LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
MARCH 2020
GROW YOUR OWN!
HARVEST YOUR OWN CROPS - IN YOUR GARDEN IMPROVE YOUR INTERIOR ADD STYLE AND COLOUR TO YOUR HOME
MOVING FOR A NEW JOB? FOLLOW OUR ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE
TIME TO SPA! TREAT YOUR BODY AND MIND
BE FASHION READY FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY
CONTENTS COVER STORY
4
Grow your own Time to dig up the lawn and grow your own vegetables
PROPERTY
2
Improve your home’s interior Add new life to your home by adding style and colour
6
Moving for a new job? Top tips when moving for a job
15 16 18
Your role as a landlord Understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know us a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
FOOD
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Spring is in the air Featuring a luscious lamb dish for the family to enjoy
LIFESTYLE
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Bond is back! Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007 arrives in April Be fashion ready Don’t be caught out and about without your fashion essentials!
TRAVEL
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Time to spa There’s nothing like a day of pampering to put you in the right frame of mind to face the world. But where to go?
SPORT
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The US Masters A preview of the 84th US Masters which tees off this April
WELCOME TO THE MARCH ISSUE!
T
he days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter; a good sign that we are moving towards thoughts of warmer weather and longer, balmy nights. OK, we may be getting a little carried away but the warmer weather will be very much welcomed by all. When it comes to property, years ago it was highly unusual for homeowners not to have a vegetable patch. Post-war austerity and a limited amount of produce in the shops meant it was the only way to get fresh veg and vitamins into the daily diet. The arrival of the supermarket changed that but now the wheel
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PROPERTY NEWS
has turned full circle and ‘homegrown’ is fast becoming the norm again. But how do you grow your own? Find out inside. But if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life or just want to treat someone special, then take a peek at our spa feature. The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being, so we look at what you can expect on a spa visit. As ever, there is plenty of support and advice on property inside this issue which is sure to keep you reading. So, enjoy and we’ll see you next time. Linda McKeown Editor
The words DIY – or doing it yourself – can often instill fear into any homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A lick of paint and new finishing touches can make a property go from oh to wow.
EMPHASISE THE FOCAL POINT IN THE ROOM Find the room’s focal point and look to emphasise this feature. This could be a fireplace, feature wall or a bay window. Don’t have a feature? Then create one! Doing this is much easier than you may think; paint a wall a different colour and accessorise with artwork or shelving.
ADD A LICK OF COLOUR
Perhaps the easiest – and most affordable – way to bring a room to life is to add a coat of paint. However, don’t rush it! Focus instead on working on small and manageable sections to avoid the feeling of biting off more than you can chew. It’s important to feel that you are making progress, rather than being left with the feeling that your decorating is never ending. To kick-start the painting in any room, remember to focus on all edges first, including windows, door frames, light switches and other nooks and crannies, before applying the main section of paint. Also, don’t forget to put down old sheets or blankets to help protect surfaces from paint splashes; it’ll save you time and potential heartache as you won’t have to spend time cleaning the carpet if you have any mishaps.
Before you start any work, it’s vital that you set a budget and prepare a list of things you need to complete the job
ADD NEW LIFE TO YOUR HOME
Update your interior by adding style and colour; it’s one of the easiest ways to freshen up the look and feel of your home
ensure that you measure all the spaces you have, so that you can be confident that there won’t be any sizing issues once you get your new goods through the door!
SHOULD YOU DIY OR GET A PROFESSIONAL IN?
Whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a professional depends on several different factors; your budget, experience and available time!
Top tip: Buy testers in the paint that you like and paint small samples on the walls to see which fits best with the plans that you have for the room
HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS Using the best – and the right – tools, such as brushes, paint and rollers are key to getting the finish just right. Now that doesn’t mean expensive is always best; we recommend for going midrange – so not the cheapest and not the most expensive.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES Once you have finished all your painting and decorating of walls, ceiling and woodwork, then it’s time to focus on the final touches. Adding vases, scatter cushions and throws to a living room will encourage more warmth. However, remember not to go the other way and add so much that the area looks cluttered. Keep your eyes peeled for inspiration from things you see day to day – whether that be in magazines, on TV or in homes you’ve been viewing online!
Perhaps the easiest – and most affordable – way to bring a room to life is to add a coat of paint
YOUR BUDGET
Before you start any work, it’s vital that you set a budget and prepare a list of things you need to complete the job. It’s easy to become over excited and spend money on things that you don’t need. Shop around for the best deals and
The positive factors of hiring a professional interior designer and/or decorator is that it can save you time (and stress), as they will be qualified in knowing the latest trends and what designs will work well for certain spaces. Search for decorators in your area and keep an eye out for those with positive reviews; word of mouth can be a godsend so ask for recommendations via your social media channels.
