Or maybe you’re a landlord selling your portfolio? No matter what, you will want the best estate agent in your area.
But with so many agents around, how do you choose who to go with? Picking the right estate agent can be difficult, so let us help you out.

Advertising

Before you go ahead with an estate agent, you need to fact find. You will more than likely ask them to come and carry out an appraisal of your property. When they attend, this is the best time to ask your questions.
One of your main questions should be about advertising. Check out their website and the portals they use. Furthermore, you will probably want your property marketed on as many platforms as possible. Do they use Rightmove and On the Market? Do they use Zoopla? Moreover, they might advertise in the local newspaper or on social media.
If you’re happy for a sale board outside of your property, check they can provide one. Furthermore, this way passers-by know you are selling.

Estate Agent Pricings

The valuation of your home and the price it’s going to cost you to sell is one of the main factors to consider.
Most agents have a selling fee of around 1% + VAT. However, you might find an agent who can offer you a better deal or who are offering a discount.
Moreover, the valuation they provide you with needs to be broken down. Ask the agent what they have sold recently and if anything similar to your property has been on the market. Furthermore, ask how long they think it will take for your property to be snapped up.
A positive yet honest agent is better than someone willing to beg for your business.

Estate Agent Recommendations

Estate agent recommendations is a two-sided coin. On the one side, we are referring to whether the estate agent is highly recommended by others.
Have a look on Google for some reviews but bear in mind that not everyone who has a good experience will leave a review. Moreover, they are worth looking at – but maybe take with a pinch of salt.
The other side of the coin is what does the estate agent recommend? Ask the estate agent what will enhance the price of your home or the likelihood of selling quickly.
Estate agents sell hundreds of properties in your area every year. They know the market and they know what buyers are looking for. Furthermore, they will know how to sell your home if they are reputable and experienced.

Summary

Selling your home is a massive decision. Choosing a trustworthy estate agent is crucial as you need to be able to rely on them throughout the process. Make sure you complete your research and ask any questions before signing on the dotted line.

The post Estate Agent: Choosing The Best To Market Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Many British homes are expensive to heat during the winter. Some houses are difficult to heat too. Furthermore, a lot of these homes even suffer from damp due to their poor insulation.

Energy costs rarely decrease. Moreover, heating costs are likely to keep on rising over the next few years. Alongside this, home insulation can be an expensive investment.

But, you don’t have to break the bank to stay warm this winter.

Close The Doors

Shutting off rooms works wonders in trapping in heat, and rooms heat up quicker too!

Draught Excluding

So, you’ve shut the doors. But is the heat now escaping under the doors? Draught excluders are one of the cheapest buys. They prevent a breeze from coming in and the heat from leaking out.

Draughts can also sneak in from floorboards, cracks in walls and through windows. Carpets and rugs can absorb the draught from beneath your feet. Re-plastering over cracks in walls can be a quick and cheap fix too!

If you only have single-glazed windows, upgrading to double-glazed can be costly, especially when working to a budget. But it’s a worthy investment. Furthermore, the money it will cost you to replace will save you hundreds each year off your energy bill. If you are looking to purchase double-glazing, why not check out our article on the most popular window styles.

However, there is a short-term alternative. Window film kits start at around £10. Plus, this involves placing a layer of plastic film on the frames and using a hairdryer to smooth it out. Try shopping around for similar ideas.

A more traditional option is thick thermal curtains or Venetian blinds.

Both can help to exclude draughts from your windows, helping to keep the heat in your home.

Shop Around

There are plenty of comparison websites when it comes to finding the best deal on your energy bill. They are a quick and easy way of seeing if you could save more money. Unless your current provider offers you a better deal, there’s no harm in switching each year.

Other Alternatives

There are loads of other ways to budget on home insulation. Bleed your radiators and let trapped air out. Or, turn the thermostat down a touch on your radiators or boiler. Doing so can save you money each month, and you probably won’t even feel the difference in the temperature.

Home insulation doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

The post How To Maintain Home Insulation On A Budget appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Driveways And Paths

The first of our front garden ideas is to maintain and focus on the upkeep of your driveway and paths. A budget-friendly way of doing so is to jet wash. Driveways and pavements can get dirty quickly and easily. However, a pressure washer can lift the grime and restore the pavement to looking new. 

uPVC, Wooden And Composite Front Doors

Another of our front garden ideas is to focus on your front door. Many people have uPVC front doors, but composite doors are becoming more popular. 

If your door is uPVC, ensure you keep it looking clean. Wiping any marks can help your home look tidy. 

If your door is wooden, it may need a lick of paint to freshen it up. Pick a colour that will complement your home.

As discussed in one of our articles, composite doors have many advantages. Moreover, another of our articles discusses how the style and colour of your composite door can enhance your kerb appeal. Furthermore, composite doors can modernise homes too. 

Plants

If you’re lucky enough to have space for plants, shrubbery, or a front lawn – add some foilage. Moreover, this front garden idea is ideal for improving your kerb appeal if you’re on a budget. Invest in some hanging baskets or a seasonal wreath for your front door.

Other Front Garden Ideas

Taking care of your windows and cleaning them can make your home look more welcoming. Moreover, even updating your blinds and curtains can transform your home. 

Another front garden idea for sprucing up your kerb appeal is to repaint any fences and gates. Furthermore, if they are stained brown, why not try a different colour? Grey and duck egg blue are becoming more popular. 

Achieving kerb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or a difficult task. Cleaning, painting and planting can make a massive difference to your front garden. 

The post Front Garden Ideas: How To Spruce Up Your Kerb Appeal appeared first on Windows Manchester.