had three rulings upheld or partly upheld against it since March 2016, with the most recent being issued July 2017.

They were criticised for making what the ASA said were misleading and unsubstantiated claims about how much its customers could save in estate agent fees.

In a TV ad and on its website, they said customers had ‘nothing to pay upfront’ to sell a property with them, without making clear that there is a mandatory fee that would need to be paid at a later date.

What do online agent fees include?

You can expect a package to include at least the basics needed to sell a home, such as listings on the main property portals. But extras, such as the agent conducting the viewings for you, are likely to cost more.

When do you have to pay?

With some online agents you will need to pay an upfront fee (meaning you have

Selling your home has never been more competitive with estate agents vying for your custom – but there are some factors to consider when deciding to go online or via the high street

to pay even if you don’t sell your property). Some will let you defer payment, but you may still face a fee even if you’re property doesn’t sell.

You may also have to enter into a credit agreement with the firm.

Companies that allow you to only pay on completion will often charge more for this option.

How long will they market my property for?

Packages can be time-limited such as 10 or 12 months, rather than your property continuing to be marketed until it sells.

Pros of using an online estate agent ■ Fees: In some cases using an online estate agent could be cheaper than using a high street agent.

■ Convenience: It can sometimes be easier to get hold of online estate agents. Their call centres are open during evenings and weekends, so they are able to deal with queries outside of working hours (although some high street agents now offer this level of service too).

■ Flexibility: Packages can be tailored to your specific requirements, and you can often track viewings and feedback online

(although some high street agents offer this, too).

Cons of using an online estate agent ■ Lack of local knowledge: Even online agents with regional reps could struggle to compete with a high street agent who knows your neighbourhood and its property market inside out.

■ Legwork: Online estate agents may negotiate offers for you and act as a middleman to progress your sale to completion, but not all will. Taking charge of communications with

buyers and solicitors without the help of an agent could be time-consuming and stressful.

■ Viewings: Unless you pay extra you’ll usually have to conduct viewings yourself, so you’ll need to be comfortable showing strangers around your home and be available during evenings and weekends.

■ Paying up front: If you opt for this type of package, you won’t be paying on results. In fact, you’ll have to pay even if that company doesn’t end up selling your house.

■ Selling price: Because most online estate agents charge a flat fee rather

MAI-E01-S3 ECH-E01-S6 For

Thursday September 20 2018 11

hull-live.co.uk/property

Lincolnshire Echo Thursday, June 28, 2018

hundreds of local homes visit our website – www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk

3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS YOUR ADVANTAGE IN MAKING A DEAL First-time buyers, buyers with no chain and those with prearranged mortgages have a head start on most of the competition.

If this is you, make sure the agent and seller are aware of this, as it provides a highly favourable negotiating position, especially if the seller is in a chain.

If they are in a hurry to sell or have been trying to sell for a long time they may be willing to accept a lower offer. Those who are not in a hurry to move are more likely to hold out for a higher price.

Set a budget ceiling from the start and stand firm. If the seller refuses to budge, think very carefully if the property really is worth the extra money.

If there are few similar properties for sale in the area, chances are the seller has the upper hand. But if repair work is required, use this to justify a lower offer. In tougher times, when there are fewer buyers, sellers may be more willing to negotiate.

Once the seller has accepted your offer, ask them to take it off the market. They don’t have to agree, but doing so will shut out other potential buyers. You then need to move fast, as the seller will want to see progress, so avoid any unnecessary delays in getting surveys and legal work done.

The lender will arrange for a valuation to be done on the property. If you are buying an older property, one that needs repairs or just for your own peace of mind, you could consider getting a more detailed survey than the basic lender’s valuation. Ask your estate agent or find a surveyor at www.rics.org for a quote.

From the seller’s point of view your estate agent will try to

than commission there is less of an obvious incentive to get the best-possible price for you. That said, they have reputations to maintain, and many companies claim they usually achieve the desired asking price.