Even changing simple things like door handles on your interior doors can really change the feel of a property. It can be quite pricey to refurnish a home, so to help keep costs down look to update any of your old furniture with a re-varnish or a coat of paint too.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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REAP WHAT YOU SOW 4
PROPERTY NEWS
With plant-based diets on the increase, now might be the time to dig up the lawn and grow your own vegetables
Y
ears ago, it was highly unusual for homeowners not to have a vegetable patch. Whether it was just a strip running alongside the lawn or turning the whole garden into a backyard allotment, post-war austerity and a limited amount of produce in the shops meant it was the only way to get fresh veg and vitamins into the daily diet. However, the arrival of the supermarket changed that, and now we can buy what was once termed ‘seasonal’ produce year-round, thanks to advanced farming methods, high-speed global transportation and rapid refrigeration. But now the wheel has turned full circle and ‘home-grown’ is fast becoming the norm again, either out of necessity or because, in this health-conscious world, there is a hunger to know the food on our plates is free from any artificial interference.
CAN YOU DIG IT?
Well, if you’re staring at a blank canvas, congratulations, you’ve avoided the back-straining bit. If, however, you want to convert part, or all, of your garden then the best time to start the groundwork is autumn, allowing nature to take its course over the colder months. But if you want to start off with light produce, spring is as good a time as any to start. And start small. Don’t dig it all up and discover you’ve taken on more than you can chew. If you are lifting lawn, cut it into squares, stack it and it will decompose, producing loamy soil and this can be added to the top. Alternatively, you can bury the turf a spade’s depth down and it will feed the soil.
If you are looking to plant in a vacant patch of ground, consider covering the area with a black weed-suppressing membrane and, even after weeds have died, do not turn the soil over for at least a couple of weeks and then let the winter weather break down the clods. By spring, the soil will hopefully be fine and powdery – unless it is clay-based, meaning it will be colder and wetter. Therefore, planting needs greater patience although, on the flip side, clay soil can hold on to nutrients better.
Lighting is crucial. Don’t plant in full shade – some veg can cope with dappled shade, but most like the sun. Also pick a spot sheltered from the wind if you can.
WHEN AND WHAT TO PLANT
The key to vegetable growing is timing. Wait for spring, making sure the grass is growing and birds are nesting before you start to get busy. It may be best to start with plants that go in and out of the ground within weeks – carrots or salads are best. Many experts feel it’s best to start with potatoes, which condition the soil as they break it down. And the early months of the new year are the best time to buy the first and second early varieties so they can be placed somewhere cool and light to ‘chit’ (produce small shoots). Then they can be planted mid-April for lifting before potato blight becomes an issue in late July and August. A good variety to start with is Foremost, an old favourite introduced more than 50 years ago. The round, white-fleshed tubers are firm and waxy when young and retain their fine taste. Carrots can also be sown in April, and if you put the seeds in four-inch drills, this will negate the need to thin the seedlings. Amsterdam Forcing are recommended as they are smooth, colourful and bulk up early.
START PLANNING Converting an area populated with mature shrubs is best done over late summer to let the soil start the recovery process in the autumn, and its round about October that weeds should be tackled – but not with quick-fix weed killer!
Home-grown is fast becoming the norm again
It’s best to divide your vegetable patch into areas, reason being they become easier to manage and you won’t trample through the patch when you harvest. Raised beds are popular – particularly with chalk or heavy clay soils – but try to keep the sides low so you don’t put off any slug-munching beetles and amphibians. Building raised beds also preserves soil structure and, if you have room for more than one bed, it will make crop rotation easier and deter diseases and soil-borne pests.
Start small. Don’t dig it all up and discover you’ve taken on more than you can chew
AND REMEMBER…
You’ll only get out what you put in. So, give your veg the best start by making sure the soil is right. A pH test kit will help you get the right balance – neutral soil is best so add lime to acid soil or sulphur to alkaline.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN
MOVING FOR A NEW JOB
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PROPERTY NEWS
Whether it be a career change or a promotion, one day you may be required to up-sticks and leave your comfortable surroundings…
W
ith high-speed internet the world has gotten smaller; however, it may still lead to big changes when it comes to your career. One of these may be a move to a new city or town. This could mean uprooting your family or, if you are single, making new friends. It will also mean you need to find somewhere permanent to call home, with little knowledge of the local area. This is what makes high street estate agents such as us so great compared to online only agents. You can speak to real people, with real knowledge of the local area, including the best schools, shops and transport links. With this in mind, here are some tips when moving for a job…
WHEN TO MOVE?
