haart Sunday Supplement April 2012 Lincolnshire

April 2012

Supplement

Pick of the

rental properties

Buys

Bargain

Mortgage deposits

Explained May Day

Open House special Find us on

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- the UK’s largest Independent Estate Agents

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This month’s featured property is this charming four-bedroom cottage in the village of Foston.

Describe the house in a sentence?

A character filled cottage in the heart of the quiet village of Foston, Lincolnshire.

It sounds fantastic. What’s it like on the inside?

Absolutely sensational. It’s a fantastic mix of old meets new on all floors. Step through the front doors and to the left is the study, ideal for anyone thinking of working from home. On the opposite side to the study is a good-sized lounge complete with decorative fireplace surround and bay window overlooking the rear garden.

Off the lounge is a separate living room, tailor made for entertaining and beyond that the kitchen/breakfast room. The latter is particularly impressive. Some 15’ x 13’ in size, it includes a range of high-quality wall and base units with tiled splash backs, inset sink unit and built-in oven with hob and extractor hood. There is also a handy-size utility room with a range of units and plumbing for a variety of appliances.

www.haart.co.uk

Character filled cottage

Have we missed anything out?

The tiled air conditioned conservatory off the kitchen with French doors leading out onto the rear garden.

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used as a gym and another as a workshop. To the rear How about upstairs?

Take the stairs to the first floor and you’ll find four fairly of the house you’ll encounter gardens extending over a quarter of acre incorporating an enclosed equally-sized stylishly decorated bedrooms, upper courtyard area and an extensive including one with en-suite shower room, lawned section with a selection of Walnut plus a family-sized three-piece bathroom. and Willow trees.

Three of the bedrooms boast built-in wardrobes.

Foston started How much is it? life as a Roman It is currently on the market with a guide Impressive. What about outside of the settlement price of £350,000 - £375,000 with haart house? of Grantham. If you would like to arrange a To the front of the cottage you’ll find wrought iron gates leading not just to the tandem garage but viewing call Tracey Nicholls and the team on 01476 several outbuildings, including one which is being 565423 or email grantham@haart.co.uk

Did you know?

Click here for a free property valuation

www.haart.co.uk

e c i v r e s t a h c ’ n o s r e P ‘Li ve launches web based

haart estate agents have launched a brand new service that enables the public to chat electronically to its staff whilst browsing its website.

Powered by ‘Live Person’, the facility allows customers to talk live with a member of the team about a specific property or service available through haart. It can also be used to answer any technical queries someone may have with regard to the website which can be found at www.haart.co.uk.

“The launch of our ‘live person’ service is another example of the work we are doing to make searching for a property to buy or sell as simple and straightforward as possible” Since going live in mid-March, upwards of a 1,000 people have logged on to use ‘Live Person’ between 8am and 10pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday. haart expects somewhere in the region of 3,000 users per month.

Says Russell Jervis, Managing Director of haart estate agents: “haart has always been an innovator within the property industry and the launch of our ‘live person’ service is another example of the work we are doing to make searching for a property to buy or sell as simple and straightforward as possible.”

Click here for a free property valuation

www.haart.co.uk

haart has launched a brand new service that enables the public to search for property by text. haart, the UK’s largest independent estate agent, teamed up with Intelligent Mobile earlier this year to build the facility for the multiaward winning brand.

Using the latest GPS technology members of the public just text ‘haart’ to 84840 and the service will use their current location to text details of the five nearest properties for sale or rent. Each text provides not only the property details and price but also directions to the property itself. What’s more, it comes with the option to book a viewing directly with the branch.

Since going upwards of a 1,000 people a month have been taking advantage of the facility.

Says Russell Jervis, Managing Director of haart estate agents: “haart has a long tradition of innovation in the property industry and the launch of our new text service is another example of our drive to use the latest technology to provide our customers with the tools they require to search for their next home wherever they may happen to be in the country.”