However, according to research conducted by GetAgent, half of online agent listings haven’t sold after 14 months. Almost half of vendors who switched from Purplebricks did so in the first two months. And out of those properties re-listed, 65 per cent had asking price changes.

Purplebricks completed on just 57 per cent of the listings from January

2016, as of February 2017. HouseSimple completed on 58 per cent, Tepilo were even lower with a 48 per cent completion rate.

GetAgent looked at 500 new listings

by Purplebricks and other online agents from January 2016. They analysed the success of each of these listings from January 2016 through to February 2017, allowing 14 months.

Analysts at Investec Bank have reported that Purplebricks sells 76 per cent of the properties it is instructed on. However, the debate rages with some questioning whether the figure is based on ‘completed’ sales.

secure as high a price as possible for you, but make sure you keep all lines of communication open and discuss every development.

If you conduct the negotiations you will find that the initial offer is usually five per cent to 10 per cent below your asking price.

These are the rules of the game, and buyers expect you to know this and to have set the asking price artificially high.

When it comes to negotiating, don’t make too many concessions without getting something in return.

If the buyer and the seller eventually meet in the middle, it should be because both have budged a bit, but as the seller, you are naturally in the stronger position.

Find out the buyer’s position through a little bargaining. You don’t have to make a decision straight away. It is perfectly normal to take a day or two to think things over and then let the buyer know.

Even when you accept an offer, it is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged.

However, if you intend to change your mind as soon as a offer comes along, you should tell the buyer so before accepting the offer.

Although not illegal, it is poor practice to simply drop a buyer after he or she has paid out legal and administrative expenses.

When choosing a buyer, there are several factors you should take into consideration: While the price is obviously the most important consideration, other factors will also influence your decision. Check the buyer has agreement in principle with a mortgage guarantee issued by the lender.

This assures you that the buyer actually has the

necessary funds to buy your house.

If buyers rely on the proceedings from a sale this poses a disadvantage to you, since one fault in the chain can cause a breakdown and upset your entire time-scale.

First-time buyers, buy-to-let investors and cash buyers are likely to be your best bet.

The more potential buyers, the more likely that you can play them off against each other or even trigger a bidding war.

Demand is usually highest if you are selling in early or late summer. But if you have a good property, there will be many potential buyers irrespective of the season.

If you need to sell your property quickly, for instance, if you need the proceeds to buy a new house, your position is obviously weakened. In this case, the seller not being in a chain may be more important than the amount of money they offer.

When interest rates are low and the neighbourhood you live in is becoming more expensive, you will be able to negotiate a much higher price. To get an overview of the condition of the property market in your area, check out the prices of properties sold recently through property transaction databases.

If your property is in poor condition, interest will obviously be lower. It is not advisable to wait for too long, since the longer the property is on the market, the lower the price you will get for it, so you will have to be more flexible when considering offers.

No matter how much you dislike the people who are about to buy your beloved home, if they are cash buyers and offer you a high price, it would be stupid to let this transaction fail.

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MAI-E01- S3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS

WHY GAMBLE WITH YOUR HOUSE SALE?

F

or many of us your house is your biggest asset.

When considering selling, most owners will want to achieve the best price possible in a timescale that suits them.

Matthew Limb has an expert team with wide-ranging local knowledge.

Why gamble with the chances of success by limiting yourself to just internet advertising?

Research has shown that a full service agent has a much higher success rate in selling property than those just reliant on the internet.

This is a virtue in its own right but, coupled with a service that not only delivers results through a much broader range of marketing – making the whole process as smooth and as hassle-free as possible – surely stacks the odds in your favour.

As a true local estate agent Matthew Limb’s is ideally placed to offer the best possible service, expertise and deliver results.

Agreeing a sale is only part of the process, and the time between this and you actually moving can be very stressful, particularly without a hands-on local agent who has an in-depth understanding of the process. With Matthew Limb’s you can rest assured that you are in safe hands all the way, as we liaise with solicitors, other agents and mortgage lenders to help ensure your sale progresses as smoothly as possible through to your moving day.

