LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
SUMMER 2020
BOSS THE BBQ!
SUMMER IS HERE, WHICH MEANS MORE TIME IN THE GARDEN, AND THE GREAT BRITISH TRADITION OF BARBECUING SUMMER COCKTAILS TRY OUR DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES
SMART GARDEN DEVICES THE LATEST SMART GARDEN ACCESSORIES
SHORE-FIRE WINNERS NOW’S THE TIME TO HIT THE COAST
MAKE MONEY ONLINE SPOTTING COLLECTABLES ONLINE TO MAKE A PROFIT
CONTENTS 8
COVER STORY
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Boss the BBQ! Charcoal or gas? Read our BBQ guide to find the best grill for you this summer.
LIFESTYLE
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PROPERTY
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Garden tips during a dry spell How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in this summer
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Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
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About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
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FOOD & DRINK
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Tempting summer cocktails Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great cocktail recipes
BBQ rubs and marinades Simple rubs and marinades to bring your BBQ food to life
Smart garden equipment Smart accessories and devices to get the most from your garden this year. Top TV of 2020 so far A look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far Quiz time If you think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size Spotting collectables online How to spot a valuable to make a tidy profit…
TRAVEL
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Heading for the coast? A selection of some of the UK’s best beaches that are well worth a visit
WELCOME TO THE JULY EDITION
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ith the summer having officially arrived, this month, on pages 4&5 we have a guide to help find you the ideal BBQ to give your garden an upgrade. We also have fantastic BBQ rubs and marinades which are sure to impress your friends and families.
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lifted, we have put together a list of the best beaches to visit in the UK. At the end of the day, when you’ve had enough sunshine, you can relax with our guide to the best TV of 2020 so far and a quiz to test your general knowledge.
It’s looking like a hot one this year, so we have all the information you need to protect your garden and keep it healthy in the hot weather, and after all that work, why not check out one of our mouthwatering summer cocktails on pages 6&7?
Inside, you will also find some of the fantastic properties that have come to the market recently as well as an opportunity to meet our wonderful team…
Are you looking to take advantage of the lockdown restrictions being
Jonathan Wheatley Editor
PROPERTY NEWS
So, sit back with a summer cocktail and enjoy this month’s magazine.
Spacing plants more widely apart allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture
It’s not only humans that suffer as the temperatures start to rise – gardens also feel the heat and get stressed, particularly if there is a long dry spell. Lack of rainfall can drastically reduce crop yield for vegetable and soft fruit growers. And while it may be simplistic to think that a watering can and a hosepipe will cure everything, that’s just a fraction of the solution. In fact, the first line of defence against any summer drought should be drawn at the ground preparation stage, where digging in two bucketfulls of well-rotted manure per square metre will add to the water-retaining capacity of the soil. That could add as much as two weeks’ moisture, as well as vital nutrients. Sowing early, preferably before May, will also allow crops to take root in moist soil and be prepared for when more severe conditions arrive generally in late June – and drought stress becomes a real issue. This is applicable to vegetables such as carrots, those that stay in the ground until ready to use. But it is less useful for the likes of spinach and salads where a continuity of supply is needed and later sowings, typically after May, might have to be made in dry soil. Here it is better to water into your drill before sowing to ensure good germination. Spacing plants more widely, usually by more than 50per cent of the recommended distance, allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture. Although this reduces the yield, it does mean they become drought resistant. Fertilisers are again very helpful to make plants stronger and better equipped to make the most of available water, but excessive quantities can do more harm than good.
DROUGHT FOR THE COUNT But the key is water retention because, in times of drought, a hosepipe ban is never more than a turn of the tap away. And, as water makes up a large percentage of the tissue in most fruit and vegetables, it doesn’t make much sense to let them go thirsty. The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch.
How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in the summer
When to water, though, is a bone of contention. Many gardeners argue it is best to go out in the evening when the heat of the day is gone so most of the moisture gets down to the shallow roots of salad plants and isn’t lost to evaporation. Others will say do it early in the morning because it helps prevent heat scald and other fungal diseases.
may be struggling to establish themselves. Also bear in mind a heatwave is hardest on transplants, those starter plants who have started life in pots
Raked leaves, compost, composted manure, dried grass trimmings, even bark chippings, can all be used to protect young trees and berry plants from summer stress and will create cooler micro-environments at the base of plants. However, anything that has not been aged will temporarily deplete the soil of nitrogen and hamper growth. It is also important to know your soil type. A sandy or chalk mix needs soaking at least every other day but clay may only need watering once a week or the roots may rot. If you have young fruit trees, try taking a leaf out of the 19th Century farmer’s handbook and circle them with large stones or pebbles for moisture conservation. Because, even then, they realised sunshine wasn’t the only thing to dry out surface soil; a warm summer breeze would be just as damaging. And, with that in mind, don’t be afraid to erect some kind of shelter to give your plants some shade in the afternoon. Beans and most green, leafy vegetables appreciate some respite from the sun.
The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch
However, experts agree over methods of watering. For the likes of lettuce, radishes, and individual plants it is best to use a watering can so you can target and deliver the right amount. Anything where a mulch is concerned, use a hosepipe to get under the covering to give a good drenching, particularly for young fruit trees who
before moving out to the garden. Their root systems are shallow and therefore more susceptible to drying conditions in the top few inches of the soil. Obviously you could wait before moving them out, but if they have to be moved look for opportunities to put them in the partial shade of more mature plants.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
3
BOSS THE
BBQ!
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Summer is here, which means more time in the garden, and the great British tradition of barbecuing.
barbecue is a social event. A time to get together with friends and family under the hot sun and enjoy a meal Alfresco. Whether you are a BBQ aficionado or a BBQ newbie, our guide will help you pick the right equipment and provide you with some useful hints and tips.
CHARCOAL OR GAS? One of the biggest questions when it comes to buying a new BBQ, is whether to go with gas or charcoal? If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ. Gas grills will get you cooking in under 10 minutes and with them, you can control the temperature ensuring all your food is cooked to perfection. However, as gas burns quicker than charcoal, this restricts the efficiency of the heat and can leave your food without those delightful burntends and smokiness. For traditionalists, a charcoal BBQ is the only way to go. On a summer’s day, the smell of the smoke on the air is what we
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all crave, and with charcoal, BBQ smoke is what you will get. Charcoal gives you a more consistent heat, helping you to perfect those perfectly smoked and seared ribs, burgers and sausages. With charcoal, you can also add extra touches such as pieces of hardwood and woodchips.