Text Appeal Thinking of moving to a new area but not quite sure where to start looking for a new home? Help is at hand from haart in the form of our text service. Just text ‘haart’ to 84840 and within seconds you’ll receive a text showing you details of the nearest properties to you for sale or rent from the UK’s leading independent estate agent. It also includes web links if you would like to view more details, photographs etc as well as the distance to the property from your current location.

‘Simples’ as Alexander the Meerkat would say!

To use the new haart text service simply text ‘haart’ to 84840

Click here for a free property valuation

www.haart.co.uk

Explaining mortgages Question Time In the latest in a regular series, haart’s Financial Services Managing Director David Miles answers some of the most frequently asked financial questions raised by our customers

Can you explain more to me about mortgages which require only 5% deposits?

There was a time when the number of mortgage deals

which required a deposit of 5% or less was plentiful.

In more recent years these have become far and few between. However, in welcome news for first time buyers in particular, a few more options have found there way onto the market of late, mostly with smaller Building Societies. We will be expanding on some of these options in future editions of “Question Time” Believe it or not there are also a couple of options available out there if you have no deposit at all. There is always a ‘but’ though and in this instance the ‘but’ is that these will involve some financial assistance from a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent. These are commonly known as Parental Assistance Schemes. I’ll give you two examples of how they work: Example 1 • 20% of your purchase price is provided by a close relative in a savings account with the lender • The lender takes security over this account against your mortgage, and no access is allowed to this account • You are only then required to borrow 80% of the purchase price, and your monthly payments are based on this

David Miles Financial Services Managing Director Example 2 • The lender takes a “guarantee” against the property of a close relative to the value of 20% of your purchase price • You can then borrow 100% of the purchase price, and your monthly payment are based on this • You do not have to provide any additional deposit yourself • The maximum guarantee period will be 10 years. The guarantee against the relatives property will not be released until the property has reached 70% LTV. If the borrower struggles to keep up repayments or the property is repossessed the family members property is at risk.

• You do not have to provide any additional deposit yourself • The money will not be released until the LTV of the property has reached 80% which may take a long time.

If the borrower struggles to keep up repayments or the property is repossessed the family members savings are at risk.

“Believe it or not there are also a couple of options available out there if you have no deposit at all.”

Before you do anything though I would always urge you to speak to one our financial advisors as they are well equipped to give you advice on which schemes are best for your circumstances, as there will be a number of terms of conditions with each scheme that will need to be considered.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Our typical fee for arranging a mortgage is £495. The actual amount payable will depend on your circumstances.

To find out more about haart Financial Services call your local haart branch or visit www.haart.co.uk

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Mortgage Deal Available Call in to branch for more details Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Our typical fee for arranging a mortgage is ÂŁ495. The actual amount payable will depend on your circumstances.

Buys

Bargain

Everyone loves a bargain

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So why not take a look at this selection of fantastic properties from across the East Midlands, all of them £150,000 or under, and all available from your local haart branch

Blaby, Leicestershire Detached cottage style two-bedroom smack bang in the centre of Blaby. Includes living room, office/ snug, kitchen/diner plus rear garden with decking and brick outhouse. Price: £150,000. haart of Blaby – 0116 277 9898

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Hucknall, Nottinghamshire Family-friendly four bedroom detached house on cul-de-sac with 25’ lounge/diner, off-road parking and garage. Comes with no chain. Price: £150,000. haart of Hucknall – 0115 963 3371 Grantham, Lincolnshire Four bedroom mid-terrace period property on the edge of Grantham town centre with forecourt garden to front, two reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen, family bathroom and enclosed garden to the rear.

Price: £150,000. haart of Grantham - 01476 565 423

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Alvaston, Derbyshire

Extremely spacious two-bedroom detached bungalow in Alvaston, Derby boasting extended kitchen/diner and private, mature garden. Comes with off-road parking and garage. Price: £145,000. haart of Derby – 01332 361 621

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Shepshed 5 Extended three-bedroom semi-detached home in Shepshed that has been reduced for a quick sale.

Includes two reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen and bathroom plus off-road parking. Price: £145,000. haart of Loughborough – 01509 235 555.

Sherwood 6 Good-sized three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Sherwood area of Nottingham with lounge, kitchen/ diner, off-street parking and fantastic garden. Price: £145,000. haart of Nottingham – 0115 941 1311

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Littleover, Derbyshire

Traditional three-bedroom semi-detached house in popular Littleover that benefits from double glazing, gas heating, detached garage and good-sized rear garden. Price: £144,950. haart of Derby – 01332 361 621.

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Daybrook, Nottinghamshire Stylish two-bedroom open plan apartment in the former Morley Mills building in Daybrook – perfect for professional couple in need of low maintenance home. Price: £140,000. haart of Arnold – 0115 926 8877.

Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire Spacious three-bedroom mid-town house in Witham St Hughs arranged over three floors which includes master bedroom with en-suite, family bathroom, lounge with Juliette balcony, gardens and garage. Price: £140,000. haart of Lincoln – 01522 510 088.

Barwell, Leicestershire Very impressive modern three-bedroom detached house with conservatory and off-road parking to the front on the outskirts of Barwell.

Available chain free. Price: £130,000. haart of Blaby – 0116 277 9898.

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Branston, Lincolnshire Three-bedroom quarter stone Grade IIlisted stone cottage in the village of Branston that includes lounge, lobby, kitchen/diner, bathroom plus rear garden. Comes with no onward chain. Price: £130,000. haart of Lincoln – 01522 510 088

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Derby, Derbyshire Spacious three-bedroom bay fronted mid-terrace house in Derby with landscaped rear garden that has retained many of its original features including Minton tiled floor in hallway.

Price: £125,000. haart of Derby – 01332 361 621.

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Top rentals in the region

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Take a look at just some of the hundreds of properties to let with haart throughout the East Midlands. From just £500 per month upwards, there is something to suit all tastes and all budgets

Arnold Nice-looking two-bedroom mid-terrace in popular Arnold that includes large lounge, modern kitchen and family bathroom. Outside you’ll find a low maintenance garden and garage to the rear. £550 per month Call haart of Nottingham (0115 985 9065)

Bramcote A rare opportunity to rent in one of the most sought after apartment buildings in Nottingham. The Grange is a gated period property in Bramcote set in over an acre of communal grounds. The two-bedroom apartment (both with en-suite) comes with living room, kitchen/diner plus family bathroom and allocated parking. £1,200 per month Call haart of Nottingham (0115 985 9065)

Gamston This month’s Pick of the Bunch has to go to this cracking four-bedroom detached house in Gamston near Nottingham with spacious lounge, high-spec kitchen/dinner and family bathroom plus front and rear gardens. £995 per month

Call haart of Nottingham (0115 985 9065)

Frolesworth Beautifully restored six-bedroom former farmhouse in rural Leicestershire which has retained many of its original features.

What’s more the property comes with a highly impressive leisure complex (including swimming pool). Externally the farmhouse has a cobbled courtyard together with outbuildings, a workshop and a large garage.

Price £2,995 per month Call haart of Leicester (0116 262 6593)

The UK’s Largest Independent Estate Agent www.haart.co.uk

Top rentals in the region

Holbeach Recently refurbished three-bedroom detached family home in the centre of Holbeach. The house comprises of three good sized bedrooms, two reception rooms, two bathrooms (both with showers) and off-road parking. £595 per month Call haart of Peterborough (01733 425104)

Woodthorpe Attractive three-bedroom family-sized detached house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Woodthorpe featuring two reception rooms, modern kitchen and family bathroom. Comes with off-street parking for two cars plus a private garden. £725 per month Call haart of Nottingham (0115 985 9065)

Anstey Excellent purpose-built apartment in Anstey, north of Leicester, for commuters wanting access to motorway network. Comes with secure intercom entry, living room, fully-fitted kitchen plus two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. £550 per month Call haart of Leicester (0116 262 6593)

Colton Square

Waddington A great looking two-bedroom bungalow, which has been modernised throughout, together with offroad parking garage. Also available on a furnished basis upon discussion with agent. £575 per month Call haart of Lincoln (01522 515244)

One-bedroom apartment housed within the fashionable Colton Square complex in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. The property comprises of an open-plan living room with fully-integrated kitchen, double bedroom with fitted wardrobe plus good-sized three-piece bathroom. £650 per month Call haart of Leicester (0116 262 6593)

The UK’s Largest Independent Estate Agent www.haart.co.uk

During the biggest financial decision of your life, you can rely on our professional surveying services.

• Condition Report • Homebuyers Report • Building Survey

Call 0800 083 4004 and quote ‘val1’ for a £50 discount against our normal fee scale. www.valunation.co.uk

www.haart.co.uk

Are you Primed and ready to move? haart has launched a new and improved version of its Prime sellers pack to help make it easier for its customers to have their properties primed and ready to move.

Explains Jonathan Lay, Managing Director of haart Legal Services: “haart has a long history of innovation in the property industry and Prime is another example of the focus we have on adding value for our customers.

Prime, which was developed by the haart Legal Services team to give potential purchasers a wider range of invaluable information about a property and the surrounding area than was previously available, has proved hugely popular with customers, with several thousand taking full advantage of its benefits since the start of the summer.

“Prime was extremely well received in the marketplace following its launch. We decided to build on this, and following feedback, internally and externally, have added several new features which we believe will make the Prime and Prime Plus offering even more compelling.”

Now, to make it even more beneficial to customers, the haart Legal Services team have added a number of exciting new features to create Prime as well as Prime Plus.

Whilst, Prime will continue to include up to six images of the property, detailed floor plans, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), aerial photographs and Ordnance Survey (OS) maps as well as environmental information, local amenities, planning applications and a Rightmove Premium Listing, Prime Plus comes with the added bonus of a Rightmove Featured Property Box plus an Open House Day.

Key features of the new and improved Prime • • • • • •

Energy Performance Certificate Detailed Floorplans Six Photographs plus aerial photograph Environmental Information Local planning applications and amenities Rightmove Featured Property Listing

Prime Plus • All of the above plus: • Rightmove Featured Property Box • Open House Day

To find out more about Prime call 0845 899 9999

Using More Than One Colour If you’re using more than one colour it’s best to use the darker colour on the bottom portion and the lighter on top. The light colour will dominate whilst the dark colour will have a grounding effect. And for the skirting boards paint it a shade lighter or a shade darker than the walls. The same goes for the ceiling.

Painting it a shade darker will make the room feel cozier, painting it a lighter shade will create an airier feeling.

One of the easiest ways to give your house a new lease of life prior to selling is to give it a lick of paint.

A new colour (changes everything transforming your rooms overnight. And to help we’ve come up a number of helpful, handy tips.

Choosing a colour What should be the easiest part of decorating is often the hardest. The secret with colour is finding one(s) that will help you create the desired mood. If you really don’t have any idea about what the colour try picking out a colour from a rug, painting that’s in the room. It’s a guaranteed way to find a complimentary colour. Alternatively, get colour charts and hold them up to the furniture, floors, cabinets, and anything else that’s already in the room. Try to narrow it down to three or four choices. Finally, get a small sample pot of each colour and paint a large square on the wall and watch how the colour changes depending on the levels of light in the room. If that all sounds like too much hard work, download the Dulux ‘Let’s Colour Studio’ app from the iTunes store for a unique way to pick your colour schemes.

Choosing a Finish Once you’ve chosen a colour you’ll need to decide on a finish (or finishes). Matt is ideal for covering walls because it doesn’t reflect light and hides imperfections whilst Satin comes with a very slight shine and are fairly easy to clean. Gloss is quite shiny making it ideal for edges.

Determine the Amount of Paint Needed There are lots of methods for working out how much paint your will need most of them fairly mathmetical.

