LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
JANUARY 2021
BUMPER NEW YEAR PREVIEW EDITION 2021 SPORTS PREVIEW A LOOK AHEAD TO THE SPORTS ACTION THIS YEAR
SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS THE TOP SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECH TRENDS FOR 2021
TRY SOMETHING NEW GO WILD THIS YEAR AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF
BRAND NEW BEDROOM THE HOTTEST BEDROOM DIY TRENDS THIS YEAR
CONTENTS COVER STORY
8
LIFESTYLE
Bedroom DIY and Decorating Ideas Check out the hot, new trends for 2021
PROPERTY
13 16 20
Jobs for the Home Let us help you get your house in order for the new year Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
Burns Night Learn about how we celebrate the poet Robert Burns
6
Hottest New Books Here we take a look at the books have got us excited this year
12 14
FOOD
10
4
New Movie Releases Check out these 2021 cinema releases
Social Media and Technology What is changing in the world of Technology and how will it change the way we work
SPORT
Recipe: Homemade Bread Get stuck in to cooking with some homemade baking
7
2021 Sports Preview Catch up with the upcoming sporting events for 2021
WELCOME TO THE JANUARY ISSUE!
H
appy New Year!!! We hope you
picks for movies, books, and sporting
all had a lovely festive season,
events as well as a great list of jobs to
and to get your year off to the
help you get on top of the house ready
best possible start we have a treat for
for Spring!
you this month… Inside the home, we have some Yes, okay, so 2020 didn’t exactly turn
fantastic ideas for your bedroom
out as we all expected, but it’s a new
incorporating some of the hottest DIY
year… a whole 12 months to try
trends we have found for 2021! And for
something new, to learn new things,
all you budding Instagrammers, we
to move and grow. And you won’t be
have a great guide on what we expect
disaappointed with our bumper 2021
to see on social media in the coming
preview magazine!
months.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Check out
The shortest day has passed, and after
our feature on new things to try in
the darkness, look forward to the
2021! We have you covered with some
lighter evenings, brighter mornings,
excellent ideas for this year. However, if
and above all, keep safe and look after
you feel like a history lesson, then on
each other…
pages 4&5 learn all about Burns Night. Then, we have our bumper 2021 preview for you! Check out our top
2
PROPERTY NEWS
Jonathan Wheatley Editor
It’s a new year and time to try something new. But just how daring will you be?
B
ucket lists have an air of morbid finality, a list of ‘must-do’ ambitions before that date with destiny. However, a schedule of mind-expanding, physically demanding experiences might be the ideal psychological boost required as we try to shake off the lethargy and restrictions of a pretty miserable 2020. Rock climbing? Go for it. Run a marathon? Why not? Bungee jumping… well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Although you know what they say, to dare is to do. You can ease your way into 2021 by learning chess. The success of the compulsive TV mini-series The Queen’s Gambit has made this most unremarkable and nerdy game of strategy suddenly sexy, and there has been a surge in sales of boards and pieces as fans of the Netflix drama get to grips with the intricacies of the board game. It could be one of the most mentallychallenging things you will do this year – aside from trying to assemble flat-pack furniture or fill in a tax return – and is oddly addictive.
DON’T JUST SIT THERE,
DO SOMETHING! Television is a rich source of ideas for broadening your horizons – the rise in home bakers since the Great British Bake Off launched is testament to that – and another small-screen favourite, Strictly Come Dancing, has long been responsible for injecting a little Latin into new year resolutions, particularly regarding the salsa which is both super sporty and
Many leisure centres have their own customised indoor rock walls for anyone wanting to learn the ropes
extremely social. Classes and schools have been springing up everywhere from village halls to leisure centres and should be popular for those looking to keep fit, break into a bit of a sweat or shrug off the monotony of lockdown by mixing with real, not virtual, people. And there are videos on YouTube just to let you know what you can expect. If you fancy the idea of taking more faster steps, then see how you go with the Couch to 5k programme, an NHS-backed scheme described as a running plan for absolute beginners. Obviously, the intention is to get to 5k but once the running bug bites why not aim a little bit higher and book yourself in for a 10k, half or even a full marathon in 2022.
Much has been made of open-water swimming in recent years, probably sparked by the sight of highly-tuned athletes taking the plunge into a lake at the start of a triathlon. And there really is nothing better than being at one with nature at venues such as the Highgate and Kenwood Ponds in north London, which are open year-round while elsewhere in the capital the likes of the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, Hampstead Pond, and Parliament Hill fields are only open during the summer. Admittedly, it hasn’t got the appeal of a dip in a cenote in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula but, in these travel restricted times, it’s better than nothing.
indoor climbs, you can take the plunge with snorkelling or diving sessions, indoor skydiving or take the zip wire and high ropes challenge. Individually, there are other indoor skydiving centres in Manchester, Milton Keynes, Basingstoke, Bristol and Bedford – will it inspire you to do the real thing? – while there are several zip wire parks dotted throughout the country, although if you want a one-off mega-thrill, try Zip World’s Velocity 2 at Bethesda in North Wales, reputedly the fastest in the world (100mph-plus) and the longest in Europe (1,555 metres).
Similarly, rock climbing has a touch of the exotic about it but you don’t have to travel to distant lands to learn or expand your skills-base. Many leisure centres have their own customised indoor rock walls for anyone wanting to learn the ropes while Fairlop Country Park in Barkingside has a boulder park where nine individual concrete constructions have been created to test climbers of all standards and abilities. Of course, if you fancy an adrenalinfuelled experience but want to sample a range of activities, get your name down for the Big Five experience at the Bear Grylls Adventure park in Marston Green, Birmingham. As well as some tricky
Alternatively, if there’s nothing there to get your heart pumping, surf the internet. Surf. Surfing. Now there’s a thought …
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
3
BURNS NIGHT
THE BELOVED ANNUAL TRADITION January doesn’t stop there. Burns Night, as you perhaps already know, is celebrated in the name of the great poet, Robert Burns, every January.
