An Update From Councillor Stuart Dobbin

As I write this, my first contribution to Trinity Spotlight (as a first time Councillor), I thought I might reflect on the seven months (I cannot believe it is seven months already) since the election.

I was reflecting at a recent Owners Association meeting that in becoming a Councillor, I simply didn’t know what I didn’t know. The first few months have been a whirlwind of learning – both going through the extensive (at times seemingly continuous) training in how the organisation works as well as learning how to navigate the many problems that some of our fellow citizens are struggling with. On this last point, I hope I have been able to help get positive outcomes for many, while others have been much more difficult to help. I believe that as I continue to understand both the Council and the extensive landscape of third sector organisations, I can increase my effectiveness in supporting all communities across Forth Ward. To date, I have not held any of the traditional surgeries of a Ward politician. I decided early on that to accelerate my learning and provide best support, I would visit everyone who reached out to me. This is still my approach, but regrettably the number of constituents asking for help seems to increase on a daily basis, and increasingly I have to reach out by telephone. I am a great believer that the best way to affect change in our communities is by harnessing activism and support from the community. Residents Associations and Community Councils, such as the very active Trinity CC can provide me with the support and backing I need to bring pressure for achieving outcomes. An emotive issue is the forthcoming deployment of ‘bin hubs’. Along with Cllr Dijkstra-Downie, I met with Council officers to represent the views of a number of Trinity residents about the siting of these. While we were able to get a concession in Summerside Street to move the proposed hub across the road rather than outside residential windows, these hubs have been designed to address how we can minimise household waste going into landfill and optimising recycling and getting exceptions has not been possible – so far. As we start to live with these new hubs, please continue to raise any issues. Looking ahead, we can anticipate the disruption of the tram extension coming to an end. As it reaches Newhaven, I believe it represents a great opportunity to stimulate the local economy and establish Newhaven as an important historic destination – not just to bring tourists down from the city centre, but to give the many folks who disembark from the cruise ships an interesting location where they can spend their holiday money. I would greatly appreciate ideas and views on what could be done. Finally, while the media headlines reflect the constitutional nature of our politics with the odd, and I imagine for many disappointing, ‘alliance’ that is this administration, my daily reality and motivation is in making myself available to residents of Trinity, and across the Ward, to do what I can to support individual and community issues.

Please feel free to contact me at cllr.stuart.dobbin@edinburgh.gov.uk or on 07514 318 634.

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Selling your home in winter

Selling your home at this time of year has some benefits. There is less competition with fewer properties on the market and there are only usually serious buyers at this time of year.

We find that there can be an influx of enquiries just after new year, as this is a popular time to make plans for the year ahead. If you are considering selling in the winter months, here are some helpful tips on getting your home sale ready.

First impressions count

Stand back and look at your property from a buyer’s perspective. Do you need to have the guttering cleared? If it rains at viewings, you don’t want a leaking guttering putting people off. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? Maybe something eye catching to compensate for the lack of greenery/planting in the garden due to the time of year. That said some winter flowering plants or ever green shrubs strategically positioned at the door will transform your entrance, as well as having good outside lighting for evening appointments. Make sure other maintenance is up to date such as clearing leaves away, cleaning pathways which will neaten the area immediately. If it is icy outside remember to make sure pathways are safe for guests. x On a cold and dull winter’s day, one of the most important things you can do to ensure you capture the attention of potential buyers is to have an inviting atmosphere in your home. To step into a cosy, well-lit home is very welcoming and uplifting. Having all internal doors open with room lights on, allows viewers to see the flow of the property. Remember that viewers first impressions are made within a few seconds, so it is important to make them count. It is more difficult to have our windows open in winter, bringing in fresh air, so a few diffusers or candles around the property is ideal. If you have an open fire or wood burning stove, it is always a good idea to have this on for the viewing because it is so welcoming and we are usually drawn to a warm fire. x

It’s the small touches that make the difference

As with any time of year it is important to dress your home to show it at its best, so that buyers can visualise themselves living there. Keep your rooms clear from clutter, this will allow your viewers to concentrate on the space and how you have presented the room. To achieve this, try and find a balance between accessorising the room but not too personalised. .X

To summarise, the easiest way to test your home’s flow is to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers. Take yourself outside of the property and enter it as if for the first time. How does it feel? The attention to detail will make such an impression on your potential buyers, so be sure to do all you can to make your property memorable.

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