Who knows the local area better than the people who already live there? Why not check out social media for any groups to make friends with like-minded people, or sports clubs etc, for the children. These can always be great ways to get to know more information about the local area as well as making some new friends.
FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
After you have spent some time in the local area and you know it is a good match, then it’s time to get out looking at properties. Hopefully, loaded with useful information from your local estate agent and your new friends, you will have an idea of If you are moving to whereabouts you our area and would want to buy! like any advice or just
a friendly chat, please simply ask one of our helpful and friendly sales team
Once you have found the perfect property in your new city or town, you will need to decide when to move. There may be a few factors involved in your decision such as start date for your new job, the commute from where you currently live, and the time it takes for the sale/purchase to go through.
BELONGINGS You will need to decide what to do with your belongings. Will you bring a full house load with you straight away, or will you put them into storage? You will also need to check the costs involved in a hire van compared to the costs of putting belongings into storage. Would it be more effective to sell your furniture and start afresh in your new home?
CHECK OUT THE COMMUTE
Before looking for the perfect property, spend some time getting to know the local area
LOCAL GROUPS
Before looking for the perfect property, spend some time getting to know the local area. Find the best routes to work and schools by using Google Maps or tapping into the local knowledge of your new colleagues. The last thing you need is to move somewhere where the commute doesn’t end up being much shorter than if you hadn’t moved – which is more than possible in some big cities.
PRICE OF PROPERTY
Remember prices fluctuate massively throughout the UK, so before getting your heart set on a property, it will be worthwhile investigating the market to see what you can afford in your new area. You can find sold house prices easily enough on Rightmove and this will give you a good idea of what you can afford.
ENJOY THE PROCESS It will always be daunting moving to a new town or city. However, if you are organised and know what you are looking for, there are ways to make it relatively stress-free. Getting to know your surroundings is only the first step; finding a new local pub full of likeminded people or a favourite restaurant early in the process will give you a nice base to move forward.
If you are moving to our area and would like any advice or just a friendly chat, please simply ask one of our helpful and friendly sales team who are more than happy to help.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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NO TIME TO DIE: DANIEL CRAIG’S FINAL MISSION AS 007 Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007 arrives in April, fourteen years after rebooting the series In 2006 there was outrage when a blonde-haired, blueeyed Daniel Craig stepped onto our screens as the iconic 00 agent James Bond. With No Time to Die confirmed as his fifth and final film, it’s time to look back at the best – and worse bits – of Craig’s time as 007.
BEST: CASINO ROYALE With his debut, Casino Royale, Craig made the role his own expelling the memory of the cheese-laden disaster, Die Another Day, starring Pierce Brosnan. A grittier, darker version of Bond with a stellar supporting cast including Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green and Judi Dench, Casino Royale was everything a new audience was hoping for and left us wanting more.
WORST: QUANTUM OF SOLACE What could have been a fantastic sequel to Casino Royale fell flat with a forgettable villain, (no, really, try and remember the villain without having to Google it) and a generally uninspiring storyline. Luckily Craig made Bond his own, because other than that, this movie with the confusing title fell flat.
BEST: SKYFALL Luckily Quantum of Solace proved to be a one-off with Bond back to his best in 2012’s
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PROPERTY NEWS
Skyfall. Sam Mendes took over directing duties and an all-star supporting cast including Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney backed up the wonderful chemistry between Craig’s Bond and Dench’s M. Audiences loved it and it was the first Bond film to hit $1 billion dollars worldwide.
WORST BOND GIRLS If anyone thought it couldn’t get much worse than Denise Richards as the ridiculously named Dr. Christmas Jones in Brosnan’s final Bond film, then they were wrong. It wasn’t that Olga Kurylenko wasn’t pretty in Quantum of Solace, it was that – much like the villain – she was utterly forgettable, and Lea Seydoux in Spectre has so little personality and chemistry with Craig, that she simple looks bored on screen.
BEST VILLAINS Mads Mikkelsen, Javier Bardem and Christopher Waltz; three A-list actors with some serious bad guy chops. Mikkelsen was terrifying as Hannibal Lecter on the small screen, Bardem was scary in No Country for Old Men and Waltz’s horrid Colonel Landa in Inglourious Basterds is one of the greatest bad guys ever put onto the silver screen. They were perfect villains for the more grown up Bond movies.
WHO WILL BE THE NEW BOND? Craig’s Bond may have had his ups and downs, but generally he should be pleased with how he has helped to reboot an ailing franchise. Now with a new reboot looming, let’s check out the favourites to take his place… • • • • •
Michael Fassbender Richard Madden Tom Hardy Idris Elba Tom Hiddleston
No Time to Die is released on 3rd April 2020.