Robert Burns is a national icon and beloved Scottish hero, but do you know why?
But who is this Robert Burns, and why is he celebrated more prominently over other influential poets? What are the traditions, you might also ask, of Burns Night? Prepare to be enlightened with words of wisdom and wonder, to show you just why Robert Burns is hailed every year as one of the greatest, most important poets ever to have graced Scotland. What is Burns Night and how is it celebrated?
Burns is perhaps best known for his poem come song ‘Auld Lang Syne’
4
PROPERTY NEWS
Poetry is far from dead, and so is Scottish tradition, especially when it comes to this poet who forever changed nations’, ways of thinking. Once the magical Christmas dust has settled, and the New Year’s celebratory confetti has finally fallen to rest,
Burns Night – or more specifically a Burns Supper – is celebrated every year on the birth date of the great Scottish poet, 25th January. Occasionally also called Robert Burns Day, Burns Night can sometimes occur on any other night of the year, but typically the celebrations are held
on or around the 25th January. The strict traditions of Burns Night consist of toasts, recitals of a Burn’s poem, ‘Address To A Haggis’, followed by someone cutting into and serving a haggis with turnips and potatoes, and everyone washing it down with some warming Scotch whiskey. But who exactly was Robert Burns and why is he celebrated? Robert Burns (or better known as Rabbie Burns to the Scots) was a Scottish poet and lyricist and is generally regarded as the national poet of Scotland. He famously wrote much of his work in the Scottish language, although his work in modern times has been translated into English for the purpose of accessibility by a wider, more mainstream audience. Burns is especially admired for his particularly blunt political and civil commentary, and became, after his death, a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. But he is also widely
recognized as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement in poetry, writing in the same era as other founding Romantic poets. In fact, Burns influenced the likes of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Percy Bysshe Shelley greatly. In the early twentieth century, Burns had a particularly strong influence on writer Hugh MacDiarmid. Burns was born on 25th January 1759, near Ayr, in Alloway, and was the eldest of seven children. His father, a farmer, had built the house Robert was born in, and this house is now officially the Burns Cottage Museum. The Burns’ lived here until Easter 1766 when a seven-year-old Robert Burns moved with his family to a 70-acre farm, Mount Oliphant. He began writing in approximately 1784 when he was around 25 years old. He was only an occasional poet at this early stage, more often turning his hand to verse in which he would express his emotions of love and friendship, but also amusement and his ironic
contemplation of the social scene. He started gaining recognition as a poet, however, approximately a couple of years later, and his life thus soon became rich with wine, women and song, gaining wider fame all over Scotland. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the celebration of his work became almost a national charismatic cult and has since held prominent influence over his fellow Scots and Scottish literature itself. In 2009 in a TV vote on who is the greatest ever Scot, the public voted for Robert Burns. Burns is perhaps best known for his poem come song ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year). Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well known across the world today include ‘A Red, Red Rose’, ‘A Man’s a Man for A’ That’, ‘To a Louse’, ‘To a Mouse’, ‘The Battle of Sherramuir’, ‘Tam-o’-shanter’, and ‘Ae Fond Kiss.’
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
5
THE HOTTEST
NEW BOOKS
TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR! 2021 promises to be a literary gold mine. Here we take a look at the books have got us excited this year
2
020 brought us some fantastic books. Whether it was a non-fiction autobiography such as Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, or the prequel to the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or something more political such as A Promised Land, the memoirs of Barack Obama, we were never short of great reads throughout. And this year promises even more.
THE CHARMED WIFE BY OLGA GRUSHIN Here is a wildly inventive and thoroughly modern retelling of Cinderella, and what happens after she marries Prince Charming. Spoiler, he’s not so charming after all! This book, Grushin’s fourth novel, promises to be a genre-bending and darkly comic affair. Release date: January 12th
A BRIGHT RAY OF DARKNESS BY ETHAN HAWKE Ethan Hawke isn’t just an Oscar-nominated actor and screenwriter. This is his fifth book in which a 32-yearold thespian’s private life is not so private when he is besieged by journalists at every turn. It is about his possible path to personal and professional redemption and portrays the perils and pratfalls of celebrity perfectly. Release date: February 2nd
6
PROPERTY NEWS
APATHY BY JONATHAN WHEATLEY Up and coming, British horror writer, Jonathan Wheatley, returns to finish off his Westford Chronicles trilogy. The first two books, The Priory and Vermin were both in the Top 5 British Horror books on Amazon during the summer and the epic conclusion to the gothic, time-travel, creature-feature trilogy promises to be bigger and better.
Release date: April 27th
YOU LOVE ME BY CAROLINE KEPNESY Your favourite murderer, Joe from the ‘You’ Netflix series, isn’t quite finished with his story. In this third book the TV series is based on, Joe ditches city life for a simple existence in the Pacific Northwest. There, of course, he gets a job at a library and meets a woman. You know the rest by now. Release date: April 2021
ON YOUR MARKS… A
COVID-permitting, 2021 should be an outstanding year of sport
fter the famine, comes the feast. The COVID-19 pandemic shredded the global sporting calendar in 2020 with major events simply binned or shunted back to this year which would normally have been fallow, a breathing space between the big competitions.
And if you can’t get enough of track and field heroics, the Paralympians will take centre stage from August 24th to September 5th – also in Japan – while the postponed Invictus Games will be held in the Netherlands from May 29th to June 5th.