TYPES OF BBQ Okay, so you’ve decided on gas or charcoal, now you need to decide which type of BBQ you want. There are a huge variety of BBQs on the market, ranging from disposable BBQs available at most shops to large brick-built BBQs and of course standard gas BBQs. Gas BBQs generally come in rectangular or circular options, usually with a lid to help keep heat. The shape and size is dependant on your own personal preferences, although with a rectangular BBQ you can keep certain foods away from each other easier.
BBQs to build into your garden. These come in a range of sizes and shapes, some with domes, some open to the elements. The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. You can even make a DIY BBQ with bricks and cement blocks you already have lying around. All you need is some cement, the grills and some time.
ADDED EXTRAS
Charcoal BBQs again range in size and shape. Small kettle BBQs are perfect for small gatherings, while larger drumshape BBQs are great for bigger garden parties. Both are fairly easy to transport from different areas of your garden, and The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. with smaller portable grills, you can even take these with you on days out and are a lot less fiddly than the disposable BBQs you buy in shops. If you are looking for more of a showpiece for your garden, you can buy
If you are looking for that true smoky flavour, invest in some hardwood or woodchips. Woods such as Sweet Chestnut, Silver Birch and Applewood are some of the most popular and by adding these to your BBQ, you can create incredible smoky flavours which will go deep into your meat. These can be added directly on the gas or charcoal or by using a smoker box. Alternatively, for different flavour smoke, try adding rosemary, mint or even lavender leaves and stalks directly on to the flame. To get the most out of your BBQ invest in some high-quality utensils, such as metal spatulas, tongs, forks and a cleaning brush and kit. Remember to clean your grill after every time you cook using a metal brush. Invest in a scoop to remove any debris from the charcoal area too. If you take your BBQs really seriously, invest in a meat injector. This is a needle that you use to inject flavours directly into large cuts of meat. Some popular options to inject are simple beef stocks into lumps of beef, and cider and apple vinegar into joints of pork. For more ideas for BBQ marinades and rubs, see page 8 in this month’s magazine.
If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ
So, with your BBQ questions answered, now’s the time to make some summer cocktails using our incredible recipes on pages 6 and 7, sit down with our quiz on page 13 and wait for the burgers and bangers to be ready…
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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SUMMER COCKTAILS Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great Summer Cocktail recipes…
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here’s nothing better than sitting in the sun, with the smell of a BBQ in the air, the sound of birds all around, and a refreshing cocktail in your hand. Did you know, most of the ingredients for a summer cocktail can be picked from your own garden and be mixed to create drinks that take you to another place.
FROZEN PINEAPPLE DAIQUIRI This cuban based cocktail was created by an American engineer, Jennings Stockton Cox. Born in the iron mines of Daiquiri, where it got its name, the Daiquiri can be made with a multitude of different fruit flavours and can come as either a frozen beverage or a liquid.
INGREDIENTS
Frozen Pineapple chunks Sugar syrup Lime juice Bacardi
METHOD
Add the frozen pineapple chunks to a blender with the Bacardi, sugar syrup, ice and lime juice and blend until smooth. It’s as simple as that. You can make your own sugar syrup by simply mixing one part of hot water with one part sugar.
Handy Tip: Leave out the ice and use fresh pineapple for a non-frozen version and mix in a cocktail shaker instead.
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MOJITO The mojito has Cuban origins, Havana to be precise and has become one of the most popular cocktails around. A favourite of the author Ernest Hemmingway, the mojito has come a long way since, although, the main ingredients stay the same.
INGREDIENTS
Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp of granulated or brown sugar A handful of mint leaves White rum Soda water
METHOD
Add the sugar, lime juice and mint leaves to a small jug and muddle with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon, ensuring you release all the juice from the lime wedges. Pour into glasses and add crushed ice. Pour over the white rum and top up with soda. It’s as easy as that. You can even add other fruit to the mix when muddling to explore different flavours. Strawberries work especially well.
Handy Tip: Use lemon mint leaves from your garden for an extra special taste.
TRADITIONAL RED SANGRIA
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
Once the drink of choice served in every restaurant and bar in Spain, Sangria has made its way to these shores and become a popular summertime drink. The drink itself dates back a thousand years using grapevines planted by the Phoenicians. It all but disappeared though until the 1500s. Meaning ‘blood’ in Spanish, today, under European law, all Sangria must be made in Spain or Portugal.
Take it easy with this famous cocktail. One origin story about this liquor-loaded cocktail is from the 1920s. During the prohibition era, Old Man Bishop, a native of Long Island created this super potent, yet tasty cocktail disguised as a simple Iced tea. However, after a couple of these, you won’t be able to remember the story anyway!
INGREDIENTS
½ Orange ½ Apple ½ Lemon ½ Lime ¾ cup Orange juice 4 tbsp Brown or Cane sugar 1/3 cup Brandy or rum 1 750ml bottle of bold, fruity Spanish red wine (Tempranillo or Rioja)
METHOD
Add all the chopped fruit and the sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon. Then add the orange juice and the brandy or rum and muddle for 30 seconds. Finally, add the whole bottle of red wine. Taste and adjust the flavours as necessary and when happy, add ice.
Handy Tip: Once made, the Sangria will last for 48 hours if you cover it and keep it in your fridge. In fact, by making it early and leaving it in your fridge the flavours will come together better.
INGREDIENTS
50ml vanilla vodka 50ml dry gin 50ml tequila 50ml white rum 50ml triple sec (Cointreau) 50-100ml fresh lime juice Ice 500ml Cola 2 limes
METHOD
Pour the spirits together into a large jug and add the lime juice. Half fill the jug with ice and stir. Once cold, add the cola and drop in the lime wedges. Serve straight away with lime wedges on the side.
Handy Tip: Due to the alcohol content, reduce the measures needed. It’s never a good idea to combine so many spirits at one time. Enjoy these cocktails responsibly, while you enjoy the warm summer evenings with friends and family.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOMEMADE
BBQ RUBS
AND MARINADES To create the perfect BBQ, it takes more than fire and coal‌ Looking to create some tasty, inspired dishes on your BBQ this summer, then look no further than these simple recipes that will bring your food to life!
JUICY AND SWEET MEDITERRANEAN BBQ MOP This super simple, ready-in-minutes BBQ mop, perfect for basting your meat or veg while cooking, will bring chicken, pork chops, vegetables and kebabs to life with an explosion of Mediterranean taste.