As you pay absolutely nothing up front to us, nor if you don’t sell, we are invested with you to find a suitable buyer and achieve the best price possible.

Don’t just take our word for it – here are what some of our customers have said:

■ “Thank you so much for all your hard work on my behalf, you went the extra mile for me so often, and you are truly a great family firm” Mrs S – August 2018 ■ “To all the team, thank you for all your help, patience and support in a very difficult situation – you made the difference.” Mr and Mrs B – June 2018 ■ “To every single member of staff may we extend an enormous THANK YOU for everything you did in the sale of our house. The service, care, kindness and understanding was above and beyond!! No other estate agency would ever give this perfect, personal service. We can’t speak highly enough of every single one of you.” Mr and Mrs M – May 2018 ■ “Dear all, just to say thank you for all your wonderful service. I know you are highly respected and

trusted by many in the area, and for good reason. I always recommend you and I wish you continued success in the future. All the very best.” Mr B and Miss H – March 2018 To achieve the best price, your property needs to reach the widest audience possible and we will make it stand out from the crowd. Firmly established as a market-leading independent estate agent in East Yorkshire, the business thrives on making clients’ properties eye-catching, deploying individual picture “For Sale” signs, and have developed an online TV channel, which includes video presentations about the properties and testimonials from happy customers.

Those passing by the company’s comfortable, contemporary modern offices can also take a look at the wide range of properties in all their glory with a 47in touch- screen in the front window.

“We want to give the best advice, marketing, and service to every buyer and seller,” said Matthew, who

has a professional, friendly team helping people every step of the way.

The business is a member of the Property Photography Academy and knows how to make your home look its best.

“We can provide bespoke professional photography as standard, and even drone photography to display a property to its fullest potential,” said Matthew.

“Our own easy-to-use website, which is also optimised for ease of use on mobile devices and tablets, alongside presence on leading property portals including OnTheMarket, and Rightmove and in the local press, ensures your home will be marketed to thousands of people”.

Social media marketing is also extremely important in today’s world and the company can provide targeted Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns.

Other strengths include a detailed database of buyers, which, as specialists in west Hull and surrounding villages, means Matthew Limb has become the agent of choice for buyers to register with

when they are looking in the local area – and can be alerted when your property comes onto the market.

With accompanied viewings available seven days a week, and the arranging of open house days also offered, Matthew Limb can make the home-buying – or selling – process as smooth as possible.

“Our aim is to help clients sell their home in a stress-free way, securing the best price possible,” said Matthew.

“We have a fantastic team with huge experience in the local market who deliver that personal touch and really care.”

WHERE TO FIND US ■ Matthew Limb Estate Agents Ltd is at Unit 2, Welton Road Retail Park, Brough, HU15 1AF. Call 01482 669982, email info@matthewlimb.co.uk or visit www.matthewlimb.co.uk

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hull-live.co.uk/property

MAI-E01- S3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS

The team at Stanifords in Sow Hill Road, Beverley. From left, Paul Staniford, Jill Staniford, Linda Willey, Alyson Calvert and Sue Smith. Pictures: Richard Addison

‘BETTER FOR ALL’

T

here’s a long history of excellence at Stanifords, which, approaching 30 years as a family business, is one of the region’s leading independent estate agents.

The company, which has offices at Beverley and Swanland, is a professionally qualified chartered surveyors and a specialist in newbuild developments.

With its commitment to customer service, and its use of the latest technology and marketing, Stanifords continues to grow in both size and reputation.

One of Stanifords directors, Ben Wright, said: “We’re determined to make the sales experience better for everyone, regardless of whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller.

“The sales journey can often be a long and daunting one; it doesn’t simply stop once your house sale is agreed.

“A successful agent will use the motivation of an exchange of contracts as the focus of the sale.