So, although fingers still remain firmly crossed, 2021 should be something of a sporting bonanza.
The other major casualty from last year was football’s European Championship, for the first time spread across 12 countries instead of one host nation. It is scheduled to start on June 11th with the Group A pipe-opener Italy v Turkey in Rome and finish with the final at Wembley on July 11th.
The cherry on an adrenalin-charged cake remains the summer Olympic Games, slated to run from July 23rd to August 8th in Tokyo. It is quite simply the greatest show on Earth, a glittering showpiece commanding eye-watering figures for advertising and commercial rights, played out before a worldwide television audience of billions. This year there will be no Usain Bolt, the charismatic Jamaican sprinter whose name became synonymous with world records and gold medals. He retired in 2017 leaving the Olympic throne vacant for a suitable successor … and that could be Team GB’s swimming superstar Adam Peaty.
Wales and Switzerland complete that group – they play on June 12th in Baku – while England’s Group D campaign starts on June 13th at Wembley against Croatia, who beat them in extra time in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
So, although fingers still remain firmly crossed, 2021 should be something of a sporting bonanza.
Much is expected of the 26 year-old 50 and 100metre breaststroke ace, who is the Olympic champion at the latter – the first Briton to strike gold in the pool for 24 years. He is also an eight-time world champion, a 12-time European champion and has broken world records 13 times, and was the first man to swim under 26sec for the 50m breaststroke and both 58 and 57sec for the longer distance. Put simply, he is the one to beat and if he is not a household name now, he will be by the middle of August.
It doesn’t get any easier for Gary Southgate’s team. Scotland await on June 18th - a Friday night appetiser for a long weekend in London for the Tartan Army - before they finish against the Czech Republic four days later.
Golf’s Ryder Cup was also COVID-affected and had to be rescheduled (it’s now at the wonderfully-named Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in late September) while elsewhere other events, hopefully, return to their normal slots: Rugby’s 6Nations running from February 6th to March 20th; the Cheltenham Festival (March 16th-19th), World Snooker Championship (April 17th-May 3rd) and Wimbledon (June 28th-July 11th). In fact, the only event which is not in its normal place is the Boat Race. Oxford and Cambridge Universities will now lock oars on the Great Ouse at Ely in April instead of the Thames because of structural problems at Hammersmith Bridge.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
7
NEW BEDROOM
DIY
AND DECORATING IDEAS
It’s the New Year, which means new beginnings. Now is the perfect time for a change of scenery within your own four walls. So if you fancy giving your bedroom a makeover, but are stuck on ideas, here are a few ways to transform your own personal space.
PICK A TONE
An idea that’s rather simple, but makes a statement, is ensuring that your bedroom has a specific tone throughout. You can do this by making your colours marry. For example, if your bedsheets, or headboard are a certain colour, then choose to pair your walls accordingly through wallpaper or paint. And go a step further, and pick suitable bedroom furniture, like a bedside table, or a lamp. If you go for a brighter tone, then this keeps the space bright, whilst maintaining a sense of sophistication. If you’d prefer to select darker tones, then you can really add a feeling of warmth to your room. And this doesn’t mean making every colour exactly the same. By avoiding selecting the same colour for every aspect of your bedroom, this can help you to avoid feeling boxed in.
MODERNISE
If you fancy a real change from the norm, then make your bedroom a statement space. One way to accomplish this is to go minimalist. Paint all your walls and doors white, and then contrast this with warm colours for the bedding. Also consider your lighting. Design-forward lighting can really help to add some class to proceedings, whilst keeping a homely atmosphere. And
8
PROPERTY NEWS
with regards to furniture, why not go slightly quirky? Treat yourself to a frameless mirror or a metallic coffee table to really drive home the contemporary motif.
MAKE IT COSY
As we enter the coldest months of the year, perhaps it’s best to customise your living spaces accordingly. For starters, think about textures. If you want to add actual warmth to your room, add some cozy throws and fluffy blankets to your bed and really embrace the added layers. And don’t stop there. Complete your winter retreat and add an area rug. By having access to soft materials both in and out of bed, this creates a practical warmth, whilst also adding to the visible textures of the room. If you’ve already opted for these snug additions to your bedroom, perhaps think of the curtains. If you’re considering getting some new ones, then linen curtains add a sense of relaxation, whilst velvet ones really emphasises the luxuriousness of a space. And as for the length, why not splash out on long hanging curtains and allow them to puddle on the floor. This really creates a feeling of privacy to your bedroom in these cold months.
GET CREATIVE
If you’re on a tighter budget after Christmas then there is no reason why you still can’t give your room as effective a shake-up. Sometimes, all that’s needed to decorate a bedroom is to re-arrange furniture. For example, items like dining room or kitchen chairs can also function as a bedside table or as a useful seat beside the bed. So don’t be afraid to move it into your bedroom, re-paint it to match the colour scheme, and allow the room to look completely different. Or if your bedroom is seeming cluttered, then utilise cheap storage options. Your bedroom should feel relaxed and spacious, so opt for fabric storage bins and nesting baskets to keep everything tidy, whilst simultaneously adding some modernity to your space.
REARRANGE
It may sound almost too simple to mention, but rearranging your bedroom, and even other rooms in your home, can go a long way to transforming them. For instance, if the dimensions of the room permit, re-positioning your bed can make all the difference to adding a feeling of newness to your room. If you can manage to move your bed away from the walls, then you can use that new-found space to create a cosy reading area. If you have paintings, or other pieces of artwork scattered around your home, then why not move them into the bedroom? This can add a sense of flair to a wall without
having to get involved with paint or wallpaper. And finally, if you’re in the mood to brighten your room up, why not add some plants? Without impacting a budget too heavily, bringing some flora into your living space can add some much-needed colour, as well as substantial aromas.