INGREDIENTS Balsamic Vinegar Lemon Juice Olive Oil Salt Pepper Maple Syrup
METHOD Combine 2 tbsp of Balsamic, Olive Oil and Maple syrup with 1 tbsp of Lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir and using a basting brush, mop the meat or vegetables often while they are on the grill. Once cooked thoroughly, mop one more time before serving.
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SMOKY BBQ RUB
This dry, smoky rub will add a lovely sweet and spicy flavour to your burgers, ribs and chicken drumsticks. Easy to make and perfect for cooking on a charcoal BBQ with the added smokiness of Hickory Hardwood.
INGREDIENTS Smoked Paprika Onion Granules Garlic Granules Brown Sugar Chilli Flakes Salt Pepper
METHOD Combine 1tbsp of the onion and garlic granules, the chilli flakes and the brown sugar with 2tbsp of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a freezer bag add the meat and fully coat in the seasoning. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking on the grill. Cook on high heat to sear the meat and the flavour in, before moving onto a cooler heat to fully cook through.
HONEY-GINGER STICKY BBQ SAUCE This wonderfully sticky sauce will bring your food to life with a zing! A sweet and tangy sauce with an Asian influence, perfect for grilled meats, seafood and veggies.
INGREDIENTS Apple Cider Vinegar Mild Honey Ketchup Tabasco Sauce Garlic Cloves Minced Ginger Salt Pepper Olive Oil
METHOD Fry 4 large garlic cloves and 2 tbsp of minced ginger in the olive oil. Add 350ml of apple cider vinegar, 120ml of both ketchup and mild honey and 1.5 tbsp of Tabasco sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Marinade the meat in the sauce for as long as possible before frying on a hot BBQ grill. When the food is cooked through, add one final topping of the sticky sauce. Remember, when cooking any meat or vegetables on the BBQ to turn frequently to stop the food from sticking to the grill, check the juices run clear, and for added taste use woodchips, fresh herbs or hardwood directly on the coals‌
THE SMARTEST OF THE
SMART GARDEN
The digital age in which we live demands convenience and immediacy, and since so many of us are stuck in our homes right now, with reduced opportunity to mingle in public places, smart accessories and devices for your garden will make life so much nicer.
SPEAKERS
WEATHER STATION
An audio system planted in your outdoor space can bring your garden to life. Working away to music or radio makes labour so much easier, and why wouldn’t you want to be singing along to your favourite song whilst you weed!?
Keeping track, being up-to-date and knowing all the details about how the weather is behaving is important in planning your moves as a gardener. Because every garden is dependent on the weather’s dynamic changes throughout the year, a weather station is a fabulous contraption for any gardener to own.
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
This is the best-selling outdoors speaker available with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. It’s a wireless, mobile speaker, Which also offers the ability to pair it with a second speaker. tinyurl.com/y8u45lo4
This is one of the most popular smart weather stations on Amazon. It allows your station to wirelessly transmit data to the world’s largest personal weather station network, ‘Weather Underground’.
tinyurl.com/ybnedofs
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Watering your lawn, bushes, plants and flowers can prove to be less efficient than using irrigation systems, due to unintentionally over-watering certain areas compared to others by hand. An automatic system will always be programmed to get every single strand of the beautiful life in your garden. This is one of the most popular smart irrigation systems on Amazon, incorporating a rain skip feature which saves you water by automatically skipping watering cycles before or after it rains. tinyurl.com/yda5z6ue
LAWNMOWER
HOT TUBS
You’re not a respectable gardener unless you have that all-essential lawnmower to hand. But multitasking is a massively useful commodity for any horticulturalists, which is why trimming your bushes whilst the lawn’s getting cut will save bags of precious time.
After a hard day of gardening, you will have earned a nice warm soak at the end of the day. With hot tubs, there are some amazing ones out there, and some pretty average ones too. You should be careful when looking for a ‘smart’ hot tub because you don’t want to just be paying for the smart feature, whereby the quality of the hot tub ends up being mediocre.
This is the best-selling smart lawnmower with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. This particular one comes in four different sizes with two different models and boasts an automatic charging system too. tinyurl.com/yatzvqdy
This particular hot tub, from ‘Hot Tub Master,’ is of good quality, and includes built-in luxury Bluetooth speakers. tinyurl.com/yc6q3hr5
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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T
SHORE-FIRE
hat blast of warm spring weather which coaxed us outside to bring welcome relief during the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdown merely whetted the appetite for the real thing – long sunny days, even longer beach
walks with a cooling breeze just taking the edge off the simmering heat.
and some of the highest-rated beaches in Europe are almost on your doorstep.
Although your favourite hotspot on the continent may currently be out of bounds, don’t forget we are an island
So, with the softening of the Government’s health warnings, now’s the time to start planning where to feel
SANDSEND, YORKSHIRE
BLACKPOOL SANDS, SOUTH DEVON
RHOSSILI BEACH, WALES
You will find this sheltered and peaceful crescent of fine shingle three miles southwest of Dartmouth backed by wooded hills. It can be popular with families, but it is a great spot for swimming because the turquoise waters are so clean and usually calm. You can also hire kayaks and paddle boards.
Never disappoints, whatever the weather. Voted Wales’ best beach, this spot on the south-west tip of the Gower Peninsula bears the brunt of some Atlantic swells so it is perfect for surfers and paragliders. But although access is tricky, there are more than three miles of golden sands at the end of it.
The crowds are more likely to go to its more famous neighbour Whitby, but you don’t have to follow the herd. Sandsend is set against a backdrop of grassy hills and is much quieter – and prettier – than Whitby. It’s also a great place for fossil hunting at low tide when the children tire of playing in the little becks that flow across the sand.
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the sand between your toes, relish the breeze soothing sunburnt skin and, with luck, you won’t have to put up with that unique tang of sea air and fish ‘n’ chips. In no particular order, then …
FORMBY, LANCASHIRE Formby’s sand dunes are the stuff of legend and are even classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From their peaks you can see the Cumbrian Mountains and, on a really clear day, Blackpool Tower. Again, you get to the beach through a pine wood where there is a reserve for red squirrels, but once you get to the beach, you won’t have to walk far to to get to wide, open, flat sands.
WINNERS
As the pandemic restrictions start to ease, now’s the time to hit The Great Outdoors to shake off that lockdown lethargy.