Once the sale is agreed is truly where the hard work begins and results are delivered.

“We subscribe to a set of core principals based around the fundamentals of customer service, leading technology and innovative marketing service.

“Together these cornerstones of the business help achieve outstanding results for our clients and vendors.”

Stanifords is one of few remaining high street firms of chartered surveyors, which, with professional accreditation from the most recognised industry body, gives you the peace of mind that you are in safe hands – from instruction

right through to completion.

Paul Staniford has more than 30 years of professional experience and has a genuine passion for all matters property.

Subscribing to the ethos of “hands on” business practice, Paul is a prominent figure across all areas of the branch network and, with his surveying expertise, he is an invaluable resource and fount of knowledge.

Another ever-expanding part of the business is Stanifords’ new-build homes and land departments.

Ben said: “Our wealth of knowledge has allowed us successfully to acquire and market some of the region’s most recognised new-build developments.

“Often this requires that extra level of experience and focus, which is why we have developed the reputation as the new-build specialists.”

The company is proud to be an independent business which always “keeps it local”, alongside developing, and retaining, a strong core of staff members.

Paul said: “Our staff are at the heart of the business and, with many being in employment with us for more than ten years, it demonstrates that we feel it is important to provide the right working environment and a formula to achieve selling results for our clients.

“Equally, we also subscribe to developing property talent and have invested in bringing the next generation of property professionals through the business.”

Ready to help at Stanifords in West End, Swanland are, from left, Carolyn Shepherd, Ben Wright and Ben Healey.

It’s this approach which has made Stanifords a welcoming and highly effective estate agency.

Ben said: “Finally, the best advice, as agents, we can give is come in and talk to us.

“Get to know us and we will have a better understanding of your needs

and requirements and will be able to introduce exciting new opportunities to you.

Many of our clients have used us as an invaluable resource when searching for property and it is this relationship we are keen to develop and pass on.”

WHERE TO FIND US ...

■ Stanifords Beverley 3 Sow Hill Road, Beverley HU17 8BG Call 01482 866304 Email bevsales@stanifords.com ■ Stanifords Swanland 2 West End, Swanland HU14 3PE Call 01482 631133 Email swansales@stanifords.com ■ Visit www.stanifords.com

15 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

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16 Thursday September 20 2018

hull-live.co.uk/property

MAI-E01- S3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS Quick & Clarke is a family-run, professional estate agency business and chartered surveyors, which was founded 25 years ago by Mike Quick and Howard Clarke bringing along years of experience of selling houses. With five high-profile offices, they have East Yorkshire covered and are open seven days a week from 8am weekdays. Their success comes from their outstanding teams, high professional customer services and bespoke marketing.

Visit www.quickclarke.co.uk

Quick & Clarke Beverley 35 North Bar Within, Beverley, HU17 8DB. Call 01482 886200 Quick & Clarke Hornsea 2 Market Place, Hornsea HU18 1AW. Call 01964 537123

Quick & Clarke Cottingham 131 King Street, Cottingham HU16 5QQ. Call 01482 844444

Quick & Clarke Brough 59D Welton Road, Brough HU15 1AB. Call 01482 666816

Quick & Clarke Lettings. Call 01482 886200

Quick & Clarke Willerby The Square, Willerby HU10 6AD. Call 01482 651155

OUR DIRECTORS Directors Jon Myers, Derek Smith, Richard Welpton and Dawn Towse, together with the original founders Mike Quick and Howard Clarke, all have a hands-on approach to their business.

Heading up a team of enthusiastic staff, they strive to provide a service that creates happy homeowners and loyal customers.

Jon Myers

Richard Welpton

Dawn Towse

Derek Smith

Howard Clarke

Mike Quick

17 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

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hull-live.co.uk/property

MAI-E01- S3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS Principal Robert Beercock at the company’s Barton-Upon-Humber office.

BEERCOCKS PROVIDES...