Is your bedroom due an upgrade? Check out the hot, new trends for 2021
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
9
BAKE
YOUR There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread, and it’s not as tricky as you think either…
SOFT OR CRUSTY ROLLS Ingredients 500g strong white flour 20g caster sugar 10g salt 1 x 7g sachet fast-action yeast 330g milk at room temperature Method In a large bowl, or electric mixer, weight the flour and caster sugar together. Then rub the salt into one side of the bowl and the dried yeast into the other. Don’t let the salt and yeast touch as it can stop the dough from rising. Add the milk to the dry ingredients and mix together until it forms a dough. Cover your bowl with a damp towel and rest in a warm place. If your house is cold, stick it in the oven at 25C with a bowl of boiling water underneath. Once noticeable increased in size, around 45 minutes, kneed the dough. You can do this on a floured surface or by folding the dough in the bowl for five minutes. Cover again and rest in a warm place for another hour or until doubled in size.
10
PROPERTY NEWS
OWN BREAD B
aking your own bread is not only healthier for you, but it is a hobby you can really get stuck into. There is nothing better than seeing your dough rise and then finally breaking through the crispy crust to get at the soft, warm bread inside. Here are some simple recipes for you to try at home…
Once risen, scrape the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a sausage shape. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces and then shape the dough into balls. The trick to a nice round ball is to put flour in one hand and put the dough on a surface without flour. Then cup your hand like your carrying water, turn it upside down over the dough and make big circular movements with the dough. Once you have 8 balls, rest for a final hour somewhere warm until they have doubled in size and are nearly touching. 30 minutes before you’re going to bake, preheat your oven to 210C for fan-assisted ovens or 230C for non-fan ovens for soft rolls, or 180C fan-assisted oven, 200C for crusty rolls. Bake for 10-15 minutes for soft rolls. Don’t worry if they look brown or feel crisp when they come out, they’ll soften up. And for crusty rolls, slash the top of the roll with a serrated knife before baking for 20-25 minutes.
Baker’s Tip: Add toppings like Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, or even rice flour and sesame oil to create Tiger Bread.
BAGUETTES Ingredients
For the poolish: 500g strong white flour 20g caster sugar 10g salt 1 x 7g sachet fast-action yeast 330g milk at room temperature For the dough 300g plain white flour 200g strong white flour 12g salt 200g white sourdough starter (a bubbling mix of strong white flour and water. To make simply add 50g flour with 50ml of water every day for five days in a jar – warning it gets messy and bubbly) All the poolish 250ml tepid water
Method The day before you make your dough, combine the poolish ingredients in a bowl and cover loosely with cling film. The next day rub together both flours, yeast and salt, keeping the yeast and salt separate. Add the sourdough starter, poolish and tepid water and combine into a wet dough. Turn the dough out on to a work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball, trying to use as little flour as possible, and return to the bowl. Let the dough rest overnight in the fridge. Once rested, it’s shaping time. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces. Roll the baguettes out into sausage shapes. Don’t worry if they look thin, they will rise again. Transfer each baguette to a well-floured baking tray and rest again for 1-1 ½ hour at room temperature. Preheat your over to 220C fan oven, 240C non-fan. Once rested, score your bread with a serrated knife. You want to make thin slices across the top like you’re peeling a potato. If your serrated knife doesn’t work, try a Stanley blade. Turn the temperature in the oven down to 190C fan or 210C non-fan and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Baker’s Tip: Cook your baguettes for ¼ of the time to par-bake. You will then be able to freeze the baguettes for up to 11 weeks. When you want to use them again, just pop them back in your oven for the remaining time.
Images for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
11
NEW MOVIE 2021
RELEASES T he pandemic prevented the usual array of blockbuster movies f rom being released in 2020. But as the world of cinema resumes, in this new year, here are a few films you should get excited about.
THE KING’S MAN - FEBRUARY 2021
Fans of the Kingsman series will be keen to catch its third instalment, which is a prequel, centering around the formation of the Kingsman spy agency. However, as this movie is set in the early 20th century, we can expect a completely different cast from the one which excited fans during the first two chapters. The cast is set be starstudded, starring Ralph Feinnes (Schindler’s List), and will also include household names such as Gemma Arteton (St. Trinians), and Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill). Once more, the film was meant to be released in the autumn of 2020, but is now expected to be in cinemas in February.
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE FEBRUARY 2021
One for the musical fans to go wild for is this feel-good musical drama, based on the stage musical of the same name. The film stars Max Harwood as the inspirational lead character, who overcomes bullies and prejudice, to step into the spotlight, and express himself. The movie was originally scheduled to be released in October 2020, but is now due to be released in February.
12
PROPERTY NEWS
IN
It promises to be a bumper year of cinema this year
SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY - JULY 2021
Twenty-five years after the original family favourite, there is going to be a new Space Jam. Like the first one, the live-action will star a basketball legend, this time LeBron James. And for the first time since 2003, the Looney Tunes characters will appear on the big screen, joining James in an attempt to rescue his son. After the 1996 original became a cult classic, this is certainly not one you want to miss.
A QUIET PLACE PART II - APRIL 2021
This tense horror, which is a sequel to the hugely-successful A Quiet Place, will be released in the early part of this year. With the plot following on from the end of the first movie, we again arrive in a world where silence is the only way to survive. Emily Blunt (Mary Poppins Returns) will star, and will be joined by Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders). John Krasinski, who starred alongside Blunt, and directed the first instalment, will be directing this one too.