HOLKHAM, NORTH NORFOLK
PORTHCURNO, NEAR LAND’S END
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
WEST WITTERING, SUSSEX
Big skies, even bigger beach and you’re unlikely to have any issues with social distancing. Holkham’s shore is fringed by pine forest but, once through that, it’s just you, the North Sea, and a vast expanse of golden sand. Holkham is also where the Household Cavalry come for summer camp in July, to give the horses respite from ceremonial duties and to let them have a good blow-out cantering through the surfline. And it’s a handy spot to explore neighbouring Wells-next-the-Sea (first-class crabbing over the sea wall), spotting grey seals and birdlife at Blakeney, or hitting familyfriendly Hunstanton, the only east coast resort to face west.
If the sun is beating down and you squint, maybe, just maybe, you can kid yourself you are in one of those picturesque coves beloved by designers of Greek holiday brochures. However, this is, in its own way, the most beautiful bay in the region: a funnel of fine, white sand sitting between granite cliffs. Easily accessible, it is popular with families and the beach really opens up when the tide is going out. Then you can walk to other sandy spots in the area and sit on sandbars beneath the ancient cliff fort of Treryn Dinas.
Yes, Bournemouth, voted Britain’s best beach two years on the trot in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. However, there are 11 miles of golden, pristine sand stretching from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks so you should be able to avoid crowds. And even if the weather turns there is plenty to do including the secluded Fisherman’s Walk and the Oceanarium – providing all the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
The road to this Sussex beach isn’t the best – and it does get busy - but the journey is worthwhile: at the end you are greeted with a fine, open stretch of sand which is clean and leaves lots of lovely little pools when the tide goes out. It overlooks the Solent and Chichester harbour, but for peace and quiet head to the western end where you can walk a narrow ridge to East Head which is a remote, sand spit at the mouth of a harbour.
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TOP TV OF 2020 SO FAR
GANGS OF LONDON Gangs of London looks like a Hollywood movie set in London. With a cast including well-known British TV faces from the past few decades, it is the epic story of loss, power and greed. Directed by Gareth Evans, best known for his blistering martial arts movies, The Raid and The Raid 2, Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace with twists and turn at every corner.
Dixon and Amanda Holden as the judges once again, BGT never fails to bring a smile to the faces of the nation.
British Thespian legend, Sir Patrick Stewart returns as the iconic Jean-Luc Picard in this expansion of the Star Trek franchise. It follows the retired Picard 20-years after his last appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis and shows him deeply affected by the destruction of the planet Romulus. It is a story of redemption within the stunningly recreated Star Trek universe.
AFTER LIFE SEASON 2
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT The live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly of this blockbuster Saturday entertainment show. Presented by Ant & Dec and with Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha
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Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace
STAR TREK: PICARD
BGT live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly
Ricky Gervais returns with the second season of the surprisingly uplifting tale of a local newspaper editor dealing with the death of his wife. With Gervais’s unique brand of humour, the first season achieved cult status. And with an incredible British cast, Gervais has created something both shocking in its humour and sweet in the way it honestly deals with grief.
Lot of us have been watching more TV over the past few months. We thought we’d look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far…
THE OUTSIDER TIGER KING Love it or hate it, with its unique range of real-life characters, Tiger King has become a cult show on Netflix. Following Joe Exotic, a collector of exotic animals in America, the show follows his escalating row with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue. With threatening videos, legal allegations, protests, targeted harassment and allegations of murder, it is the must-watch Netflix show of the year.
This American horrorcrime mini-series based on a Stephen King novel stars the wonderful Ben Mendelsohn as a favourite recurring character from King’s multiverse, Det. Ralph Anderson. The story follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy which takes a turn when it is found the man they arrested was in two places at once. With some excellent performances and a twisted story by the horror master, this is one of the best shows of 2020.
QUIZ TIME
Let’s face it, over the past few months we have all probably been involved in a virtual quiz at some point. If you now think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size…
ROUND ONE: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Name the longest river in the UK. How many hearts does an octopus have? In which year did Twitter launch? True or false, The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands? Which fish is the most widely-eaten by humans?
ROUND TWO: MOVIES AND TV 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Dr Sleep is the follow up to which Stanley Kubrick movie? The TV show Stranger Things is set in which fictional town? Who played Indian Jones’s father in The Last Crusade? Who played Fox Mulder in the X-Files? In what yeard did Channel 5 launch in the UK?
ROUND THREE – SPORTS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What’s the maximum score you can achieve in 10-pin bowling? Which horse won the Virtual Grand National 2020? Name the only football team to sack Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager? Who scored the first-ever Premier League goal? How many points is the green ball worth in snooker?
ROUND FOUR – MUSIC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is Elton John’s real name? What year did the Spice Girls release ‘Wannabe’? How many number one singles did Oasis have? What year did Robbie Williams leave Take That? Which city were the bands Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and The Human League formed in?
THE ANSWERS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. HOW DID YOU DO? 1-5 correct
Have you even done a virtual quiz during lockdown?
6-10 correct
Just making up the numbers and having a social chat!
11-15 correct
You take quizzing seriously, but there’s still a little way to go.
16 – 20 correct
ANSWERS
You are the quiz master. Everyone wants to be on your team.
ROUND ONE
ROUND THREE
1. River Severn 2. Three 3. 2006 4. True 5. Herring
1. 300 2. Potters Corner 3. St. Mirren 4. Brian Deane 5. Three
ROUND TWO
ROUND FOUR
1. The Shining 2. Hawkins, Indiana 3. Sean Connery 4. David Duchovny 5. 1997
1. Reginald Kenneth Dwight 2. 1996 3. Eight 4. 1995 5. Sheffield
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE
BY SPOTTING COLLECTABLES With many businesses temporarily closed due to the pandemic’s lockdown, many people are starting their own new online businesses, and spotting collectables online is a great place to start
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hether running a new business temporarily until the primary company they run or work for gets back up and running, or on a more permanent basis, many are getting creative during these extraordinary times and taking entrepreneurship into their own hands. Wheelers and dealers everywhere are spotting bargains and collectables to purchase online. Online shopping is very much all the rage at the moment especially valuable collector’s items which are worth surprisingly vast amounts of money.
GREAT PLACES TO SPOT THE MOST VALUABLE OF VALUABLES. Having already experienced an easing of lockdown measures in certain areas, car boot sales are back in business. Not quite in the same capacity as before COVID-19, but still. And there are an astonishing amount of hidden gems to be found at car boot sales – things the owners consider junk but are, in fact, considered rather prized in the antique dealership world.