DID YOU KNOW? American popstar Billie Eilish has recorded the title song for No Time To Die – making her, at just 18 years old, the youngest artist in history to write and record a Bond theme!
LUSCIOUS ROASTED LAMB
If time is in short supply, make the most of seasonal lamb with this ever-so-easy, lazy roast
GREEK ROAST LAMB Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes Serves: 8 Nutrition: 685kcal per serving
INGREDIENTS 1 large leg of lamb, 3kg/6lb 8oz 6 garlic cloves 1 bunch oregano zest and juice 1 lemon 6 tbsp olive oil 1½ kg new potatoes 400g can chopped tomato large handful pitted baby kalamata olives
METHOD 1. Heat your oven to 240C/fan 220C/gas 9. Pound the garlic, half the oregano, lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, then add the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Stab the lamb all over with a sharp knife, then push as much of the herb paste as you can into the holes. 2. Tip the potatoes into a large roasting tin, then toss in the remaining olive oil and any remaining herb paste. Nestle the lamb amongst the potatoes, roast for 20 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Roast for 1 hr 15 mins for medium-rare, adding another 15 mins if you prefer your lamb medium. Ensure to baste the lamb once or twice with the juices during cooking and toss the potatoes. 3. When the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove from the tin and leave to rest. Throw the rest of the oregano in with the potatoes, scoop from the tin and keep warm. 4. Place the roasting tin over a medium flame, add the canned tomatoes and olives to the pan juices, then simmer for a few mins. Serve the lamb with the potatoes and sauce plus a simple salad.
This recipe, and more, can be found at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/greek-roast-lamb Image for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Don’t be caught out and about without your fashion essentials!
TAKE COVER…
IT’S WHERE THE MONEY’S AT!
WINDOWPANE CLASSIC UMBRELLA
SOPHIE ALLPORT BEES OILCLOTH PURSE
Made from 100% recycled PET fabric, this large-check patterned umbrella features a bright yellow interior which gives the classic umbrella a modern touch. It’s pricier than others but with combined maple wood shaft and handle, we think it’s worth it. £75 https://londonundercover.co.uk t
BE FASHION READY COLOUR CHANGING UMBRELLA Make walking in the rain fun with this colourchanging umbrella. Features an automatic push button; perfect for little hands! £12 www.kidly.co.uk
Love all things bee with this zipped wallet made from pale green bees matt oilcloth. Featuring a zipped coin section, it’s both waterproof and wipe clean. £25 www.thesquarepegonline.co.uk t
BATMAN EMBOSSED MEN’S WALLET Perfect for any Batman or Marvel fan, this officially licensed bi-fold wallet features a comic strip on its lining and is finished with a decorative metal logo for added authenticity. £18 www.freemans.com t
TOTES SUPERMINI UMBRELLA
CHILDREN’S INITIAL PURSE
The simple design of the Totes Supermini means that you can pop it in your bag with ease, so that you’re armed and ready to shield yourself against the rain, wherever you go. £10 www.johnlewis.com
The velvet and glitter combo of this purse is sure to make your little one feel all grown up – and the addition of their initial will make it even more personal. £12 www.johnlewis.com
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PROPERTY NEWS
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IT’S IN THE BAG… ACCESSORIZE RETRO RAINBOW CROSS BODY BAG
Kit out the man in your life with this smart and stylish flapover bag from Next. 100% Polyurethane. £28 www.next.co.uk
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This bright, cross-body bag is the ideal size to stash the essentials in! Added pizazz comes in the form of faux leather stripes in vibrant colours – and with a touch of glitter! £12 https://uk.accessorize.com
RIVER ISLAND BROWN FLAPOVER BAG
Editor note: you can enjoy 10% off your first purchase when you join their mailing list
KATE SPADE SYLVIA STRIPE SLIM CONTINENTAL WALLET
This stylish classic wallet from Kate Spade has plenty of pockets and compartments to hold your cards and cash. £59 www.katespade.co.uk
WATERMELON MULTICOLOURED BOX CLUTCH HANDBAG Add a splash of colour and fun to your day with this cute novelty watermelon clutch. In a bright red and green finish, it features a detachable gold chain strap, magnetic fastening as well as being fully lined. £19.99 www.bluebanana.com t
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BETTER
BY SPA Luxury or a modern-day necessity? Spa breaks are becoming the norm to treat mind, body… and your mum!