CLEAN-UP OPERATION
T
he decorations are down, the tree has gone leaving only a trail of pine needles as a reminder of what was there before. But while you’re on your hands and knees trying to extricate the fiddly remnants embedded in the carpet, have a quick look at the skirting boards: were they really that dusty when you put the tree up?
And where did that cobweb come from? Obviously decking the hall and garlanding the fireplace have prevented you from doing the housework for a while, so as the house is looking a bit bare, with some items of furniture out of position, now could be a good time to have an early spring clean and freshen up, making your home clean, comfortable and clutter-free as you prepare to face the new year. So, if you’re feeling brave there’s no better place to start than clearing out the loft because, after all, you’re already there putting the decorations away.
how on Earth you are going to get your new cardi in there? Be ruthless: yes, we’re all guilty of hoarding but if you don’t wear that top you bought five years ago, let it go to the charity shop. It’s not going to come back into fashion, regardless of what you think. If there’s a bright day, make it brighter by cleaning the windows. Not just the glass, but the sills and, in particular, the frames, checking for mould around seals which could ultimately hamper the effectiveness of double glazing. And don’t forget the blinds. Or the radiators,
where dust can congregate on the pipework and all those hard to reach places. And so to the kitchen, to clean shelves, rid the cupboards of all those tins and packets that are past their ‘use by’ dates … and to tackle the oven, which has probably seen a lot of action in the last month and could use a deep clean and refresh. Outside, there is not much that can be done. Continually check gutters for blockages caused by trapped leaves – any build-up of water in a freezing spell could prove costly – and make sure paths are kept clean and moss-free: they can become extra slippery with a frost on them.
But, if you can’t face that just yet, start at ground level wiping down the skirting boards and laying masking tape to clean the edges of the carpet that are starting to look a little bit grimy. And as you’ve got the vacuum out, get under the sofa and chairs as well as all those neglected areas such as underneath the bed and the mattresses. While in the bedroom, dare to open the wardrobe and consider
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
13
NEW SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY TRENDS TO ANTICIPATE IN 2021 Last year we saw the rise of Zoom and the importance of Facetime to families and friends, but what should we expect this year in tech?
W
hether it’s much-needed socialising time with one’s family and friends or simply playing video games, the nation has been spending an unprecedented amount of time online recently. Social media has experienced another massive boom this year, as have Facetime and Zoom video chats. 3.6 billion people in the world are now connected to social media in some way. That’s just shy of half of the entire world’s population. So social media has never been
so important. It’s a valuable tool businesses all around the world will be using more to promote themselves and engage with their customers, not to mention firms which will be looking to resurrect, or start-up from scratch entirely. Therefore it’s vitally important one understands how things will likely be changing on social media in the New Year – whether it’s different marketing techniques or new and innovative ways of reaching out to audiences across the globe, the climate is definitely changing.
TOP CHANGES AND NEW TRENDS TO EXPECT IN SOCIAL MEDIA.
3.6 billion people in the world are now connected to social media
14
PROPERTY NEWS
»
The rise of video on social media. Previously social media was great for pictures and words, however, now, as expected, video is taking a stronger position in the market, especially with YouTube and for estate agents, virtual video tours and valuations.
»
SEO-driven organic Instagram visibility. Instagrammers are here to stay, and in November it was announced that Insta would be more search-friendly for its millions of users. This will make hashtags even more important for your marketing as well as keywords in your posts.
»
Reels on Instagram. In 2016 when Stories on Insta were first released there was a massive drop-off in feed engagement and similarly, when Reels were first introduced, the engagement with Stories dropped off. Now is the time to embrace short-form video going into 2021.
»
Humanize brands. Smart businesses will understand the importance of being transparent and authentic moving forward. People connect with people, so expect more faces to personify brands as opposed to just a logo without a human face to accompany it.
»
Similar to the point above, on YouTube expect personality over content. For those of us who watch YouTube videos, having a trustworthy face as the front of your brand will reap the benefits this year.
ZOOM Amongst all the great technology we've been able to rely on throughout the past year, Zoom is by far the one that has had the most positive effect. With working from home becoming compulsory for many nations around the world, the globe zoomed in on one particular video communications software, which has proven to be a fundamental aid to our lives. April saw Zoom peak at over 300 million daily meeting participants, which was a staggering increase from the ten million in December 2019. Its "annualised meeting minutes" jumped 20-fold, from 100 billion at the end of January to over two trillion in April. For the quarter ending 30th April 2020, Zoom reported total revenue of $328.2 million, a 169 per cent increase from the same period last year. More and more companies are reportedly going to make working from home a more normal concept, with Zoom expected to play an intrinsic part in many of our working lives going forward. Whether you are quizzing with family and
friends or working from home, Zoom will surely be the first name on everyone's lips again this year‌
THE ONLINE PROPERTY WORLD This year, the property market has experienced record-breaking months and a considerable boom. Estate agents have taken advantage of social media with the most successful agents utilising Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for not just marketing properties, but for being a hub of local support for the community. With technology such as 3D virtual video tours, Zoom and smartphones, agents have been able to conduct virtual valuations and viewings which have led to more sales.