Facebook Marketplace is another example of one of the more common outlets for people looking to offload their clobber online, as well as, of course, Amazon, eBay and Gumtree. The more popular the outlet, the more items there will be to peruse. Etsy, and Not on the Highstreet (NOTHS) are also up there in the top five most common online marketplaces in the UK. Particularly valuable items to keep an eye out for.
Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Old computers are highly sought-after pieces of vintage-ware, dating back to the mid-seventies, and if they’re still in working order their value could well be doubled, at least! Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age, like a fine wine, with their ability to subdue you into a land of joy and youthful delirium. First being introduced to the public in the early seventies. Vintage toasters and vacuum cleaners, some of which
date back as early as the late nineteenth century, are also sometimes unsuspecting valuables.
BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS Only if you’ve gone through all of your grandparents’ old books, can you consider yourself a well-read antique-hunter. Check out what books your grandparents or greatgrandparents may have had, and you may come across some first editions, which are considered esteemed indeed. First edition books from the thirties, forties and fifties especially can be worth tens of thousands of pounds potentially. AbeBooks can be a great place to get an idea of the value of a book. Similarly, autographed books, signed yearbooks, land deeds, signed papers and postcards are all potentially of significant value.
If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader
ART AND MUSIC Paintings are an item easily appraised if you’re not sure how much they’re worth, and you just never know if your painting was created by a prominent artist or not. Someone like William Blake, for instance, wasn’t a painter primarily, but a poet, and wasn’t very popular in his day either. Only many years after his death had he become, an icon from the romanticism period, in literature and art, and so some of Blake’s artworks can be worth a lot of money indeed these days, likewise with other artists of similar background. Same goes for musical instruments, flutes being the first ever created by man, and some of which date back tens of thousands of years.
ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE AND ORNAMENTS Old pens are one of those items which are more of a collectable item than many other things. If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader to sign proclamations or laws. Due to their commonality, though, it can be challenging to find a particularly valuable pen, so patience is a virtue, as some great writer once said… Chippendale furniture, lamp bases, Christmas ornaments, ceramics, silver flatware, Louis Vuitton trunks and jewellery are also all fantastic items of sometimes surprisingly high value.
TOP TIPS FOR SELLING FROM ONLINE MARKETPLACES
Customer ratings are intrinsic to a seller’s credibility, so developing a great reputation as a seller, and retaining a positive delivery service to your customers, is a must for any online seller.
Customer service is second to none because the customer is always right. Make sure you keep your customers coming back and wanting to continue buying from you.
Keep optimising your online shopping experience, by increasing your site’s load speed, refining your site’s navigation system, focussing on informative and visual content, and removing checkout obstacles to simplify the buying process.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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01326 331889 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
College Green, Penryn
An immaculately presented, modern, three bed, end of terrace house. There is contemporary fully fitted kitchen, L-shaped lounge/dining room ground floor cloakroom and first floor family bathroom. Outside are enclosed gardens and a very large undercover parking area for two vehicles. The property must be viewed to appreciate all on offer.
info@desmondandco.co.uk
Guide Price: ÂŁ275,000
FIND YOUR
DREAM HOME IN TAVISTOCK Save thousands on estate agent’s fees with David Wilson Home’s Movemaker scheme. Embden Grange is an exclusive development of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in Tavistock. It’s only a few minutes from Tavistock Town Centre, where you will find a range of local shops, cafes, pubs and restaraunts. The A386 is nearby, connecting you to the rest of Devon and beyond. If you have an existing property to sell, we could save you thousands on Estate Agent’s fees with our Movemaker scheme. This is where we help arrange the sale of your existing home, so you can avoid the hassle and cost of selling your own property. Our Sales Office is open by appointment only. Book your appointment now to find out more, or register your interest to keep updated.
EMBDEN GRANGE Butcher Park Hill, Tavistock, PL19 0ER Open 10:00am – 5:30pm, Monday - Sunday 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes Short walk to town centre Dartmoor on your doorstep
Call us on 0333 355 8492 See the difference at www.dwh.co.uk Offer available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Following withdrawal or termination of any offer, we reserve the right to extend, reintroduce or amend any such offer as we see fit at any time. David Wilson Homes is a brand of BDW TRADING LIMITED (Company Number 03018173), a company registered in England whose registered office is at Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1UF, VAT number GB633481836. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as dialling an 01 or 02 number. If your fixed line or mobile service has inclusive minutes to 01/02 numbers, then calls to 03 are counted as part of this inclusive call volume. Non-BT customers and mobile phone users should contact their service providers for information about the cost of calls. Purchasers must sign a Movemaker Agreement with us. Offer is subject to use of a David Wilson Homes nominated estate agent to market and sell your existing home. David Wilson Homes will pay the nominated estate agent’s fees provided you go on to buy a new David Wilson home.
01326 331889 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Pickle Close, Falmouth
A Stunning four double bedroom family home. This executive style property is situated within the sought after residential development of Goldenbank on the edge of Swanpool Nature Reserve. The beautifully presented accommodation comprises; quality fitted kitchen/dining room, lounge, four double bedrooms (one ensuite) and family bathroom. Outside there are superb, landscaped gardens, a garage and driveway parking facilities.
info@desmondandco.co.uk
Guide Price: ÂŁ415,000
ESTATE AGENT’S FEES PAID MOVE TO IVYBRIDGE USING OUR MOVEMAKER SCHEME Lucerne Fields is a development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes on the outskirts of Ivybridge. The development is great for commuting to Plymouth or Exeter, with fantastic transport links and the Devon Expressway nearby. There are excellent schools, leisure centres and shops close to Lucerne Fields, while beautiful moorland walks are just a short drive away. If you have a home to sell, our Movemaker scheme can relieve some of the stress and save you thousands on estate agent’s fees. Barratt Homes will help arrange to sell your existing property, so you can focus on moving into a brand new one. Our Sales Office is open by appointment only. Book your appointment to find out more or register your interest to keep updated with new releases.
LUCERNE FIELDS, GODWELL LANE, IVYBRIDGE, DEVON, PL21 0LT
IVYBRIDGE, DEVON VISIT WWW.BARRATTHOMES.CO.UK
CALL 033 355 8491
Offer available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Following withdrawal or termination of any offer, we reserve the right to extend, reintroduce or amend any such offer as we see fit at any time. Barratt Homes is a brand of BDW TRADING LIMITED (Company Number 03018173), a company registered in England whose registered office is at Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1UF, VAT number GB633481836. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as dialling an 01 or 02 number. If your fixed line or mobile service has inclusive minutes to 01/02 numbers, then calls to 03 are counted as part of this inclusive call volume. Non-BT customers and mobile phone users should contact their service providers for information about the cost of calls. Purchasers must sign a Movemaker Agreement with us. Offer is subject to use of a Barratt Homes nominated estate agent to market and sell your existing home. Barratt Homes will pay the nominated estate agent’s fees provided you go on to buy a new Barratt home.
