Xact Mortgages - February 2021

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

mortgages

FEBRUARY 2021

SEEDS TO SOW AND BULBS TO BUD TOP GARDENING TIPS FOR THIS MONTH VALENTINE’S DAY SET THE MOOD AT HOME THIS YEAR

BLOCKBUSTER SOUND CREATE THE PERFECT HOME CINEMA SETUP

THE FUTURE IS AUDIBLE HOW WE CONSUME DIGITAL CONTENT HAS CHANGED

FITNESS AND WELLBEING HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF IN LOCKDOWN

CONTENTS COVER STORY

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Seeds to sow and bulbs to plant It’s time to prepare the ground for summer blooms and crops

PROPERTY

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16

Home entertainment system Helpful tips for upgrading your sound system News Our latest mortgage news.

Plus meet the team!

FOOD

8

A romantic night in Treat your partner with this spectacular Valentine’s dinner

LIFESTYLE

2

Designing your Valentine’s day Celebrate at home with your significant other

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Audible Books Reasons to be encouraged by this new style of literature

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Valentine gifts for pets Wonderful ideas for your pet on this special day

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Positive vibes Things we can do to give ourselves a lift at this difficult time

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What is Shrove Tuesday?

What is it? Where does it come from? And what happens?

SPORT

13

Six Nations Championship As the countdown continues England maintain momentum

WELCOME TO THE FEBRUARY ISSUE! The year hasn’t kicked off the way most wanted it to, but we have made it to February.

The property market has had a huge start this year, and estate agents are busier than ever.

In this month’s magazine we will be showing you how to treat your significant other with a Valentine’s day at home guide alongside some sumptious recipes for the special evening.

It’s not just your partner we’re showing some love to; we also have the best treats for your pets, and for yourself, a guide to keeping mentally healthy and physically fit while spending so much time at home.

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And, while you’re at home, why not treat yourself to the perfect home cinema system with our guide to the hottest tech to bring the blockbusters to you! Venture outside as the weather slowly gets warmer and we have a guide of what seeds to sow and blulbs to plant this month.

Top this off with a look at the future of books with our guide to Audible and audiobooks; the history of Shrove Tuesday and finally a preview for the Six Nations.

Most of all though, take care, be safe and stay positive this month.

Jonathan Wheatley Editor

To the one

I love

FOOD

A huge part of the celebrations of Valentine’s Day is the role that food plays. From decadent titbits to homemade comforts, food should not be underestimated in its importance to the day as a whole. Let’s start with the morning’s offerings. Why not treat your partner to a good, old-fashioned breakfast in bed? But just because it’s breakfast, that doesn’t mean that it should be predictable.

Cupid’s Tip: Why not splash out on a waffle-maker and make your partner some homemade goodies? Based on your partner’s preferences, you do know those, right? Choose between sweet and savoury, and for a more comprehensive list of waffle-themed ideas, visit ‘delish.com’ for their recommendations.

o

ROMANCE AT HOME:

DAY

one

It’s the most romantic day of the year. And what better way to celebrate than at home with your significant other

DESIGNING YOUR

DIY VALENTINE’S

Now onto the really important meal of the day - dinner. Often, Valentine’s Day dinners can come with a great amount of pressure to get the perfect table, at the perfect restaurant, at the perfect time. But this year, make sure you aren’t disappointed, and take matters into your own hands!

Construct your own, personalised menu, and treat the pair of you to a meal catered exactly to your liking.

‘Goodhousekeeping.com’ offer easy-tomake recipes for a variety of cuisines, including a decadent cheese-beer fondue for fans of French/Swiss cuisine, or a wild mushroom risotto for those of the Italian persuasion. And if you want to go a step further, why not organise to cook together? As well as creating your perfect meal, this can be a great activity for couples to bond over.

EXPERIENCES

And speaking of activities, let’s look at some other ways to fill your day with that special someone. Start with getting creative and do some crafts. If you’re one of those couples that have managed to print off photos of your memories together but haven’t done anything else with them since then, then get hunting for them and design your own scrapbook of your favourite moments.

Alternatively, you can look to make romance-themed practical objects. For instance, if you have unwanted mason jars, then you could use these to create votive candle holders, with the addition of only glitter and card. Or, if you happen to have firewood which is going spare, then why not cut these down, and create your own coasters? These are great ways of doing something rather unusual.

However, if you don’t have a single creative bone in your body, then let’s explore some other ways of spending quality time with your other half.

Nothing quite says ‘I love you’ like freshly-baked goods, so choose to go all out on the food front this year. If you want to make something which is a visual statement, then bake some Valentine’s cupcakes adorned with decadent pink and red icing, or popping candy and sprinkles if you fancy something more playful.

And if you’re looking for something to complete your day with, then why not organise a movie night? Pick your favourite romantic film, get the blankets down, set the mood in your room with candles, and unwind together.

GIFTS Another great pressure of Valentine’s day is finding the perfect gift for your partner. So, to ensure that you don’t fall short on the present front, here are some thoughtful DIY ideas. If your partner is a fan of relaxation, then get some candles, and through online tutorials at ‘helloglow.co’, customise them with your initials and other heart-shaped decorations. This technique can also work with other items, such as mugs or tea towels, and is great for adding personal touches to everyday items.

Or if your partner loves nothing more than to unwind after a day of life’s stresses, then make their day with some homemade bath bombs. There are plenty of online recipes to instruct you to make whatever shapes you wish, and it is a great way of adding a level of luxury to your gifting this year, whilst also using ingredients that you might already have in your cupboards.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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PUMP UP

THE VOLUME Does your telly pack an audio punch to match the picture quality? If not, it might be time to invest in a surround-sound system or a new soundbar

H

ome entertainment system. Three words to send a geek into overdrive and an uninformed consumer into meltdown.

Sure, you’ve lashed out and bought a nice big, shiny 4K ultra high-definition TV that’s got all the bells, whistles and whatnots and can change its ambient lighting by shouting at it.

Sure, the picture is fantastic, and the definition is awesome.

But the sound is… well, puny.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Next, consider the features and what you will be viewing most of the time. Many modern soundbars have wireless subwoofers, Bluetooth connectivity, 4K-friendly HDMI outputs for games consoles or 4K Blu-ray player-enabled HDMI outputs. Some even support Dolby Atmos, which takes the longstanding surround-sound concept and gives it more oomph, providing big cinema sound in a smaller space.

With that in mind, investigate the Sonos stable. The Beam,

It’s not a surprise Manufacturers are making televisions so thin, so lightweight something has to give, and as TVs are judged on their visual capabilities, it’s generally audio quality that is lacking.

So, if you have moved into a nice new home with the acres of space you were craving, perhaps it would be wise to set aside a little of the money earmarked for Stamp Duty and invest in a decent sound

system to create the immersive experience your TV deserves.

The obvious starting point is a soundbar, but before you start looking, be sure of your dimensions. They will either sit in front of the TV or just below it if wall mounted, so you don’t want to partner a bar that is so wide it overhangs the set or is so small it is dwarfed by the screen.

It’s not a surprise Manufacturers are making televisions so thin, so lightweight something has to give, and as TVs are judged on their visual capabilities, it’s generally audio quality that is lacking.

rated by many industry insiders as the company’s best soundbar yet, is small and adaptable, and packs an impressive three-dimensional sound with a surprisingly beefy bass, which more than offsets a bit of a background hiss at volume. Its spec sheet includes voice-control assistance from Amazon’s Alexa and supports the Dolby 5.1 format.

The Sonos Arc, meanwhile, is fully compatible with Dolby Atmos and is the perfect partner for a 4K of more than 55ins. It uses 11 drivers to create a soundfield which puts you at the heart of the action and is nicely balanced if you just want to listen to music.

Similarly, the Yamaha YSP-2700 offers a compact way to get the

full surround-sound experience into your home with the bar and wireless subwoofer providing a gutsy solution for movie buffs who will relish the 7.1ch effect.

However, it does not support Dolby Atmos, unlike Sony’s HT-ST5000, which has a high feature count and makes film soundtracks totally immersive – put simply, if you want to watch Saving Private Ryan, fetch a tin-hat first.

If you have deep pockets, a biggish room and a sensitive ear, go all-out on the Sennheiser Ambeo – excellent dynamics, sumptuous sound – but beware: to deliver a sound

that rich without a subwoofer means a soundbar that is 14cm tall and needs to be positioned perfectly for the best effect.

Of course, you may have just moved into a barn conversion or have a vast open-plan living space you want to fill with sound. In which case, a full-blown surround speaker system is the way to go. There are obvious things to consider - such as trailing cables and whether you want to rearrange the furniture to accommodate it – before weighing up whether you want a 5.1 system (five speakers, two pairs of either floorstanding or standmount, plus one central) or a 7.2 (adding back speakers behind the main seating position, plus an extra subwoofer).

With that in mind, What Hi-Fi? named the Dali Oberon 5 5.1 Speaker Package their product of 2020 and its not hard to see why. “Lean, attractive and unfussy… are words equally apt for both the aesthetics and acoustics”, they said of a system with a full, warm sound “that brings the best out of any soundtrack”.

Less bulky, yet almost as powerful, is the Q Acoustics 3050i 5.1 Cinema pack, a versatile bundle with an intense sound, while the sixth generation of Monitor Audio’s Silver series, the 200 AV12, has a clear balanced sound which is immense for both surround and stereo.

If you have deep pockets, a biggish room and a sensitive ear, go all-out on the Sennheiser Ambeo

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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THE FUTURE IS AUDIBLE The ease with which we consume digital content has changed rapidly in the past decade

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nd this phenomenon has even reached something as physical as reading. Those who are loyal to the physicality of a novel might be sceptical about audiobooks, but there are plenty of reasons to be encouraged by this new style of literature.

THEY’RE AS EFFECTIVE AS BOOKS

A study, reported by Time, has shown that audiobooks have no negative bearing on an audience’s understanding of the material. Different participants were given the same material to listen to, or read, and when quizzed afterwards, there were no clear signs that one group had understood any less of the content. In a further study, different groups of participants either listened to, or watched blockbuster films. They found that those who listened to the audio versions had a higher heart rate and body temperature, which suggests a more intense emotional response to the material.

BOOKS STILL SELL Something reassuring for those who prefer physical ‘the real thing’, is that it doesn’t appear that audio content is causing an impact on the sales of physical books. A report claims that there are different audiences for different types of content, so the two don’t overlap too much. The report goes on to state that those who listen to audiobooks tend to be a

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PROPERTY NEWS

lot younger than those who don’t, and claims that, on average, those in their 20s or 30s are the biggest consumers of audio content.

Interestingly, it also suggests that audiobooks are bringing in new audiences who would not have previously read books. So this can only be a good thing for the world of literature.

THE PERFORMANCE

With the boom that audiobooks are experiencing, they, themselves, are being immersed into popular culture.

For example, audiobooks now attract A-list celebrities as narrators. For instance, Elizabeth Moss narrated The Handmaid’s Tale, and Michelle Obama provided the voice for her own memoirs. On top of this, a top publisher has stated that there are certain audiobooks which would never have been made if not for added technological capabilities. He points to Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris’s book The Lost Words, which is a collection of poems. As a result of the opportunities which audio content provides, the makers were able to create individual soundscapes for each poem taken from recordings in the wild.

LOVING AND BRILLIANT GIFTS FOR YOUR PET

Your pet means the world to you, show you mean the world to them too with a treat this Valentine’s Day

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e love our pets. They listen to us and they never argue back, which, as the unconditionally loving companions they are, makes them especially peaceful to have by our sides. In fact, studies show that three in 10 adults claim that their cats and dogs are better listeners than their other halves, and that over a third of people generally prefer their pets to their partner. Furthermore, 29% claim that their cat or dog is better at snuggling than their partner, with 44% of owners even going as far as to say they prefer to cuddle up with them rather than with their significant other. So give back this Valentine’s Day!

DOGS Shock absorbent leash.

A gift your dog can really benefit from, ensuring much more comfort for the animal and much less chance of your four-legged-friend having their shoulder pulled out of their socket.

RABBITS

Dog wellies.

Not only will these prevent wet and muddy paws, but also act as protection against any sharp and nasty objects they might accidently step on outside.

Woven grass pet bed.

Play tunnel.

Heart-shaped salt licks.

Orthopaedic gel memory foam dog bed.

Dogs need their beauty sleep too, and in fact require 12-14 hours of sleep each day/night, so a great bed would provide real quality of life for a dog.

Top three customer-rated dog toys on Amazon: • https://tinyurl.com/y9agvpsy • https://tinyurl.com/y77ljtx5 • https://tinyurl.com/y8ohhyj2

CATS Pet tote bag.

Ideal for travelling, these bags will guarantee comfort and convenience for both you and your cat, typically with an open slot for the cat’s head so they can see the world as they travel.

Cat wheel (treadmill).

A portion of cat breeds are of particularly high energy, so something like this would be a perfect way for your cat to get their hyperactivity out of their system. It’s also a lot of fun for your kitty!

Self-cleaning cat box.

Both you and your cat will enjoy not having to deal with a dirty cat box each day with this product, as all you need to do is cover the disposable litter tray, toss it, and insert a fresh one.

GUINEA PIGS AND HAMSTERS Play or digging tower, or play bridge.

Climbing nature house.

Exercise wheel.

Top three customer-rated cat toys on Amazon: • https://tinyurl.com/y9ka67zz • https://tinyurl.com/ya2r4cu3 • https://tinyurl.com/y9sqfne5

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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TREAT YOUR KING OR QUEEN THIS VALENTINE’S DAY Treat your partner with this spectacular Valentine’s dinner, perfect for a romantic night in!

M

ake Valentine’s day extra special with our gorgeous menu featuring a delightful starter, an impressive main course and a sumptious dessert.

STARTER – REALLY EASY CHEESE FONDUE Ingredients 125ml white wine 450g gruyère, grated 450g cheddar, grated 50ml kirtsch 1 heaped tsp cornflour small baguette, torn into chunks, to serve Method Heat the wine in a heavy-based saucepan, then add the cheese, a handful at a time, and keep stirring. When all the cheese has melted, add the kirsch, followed by the cornflour, stirring until completely smooth.

Serve the pan in the middle of the table on a wooden board with the chunks of baguette for dipping.

Images for illustrative purposes only Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk

Images for illustrative purposes only

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PROPERTY NEWS

Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk

DESSERT – CHOCOLATE FONDANT Ingredients 50g melted butter, for brushing cocoa powder, for dusting 200g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces 200g butter, in small pieces 200g golden caster sugar 4 eggs and 4 yolks 200g plain flour Caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream or orange sorbet, to serve

MAIN COURSE – STEAKS WITH GOULASH & SWEET POTATO FRIES Ingredients 3 tsp rapeseed oil , plus extra for the steaks 250g sweet potatoes , peeled and cut into narrow chips 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 small onions , halved and sliced (190g) 1 green pepper , deseeded and diced 2 garlic cloves , sliced 1 tsp smoked paprika 85g cherry tomatoes , halved 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder 2 x 125g fillet steaks , rubbed with a little rapeseed oil 200g bag baby spinach , wilted in a pan or the microwave Method Heat oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 7 and put a wire rack on top of a baking tray. Toss the sweet potatoes and thyme with 2 tsp oil in a bowl, then scatter them over the rack and set aside until ready to cook.

Heat 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan, add the onions, cover the pan and leave to cook for 5 mins. Take off the lid and stir – they should be a little charred now. Stir in the green pepper and garlic, cover the pan and cook for 5 mins more. Put the potatoes in the oven and bake for 15 mins.

While the potatoes are cooking, stir the paprika into the onions and peppers, pour in 150ml water and stir in the cherry tomatoes, tomato purée and bouillon. Cover and simmer for 10 mins.

Pan-fry the steak in a hot, non-stick pan for 2-3 mins each side depending on their thickness. Rest for 5 mins. Spoon the goulash sauce onto plates and top with the beef. Serve the chips and spinach alongside.

Method First get your moulds ready. Using upward strokes, heavily brush melted butter (use 50g in total) all over the inside of the pudding mould. Place the mould in the fridge or freezer.

Brush more melted butter over the chilled butter, then add a good spoonful of cocoa powder into the mould. Tip the mould so the powder completely coats the butter. Tap any excess cocoa back into the jar, then repeat with the next mould.

Place a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, then slowly melt 200g good-quality dark chocolate and 200g butter, both chopped into small pieces, together. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for about 10 mins.

In a separate bowl whisk 4 eggs and 4 egg yolks together with 200g golden caster sugar until thick and pale and the whisk leaves a trail; use an electric whisk if you want. Sift 200g plain flour into the eggs, then beat together.

Pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture in thirds, beating well between each addition, until all the chocolate is added and the mixture is completely combined to a loose cake batter.

Tip the fondant batter into a jug, then evenly divide between the moulds. The fondants can now be frozen for up to a month and cooked from frozen. Chill for at least 20 mins or up to the night before. To bake from frozen, simply carry on as stated, adding 5 mins more to the cooking time.

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Place the fondants on a baking tray, then cook for 10-12 mins until the tops have formed a crust and they are starting to come away from the sides of their moulds. Remove from the oven, then leave to sit for 1 min before turning out.

Loosen the fondants by moving the tops very gently so they come away from the sides, easing them out of the moulds. Tip each fondant slightly onto your hand so you know it has come away, then tip back into the mould ready to plate up.

Serve with a squeeze of caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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POSITIVE

VIBES Mental health experts say there are several things we can do to give ourselves a lift at this difficult time so here is our guide to keep your spirit’s lifted

A

nd so, here we are again. Lockdowns are fast becoming the norm for our COVID-crippled communities, but unlike before there’s no summer, no Christmas on which to focus. Lockdown 3.0 wan announced in the gloom and cold of winter - a season that can be tough for many under normal circumstances – and the respite of warmer days and lighter evenings seems a long way off.

However, there are many things we can do to make sure we reach the promised land of spring in good shape.

GET OUT

Any outdoor activity at this time of year may seem a bit daunting, but doctors agree it is an ideal way to boost your mood. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins into the bloodstream – producing a feeling of well-being – as well as increasing electrical activity in the emotionprocessing areas of the brain, preventing the risk of anxiety and depression.

It also produces a protein crucial to brain health, so even a short period of exercise which exerts the body, such as a

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PROPERTY NEWS

brisk walk or a cycle ride, will be beneficial.

Dr Brendon Stubbs, from King’s College, London, says: “Think of it as brain fertiliser – it helps parts of your brain regenerate.”

DON’T THINK ABOUT IT

People often dwell on problems or difficulties, allowing negative thoughts to dog their lives. But while it’s normal to worry, many fears never materialise.

The key is to shift focus from worries to practical problemsolving, and Prof Jennifer Wild, from Oxford University, says: “If you’ve been worrying about a problem for 30 minutes or more without coming up with a plan of action, it’s time to stop.” Exercise is a good way to break those trains of thought.

While it’s perfectly normal to worry, humans have, over time, become highly tuned to negativity and danger. “It’s over-encoded in our brains,” says Prof Wild. “You can make yourself much calmer if you recognise you are overthinking. Stop and focus on facts.”

NEW GOALS

Setting a new target, whether it be something as grand as learning a new language or trying a new recipe, can be beneficial. Learning new things is generally how we acquire self-worth and keeps us motivated.

Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you to focus and brings a sense of control.

GO FOR IT

Don’t think twice about doinsomething, even if conditions suggest you’re not going to get the best results, says Olivia Remes, from Cambridge University.

“Novelty is fundamentally rewarding,” says Dr Dean Burnett, a leading neuroscientist.

She says: “Our inner voice of criticism stops us “Learning to do new things is frequently how we doing worthwhile things, so acquire self-worth. Goaljump straight into action. Do motivated behaviour is one things and accept they People often dwell on of the most fundamental might initially be done badly problems or difficulties, ways we operate.”

– most of the time, the

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

allowing negative thoughts to dog their lives. But while it’s normal to worry, many fears never materialise

results are not that bad and they’re almost always better than doing nothing.”

Maximise the little social contact that is available.

Humans are social creatures, so isolated people are more likely to focus on themselves, going over small problems in their heads until they become issues.

That way, she believes, we can encourage ourselves to be optimistic and accept life’s not all down to things we can’t control.

“We’re not really designed to be on our own. We feel better with social contact,” says Prof Emerita Elizabeth Kuipers, of King’s College, London.

“Isolated people are more likely to focus on themselves and that can make things worse.”

Talking things through can help reframe problems, and if lockdown means you cannot do that in person, make that phone call or arrange to talk online.

She also recommends writing down three things a day which we are grateful about, forcing ourselves to focus on what’s gone well and why. This stimulates the left-hand side of the brain which is associated with positivity, and she concludes: “Emotions are contagious – steer yourself away from negative, miserable people who are constantly complaining because you could be come one of them.”

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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WHAT IS

SHROVE

TUESDAY?

WHAT IS IT?

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

WHAT HAPPENS?

To put it simply, Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent - an event, which takes place over a period of forty days, replicating the forty days of hardship when Jesus was stranded in the desert.

The religious period is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics.

The meaning of the word ‘Shrove’, comes from the past tense of the verb ‘to shrive’, which means to give absolution after hearing confession.

Therefore Shrove Tuesday is the last day to make confession before the period of Lent. The alternative name to Shrove Tuesday, and perhaps the more common title nowadays, is ‘Pancake Day’.

Traditionally, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which is associated with self-denial and abstinence.

Therefore, Shrove Tuesday is treated as the last day to celebrate and indulge before this period. As produce such as eggs, fat, and milk were traditionally foods which could not be eaten during the period of Lent, pancakes became a suitable snack to make out of the leftover foodstuffs so that food did not go to waste.

So, Shrove Tuesday is known as the last day to clean the soul before the self-restriction of Lent begins.

Historically, people would go to church in order to be repented for their sins.

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The Christian period of Lent will soon be among us.

And with Lent, comes Shrove Tuesday. But what is it?

Where does it come from? And what happens?

PROPERTY NEWS

This name supposedly originated from a story from Olney in Buckinghamshire when, in 1445, a woman who was making pancakes heard the church bells and ran out of her house with a frying pan in hand. This started the tradition of a pancake race in the town, which has been an annual event ever since.

The earliest pancake recipe in England dates back to the 15th century, so it could be possible that Christians have been successfully (or unsuccessfully) flipping their pancakes, and competing in pancake races for over six hundred years.

& GLORY

HOPE

The Six Nations is back with England keen to maintain momentum as the countdown to France 2023 continues

SCHEDULED FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) February 6 Italy v France (2.15pm) England v Scotland (4.45pm)

W

ith the 2023 Rugby World Cup looming ever larger on the horizon, England and the rest of the home nations will take another significant step on the road to the sport’s showpiece event in France when the Guinness Six Nations Championship is scheduled to resume this month.

However, it will be interesting to see how the England coach responds to the rising threat from across the channel and whether he adapts his “he who kicks most, wins most” philosophy. It makes Le Crunch on the penultimate weekend of the Six Nations on March 13 at Twickenham the pivotal game of the championship.

The draw for the pool stages in early December merely whetted the appetite for rugby union’s major showpiece after a hectic autumn in which England won the sport’s oldest and newest competitions – beating France on points difference in last year’s interrupted Six Nations, and then beating the same opposition in the final of the hastilyconvened Autumn Nations Cup.

Before then, England open the Northern Hemisphere’s major tournament with the home Calcutta Cup showdown against Scotland on February 6 before another Twickenham tie against perennial whipping boys Italy.

And while it may look as if Eddie Jones’ team had ended their international season on a high in the probably one-off cup tournament, the truth paints a different picture, England labouring to beat a side of emerging talent and youth team players thanks to an equalising try in the last minute and a penalty in the sudden-death period.

And then the journey gets a tad tougher.

Matchweek three sends them to Cardiff to face Wales, never an easy place to go and likely to be more hostile if the Welsh have not fired in their preceding games against Ireland or Scotland. From there, it’s the back-to-back run-in against France and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where the sponsors’ black velvet will flow irrespective of who has won.

February 7 Wales v Ireland (3pm) February 13 England v Italy (2.15pm) Scotland v Wales (4.45pm) February 14 Ireland v France (3pm) February 27 Italy v Ireland (2.15pm), Wales v England (4.45pm) February 28 France v Scotland (3pm) March 13 Italy v Wales (2.15pm), England v France (4.45pm) March 14 Scotland v Ireland (3pm) March 20 Scotland v Italy (2.15pm) Ireland v England (4.45pm) France v Wales (8pm)

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SOWING THE

SEEDS OF

LOVE

The dark days of winter may finally be behind us, so it’s time to prepare the ground for summer blooms and crops

A

s the days grow longer, gardeners will be making their plans for the spring, preparing their seeds for both flower and vegetable plots.

And even if the weather does not play ball and the ground is still cold, much can be done - particularly if you have a greenhouse or conservatory - to kickstart the growing season.

If conditions allow and the soil is frost free, gently dig over and prepare the area you have earmarked for planting.

This will expose soil pests to cold nighttime temperatures and bird predators, giving new plants a better chance to prosper and, if you have moved into a new house, will help identify whether you have inherited a light or heavy soil.

Obviously, a stodgy, clay-based soil will need longer to warm, and this will affect planting plans. But if you discover a light, sandy mixture and live in a mild part of the country you can crack on – after weeding and allowing the soil to settle – by covering the area with clear polythene, cloches or fleece to warm the ground before sowing.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Once a crop rotation has been formalised, then you can sow broad beans, carrots, parsnips, early varieties of beetroot, salad onions, lettuces, radishes, spinach and summer cabbages under the covers.

And then it’s back indoors again.

Experienced veg growers will be keen to chit their seed potato tubers as soon as they have them. Novices may be baffled by the term, but it simply means encouraging the seed potatoes to grow before they are planted out, generally about six weeks after they have been arranged, blunt end up, in trays or old eggboxes, and allowed to sprout.

Peas can also be started off in a heated greenhouse by using upturned and discarded – but clean – drainpipes with holes drilled in the bottom for good drainage, while cucumber seeds can be sown in a propagator, placing them on their sides at a depth of 1cm in a 7.5cm pot of free-draining compost.

If, however, your greenhouse isn’t heated wait a few weeks until March – and the same goes for tomatoes, which should germinate within two weeks in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill as long as the seed compost is kept moist.

Even though it is very hardy, kale needs to be started indoors, where they can be sown in modules or 7cm pots with two or three seeds per module before thinning out to leave the healthiest seedling.

For those who prefer colour to crops, mid to late February can also be a busy period.

Now is the time to start off summer bedding, such as lobelia and Impatiens (Busy Lizzies), in propagators, giving them a head start before are big enough to be planted out or in hanging baskets.

Sweet peas are probably one of the easiest – and most fragrant - summer flowering plants to grow, particularly when given a good start in a biodegradable pot on a sunny windowsill. Once established, they can be relocated to the garden when the weather turns milder without having to be

removed from their containers, which could damage fragile roots.

Cosmos are similarly easy to grow and look great in borders or in a meadow where the single-flowered varieties, such as Fizzy Pink, attract pollinators. These annuals need light to germinate, so sow on top of seed compost in a tray then prick out when large enough to handle.

Salvias, on the other hand, need to be sown on a bed of seed compost and then covered with a fine layer of compost which must be kept moist and placed in a light, warm spot. They can be planted out in the spring where they will add structure and height to borders and containers.

However, be warned – low light levels and stuffy conditions can encourage what horticulturists call ‘damping off’, a fungal disease that can sweep through trays of seedlings. It can be easily prevented by adding perlite, an amorphous volcanic glass which will keep soil loose and light; watering pots from below; and opening propagator vents during the day.

Cosmos are easy to grow and look great in borders or in a meadow where the singleflowered varieties, such as Fizzy Pink, attract pollinators.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

15

Retirement

FREEDOM Information about Releasing Equity in your Property

Winter/Spring 2021

mortgages

Xact Mortgages Limited 6 The Square, First Floor Solihull B91 3RB Tel: 0121 712 6230 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

Enjoy your LIFE...

If you’re a homeowner aged 55+, and want to raise money to meet your future needs, then we may be able to help.

A

s you move towards - or are in - your retirement years, there may be a whole host of things you want to do, some of which you might have been putting off for years.

However, having enough money to pay for bigger plans, on top of everyday essentials, can be tough. And perhaps more so these days, after the social and economic fallout from COVID-19.

To counter this, you can gain a great deal of comfort from spending your remaining years within the home you’ve built up over time, and one that holds many memories.

Additionally, you may have benefited from sizeable property price growth over the years.

In the last 30 years, for example, the average property price has risen from £54,919 to £229,819 - more than a fourfold increase!

(Source: Nationwide House Price Index, Q4 1990 vs. Q4 2020)

The benefit of this sizeable growth is that it opens up the opportunity to raise money against the value of the property.

Tax-free money!

Of course, if your savings, investments, pensions, or even State support deliver enough

to meet your needs and it all makes sense taxwise, then great.

But if you’re looking for other options and want to stay in your current home, rather than downsizing to raise funds, then getting tax-free money against the value of your home, could be an option to consider.

Lifetime Mortgage Generally, this is done via a lifetime mortgage, which is the most popular form of equity release, and here are some of the key elements: ■ Freedom to spend the funds however

you want

You could use the money for a wide range of needs, such as...

- clear an outstanding mortgage.

- sort much-needed home improvements.

- settle debts.

- assist with regular bills.

- secure money to adapt the home for care needs, or help with ongoing care costs.

- gift money to family and friends.

- fund a number of special treats, such as the holiday-of-a-lifetime, a new car or fully indulging in your interests and hobbies.

■ Xact Mortgages Limited is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network (PRIMIS), a trading name of First Complete Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. PRIMIS is only responsible for the service and quality of advice provided to you in relation to mortgages, protection insurance and general insurance products.

Any other product or service offered by Xact Mortgages Limited may not be the responsibility of PRIMIS and may also not be subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

■ An Equity Release plan will reduce the value of your estate and as a result there may be no value left to pass on. Equity Release will not be suitable for everyone and may affect your entitlement to State benefits.

■ As Equity Release is a complex area only specially qualified advisers can give advice on these schemes.

■ Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Plans are the two main types of Equity Release.

■ To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

■ The articles are for information only and do not constitute advice.

You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions.

■ No affordability criteria to meet

If you know of friends or family members who’ve been applying for a normal residential mortgage, then you’ll realise the significance of this.

Continued on the next page

decide to stop paying the monthly interest further down the line. n No negative equity guarantee

A key protection for the lifetime mortgage borrower, is that neither you, nor your estate, will ever owe more than the value of your home (subject to the product’s terms and conditions). n Benefit from ill-health!

Enjoy your LIFE... (contd) Continued from the previous page n Same fixed interest rate for the

whole term (in general)

The importance of this benefit won’t be lost on you, with interest rates at their current low level. The average lifetime mortgage fixed rate is 4.17%, but in some circumstances it could be as low as circa 2.5%.

(Source: Moneyfacts, average fixed deal rate, December 2020) n No need to make any monthly

payments

You can opt to not make any monthly payments, for as long as the deal runs. Which would run until the last borrower dies, or moves out of the home into long-term care. n However, you can also lessen the

impact of roll-up on the interest owed

Whilst there are financial protections in place for borrowers, releasing equity from your home is not free money! The lenders

are simply getting their financial return down the line. This means that the impact of the borrowing would be felt by those inheriting.

One way of protecting the potential inheritance, is to pay off some, or all, of the interest along the way. If all of the interest owed was paid each month, then the lender would only be claiming back (at the end of the term) the return of the ‘capital amount’.

To give you an idea of the impact of not paying the interest and letting it roll-up alongside the capital owed, the total amount owed could have doubled in 17 years, if worked against the 4.17% average rate.

In which case, if it’s viable for either you - or perhaps those inheriting - to pay the interest owed, then it will be beneficial in the long-run. Plus, you could always

It sounds perverse, as you’re told throughout life to look after yourself, but you may obtain a better deal if you have a qualifying medical condition. In short, the underwriters are assuming those with ill-health won’t live as long. It’s then down to you to prove them wrong! n The loan can offer flexibility

Around two-thirds of borrowers take an initial lump sum, and then ‘drawdown’ a further agreed amount should they need more funds at a latter date (albeit this may be at a different fixed interest rate). The benefit of this approach is that it avoids paying interest on funds you don’t need at that particular period of time. n You continue to own your home

Like a residential mortgage, you’re simply borrowing against it while remaining the owner. And you would continue to benefit from any increases in property prices.

Please do get in touch to hear more.

Lifetime Mortgages

It makes sense to seek advice, as different lenders will have different product offerings, and varying criteria on who they are prepared to lend to. Some will limit their lending to certain types of property, or property value, others may only lend in certain parts of the UK. Here are a few pointers for a Lifetime Mortgage...

55+

Aged 55+.

If taken out jointly, then this is, generally, the age requirement of the youngest person.

You own your own home (generally worth £70,000+) with a small mortgage/no mortgage.

Broadly, those aged 60 can borrow around 25% of the home’s value, rising to just above 50%, if aged 90+.

You can either take out all of the money at once, or opt for a drawdown facility, to take an initial amount, and then more ‘agreed’ funds, when needed.

We are there

f o r YO U . . .

Much has been done over recent years to ensure that those who operate in the Equity Release industry - advisers, lenders and industry bodies - are delivering the best possible service for their clients.

Protecting the future inheritance Later life lending, such as equity release, can impact future inheritance, so you may want to involve your children in this process. And, even more so, as attitudes to inheritance change - with many wanting their parents to raise money now - either for themselves, or for their childrens’ needs.

However, some beneficiaries will be concerned that a future inheritance is being eroded, due to the equity release plan reducing the value of your estate.

Lenders fully recognise that the erosion of equity in the property can be an issue.

There’s already the No Negative Equity Guarantee for plans taken out that meet the Equity Release Council standards - the industry body. Additionally, there are some plans out there that will allow clients to protect a percentage of the future value of

to ensure they can leave that as an inheritance.

their home

Increased competition amongst lenders Another good sign is that more lenders have entered this sector in the last few years, which has helped to deliver greater choice, and more competitive interest rates. By the end of 2020 there were as many as 473 fixed rate equity release deals on offer.

A 21% increase against December 2019.

This may have had a bearing on the average fixed rates which stood at 4.17% at the end of 2020 vs. 4.50%, a year earlier.

release loan to help purchase a more suitable property, that better meets their retirement needs.

More flexible plans Lenders are also aware that historical early repayment charges may be a concern. This has resulted in a number of plans now available that lessen the effect of an Early Repayment Charge (ERC).

Or there are plans that allow a downsizing repayment option, with no ERC payable, and others that don’t penalise you for repaying back some of the interest and capital borrowed.

(Source: Moneyfacts, December 2020)

With so many different product

Wanting to move home

options out there, it’s not just about

In general, equity release is seen as a product that enables you to stay in your home.

However, some have also used an equity

getting the best interest rate.

That’s why you must take advice.

Other options do exist...

Equity Release may be the best solution, but you should also consider other options, such as: n Downsize your property This could provide the required funds, but should be balanced against how keen you are to remain in your current home, along with the cost of moving.

n Consider other borrowing options Other types of borrowing may also be available to you.

n Assess other income streams This would cover your pension, investments and any other savings. Also, across your lifetime, there’s a good chance that you may have forgotten about a long-held investment, or a small pension from a past employer. You can talk to us, or take a look at the useful links on the last page.

n Possible impact on means-tested state support You want to avoid rasing money that then jeopardises any state support, should you be claiming means-tested benefits. This may affect your ability to continue to claim (or reduce the regular payments). Alternatively, there may be some benefits that you should be claiming for, but aren’t.

n Rent out a room This could prove to be a useful income stream, if you’re ok with sharing your home with others.

Time to REMORTGAGE? If you took out an equity release mortgage a number of years ago, then it may be worth having a conversation to see if remortgaging the loan makes sense.

I

n the same way that you may have taken out a new residential mortgage deal over the years, you can do exactly the same with your equity release mortgage to obtain a better interest rate, or raise more money (although your current deal may also allow you to drawdown more funds).

Early repayment charges The key issue to consider is the freedom you have to remortgage with regard to your current deal. Some lenders terms will be less onerous than others, and the amount of time that’s lapsed between first taking out the deal, will also have a bearing on possible charges.

So, why do it?

Aside from improved product options, a key consideration would be the excellent rates that are currently on offer.

The average fixed deal rate is around 4.17%.* If you took out an equity release mortgage a number of years ago, you might be paying a 6-7% fixed interest rate.

If you consider, for example, that you’ll be around for at least another 15 years, and

you’ve opted to not make any interest payments, then the roll-up difference will be a substantial amount, as follows: Fixed Rates for a £50,000 loan, and the interest rate roll-up effect Fixed interest rate Total owed after 15 years 7%

£137,952

6%

£119,828

4.17%

£92,281

If you were on a 7% rate, then (vs. the 4.17% rate) an extra £45,671 could be added to the overall money outstanding on your equity release loan and reduce the amount that would be passed on to your beneficiaries. Even if it was a 6% rate, then it’s still an extra £27,547.

And, remember the 4.17% fixed rate figure is an average rate, with some possibly qualifying for rates at around 2.5%!

(Source: *Moneyfacts, average fixed deal rate, December 2020)

Your needs have changed Receiving ongoing care in your home could be a bigger issue than when you first took out your loan. So, you may want extra

funds to modify your living space and pay for carers. Alternatively, the bills may be mounting up, or it could simply be that now’s the time for the holiday-of-a-lifetime.

Also, over the years, grandchildren will have grown up and you may want to help them with their university education, their first car, or perhaps a deposit for their first home. Better to give with a warm hand, than a cold one!

You have changed Looking to remortgage your deal a number of years after initially taking it out, will obviously mean you’re older. This may open you up to better age-break borrowing thresholds, and possibly better rates.

Also, your circumstances may have changed (ie. income stream, divorce), meaning you now have different priorities.

Or, your health may have taken a turn for the worse. In equity release lending, the rates may then be more beneficial for you.

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage your equity release loan.

Is it also for the ‘very’ Equity

Rich?

Equity Release has developed massively over recent years and is a product that can both meet the needs of the wealthy, as well as those with less.

I

n the past, equity release may have been viewed as a last port of call for funds, if all others areas had drawn a blank.

Today, that is largely not the case, as most look to release equity in their property in a proactive way. Possibly none more so than those that have sizeable equity value within their property, along with other decent sources of income.

Wealthier clients We’ve spoken elsewhere about the roll-up effect. This may be less of an issue if a client owned a £1m property, for example, and wanted to raise £100,000. If they did not make any monthly payments, then at the current average fixed rate, the amount owed after 17 years would be about £200,000.

BUT, if property prices rose over this period at a conservative rate of just 2.5% a year, then after 17 years the £1m property could be worth around £1.5m - leaving £1.3m of available equity. This is a simplistic calculation, and other factors will of course come into play (such as inflation),

but it gives you a feel for the benefits that could accrue if you don’t borrow a large percentage, and own a high-value property.

Managing tax liabilities In relation to tax matters, you must turn to your accountant for qualified advice, but here are a few ways that equity release may assist wealthier clients.

If you have a decent amount of equity in your property and a good pension pot, then you’ll know you have options. In this instance, 75% of the money released from a pension is likely to be liable for income tax, conversely, money released from an equity release loan is tax-free. It’s then down to discussions with your accountant to weigh up the reduction in tax liability vs. the cost of the loan.

this could kick in from £325,000. But, if you’re married or in a civil partnership, and passing on a home, then the threshold level for a couple could increase to £1m.

Whilst you remain in your current home, you may be keen to pass on money now to your children, or grandchildren, to help with their living expenses. Not only could you personally see your family benefit from your generosity, a by-product could be that you lessen your tax liability on death. However, the rules surrounding this area are highly complex For example, others may be hit with a tax liability if you die within seven years of gifting the money.

Whilst we can assist with securing an equity release plan to raise funds, you must also seek tax advice.

Inheritance Tax Another consideration is Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. This tax is generally paid out at 40% of the value of the estate above the threshold level. On an individual basis,

HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.

F i n a n c i a l i m p a c t o f C OV I D The pandemic has not only caused much concern for the ongoing health of the older generation, but also markedly changed future expectations for financial security across their retirement years.

T

he introduction of vaccines, and a better understanding by the NHS on how to tackle COVID-19 will, of course, reassure many.

Additionally, the over 55s will also be mindful that despite all of the problems faced across 2020, average house prices actually rose annually by 7.3% - partly fuelled by the short-term reduction in Stamp Duty.

(Source: Nationwide House Price Index, December 2020)

With so many variables, the property price predictions for 2021 are mixed. The Treasury’s independent forecaster - the Office for Budget Responsibility - predicts an 8% drop in prices, and Halifax expects a 2-5% fall. Whilst Rightmove is more bullish, and suggests a 4% rise, with many others falling somewhere in between.

Levels of Confidence Despite the 2020 house price growth, research by the industry body - the Equity Release Council, and Key, shows that confidence amongst the over 55s has been dented by the pandemic.

Findings compare the period before

COVID-19 and its impact in the space of a year for the over 55s: Worried about running out of money?

Q4 2019

Q3 2020

27%

34%

(+7%)

When you look at the situation for those that are retired and the over 55s that aren’t, the non-retired are far more concerned, with 35% worried about this in Q4 2019, rising to 44% by Q3 2020.

Worried about falling ill and having to pay for care?

Q4 2019

Q3 2020

39%

48%

Where the over 55s will look if they need extra money in retirement? n Equity release / lifetime mortgage

27%

n Don’t know / not sure

20%

n State benefits

18%

n Family member or friend

11%

n Credit card

8%

(Source: Equity Release Council/Key, The Pension / Property

Aside from getting it valued, you can check out the sale prices of comparable properties in your area: www.nethouseprices.com

Tracing lost or mislaid... n Pensions

www.gov.uk/find-lost-pension 0800 731 0193 n Bank, Building Society, or National Savings accounts www.mylostaccount.org.uk Bank account: 020 3934 0329 (UK Finance)

Over 38% of over 55s feel that property would make the most of their money in retirement.

Average age for taking out an Equity Release product: Just under aged 70.

Equates to around 11 years payout of the new state pension for an individual!

Average percentage raised vs. the value of the property: Just under 30%.

Broad split between Lump sum and Drawdown plans: 33% / 67%.* (Sources: Equity Release Council, Autumn 2020 report, *Key, Market Monitor, Q3 2020)

Paradox, November 2020)

Useful LINKS How much is your home worth?

37p of property wealth was unlocked for every £1 of flexible pension payments.

Average total amount raised: Just over £100,000.

(+9%)

/ retirement mortgage

FASTFACTS

Building Society account: 020 7520 5900 (Building Societies Ass.) National Savings account: 08085 007 007 (National Savings and Investments) n Insurance policies, pensions, unit trust holdings and share dividends www.uar.co.uk 0333 000 0182 (The Unclaimed Assets Register) n Information on State Benefits

To see what you may be entitled to: www.gov.uk/dwp

n This firm usually charges a fee for equity release advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. n The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (Jan. 2021).

n Every care is taken that the information in this newsletter is accurate at the time of going to press. However, all information and figures are subject to change and you should always make enquiries and check details and, where necessary, seek legal advice before entering into any transaction.

n The articles are for information only and do not constitute advice. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions.

mortgages Tel: 0121 712 6230 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk

Steve Froggatt HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Been with Xact for 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people find the best deal in as simple a way as possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I met Nelson Mandela on an Aston Villa club tour in 1994 FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Whale watching and shark cage diving in South Africa

Conor Brown HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 18 Months WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people get the best deal for their mortgage but also love making sure that everyone is fully protected SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I lived in America for 18 months FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast – so many flavours on one plate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Disney Land as it is a real family holiday. I can’t wait to take my family there. However, I have always dreamt of going to Bora Bora

Colin Jones HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Speaking to clients on a daily basis and giving them the peace of mind that should the worst happen they will be financially secure.

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am a qualified Golf Instructor FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Hawaii

www.xactmortgages.co.uk

Meet our Advisors Lee Heycock HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Since December 2017 WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Solving problems for people who are looking to move but don’t think its achievable SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Prior to Xact I served in the Infantry as a LCpl in the Royal Anglian Regiment where we toured Afghanistan, Nigeria and Kenya FAVOURITE FOOD? Sushi, looking forward to the new Japanese restaurant opening in Solihull!

FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? A cruise around Italy and the Greek Islands

Mike Hodgkinson HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 19 September 2001…Day one WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love putting smiles on our customers faces SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I have a gold medal for ballroom dancing watch out strictly here I come FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cornwall, have been lucky enough to travel most of the world, Cornwall is still the best

Alan Dalby HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? I have been back since August 2020, having worked for the firm for 5 years previously WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Love helping our clients achieve their goals and ambitions of home ownership and constantly offering the best customer experience possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I’m scared of heights, yet have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower FAVOURITE FOOD? Can’t beat my Nan & Grandad’s Sunday Lunches FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Give me a nice Pool in a hot country and I’m happy

The information contained herein is of a general nature and should not be relied upon as legal or financial advice and is not intended as a substitute for the same. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions. The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (February 2021).

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With our expert advice and professional customer service we have the key ingredients to unlock the door to your dream home.

Contact us today to see how we can help.

T: 0121 712 6230 E: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk W: xactmortgages.co.uk