■ A bespoke, all-in-one service ■ Feedback within 24 hours of a viewing ■ Ten networked branches ■ Free video tours ■ Track your listing and sale online ■ Open seven days a week ■ No upfront fees or tie-in period ■ Visit www.beercocks.com

OFFERING SO MUCH MORE

B

eercocks is able to offer so much more than an online agent.

The company, which has branches across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, provides many different services all under one roof with a more personal approach.

Principal, Robert Beercock, said the kind of people that use online services are those who have a “DIY approach” to home-selling.

He said: “You get what you pay for.

If you want the service and the security and the back-up of a huge team on the ground, then you will choose us.

“We have nearly 120 people locally and everything is all inclusive. You don’t get the risk.

“We put our money where our mouth is. We have to perform and get a result, otherwise we don’t get

paid.

“A lot of these online services say they have people on the ground but they don’t have enough people on the ground.

“We keep a typical ratio of 25 properties per person. They are running on a ratio of eight to ten times that amount.”

Mr Beercock, who has been in the estate agency business for nearly 40 years, said you don’t get a “proactive” estate agent with online services.

“Unless someone ticks the right box, your house is invisible. It is about opening people’s eyes,” he said.

The principal said there is also the “hassle factor” when it comes to property.

“There is someone there that can take care of the whole process. We even do the legal service. We organise the finance as well,” Mr Beercock said.

“It is a one-stop shop.”

He added that you also get charged at the start of the process by the

Beercocks’ Willerby branch.

online estate agents.

Those looking to buy, sell or rent, will find all bases covered at Beercocks, which is open seven days a week and employs a team with expertise in valuations, house sales and rentals, alongside legal and financial services.

The family-run business prides itself on a personal touch for all the clients, while making excellent use of the very latest technology.

Committed to achieving the highest prices for all its clients, the selling process at Beercocks is completely transparent – with the vendor tracking system allowing clients to follow the progress of their sale, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To help with the sale, Beercocks also produces high-definition video tours of clients’ houses, which are easily shareable online.

You can also take advantage of Beercocks’ professional photography skills and equipment to ensure the property is shown off to prospective buyers in its best light.

The estate agent also provides financial and legal advice if required, with all the services under one roof.

Given this all-encompassing approach, it is no surprise that Beercocks continues to expand.

Formed in the late 1990s as Beercock, Wiles & Wick, and more recently rebranded as Beercocks, the company serves Hull, Beverley, the East Riding of Yorkshire, and the wider North Lincolnshire area.

Beercocks now has ten branches across the region, in Beverley, Cottingham, Hedon, Hessle, Holderness Road, Kingswood, Newland Avenue, Barton-Upon-Humber, Willerby and North Ferriby, the company’s newest branch, which opened in January.

Branch manager Kyle Hardwick at the North Ferriby office.

Linda Dunston of Beercocks’ luxury homes specialists Fine & Country.

19 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

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20 Thursday September 20 2018

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MAI-E01- S3

YOUR HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENTS

‘NO SALE, NO FEE’

T

here’s a personal service and an in-depth local knowledge from the staff at Whitakers, which has four branches covering the area.

The highly motivated, friendly, and experienced team can help you solve any potential problem – from instruction through to completion.

Area sales manager Victoria Windass said: “We know how stressful, finding, selling or letting a property can be so we strive to provide excellent customer service that is above and beyond your expectations.”

There’s no upfront fee – meaning if there’s no sale, there’s no cost to you – and a range of bespoke packages, with a variety of fee structures, to suit your needs.

With offices across Hull and the East Riding, together with the latest software, high-quality internal and external photography, press advertising and comprehensive website marketing – alongside a presence on all major property websites – Whitakers can make a maximum impact when you come to sell your property.

Victoria said: “As a local agent with local knowledge, we will guarantee a personal service, tailored to your needs, which will produce the results you are looking for not only with your sale but the best price possible too.”

■ Visit www.whitakers.co.uk

WHITAKERS EAST HULL

Located in a prime position in Holderness Road, on the corner of Southcoates Lane, the team at Whitakers East Hull includes area sales manager Victoria Windass, sales negotiator Sarah Jane Wright, valuer Dennis Leach, area lettings manager Carolyn Stewart, assistant lettings manager Laura Holland, maintenance and lettings co-ordinator Sophie Tasker and lettings co-ordinator Claire Whitaker.

As all of them live in the local area, they are highly experienced in both sales and lettings and have a wealth of knowledge of the market place.

Victoria said: “We are committed

to delivering excellent customer service to all of our clients, landlords, tenants vendors and buyers alike, don't just take our word for it – have a look on the review section of the website and see what other people say about us.”

■ Whitakers East Hull, 396 Holderness Road, Hull, HU9 3DL. Call 01482 790970. Email holderness@whitakers.co.uk

WHITAKERS WEST HULL

Based in Anlaby Road – a prominent position for all of west Hull and the surrounding villages – the team consists of branch manager Kate Douthwaite, assistant manager Sam Baldwin, and sales negotiator Leanne Edwards.

Kate said: “We guarantee that we will deliver a professional yet personal service tailored to your needs driven through the passion and commitment of the Whitakers staff.

“Our service is second to none so why not pay us a visit and begin your experience of receiving a service you deserve from people you can trust.”

■ Whitakers West Hull, 654 Anlaby High Road, Hull, HU3 6UU. Call 01482 330490. Email westhull@whitakers.co.uk

WHITAKERS SUTTON

Positioned in the heart of Sutton village, the team has more than 50 years’ combined experience.

Area sales manager Victoria Windass, valuer Dennis Leach and sales negotiators Rachel Mower and Andrea Trim say they are passionate about delivering the best service possible.

“We’re all highly enthusiastic and motivated to achieve the optimum results for our clients and offer the correct guidance and support for your move,” said Victoria.

“We all absolutely love working in the property industry and this is evident from our quality customer feedback. Why not call in today and meet our experienced, friendly team and see for yourself?”

■ Whitakers Sutton, 86 Church Street, Hull, HU7 4TD. Call 01482 877177. Email sutton@whitakers.co.uk

Anlaby High Road, Hull. Top, from left, Holderness Road, east Hull; Wilson Street, Anlaby. Below, the branch in Sutton village.

WHITAKERS ANLABY

As the only estate agent in Anlaby, Whitakers is a part of the local community and the surrounding villages.

Complementing its sister offices in Sutton, Anlaby High Road and Holderness Road, there is a strong connection and teamwork between the branches.

Conveniently located in Wilson Street, in the heart of the village, the team consists of branch manager Kate Douthwaite, sales negotiators Jane Hall and Flo Stirratt and administrator Harry Whitaker.

■ Whitakers Anlaby, 38 Wilson Street, Anlaby, HU10 7AN. Call 01482 657657. Email anlaby@whitakers.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM ...

“As a local agent with local knowledge, we guarantee a personal service, tailored to your needs, which will produce the results you are looking for not only with your sale but the best price possible too.”

Claire Whitaker

Victoria Windass

Andrea Trim

Carolyn Stewart

Dennis Leach

Harry Whitaker

Jane Hall

Sophie Tasker

Oscar

Kate Douthwaite

Laura Holland

Rachel Mower

Samantha Baldwin

Sarah Jane Wright

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21 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?

22 Thursday September 20 2018 ECH-E01-S6

hull-live.co.uk/property

For hundreds of local homes visit our website – www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk

Lincolnshire Echo

Thursday, June 28, 2018

MAI-E01- S3

15

YOUR STREETESTATE ESTATEAGENTS AGENTS YOUR HIGH STREET

PREPARING TO BUY FIRST TIME

T

what exactly is it?

There are two sides to this scheme – Help to Buy: Shared Ownership and the Help to Buy: Equity Loan.

The equity part launched back in 2013 and is available until 2020.

It’s open to both first-timer buyers and homemovers – but is restricted to new-build homes. Under this part of the scheme, the buyer is only required to raise 5% of the property value as a deposit.

The Government will then lend you up to 20 per cent of the value of a property in the form of an ‘equity loan’. The remaining balance can then be topped up through a mortgage.

enants paid a record £51.6 billion last year in the rent to private sector landlords alone – more than twice the total bill in 2007 – new figures show on the opening of First Time Buyer’s Fortnight.

Lettings network Countrywide, which made the calculations, said the increase has been driven both by rising rents and more people renting.

Tenants paid around £49.7 billion in 2016, according to the report.

A decade earlier, in 2007, the total rent was put at £22.6 billion.

Countrywide’s analysis suggests that for the past 11 years the generation born between 1977 and 1995 have been paying the majority of total rent in Britain.

It said that in 2017 millennials paid 59 per cent of the total rent, or just over £30 billion.

Johnny Morris, research director at Countrywide, said: “The rental market grew in 2017.

“More people joined the rented sector and average rents increased, meaning 2017 saw the highest total rent bill so far.”

FIRST STEPS TO OWNING YOUR OWN HOME If you’re sick of renting (or living at home) now is your chance to do something about it.

It’s first time buyer’s fortnight – two weeks of the year dedicated to helping renters move forward to homeownership – whether it be opening their first savings account or applying for a mortgage.

And while owning your first home is no simple feat, where there’s a will, there’s a way, you just need to get started.

Step 1 is to start saving. A help to buy or lifetime ISA is a good place to start – pay cash into these accounts and the Government will top it up for you (with up to 25 per cent more), at the end of the year.

MAKE YOURSELF MORTGAGE ATTRACTIVE Getting a mortgage has become far more challenging since the introduction of tough new rules on affordability.

There is lots of hearsay that people are being turned down for loans because they spend too much on

takeaway coffees or for other trivial reasons such as gym membership costs or beauty spending.

While it’s true that finances are delved into more deeply, it’s signs of debt issues, over-stretched budgets and bad money management that they’re watching for.

Those hoping to buy their first home should start their preparation long before they start looking for a property.

You need to get your finances into the best possible situation – they need to be mortgage fit.

10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE APPLYING FOR A MORTGAGE 1 Check your credit report – You need to know how good your credit rating is and to ensure that all the information on your credit file is correct. If you have any black marks such as missed payments it is best to wait until your record improves. Not only will this increase your chances of getting a mortgage, a good credit rating means you will be offered the best mortgage rates.

Get free access to your credit report via Experian, Clearscore or Noddle.

pay a regular amount above the minimum.

5 Pay everything on time – Always make sure you pay all of your bills on time. Late or missed payments will leave a mark on your credit report and that will set alarm bells ringing with lenders.

6 Don’t... making regular payments to gambling websites as lenders may think you are too much of a risk taker.

Payday loans will be another warning sign that you are unable to manage your money.

7 Start Saving – Set up a regular savings account and prove that you can put money aside and are financially disciplined. This is something you’ll need to do once you have a mortgage so it’s a good habit to get into.

The more you can save – and the bigger your deposit – the better the mortgage rate you will be offered.

8 Look beyond the mortgage rate – When you do apply for a mortgage make sure you do your sums so you know the total true cost of the loan.

You need to include fees and know the cost over the term to ensure you get the best deal. Low interest rates often come with hefty fees. On smaller loans over a shorter term this can make a deal expensive.

2 Review your bank statement – You need show you can manage your money well and don’t struggle to make ends meet each month. If it’s already in a muddle then a lender will see that as a warning sign. Try and keep a credit 9 Know all the costs involved in moving balance.