01752 343172 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Redvers Grove, Plympton
A beautifully presented four bedroom detached property. Well appointed within one of Plympton’s most sought after addresses this family home features off road parking for 5/6 cars, a double garage, 2 reception rooms, large conservatory, en-suite to the master bedroom and a lovely garden that over looks a conservation area.
info@desmondandco.co.uk
ÂŁ400,000
Beckford Close, Plympton
Desmond & Co are delighted to offer this beautifully presented three bedroom semi-detached property to the market. Occupying a corner plot with garage, this stunning family home has been renovated to a very high standard throughout. Within walking distance of 2 local schools this property will make an ideal first family home.
desmondandco.co.uk
Guide Price: ÂŁ210,000
01752 343172 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Trelowen Drive, Penryn
A brilliant, first floor, modern, two double bedroom apartment. Situated within the popular and conveniently situated Kernick Gate development on the outskirts of Penryn. In a small block of just three apartments the property has a spacious entrance, contemporary open plan living/dining/kitchen, bathroom and two double bedroom’s. There is also a south facing private balcony, parking and storage area. The property is considered ideal as a home or investment, with current 6 month AST rate producing a 5% yield (in the region of £775-£795 PCM).
info@desmondandco.co.uk
Guide Price £190,000
Rose Cottages, Rame Cross
This lovely cottage is conveniently located on the road between Falmouth and Helston in a raised position with far reaching countryside views to the rear. The property is packed with features including, beamed ceilings to the ground floor, ledge and braced doors and accommodation comprising; entrance porch, fitted kitchen/ dining room with oil fired Rayburn range which provides central heating, hot water and cooking facilities, lounge with fireplace, two first floor double bedrooms and bathroom/WC in white. The owners are selling the cottage chain free.
desmondandco.co.uk
Guide Price ÂŁ210,000
01752 343172 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Stable Cottage, Newton Ferrers
Very nicely presented three double bedroom converted barn. Beautifully appointed in Pool Mill, ‘Stable Cottage’ offers well proportioned accommodation over three levels, a good size conservatory, two en-suite bedrooms, large gardens & a garage and off road parking space.
info@desmondandco.co.uk
£535,000
Slate House, Plympton St. Maurice
This beautifully renovated three double bedroom end of terrace property is very nicely appointed within the Plympton St. Maurice conservation area. Boasting two reception areas, modern kitchen, gas central heating, en-suite to the master bedroom and a nice garden the property also has the benefit of a garage.
desmondandco.co.uk
ÂŁ325,000
Present your house for sale by de-cluttering...
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Maximise your home’s potential and create spacious rooms enticing potential buyers – simply by de-cluttering!
De-cluttering allows you to… maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important
I
f you are looking to sell your house, or have had your home on the market for a while now, then you probably want to get the maximum sale price in the quickest time. There are a few things you can’t control – but the one thing that is in your control, is the look and feel of the interior and exterior. While it’s worth spending time fixing and cleaning your house before potential buyers come and view, it’s also important to de-clutter. This creates spacious rooms and also allows you to decrease and organise your personal items before you move yourself. Of course it’s understandable that you don’t to want spend money, time and energy on a home you are about to leave, however, a lot of people are looking for a house in which they can move straight into. Maintaining your
property might even save you thousands of pounds; it could even reduce added expenses of living in your home whilst waiting for a sale. And it might even help avoid possible reductions in the asking price. The main reason in which people move house tends to be because they lack space in their current home. They want a home that is spacious and in which they can grow into. If a potential viewer comes to your home and sees that there is lack of space, then this will turn them away. De-cluttering allows you to remove any unnecessary items in an untidy or overcrowded place. It will help maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important.
You need to create a great first impression and focus on the rooms themselves. You will notice that the first things you see in each room are personal items. Where possible you want to create the look of a
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them into things you want to keep and things you want to get rid of. You may even find that you have collected a cupboard full of paper work. Get yourself organised! Don’t just throw it all away, but file it and go through it thoroughly. This will also make it easier when you move.
De-personalising can also be a great way to declutter. Too many personal effects can be distracting to buyers. They want to see a house in which they can make their own memories rather than seeing yours. Again, personal items can be stored away. Remember
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So where should you start?
Top Tips! If you are throwing away paperwork, shred anything that is confidential
Where possible you want to create the look of a lifestyle that the potential buyers want
lifestyle that the potential buyer want. This usually has a ‘show home’ feel, rather than a ‘lived in’ feel. Minimising your things is the quickest way to do this: you want to ensure that potential buyers can do simple things, like, open any doors easily, ensuring that there are no obstacles. So, what do we mean by clutter? There are two types: genuine clutter, and items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property. Genuine Clutter: You need to go through the space and sort out each item, categorising
You also want to focus on little things like DVDs, books and trinkets. These items may have some small value so sell them or donate them to charity. Get rid of any old shoes and coats that are lying about in your porch or hallway. You might want to hide away the coats and shoes you do currently wear. Store them in your wardrobe, while you have viewings. Items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property: You may want to consider putting some items in storage while you sell your home. Sometimes items are too large or even too small for some spaces and can make the room look odd. If you want to keep these particular items, then store them until you move into your new home.
that this is only a temporary way of living and hopefully it won’t be for long! If you find you are keeping more things than you are throwing out, then think about whether or not it’s in the right room or do you even need it now?
As previously mentioned, you can attempt to sell some of the things you have acquired over the years. Use sites like eBay, Gumtree and social networking sites to try and sell items. You may want to even hold a house sale for the remaining items that you can’t sell. Failing that, why not donate to charity. The end goal is still the same and it’s important to help potential buyers envision your house as theirs. So remember, decluttering will make your home more spacious and entice potential buyers!
De-clutter before agents come and take photos of your property. This will help attract more potential viewers online and get that first good impression
Don’t spend too long on certain items and don’t get distracted. Keep yourself motivated and race against the clock!
Make it fun! Play some music or watch TV while you de-clutter
Your step-by-step guide to the conveyancing process
O
nce a sale has been agreed and is in the hands of your solicitor, it will go through the following stages. Sometimes additional work will be needed – for example, if the property is leasehold or is yet to be registered with the Land Registry. It is also important for buyers to discuss the availability of their deposit with their solicitor early in the transaction, and we strongly recommend that you contact your solicitor regularly so that they can keep you fully up-to-date with the progress and the latest timescales.
Between exchange and completion • Obtain redemption figures from the mortgage lender and reply to requisitions on title • Approve the transfer and arrange for the seller(s) and buyer(s) to sign
Seller’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain a copy of the Title Deeds (or office copies if the title is registered) • Obtain a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (if applicable) • The seller(s) will return a completed Property Information Form and a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form to the solicitors • Copies of the above documents, plus a draft contract – this is known as an ‘Information Pack’ – will be sent to the buyer’s solicitor • Answer the buyer’s solicitor’s additional enquiries (for example, specific questions about fixtures and fittings) and obtain copies of any planning consent documents • Agree the contract and arrange for the sellers to sign it in readiness of the exchange (below) • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged
• Receive the agent’s fee account and seek the seller’s consent to settle this out of completion funds Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards. Upon completion • Receive completion funds and (only when this has been completed) instruct Lisa Costa to release the keys to buyers. Redeem mortgage and forward the financial statement. Forward any surplus funds (unless these are being used to fund an onward purchase). Ensure all outstanding bills are paid • Forward transfer documents and deeds to the buyer’s solicitors • Forward evidence of ‘discharge of mortgage’ to the buyer’s solicitors
Buyer’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain the Information Pack, including a copy of the EPC (if applicable) from the sellers’ solicitor and raise any additional queries • Initiate any specialist searches (for example: a coal search). Submit local, environmental and water searches and a chancel check. This takes about 10 working days in total, and enquiries are then usually raised from the results • Approve the contract when all enquiries are satisfactory and complete. (At this stage, a mortgage transfer deed will need to be signed and witnessed) • Receive a mortgage offer and instructions from the lender and deal with any conditions set out by them. Make sure that life cover and buildings insurance is being arranged • Request the deposit, report back to the buyer, and arrange for the contract to be signed. Place buildings insurance and life cover in force • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged Between exchange and completion • Raise ‘requisitions on title’ and prepare the draft transfer deed • Report on title to mortgage lender and obtain funds for completion, including Stamp Duty (if appropriate) • Prepare accounts, obtain signature to mortgage deed and undertake final Land Registry and Land Charges searches Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards. Upon Completion • Forward to the seller’s solicitors the balance of funds − it is only then that they can authorise the release of the keys. Receive from the seller’s solicitors, the transfer document deeds • Stamp the Transfer Deed, register the buyer’s ownership with the Land Registry and forward the deeds to the lender or client (where appropriate)
Contract - The agreement that sets out the main terms that have been agreed − for example: price, address, names, etc. Two copies are drawn up, and each party signs one in readiness for the exchange of contracts. Deposit - The part of the purchase price (usually 10%) which the buyer pays on exchange of contracts. Exchange of contracts - The swapping of signed contracts by the solicitors (together with the buyer’s deposit). After this, the contract is binding. Energy Performance Certificate - This contains information on energy use, energy performance, carbon dioxide emissions, and fuel bills. Land Registry - The Government department that records who owns what land, and under what conditions. Local Authority Search - A list of questions that are specific to the property and intended, for example, to discover if there have been any planning applications on the property, if the road to the house is maintained by the council, etc. Mortgage Redemption Figure - The amount required to repay the outstanding capital/ interest of a mortgage. Property information form/fixtures, fittings and contents form - Standard forms about the property that the seller answers for their solicitor (for example: what will be left behind, details of guarantees, etc.) Title Deeds - Legal documents that prove ownership of land/buildings, and the terms on which they are owned. Transfer of Title - The document that passes the ownership from the seller to the buyer. Stamp Duty for buy to let investors and second home owners - An additional tax, paid by the buyer purchasing an additional property that is not their main residence. It includes buy to let landlords and those buying second homes and holiday homes. The higher rates will be 3 percentage points above the current rates of duty shown below. Requisition on title - An enquiry relating to the completion arrangements. Seller’s Pack - This comprises a Property Information Form, a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form, a copy of the title deeds and the draft contract. Stamp Duty - A tax paid by the buyer purchasing their main residence. It is calculated on the percentage rate applicable to each portion of the sale price. • 0% Up to £125,000 • 0% Up to £300,000 if purchased by a First Time Buyer* • 2% On the share from £125,001 up to £250,000 • 5% On the share from £250,001 up to £925,000 • 10% On the share from £925,001 up to £1,500,000 • 12% On the share £1,500,001 and over NB The new 3% rate does not apply to any transactions below £40,000
Moving house? From meter readings to removal companies, there’s so much to remember when moving house. Here’s our checklist of what to do and when
F
irst of all, congratulations on your new home! The excitement has probably now kicked in but moving home can also be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining things you can do. However, careful organisation and planning can help decrease the stress and anxiety of moving. This comprehensive and essential checklist will help you do just that.
Eight weeks – Research Ideally, you want to start packing away any non-essential items as early as possible. This includes any items stored away in the loft, garage and shed. If you are not using it, pack it. Looking into your new area is also important, try to do this around eight weeks before you move. You might need to think about transferring your children to different schools and ordering new uniforms too. At this point, ensure you are also documenting all your important information away: that includes contact details, dates, contracts and information regarding your solicitor.
Six weeks – Removal companies or do it yourself? Now would be the perfect time to decide on a local removal company. Or if you don’t have too much to move, you may want to do it yourself. You could even look into different van hire companies. At this point you’ve probably started packing away some bits, but if there is anything you decide not to take, then look into selling these items or donating them to charity. This will also give you an idea on the volume of items you have to move.
Four weeks – Notify utility companies This would be a good time for you to notify utility companies and inform them about your move to switch over. This includes gas and electricity, council tax, internet, phone rental and TV. You should also consider changing any car insurance, tax, memberships, phone contracts and inform your bank about the move. Now’s the time to also arrange a date to have your new house cleaned before you move
The buyers of our homes receive their very own property website to share via
Checklist Eight weeks Pack non-essential items Research your new area (transfer schools and order new uniform) Keep all important documents
Six weeks Decide on a local removal company Clear out any unwanted items
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It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush!
in, and start ordering any new furnishings for your new property. Start packing away more items, that being, out of season clothes, books, dvd’s and even bulky items, like TV’s that aren’t used often.