Zoom is by far the one that has had the most positive effect. With working from home becoming compulsory for many nations around the world,
Expect virtual video tours, valuations and even viewings to be at the forefront again in 2021, as with people busier than ever, it is a great way to showcase the properties on offer and build a relationship with the local community.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
15
exclusive
Red Barns OIEO £950,000
* Grade II listed Country House Set Behind Private Gated Entrance * Delightful Rural Hamlet * Five Bedrooms & Three Bathrooms * Four Receptions Rooms * Impressive Siematic Breakfast Kitchen * Set Within Approx. 2.5 Acres * Stunning Countryside Views * Conservatory * EPC Rating F*
Bank House £1,000,000
* Extremely Rare Opportunity To Purchase A Four Bedroom Grade II Listed Property Set Within A Most Sought After Location * Magnificent South Facing Landscaped Rear Garden * Master Bedroom With Dressing Room & Luxury Ensuite * Breakfast Kitchen * Extended Dining Room * Formal Sitting Room * Four Double Bedrooms & Study * Located Upon The Green In Tanworth In Arden * Boasting Immense Character & Charm * EPC Rating E *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY T: 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
Blossomfield Road £995,000
* Impressive Five Bedroom Detached * Sought After Location * Walking Distance Of Solihull Town Centre & Railway Station * Large Sweeping In & Out Driveway * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Enclosed Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Sun Lounge * Large L Shaped Modern Refitted Family/Kitchen/Diner * Utility Room * Downstairs Wc * Five Bedrooms * Modern Refitted Ensuite Shower Room & Family Bathroom * Triple Garage * Easily Maintained Landscaped Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
Alderbrook Road £1,895,000
* Individually Designed Stunning Five Bedroom Detached * Most Sought After Road In Solihull * Constructed In 2014 * Approximately 4962 sq feet * Split Level Accommodation * Underfloor Heating * Air Conditioned * Set Behind Electronically Operated Gates * Impressive Entrance Hall * Living Room * Study * Guest Cloakroom * Stunning Open Plan Family/Kitchen/Dining Room With Bifold Doors Leading Out To The South Facing Rear Garden * Five Bedrooms * Five Ensuite * Mezzanine * Gym * Double Length Garage * Superb Landscaped Large South Facing Garden * Viewing Strictly By Appointment * EPC Rating B *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Austrey Close £450,000
** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Three Bedroom Semi Detached Located In A Sought After Road Of Knowle * Easy Walking Distance To Knowle Park, Village & Local Schools * Scope For Extension & Improvement (STPP) * Living Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Double Glazed Throughout * Garage * Three Bedrooms & Family Bathroom * EPC Rating C *
Hazeltree Grove £345,000
* Completely Refurbished & Beautifully Presented Three Storey Semi Detached * Three Bedrooms * Modern High Gloss Breakfast Kitchen * Located in Quiet Cul-De-Sac of Dorridge * Open Plan Living / Dining Room * Three Excellent Sized Bedrooms & Refitted Luxury Bathroom * Arden Academy Catchment Area * Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * EPC Rating C *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
Station Road £695,000
* Fantastic Location Within Easy Walking Distance To Dorridge Station & All Local Schools * Significantly Extended Four Double Bedroom Traditional Semi Detached Which Truly Requires Internal Inspection * Large South Facing Rear Garden With Huge Studio / Gym To Rear * Magnificent Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen Finished To The Highest Specification * Two Reception Rooms * Four Bedrooms & Two Luxury Bathrooms * Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
Station Road £385,000
* Absolutely Stunning Three Bedroom Cottage Located Within The Heart Of Knowle Village & All A Short Walk To All Local Schools * Significantly Extended To Include Large Open Plan Kitchen / Diner * Separate Living Room * Guest Cloakroom * Many Retained Character Features * South Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Absolutely Immaculate Throughout * Three Bedrooms & Family Bathroom * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Poplar Road £350,000
* Located Within The Heart Of Dorridge Village Centre & Literally Two Minutes Walk From Dorridge Station * Three Bedroom Terraced Property Benefitting From Parking To The Rear * Double Glazed Windows * Parking To The Rear Behind Courtyard Garden * Living Room & Kitchen / Diner * Three Bedrooms & Shower Room To First Floor * Arden Academy Catchment Area * EPC Rating C *
Oakhall Drive £575,000
* Stunning & Significantly Extended Four Bedroom Detached Property * Located Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac of Dorridge & Within Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * Absolutely Immaculate Throughout & Truly Requires Internal Inspection To Be Fully Appreciated * Open Plan Kitchen Dining Room * Living Room & Separate Family Room / Office * Four Double Bedrooms * Master With Ensuite * Luxury Family Bathroom * South Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Garage / Store To Rear * Arden Academy Catchment Area * EPC Rating C *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
Wootton Close £479,950
* Modern Three Bedroom Detached Built By Miller Homes & Benefitting From Large Single Garage * South Facing Rear Garden * Easy Walking Distance To All Local Schools & Knowle Village * Modern Open Plan Kitchen / Diner * Dual Aspect Living Room * Master With Luxury Ensuite * Luxury Family Bathroom * Driveway & Garage * EPC Rating C *
Station Road £550,000
* Traditional Three Bedroom Semi Detached Property Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Knowle Village & All Local Schools * Three Reception Rooms Including Living Room / Dining Room & Study * Large Block Paved Driveway * Fantastic Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Large Conservatory / Play Room To Rear * Refitted Family Bathroom * Scope For Extension (STPP) * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk
Sharmans Cross Road £585,000
The Spinney £295,000
* Sought After Road * Spacious Four/ Five Bedroom Semi Detached * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Two Reception Rooms * Large Extended Kitchen/Family Room * Utility Room * Study/Bedroom Five * Downstairs Shower Room * Four First Floor Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Large Established Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