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f your vision of a spa session acceptable – and we can carry that involves a face pack and a slice of feeling of being taken cared for with cucumber over each eye, then we’re us for a period of time. And very often raising a carefully-trimmed eyebrow that can help us cope better in despair. with stress.” Similarly, if it involves waddling Obviously, breaks can No 1 on most spa around in a fluffy come with a bit of a price visitor’s wish-list is a white towelling tag when set against day massage and most robe clutching a sessions, but they are experts agree glass of prosecco, totally different beasts. massages reduce then you’ve been A one-day experience will stress and alleviates watching too normally offer only a muscle tension many reality single treatment whereas docu-soaps on TV. breaks provide the chance to step off life’s Although these are the images that treadmill with a number of carefullyhelp scientists pour scorn on exoticselected elements, giving breathing sounding treatments they offer, there space to totally unwind, relieve aches is one inescapable fact: there’s and pain, improve general physical nothing like a day of pampering to condition through diet and exercise… put you in the right frame of mind to and probably help you get a decent face the world. night’s sleep. The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being. Shackled by responsibilities and day-to-day pressures, the first thing that’s sacrificed is ‘me time’, partly because you think it’s self-indulgent but largely because of the cost. But is good physical and mental health really a luxury? Can you put a price on feeling good? As Virginia Sadock, a professor of psychiatry at New York University says: “Going to a spa is a way of being taken care of that is psychologically and culturally
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PROPERTY NEWS
BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL & SPA, NEWMARKET Bedford Lodge offers a Mum & Me Spa Day as well as a Mum & Me weekend break where you can let your cares wash away in the sumptuous hydrotherapy facilities with five different water experiences. Includes manicure or pedicure and afternoon tea. bedfordlodgehotelspa.co. uk/special-offers
The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being
All of this means that No 1 on most spa visitor’s wish-list is a massage and most experts agree massages reduce stress and alleviates muscle tension, and the benefits are more than skin deep. As Prof Sadock says: “Physical contact is necessary to our well-being, and even if the touching is from a professional there to pamper you, that touch will have a beneficial effect.” Although it is widely believed sitting in a sauna is a great way to cleanse the impurities in the body, what actually pours from the pores is just sweat, not toxins such as alcohol or mercury which are filtered by your liver and kidneys. But they are good for you, increasing circulation as a result of the elevated heart rate and widened blood vessels
that accompany exposure to intense heat. Which brings us to the other staple of the health spa: the face mask. Many charge a premium to slather exotic ingredients on your face. However, dermatologists say the most important thing to remember about a mask is that as long as it actually contains ingredients that would nourish the skin if they were in a moisturiser or balm, they’ll probably have some benefit. So if all that gives you an idea how to treat mum and ensure the person who has given you a lifetime of TLC is pampered herself – or if you feel the need for two or three days of R and R – here are a few suggestions.
BLUE HARBOUR HEALTH CLUB AND SPA, LONDON Their special Ladies’ Day package includes a choice of one 30 minute treatment from a full range of massages or a facial, a Travel Through Time afternoon tea, and full use of the spa facilities. spabreaks.com/venues/blueharbour-health-club-and-spa-at-the-chelseaharbour-hotel
RINGWOOD HALL HOTEL & SPA, CHESTERFIELD Soothe body and mind at The Garden Secret Spa, Derbyshire’s first 5 bubble rated spa. Set in a former 19th Century manor house, you’ll have full access of the facilities in packages ranging from the Vintage Hideway to the Ultimate Odyssey. ringwoodhallhotel.com/gardensecret-spa/
THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA, BATH One of the most popular spas in the country and the only UK hotel with access to naturally heated thermal waters. Just yards from the worldfamous Roman baths, the Gainsborough has a range of spa days with 20 per cent discount for online bookings thegainsboroughbathspa.co. uk/pages/spa-day
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TEE-TIME
THE US MASTERS 2020 PREVIEW
The 84th US Masters tees off this April with golf superstar Tiger Woods aiming for a record-equalling sixth win
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he US Masters is the first of the four major golf tournaments in pro-golf. First played 86 years ago in 1934, unlike other tournaments The Masters is always played at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia. The tournament is by invitation only and the winner is automatically invited to the other three majors.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner
The Augusta Golf Course was previously a plant nursery and each hole is named after a certain tree or shrub including Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Yellow Jasmine, Redbud, Azalea and Chinese Fir amongst others. The idea for the course came from Bobby Jones, a well-known amateur golfer, and was originally designed by Alister Mackenzie, who designed over 50 courses across four continents.
GOLF LINGO Albatross: A score of three less than par Birdie: A score of one less than par Eagle: A score of two under par Bogey: A score of one over par
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PROPERTY NEWS
Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters’ wins with six, followed by Tiger Woods with five and Arnold Palmer with four. The estimated prize fund is $11.5 million with nearly $2 million going to the winner, as well as the distinctive and iconic Green Jacket – which by tradition is presented to the current winner by the previous winner. The Masters consists of four rounds of 18 holes each, with the competitors playing in groups of three for the first two rounds. After 36 holes of play, a cut-off score is calculated to reduce the size of the field. To ‘make the cut’, a player must be in either the top 50 places or within 10 strokes of the leader’s score. Over the final two days, a further 36 holes are played; and should there be no winner after the fourth round, all tied players enter a sudden-death playoff beginning on the 18th hole, followed by the 10th and repeating until one player remains. The most recent sudden-death playoff was in 2017 between Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner. A custom since 1963, the tournament is officially started when one or more legendary players tees off from the first hole, and the Champions Dinner is held each year before the tournament starts. The dinner is hosted by the current champion who picks his own menu for the company only of previous champions. Three players are joint favourites moving towards the start of the tournament; World No. 1 Rory Mcllroy, World No. 2 Brooks Koepka and the back-in-form Tiger Woods. If Woods wins, he will match Jack Nicklaus’s record of six US Masters.
YOUR ROLE
AS A LANDLORD If you’re looking at letting out a property, it’s important to understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord
THE UTILITIES
The gas, electricity and water companies should be advised whenever the property is empty so that meters can be read and accounts prepared. During ‘void’ periods, the utility services must be transferred back into your name, by you. Of course, the tenant is responsible for the gas, electricity and water/sewerage bills generated by their usage during the tenancy, and for changing the gas and electric accounts into their name when they move in. They’re also responsible for the standing charges. However, their liabilities in this respect clearly finish on the date they vacate the property.
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use
TELEPHONE & COUNCIL TAX
Generally speaking, telephone companies will only deal with the account holder named on the account. You must tell the telephone company that you are leaving the property and advise them what you want to do with your existing number. The tenants are then responsible for arranging any line reconnections and meeting any costs associated with this. When it comes to council tax, this is not your responsibility while the entire property is let. However, if you still reside at the property while acting as a landlord, then you will remain responsible for the Council Tax charge.
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use. If any portable appliances are going to be left in the property, a portable appliance test should be carried out by a qualified electrician on an annual basis.
GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE
It’s your duty as landlord to ensure that all gas supplied appliances are maintained in a safe condition and are inspected at least every 12 months by a GAS SAFE engineer. A Gas Safety certificate should only be issued by a GAS SAFE engineer.
SMOKE ALARMS
The law requires landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. This includes smoke alarms being fitted in all hallway, stairway, and circulation areas that form escape routes from the property. They should be located every 7.5 metres of hallway, and within at least three metres of all bedroom doors. Properties where HMO licenses apply, a higher specification of smoke alarm installation may be required which is generally mains powered. Landlords are directly responsible for determining whether their properties are eligible for HMO status, and failure to adhere to the regulations may result in a civil penalty and render your insurance invalid.
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THE MORTGAGE SHOP
01843 600 666 info@themortgageshop.co.uk
“The Process Was Smooth and Stress-Free” “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for all you have done for myself and Clair whilst selling and buying our houses. The service you provided whilst selling our house to organising the mortgage and insurance for our new house has been first-class. We have been kept well-informed at every stage of the process and keeping all of this under 1 roof has meant the process was smooth and stress-free! Please congratulate and thank your team for their hard work and professionalism. which has been much appreciated. Many thanks.”
Glenn Leach Gary Fairhall started our sister company, The Mortgage Shop (Kent) Ltd, in Broadstairs in 1996 with his then business partner, Mike Friend. They opened TMS Estate Agents in 2009. The Mortgage Shop is now completely independent from TMS Estate Agents and isn’t linked to a particular lender, so the service is tailored to clients’ exact needs, instead of those of the mortgage companies.
A Comprehensive Service Their full ‘housing package’ involves arranging: • Competitive quotes from solicitors • Buildings and Contents Insurance • Income Protection • Life and Critical Illness Solutions With many financial options available that the average estate agent will not recommend, they can arrange finance on buy-to-let and unencumbered properties, meaning you can move house without the need to sell. They treat you as an individual and not a number.
Matt Watson
Tammy Palmer
TMS Estate Agents and TMS The Mortgage Shop continue to have a close working relationship supporting each other’s clients to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Gary has a very successful team of mortgage advisors who provide an outstanding service – Matt Watson, Mike Friend, Tammy Palmer - and they are ably assisted by the highly experienced admin team of Heidi Mallon, Andrea Studden and Henry Tucker who has recently passed his exams and is well on his way to becoming a fully qualified Mortgage Advisor. Call them now on 01843 600666 and find out what The Mortgage Shop can do for you!
“There Is Always a Solution… Together We Will Find it”
Gary Fairhall Company Director
Disclaimer: The Mortgage Shop (Kent) Limited is an Appointed Representative of the PRIMIS Mortgage Network, which is a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Sales, lettings and holiday lets are not regulated by the FCA. Registered Address: Sutherland House, 6 Nelson Place, Broadstairs. CT10 1HQ Registered in England No: 03783582
Heidi Mallon Andrea Studden Henry Tucker www.themortgageshop.co.uk
Mike Friend
TMS Supports Local charity
TMS Estate Agents have proudly supported Age UK Thanet for several years. On receipt of our first donation to them, their Chief Officer wrote to us to say:
Their service can help with a variety of issues including: •
Understanding allowances and benefits
•
Help with completing claim forms
“Age UK Thanet Limited provides • Housing and community care issues vital services to older people in our community The service is provided “My team will never put you enabling independence at their Community Hub under pressure to make a decision and social interaction. in Margate from Monday to to sell and we will make sure With regular support from Thursday. you get all the support you need. local companies such You are free to start the process Opening hours are from as TMS Estate Agents it and change your mind without 9.00am - 4.30pm. enables us to continue a sense of obligation or hidden fees. Our free advice will be tailored our much valued work.” At TMS Estate Agents we promise all our clients, especially the vulnerable and disabled, a free valuation which is fair & honest. Age UK Thanet provides confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues for people aged over 50, their families and carers.
to suit your needs as we want you to feel 100% comfortable so you do not have to worry.” Vicki Andrews, Managing Director
sales@tmsestateagents.com
The centre has an open door policy, so please feel free to visit them at: Age UK Thanet, Randolph House, Zion Place, Margate, Kent CT9 1RP.
Please feel free to call on: 01843 223881
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
Don’t just take our word for it...
Mr Rawles - Landlord
The reason I chose TMS is because they made me feel comfortable. If you phoned up and the person you were dealing with wasn’t available, the next one was up to speed and knew exactly what the deal was.
Mr & Mrs Fearn - Seller
We chose TMS to market the home because they gave us an honest opinion of how much it was worth. We would not hesitate to use TMS again because they were so good.
Mr Howarth - Seller
I think TMS are very different to other estate agents. They’re family run and they do care for your property and they will do the best for the client.
Ms Hicks - Buyer & Seller
I couldn’t have wished for a better estate agent, they’ve helped me every step of the way, talked me through if I ever had a problem and reassured me. If I was to ever move again, I would definitely use TMS to promote my property.
Mr Whelan - Landlord & Seller
They’re the sort of company that give estate agents a good name. They’re a very ethical and considerate company, and employ good staff. I’d definitely recommend TMS to both business people and to family and friends.
MrPayne - Seller
I liked the family-friendly service that TMS offered compared to the high-pressured sales of other agents.
Mr Hughes-Jones - Seller
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting - there’s professionalism in all aspects with every single person in the office.
sales@tmsestateagents.com
Your property, our passion
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
TMS joins online portal to offer more secure, faster sales TMS Estate Agents has joined forces with Under The Hammer to offer customers a unique online platform to buy and sell properties online, making the process quicker and more secure. Through Under The Hammer, we will now be able to host properties through online traditional auctions and through a private treaty sales service called “Secure Now”, which allows buyers to purchase a property for a fixed price instantly.
Both solutions provide an excellent opportunity to sell quickly and securely, while ensuring that you get the best value for your property. The portal works with hundreds of agents across the country, and we’re delighted to bring its advantages to Thanet and beyond. Here are four reasons why you should buy and sell with online auctions or Secure Now:
1. Get the right price
3. Secure transactions
With the platform being online, it allows you to buy and sell properties from anywhere in the world, whenever you are able.
All transactions are secured by an exchange of contracts at the fall of the hammer at auction, or by payment of an exclusivity deposit for Secure Now purchases, meaning that there is no gazumping nor dropping-out, as both sides are obliged to complete transactions.
This opens up properties to more people, meaning that private sales are made quicker, and auction properties have a better potential to achieve and go beyond their guide price.
4. Fixed timescales for exchange & completion
2. Sell for free That’s right, there are no seller’s fees when you choose to sell through the Secure Now method.
For auctioned properties sold in the portal, properties exchange on the same day and complete within 56 days to allow time for buyers to secure finance.
Online auction sales are also very competitively priced, meaning that you are able to maximise the potential of your property’s value.
Secure Now purchases exchange in 28 days and complete 28 days after that.
Interested in finding out more about our new online auction and Secure Now services? Call us today on 01843 866055 for more information. We’re open 7 days a week!
tmsestateagents.com
SALES LETTIN GS HOLIDAY LETS MORTGAGES
Fairlight Avenue, Ramsgate £185,000 TMS Estate Agents are delighted to market this THREE bedroom terraced house in Ramsgate. Fairlight Avenue is just off Newington Road which gives you easy access to local transport links, both junior and senior schools as well as just a ‘stones throw’ from Ramsgate mainline train station that has a fast service to London. There are local shops nearby and for larger shopping, there is a supermarket less than a mile away or Westwood Cross Shopping Centre a little further on.The ground floor of this property enjoys a light and airy bay fronted living room to the front, central dining room and a modern fitted kitchen. There is also a lean-to off the kitchen. The first floor boasts three bedrooms and a very cleverly designed bathroom. Outside there is a low maintenance courtyard style garden to the rear.This is a great first time buyer property as well as a solid investment, we estimate that this property would generate £800 - £825pcm on a standard 6mth or 12mth AST which equates to over 5% as a gross return.Call TMS today to arrange an accompanied viewing.
tmsestateagents.com
SALES LETTIN GS
Your property, our passion 01843 866055
HOLIDAY LETS
e. sales@tmsestateagents.com
MORTGAGES
Swinburne Avenue, Broadstairs ÂŁ425,000 TMS Estate Agents are thrilled to market this substantial and versatile THREE bedroom semi-detached house in the ever sought after Swinburne Avenue Broadstairs. This is a wonderful property has been under the same ownership for many years which they have loved, cherished, maintained and improved and is an absolute credit to them. It is situated in a fabulous location that will benefit a wide range of buyers. If you are looking for a great sized family home that is within the catchment of the arguably the best junior/senior and private schools in the area. The mainline train station with its high speed train service to London is under half a mile away! Broadstairs town centre with its eclectic mix of independent shops, bars, restaurants and galleries is just down the road as are the two beautiful sandy beaches of Viking Bay and Louisa Bay. The ground floor boasts a light and airy lounge to the front, central dining room and the most wonderful kitchen/breakfast room that opens out through French doors to the fabulous garden to the rear! There is that all important downstairs cloakroom which completes the ground floor accommodation. The first floor enjoys three double bedrooms with a great sized FOUR piece bathroom suite. Outside there is westerly facing 85ft x 30ft garden to the rear that will be enjoyed at anytime of year, especially with the fabulous summer house that the lucky owner will have included in the sale. There is a garage and a driveway for three cars to the side of the property.
tmsestateagents.com
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
TMS Team... Vicki Andrews - Mother Hen, will take you under her wing How long have you lived in the area? 15 years
What do you love most about your job? Working with people I love who share my values Tell us something about you I love Elvis!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Be true to yourself
Max Andrews - Ball of contagious energy How long have you lived in the area? 10 years
What do you love most about your job? Making things happen
Tell us something about you Spending time with family, music, training hard & active sports What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Happiness is an inside job!
Rachel Bone - Focused, tenacious & hard-working How long have you lived in the area? All my life
What do you love most about your job? Every day is different Tell us something about you I love to cook
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Honesty is the best policy
Melissa Friend - Conscientious, loyal and outgoing How long have you lived in the area: All my life
What do you love most about your job: The thrill, no day is the same! Tell us something about you: I have two wonderful children
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Why worry about something that might never happen
sales@tmsestateagents.com
Your property, our passion
Meet The Team.
John Bush - Competitive yet compassionate How long have you lived in the area? I was born in the area, travelled & returned when I got married. What do you love most about your job? Love looking round people’s houses! Tell us something about you I enjoy both teaching & the discipline of Iaido! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? It may be difficult at first but everything is difficult at first - Miyamoto Musashi
Michelle Palmer - Caring, wise & adventurous How long have you lived in the area 5 years after relocating from London What do you love most about your job? Helping people Tell us something about you I’ve jumped out of 2 perfectly good planes! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Love yourself
Kirsty Todd - Positive, friendly & motivated How long have you lived in the area: A very long time What do you love most about your job? Helping people make dreams a reality. Tell us something about you Have a love for fast, sports and classic cars! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Always look on the bright side.
Shane du Barrie - Always interesting never predictable! How long have you lived in the area? 20 years What do you love most about your job? Meeting people Tell us something about you I like crisps What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Don’t talk about Brexit
Morgan Payne - Beware... a very dry sense of humour How long have you lived in the area? All my life! What do you love most about your job? Seeing happy people move into their new homes! Tell us something about you My Mum and Dad were also estate agents and that is how they met What’s the best advice you’ve been given ? My Dad once told me how to pick up girls. He said to lift with your knees, not your back.
tmsestateagents.com
BE WITH THE ONES
you love...
Leave the marketing of your property to the experts; we’ll take care of everything while you take care of what matters most.
INSTANT VALUATION ONLINE
01843 866055 tmsestateagents.com sales@tmsestateagents.com I’m marketing my property with TMS Estate Agents
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