Two weeks – Confirm all details Confirm your move with your removal company or van hire, estate agents and schools. If possible, try to organise someone to look after your pets and children for the day of your move, as this can also be a stressful time for them too. If your removal company doesn’t disassemble any furniture or sort out the un-plumbing for the washing machine, then now would be the ideal time to organise these. Remember to also cancel any local services you receive: this could be window cleaners, gardeners and newspaper deliveries. You should now also think about re-registering to vote and getting your post re-directed after your moving date. Continue packing away more furnishings, kitchen appliances and crockery that you won’t be using for the next couple of weeks.
24 hours – Final check and walk round You now have only 24 hours before you move, so double check that everything is packed away and ready for transit. It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! You may want to create an inventory of your boxes and
furniture to help you keep track of what you have and to help you ensure it doesn’t go missing.
Moving day Today is the day! You need to be ready for when your removal company comes. Ensure that you let them know if there are any fragile boxes that need extra care when handling. If you’re moving yourself, then pack up your car or van and work out how many trips it may take. Before you leave, also take note of your final meter readings and send these off to your provider. Don’t forget to leave your keys for the new owners!
You have arrived at your new home! Give your removal company instructions of which boxes go in which rooms and make sure you are happy with everything that has arrived. Ensure you check for any damage before the movers leave. Read your new utility meters and send your readings of to your supplier. Taking photos of them will also ensure you have the correct reading if you need them again in the future. Unpack your essentials such as bed linen and clean towels. Don’t worry about the rest, it isn’t going anywhere! Order a takeaway, have a cup of tea and enjoy your first night with your family. Right, so now you’re all moved in, it’s time to settle down, unpack and enjoy your new place. Remember, planning is essential to ensure your move runs stress free.
social media with its address and personal message!
Keep packing
Four weeks Notify utility companies Start preparation for your new house Keep packing
Two weeks Finalise all details Organise pet and child care Cancel local services Keep packing
24 hours Check every room and ensure everything is packed Pack a night bag so everything is to hand Collect your new keys Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get in touch with the estate agents or removal company
Moving in Prepare for the arrival of the removal company and give them directions/ your contact details Ensure everything is ready to move Record meter readings
On arrival Give removal company instructions of what goes where Check for any damage before they leave Read your new utility meters and send them off to your supplier Check if the previous owners have left anything behind Unpack essentials Order a takeaway and sit back and relax!
EXCLUSIVELY AT
Giving you peace of mind every time Our innovative approach to marketing, together with our unrivalled customer care, makes us the right choice to market your property and guide you through your move
Whether you’re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Desmond & Co, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering all Plymouth and Cornwall, the name Desmond & Co is synonymous with trust, excellence and integrity. With decades of experience, specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients continually return to sell and buy through us. We also recognise the importance of marketing, so your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our window display. Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure. Sharing your personalised website
across the social networks widens the audience for your property, to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale. Our qualified database of home buyers will be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest possible time, providing you an outstanding service, with a personal and friendly approach.
As part of what makes us unique at Desmond & Co we offer a free monthly magazine featuring properties and up to date market news. Call us today to receive our monthly magazine by emailing darren@desmondandco.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
www.desmondandco.co.uk
The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Desmond & Co in our area. By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.
ION ONLINE
UAT INSTANT VAL
I’m marketing my property with Desmond & Co
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Share with friend
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Request a viewin Local schools
Value my home
When you choose to market your property with Desmond & Co, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly
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View on a map
Video microsite on our website
Feature in our monthly magazine
Comparables of houses SOLD and price guides
1.
UNIQUE with Desmond & Co
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography, floorplans and newspapers COMMON MARKETING
Tech gimic (Drones, 360 tours)
ACTIVATE
2.
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE
SOLD
3.
SELL
Want to find out Portals and websites more about our range of exclusive services? Then please feel free to pop in or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Rightmove featured property advertising*
Feature on our Facebook and Twitter
Property video
All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
www.desmondandco.co.uk
MEET THE TEAM
Darren Desmond
Emma Desmond
MANAGING DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Darren is the managing director of Desmond & Co Estate Agents. He has worked in the property industry since 2002 and his experience in both good and bad markets has helped him to create a company that puts clients as well as colleagues at the fore front of the business. In his spare time Darren plays golf and represented Cornwall and England at junior level.
Emma has been in and around the property industry since meeting Darren and has worked actively as an agent for the past 5 years. Previously working in a customer facing industry where service was paramount working for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, Emma has developed an understanding of what clients require and how Desmond & Co can provide it. Most of Emma’s spare time is spent cleaning up after Ella and Hugo.
Jackie Marker
Adam Pryor
PARTNER
PARTNER
Jackie started her estate agency career back in 2001 in New Zealand, achieving top 5 status north of Auckland with her agency, and subsequently top 3 on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, before returning to UK just over 4 years ago. Jackie is delighted to be associated with a local company dedicated to providing top quality service for our clients, ensuring clients goals are achieved and delivering those results with the utmost integrity.
Adam has over fifteen consecutive years’ worth of experience, of working within the Cornish property market. Adam’s career started at an agency in Truro, at the age of twenty, and later moved to an office in his home town of Falmouth. Throughout his fifteen year career Adam has earnt an unrivaled reputation in the area, with clients, applicants and associated professionals. An honest opinion is offered, in all situations, and a friendly yet, determined attitude, is utilised throughout the selling process.
info@desmondandco.co.uk
Listen to what the customers say...
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MR AND MRS BAMBER - BUYERS Prior to going with Desmond and Co we did some research and spoke to other companies, I mean the service we couldn’t compare it to what we received from Desmond & Co. The property websites are so easy to share, just one click and it’s on your facebook. I really recommend Desmond & Co to friends and family, mainly on the service we received from Darren
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MRS ASHBERY - SELLER Using Desmond and Co has certainly been on of the smoothest most efficient sales that I’ve had. I would certainly use Desmond & Co again
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MR AND MRS COUPE - SELLERS The experience, although this is probably the most stressful experience you can go through and it was easy, it was thorough, professional.
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MR HARVEY - SELLER Desmond & Co gave me a very honest view on what my property was worth in the current market, and not what I thought it might be worth and what was actually unachievable
desmondandco.co.uk
With you every step of the way
Trust us with your property move, so you can enjoy those precious moments. With our innovative marketing tools, expert local knowledge and a FREE personalised website for your property to share with friends and family, we will be with you every step of the way.
Cornwall 01326 331889 Plymouth 01752 343172 desmondandco.co.uk | info@desmondandco.co.uk