* Two Bedroom Cottage Style Retirement Home For The Over 55’s * Sought After Retirement Development * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Canopy Porch * Entrance Hall * Downstairs Shower Room * Living Room * Fitted Kitchen * Dining / Bedroom Two * Master Bedroom To The First Floor With Ensuite Bathroom * Two Allocated Parking Spaces * West Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Shelsley Way £379,950
Laurel Court £275,000
* Popular Hillfield Estate * Refurbished Two Bedroom Detached * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * No Upward Chain * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Recently Laid Driveway * Open Plan Brand New Living Room/Kitchen *Family/Dining Room * Two Bedrooms * Brand New Shower Room * South East Facing Garden * Internal & Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
* Walking Distance Of Solihull Town Centre * Two Bedroom Mews * Investment Property * Tenant In Situ * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Internal Viewing Essential * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Superb Open Plan Lounge/Kitchen/Dining Room * Two Bedrooms * Ensuite Bathroom * Family Bathroom * Allocated Parking * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating B *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
Riverside Drive £350,000
Reservoir Road £550,000
* Spacious Second Floor Flat * Walking Distance Of Solihull Town Centre * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Prestigious Riverside Development * Communal Entrance Hall With Lift & Staircase * Reception Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Spacious Lounge/Dining Room With Balcony Off * Fitted Kitchen * Three Good Size Bedrooms * Bathroom * Communal Gardens * Double Length Garage * EPC Rating C *
* Impressive Four Bedroom Detached * Sought After Road * Easy Walking Distance Of Dovehouse Parade & Olton Railway Station * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Early & Internal Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazing * Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Family Room * Attractive Living Room * Utility Room * Four Double Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Luxury Fitted Family Bathroom * Landscaped Rear Garden * Garage * EPC Rating D *
Gilmorton Close £350,000
Thelsford Way £299,950
* Popular Hillfield Estate * Three Bedroom Town House * No Upward Chain * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Immaculately Redecorated Throughout * Brand New Carpets * Enclosed Hall * Living Room * Family Room * ReFitted Kitchen/Diner * Three Good Sized Bedrooms * Bathroom * Private Rear Garden * Off Road Parking To The Front * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *
* Impressive Three Bedroom Link Detached * Early & Internal Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Well Maintained * Lounge/ Dining Room * Fitted Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage * Good Sized Garden * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
Meadow Drive
Blythe Avenue
£599,950
£399,000
* Five Bedroom Detached Property * Beautifully Presented Throughout * Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Hampton Village & Station * Extended & Modernised * Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Playroom * Utility Room * 5 Bedrooms * En-Suite Master Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Landscaped Rear Garden * Off Road Parking * Garage * EPC Rating C *
* Two / Three Bedroom Bungalow * Refurbished Throughout * Refitted Kitchen * Large Lounge * Two Double Bedrooms * Dining Room / Bedroom Three * Large Driveway * Single Garages * Refitted Bathroom Room * Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
Mews Cottage
Stoneton Crescent
£375,000
£495,000
* Two Bedroom Detached Character Cottage * No Onward Chain * Re-Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Well Presented Throughout * Large Lounge * Dining Area * Guest WC * Two Double Bedrooms * Modern Family Bathroom * Off Road Parking* Garage * Landscaped Front Garden * EPC Rating D *
* Four / Five Bedroom Detached * Walking Distance To Local Schools * 2 x En-Suite Bedrooms * Lounge * Stunning Breakfast Kitchen * Large Utility Room * Bedroom Five / Family Room * Downstairs Shower Room * Ensuite Master Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Off Road Parking * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY T: 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
KNOWLE TEAM
BALSALL COMMON TEAM
SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY TEAM
MORTGAGES TEAM LETTINGS TEAM
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Broomfields Close, Solihull £925 pcm
Semi Detached Property * Three Bedrooms* Walking Distance to Solihull Town Centre* Dual Aspect Lounge* Kitchen* Conservatory* Downstairs Cloakroom* Bathroom* Rear Garden* Off Road Parking* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available Now
Dickens Heath Road, Dickens Heath £795 pcm
Second Floor Apartment* Two Double Bedrooms* Main Bathroom* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Main Bathroom* En-Suite Shower* Fitted Kitchen* Garage in Separate Block* One Allocated Parking Space* Walking Distance to Dickens Heath Centre* Electric Heating* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available 21st January 2021*
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Glendon Way, Dorridge £1,995 pcm
Detached Property* Located on the Four Ashes Estate* Five Bedrooms* Lounge* Dining Room* Study* Fitted Kitchen* Utility* Bathroom and Shower* En-Suite Shower Room* Double Garage* Downstairs Cloakroom* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available 15th January
Hampton Green , Hampton In Arden £1,350 pcm
New Build Detached Property* Three Bedrooms* Lounge* Fitted Dining Kitchen with Appliances* Downstairs Cloakroom* Family Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* Walking Distance to Hampton Train Station* Two Allocated Parking Spaces* Rear Garden* Unfurnished*EPC Rating B* Available Now
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Kingfisher Way, Cheswick Green £850 pcm
Modern Apartment * Immaculately Presented Throughout* Two Bedrooms* Lounge* Open Plan Fitted Kitchen with Appliances* Main Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* Gas Central Heating*High Specification Fittings* Cycle/Bin Store* Allocated Parking* EPC Rating B* Unfurnished* Available Now.