The easiest way is to go online and use the Paint Calculators from the likes of Dulux (http://www. dulux.co.uk/advice/paint_calculator/index.jsp) or Crown (http://www.crownpaint.co.uk/my-ideas/myprint-list.htm?a=product&t=calculator) Preparing to Paint going over door frames as you can sort that out Preperation is key to painting. Make sure to move afterwards. Try and avoid masking tape as the paint anything out of the room that might get in the way. often gets in under the tape. Also buy a small roller Wipe down walls to remove dirt, dust and and paint behind the radiator rather than anything else. Fill any cracks with filler take it off. and sand down any surfaces that will be painted. Wipe off any excess dust Thin Coats Are Better Than Thick from the sanding with a damp cloth. we spend £15-20bn One of the biggest mistakes people make is to put too much paint on the every year on DIY Paint From the Top Down brush. It’s far more effective to put a in the UK Always start painting from the highest small amount on the brush or roller and area to the lowest. Start with the ceiling or use long, even strokes to apply thin coats. top of the walls and work your way down. This way It’s tempting to splash on a lot of paint in the hopes you can catch any drips and it won’t ruin a freshly of not having to do another coat, but the end result painted wall. ‘Cut in’ around switches and sockets won’t look as good. Several thin coats will do a with an angled brush as you go. Don’t worry about better job of covering the walls than one thick coat.

Did you know

It’s a great time to view a house this May day weekend From Friday 4th - Monday 7th of May 2012 many of our homes will be open for you to come along and view.

Contact your local branch for more details

haart to host huge open house event over Bank Holiday weekend haart is set to host the biggest ever open house event in Lincolnshire over the forthcoming May Day Bank Holiday.

The UK’s largest independent estate agent is expecting hundreds of people from across the county to attend the open house events between May 4 – 7, 2012. Over £1m worth of property will be available to view without appointment by the public over the three day period.

Says Rob Smith, Divisional Sales Director for haart: “We host regular open house events but we have never attempted anything on this scale before. The response from our customers has been extremely positive since we started promoting it and we are expecting to have literally dozens of home available for the public to view without appointment over the May Day Bank Holiday.”

And, as an added incentive, over £100,000 has been taken off the asking prices for the properties for the Bank Holiday weekend only.

What’s more, taking part in the event couldn’t be easier. All potential buyers need to do is contact their local haart branch for the times and locations of open house events. Details will also be available on the branch Facebook and Twitter pages over the coming days.

Anyone interested in having their property featured during the open house event simply needs to contact their local haart branch by April 30.

Coming Soon Check out these properties in Lincolnshire – all of them coming very soon to your local haart branch Spacious character-filled four-bedroom home overlooking the village of Digby which sits centrally within a Victorian walled garden. £325,000 OIEO. haart of Lincoln – 01522 510088

Four-bedroom detached family house in Lea wi th lounge, dining room, fitted kitch en and en-suite to maste r bedroom.

Comes with the added bonus of no chain. £200 ,000 £220,000. haart of Lin coln – 01522 510088

Detached five-be droom dormer bu ngalow in Skellingthorpe, which includes living room/diner kitchen and show , spacious er room plus tw o en-suites. £1 OIEO. haart of 89,950 Lincoln – 0152 2 510088

One-bedroom apartment in the ‘Uphill’ area of Lincoln tailor made for the over-55s.

Includes entrance hall, spacious storage, lounge/diner, fitted kitchen and shower room. £139,950 OIEO. haart of Lincoln – 01522 510088 A deceptively spacious three-bedroom mid-terrace property in Sincil Bank within walking distance of Lincoln city centre. Comes with the bonus of no added chain. £89,950. haart of Lincoln – 01522 510088

To find out more about properties coming onto the market near you shortly contact your local haart branch

Click here for a free property valuation

1000’s of properties for sale in Lincolnshire

haart of Lincoln 01522 510 088 lincoln@haart.co.uk haart of Lincoln Lettings 01522 515 244 lincoln.lettings@haart.co.uk haart of Grantham 01476 565 423 grantham@haart.co.uk

We have local expertise, nationwide coverage and we market worldwide

Now, can we help you in 2012? Go online to book your valuation at or phone 0845 899 9999 until 10pm weekdays