– Make sure you can afford all of the 3 Sort out your overdraft – If you can’t various costs and fees involved from get it paid off then think about taking your mortgage deposit to surveys, legal out a 0 per cent money transfer card or bills, Land Registry fees, and Stamp Duty (where relevant). a structured loan to get it cleared.

But, don’t overstretch yourself and 10 Double check you can afford all your make sure you work out how much bills – As well as your monthly you can easily afford to repay each month. Don’t be tempted to spend on a mortgage, don’t forget to tot up the rest of your regular bills from council tax to 0% money transfer card – only use it energy, insurances, food and everyday to clear your debt . expenses to ensure you can afford 4 Sort out credit cards and other debts everything.

Do a proper budget so you don’t end Look at your balance and try to get it as low as possible. Ideally you should keep up running up debt to afford all the it below 30 per cent of your credit limit essentials. and aim to pay off at least 10 per cent of the outstanding balance each month. FIVE SCHEMES TO HELP YOU BUY Make sure you make payments on time. FASTER Set up a direct debit to at least pay the 1 Help to buy minimum and ensure you don’t miss You may have seen billboards and payments. Or use a standing order to posters promoting ‘Help to Buy’ – but

What you should know: ■ Help to Buy covers new build properties valued under £600,000 only ■ It will run until 2020 ■ There is no interest to pay for the first 5 years ■ In year 6, interest (known as a ‘loan fee’) kicks in at 1.75 per cent ■ When you come to sell your home, the Government will take back its 20 per cent share.

The idea with the help to buy equity loan is that, because you’re only borrowing 75 per cent from the mortgage lender, rates will be cheaper than on a 95 per cent mortgage.

But don’t assume that’s always the case. See our guide on first time buyer mortgages explained .

2 Help-to-buy ISAs Confusingly, these are nothing to do with the help-to-buy schemes. Instead, they’re a tax-free savings plan for those building up a deposit.

You can start one with £1,000 and then save £200 a month towards a deposit and eventually earn a Government bonus of 25 per cent of the amount you save, up to a maximum £3,000.

The likes of Virgin Money, Buckinghamshire and Nationwide are paying around two per cent on their help-to-buy ISAs while Barclays offers 2.53 per cent.

A warning – you don’t get the Gover nment’s cash. Instead, it’s handed over to your lender as part of a deposit through your solicitor when you exchange contracts.

If you decide not to go ahead with buying a home, you won’t get the Government hand-out.

3 Right to buy Tenants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who rent a home from their local council may be able to buy their home at a discount cost.

You’ll need to have rented for at least three years and there may be other qualifying conditions, which you will need to check with your own council.

The scheme is currently being extended to include housing association tenants in England.

For more information, visit righttobuy.gov.uk 4. Shared ownership This is when you buy just part of a home from the council or a housing association and then rent the remaining share.

You’ll need a mortgage for your share, which can be between a quarter and three-quarters of the home’s value.

You then pay rent on the remaining share and have the option to buy a bigger share later on. It’s a great way to make small steps onto the housing ladder.

Find out more by visiting moneyadviceservice.org.uk 5 Lifetime ISA The Government’s new lifetime ISA has now launched – a scheme designed to give a boost to both new buyers and those saving for retirement. Eventually it will replace the help to buy ISA. The account offers a tax-free bonus of up to £1,000 a year (25 per cent of your savings) towards either buying your first home or saving towards your pension – but you must be aged 40 or under to qualify.

You can put away up to £4,000 each year. The Government will then boost returns by 25p for every £1 saved up to that amount at the end of each tax year.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you can then opt to use your savings as a deposit on a property worth up to £450,000.

But, there’s a problem, just one bank is currently offering one as a traditional savings account, although many offer it as a stocks and shares account.

While shocks and shares frequently produce a better return over a few years than traditional savings, it leaves you at the risk of a market crash just when you need to cash your money in to buy a home.

23 MAI-E01-S3 Thursday, September 20, 2018 Property Guide

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Property Guide Thursday, September 20, 2018 MAI-E01-S3 24

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