Lugtrout Lane, Catherine-de-barnes £925 PCM
* Semi Detached Property * Lounge/Diner * Fitted Kitchen * Two bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Driveway * Rear Garden * Semi Rural Location* Ideally Located for Solihull Town Centre and Motorway* Unfurnished * Available Now * EPC Rating E *
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Rashwood Close, Hockley Heath £1,895 pcm
Detached Property *Five Bedrooms* Well Presented Throughout* Lounge* Dining Room* Study* Breakfast Kitchen* Utility* Three En-Suite Bathrooms* Family Bathroom* Garage* Garden with Open Views to the Rear* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available Now
Wallwin Place, Warwick £800 pcm
Ground Floor Maisonette/Flat* Own Individual Entrance* Well Presented Throughout* Two Double Bedrooms* Fitted Kitchen* Lounge/Diner* Main Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* One Allocated Parking Space* Gated Development* Walking Distance to Warwick Town Centre* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available Now*
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk
Meet our Lettings Team
Sarah Bent HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Over 6 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I once appeared in a play at the Birmingham Rep when I was in a youth theatre group FAVOURITE FOOD? Chocolate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? City break, New York
Lisa Davies
Wendy Clarke
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 3 weeks
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 4 years
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Looking forward to learning all about the industry and meeting new people
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Has an O’Level in Latin
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Been cautioned by police for demonstrating about women’s rights
FAVOURITE FOOD? Chinese
FAVOURITE FOOD? Crème Brulee
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Villa Mora in Portugal
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? I like historic sites in Italy
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Sara Cope
Andrea Jones
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Nearly 2 years
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT?
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I used to sing in a choir for 20 years FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry/spicy food
5 years
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am double jointed FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry or anything spicy
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Anywhere in the Carribean
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? The Algarve or Vegas
Yvonne Williams
Julie Chinnery
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 2 years in August WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working as part of the team with Landlords and Tenants SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Played county hockey until the age of 24 FAVOURITE FOOD? Pretty much everything FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? With family and like to travel to both the UK and overseas
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Just over 10 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Organizing and helping put things in place so we can work more efficiently FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cape Verde
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Update: Six-month notice period comes into law and “Winter Truce” on evictions announced Landlords will need to give tenants six months notice if they intend to regain possession of their property and no tenants will be evicted over Christmas.
The government has changed the law to increase notice periods to six months and confirmed that possession proceedings will resume on 21 September 2020. The only exceptions to the six-month notice period are the most egregious cases, including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, where notice periods have been shortened. In these cases, “notice periods must be at least 4 weeks where over six months of rent is due (if less than 6 months is owed, then 6 months’ notice must be given).” A “winter truce” on evictions also means that no evictions will take place between 11 December 2020 and 11 January 2021. When possession proceedings resume, cases will be subject to new court processes and procedures, which will be in place until at least 28 March 2021. These include: • The prioritisation of cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as extreme rent arrears where landlords would otherwise face unmanageable debts.
• No cases from before 3 August 2020 will immediately proceed to hearing, but will have to be ‘re-activated’ by the landlord and then subject to a new review hearing, at least four weeks before the substantive hearing. • Landlords will also need to provide the courts and judges with information on how tenants have been affected by the pandemic. Where this information is not provided, judges will be able to adjourn proceedings until the information is provided. In addition, the government has announced a “winter truce” on the enforcement of evictions, meaning no evictions will be permitted in England and Wales in the run up to and over Christmas except in the most serious circumstances. Tenants are still liable for their rent during this time and should pay this as usual. If tenants are facing financial hardship and think they will have difficulty making a rental payment, they should speak to their landlord in the first instance.
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details
“
This article was updated on 24 September 2020. Although we endeavour to keep our coronavirus (COVID-19) content as up to date as possible, the situation is rapidly changing, so please ensure you refer to gov.uk for the latest advice and information.
The government is encouraging tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rent payment plan. However, there is other support available for tenants facing financial difficulties: • There is an existing £180 million of government funding for Discretionary Housing Payments made available this year, an increase of £40 million from last year and which is for councils to distribute to support renters with housing costs. • A £500 Hardship Fund will go to local authorities in England so they can reduce the 2020 to 2021 council tax bills of working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support. Councils will also be able to use the funding to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people. • Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of a worker’s wages, up to a total of £2,500 per month, until August. • Universal Credit and Housing Benefit will increase and, from April, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.
CONTENT SUPPLIED ©
Here’s what some of our clients say...
”
Laura & Matt
We absolutely recommend Xact to any family or friends looking to buy or sell a house and we have done on numerous occasions. You watch the market, you see a house go up with Xact and it sells and it completes and that’s our experience, there’s lots of reasons why that happens, they get jobs done basically.
”
Beth
I decided to use Xact for both selling my property and eventually buying, simply because I had used them 20 years ago when I bought my first house in the area and that experience had been a positive one so it seemed sense to go back to them again. Also I am aware of the fact that they are a very popular estate agent within the village and everybody that I had spoken to recommended them highly.
”
Peter
Without doubt I would recommend Xact without any equivocation, they’ve done a great job for us.
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
”
Tony
Yes, wholeheartedly I would recommend Xact to anyone who seeks my opinion.
”
Jon
We contacted a couple of the old firms and they came to see us and gave us their advice and their marketing strategies and the prices were very similar. But we noticed with Xact more and more signs were going up and one of my neighbours had sold his property with Xact and he was really pleased with them, so I thought we’ll give them a chance.
”
Kathy
I found them a very approachable estate agent, they had plenty of staff, they were all very polite, they were proactive, very empathetic with the sale, when I had any issues they were dealt with very quickly, they were always willing to answer my questions. I just thought they kept me up-to-date on a weekly basis, sometimes more often where necessary. I like their attitude towards sales really, they made me feel very comfortable.
”
Anne
I would definitely recommend Xact to friends, family and my colleagues and I have already done that.
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
NEW YEAR. NEW HOME. NEW YOU. Make this New Year great! We’re constantly evolving with new and innovative marketing to help get you moving in the New Year, including your very own personalised website for your property.
KNOWLE
SOLIHULL
T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk
T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk
SHIRLEY
BALSALL COMMON
T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk
T: 01676 534411 E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk