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[youtube id="https://youtu.be/E_RiiCEpaPQ"] Moving home can be risky. It may surprise you that on average 25-30% of properties for sale don't make it to exchange in the first attempt. This results in wasted costs and time for you. Our agency is taking action against this issue. We are one of the safest agencies in town that can help you move with less risk and more certainty. This video, just over 2 minutes long, explains how to be sale-ready and use reservation agreements to prevent gazundering and gazumping and also improves transaction times.

We hope this newsletter finds you well. This month, we reflect on the resilient TN33 property market in April, share insights on how social media can be a powerful tool for generating exposure and overcoming potential objections, and acknowledge the recent historic event of King Charles' Coronation. TN33 Property Market Resilience: April Update The TN33 property market continues to show its adaptability in the face of changing conditions. In April, we saw the following trends: An increase in properties coming to market, with 39 properties listed compared to 35 last year Continued demand for properties, as evidenced by 18 sales agreed A flexible market, with 20 price reductions indicating sellers' willingness to adapt Sellers demonstrating patience and determination, with an average of 163 days on the market These trends highlight the resilience of the TN33 property market. With the right approach and marketing strategy, both buyers and sellers can turn these challenges into opportunities. The Power of Social Media: Generating Exposure and Overcoming Objections Social media has become an indispensable tool in the world of real estate. By showcasing properties, generating leads, and building relationships with potential buyers, agents can harness the power of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to drive success. We recently experienced firsthand how social media can help overcome objections and generate interest in a property. After sharing a property on our social media channels, a potential buyer raised an objection in the comments. By addressing the issue publicly and providing a satisfactory solution, we not only resolved the buyer's concern but also demonstrated our transparency and commitment to helping clients. As a result, the buyer scheduled a viewing for the property. Boost Your Property's Exposure by Engaging with Your Agent's Social Media Content If your property is on the market and your agent is actively using social media, we highly recommend engaging with their content. Liking, sharing, and commenting on posts will increase the visibility of the agent's social media page, which can have a positive effect on your property's exposure. Even if the content is not about your specific property, engaging with it can still contribute to the overall success of the agent's marketing efforts, indirectly benefiting you as a seller. Reflections on King Charles' Coronation We hope you enjoyed the momentous occasion of King Charles' Coronation that took place this past weekend. Whether you celebrated this historic event or simply enjoyed the extra day off during the Bank Holiday, we trust it was a memorable time for all. In conclusion, the TN33 property market has shown its resilience and adaptability this year. By leveraging social media and adopting the right marketing strategies, we can continue to achieve success. If you have any questions or would like a personalized property consultation, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. (data from Rightmove)

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Battle this spring and want a quick sale, then here are our tips to help you find a buyer in no time at all. Be Flexible on Price When it comes to selling your property in Battle, a good estate agent will be able to give you a clear idea of the price range that it falls into. Ideally you’ll get the full asking price, and if you’re very lucky then you may be offered more if a couple of potential buyers want to compete. However, if you want a quick sale then you may need to be prepared to accept a little under the asking price. You should be willing to be flexible, especially if the property is looking tired and some of the major components need updating, such as the boiler or windows. Have an amount in mind that you would be willing to accept but don’t allow yourself to be forced into accepting a low offer if you won’t be happy with the price. Find the Right Buyer While it’s natural to want to achieve the highest possible price for your property, it may be worth sacrificing a small amount to get a sale completed as quickly as possible. For example, one buyer may offer you the full asking price but be part of a long chain, whereas a first-time buyer may come in with a slightly lower offer but with no chain to consider. So if you’re looking to sell in a hurry, then it may be worth your while choosing a buyer who’s ready to go quickly, even if it costs you a bit of money in the short-term. Give Your Home a Lick of Paint Buyers will be far more attracted to a property that’s ready to move into immediately, and you don’t need to spend a fortune getting the place ready either. A fresh coat of paint will do the job, even if it’s just a touch up rather than a full paint job. Go for neutral colours too, such as an off-white or magnolia. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property they’re viewing, so giving them a blank canvas will be far more appealing than jungle-themed wallpaper for example! Boost Kerb Appeal Many buyers will make up their mind about a property before they’ve even stepped foot inside. If you’ve allowed the front garden to become overgrown, or your overflowing wheelie bins are blocking the path then it’s time to get the gardening gloves on and tidy it up. Add a hanging basket or two, or some pots, and perhaps touch up any paitwork if you want to really make an impression. Show off your Home’s Assets You want to show your property in its best light, so that means highlighting everything that’s good about it. For example, you may have been using the second bedroom as a dumping ground for all your old coats or magazines, but buyers will want to see how they can use the space as a second bedroom. So clear all the clutter out of sight, make the bed and let buyers see what it’s meant to be used for. Declutter…Everywhere! This ties in nicely with showing off your property’s assets. Buyers want to see a property that’s well looked after and don’t want to be overwhelmed with clutter when they walk through the door. So if you have been using the understairs cupboard for junk or piling up paperwork in the sitting room then it’s time for a clearout. And there’s the added bonus of potentially making a few pounds by selling some of your unwanted possessions. Fix any Minor Issues When you’re living in a place it’s easy to overlook a missing lightbulb, a damaged fence or a cracked window. However, if you’re looking to sell, then these minor issues are all things that buyers could pick up on, and which might put them off making an offer. Some buyers may see minor issues like these as a sign of potentially bigger issues elsewhere, and it gives them the impression that the house isn’t well maintained generally. So before you come to sell, just take some time to sort out those odd jobs that you’ve been putting off. Clean Your House You don’t need to get the professionals in or spend all day doing a deep clean, but before any viewings just make sure you’ve whizzed round with the vacuum and a duster, emptied the bins and tidied up. You’d be amazed how much of a difference it can make to buyers, and it’s further proof that you take pride in your property and maintain it to a good standard. Paul Stripp Estate Agent are your local property experts for the Battle area. Call us on 07891260449 or email info@paulstrippestateagent.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

How Coadjute enabled Paul Stripp Estate Agents to close a sale with international sellers in record time

Coadjute is the latest in the tech stack that we have brought into the business to fasten the sales process, reduce fall throughs and further improve transparency and communication. Click below read the case study - read time is around two minutes https://coadjute.com/case-studies/paul-stripp/

Selling your home in East Sussex is a big task in itself as there’s so much to prepare. If you’re trying to tackle everything yourself, it can be daunting trying to attract potential buyers, but one of the best ways to do that is to have the right decor that gives off that ‘wow’ factor. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, ‘wow factor’ it is essentially any feature or quality that is impressive and—you’ve guessed it—makes people say ‘wow’ when they see it for the first time! When potential buyers are checking out your home, you want to impress them and get them to imagine their new lives in your home, and a space with a ‘wow factor’ does the trick. One of the best spaces to create a wow factor in is your living room because it can be done on a budget and without spending a lot of time and money on renovations. It’s also one of the most used rooms in the home where families gather, where people socialise and entertain guests, and where you wind down after a long day. It’s also one of the most important rooms when showing your home, aside from the kitchen and master bedroom, and is often one of the first rooms people look at when they view a property. With this in mind, we have detailed three simple ways to give your living room the wow factor and impress anyone who walks through your door. 1. Choose your furniture carefully The furniture in your living room obviously makes a major difference when it comes to looking drab and plain or exciting and bold. If you’re staging your home, you have some choice in this department. Choosing pieces of furniture that look cheap or are poor quality doesn’t do anything for the wow factor, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to choose expensive pieces to add flair. You can source vintage pieces or antiques that stand out from the mass produced or highly trendy furniture that a lot of people choose. The goal is to have a living room that stands out, so unique pieces of furniture will certainly accomplish that. If you’re working with the furniture you have, try and dress it up or rearrange it so your space is open and interesting. Consider giving old wood furniture a fresh coat of paint or a new stain to brighten them up, or try some DIY tricks to make outdated furniture look fresh and exciting. You can also use contrasting textures to bring some energy and boldness into the room. If your sofa is leather, get a plush throw to hang over it for example. Don’t feel discouraged if you aren’t inspired by the pieces you have – there are plenty of ways to make them exciting without breaking the bank. 2. Add the right decor Your decor can make or break a room so when it comes to the wow factor, choosing your decor pieces is especially important. The goal here is to create a focal point in the room where the energy can emanate from and draw people’s attention. Once you have the focal point, you can work from there to bring energy to the rest of the space. One great idea for a focal point is a colourful piece of art on the wall or a collage of pieces or artistic photographs that work well together. Hang your art on a wall free of clutter and obstruction so it can really shine in the space. Another idea is to strategically place a large plant in the room where it can make a dramatic statement. Oversized plants are also perfect for drawing the eye towards something else, like a gorgeous fireplace. A final focal point idea would be to have hanging lights over the main seating area or to place a lamp in a corner or next to a sofa where it can really make a statement. 3. Add a splash of colour The colour scheme of your room is another imperative aspect to creating the wow factor, so try to stay away from the trendy colour du jour. Again, you want to avoid the styles that seemingly everyone else uses because it is no longer bold and interesting. You want your living room to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, so don’t go for the usual neutrals and instead, go big. Choose contrasting colours that stand out for your furniture, textiles, decor, and walls. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different palettes – that’s what drives the wow factor. Opt for colourful and bold patterns on accent items like throws, cushions and rugs, rather than plain or solid fabrics. Pick an accent wall and paint it a bright or contrasting colour or put up wallpaper with an interesting pattern. There are so many ways you can create the wow factor in your home and these three tips are the perfect starting point. Why not experiment with your decor and then call the friendly team at Paul Stripp Estate Agent on 07891260449. We will be delighted to offer you feedback and provide you with a free valuation on your property in East Sussex.

What’s Happening In The UK Property Market?January 2023 The housing market remains uncertain heading into 2023, but there’s some optimism among homeowners and first-time buyers, particularly as one developer has launched an innovative new scheme. Read on to find out the latest. House Prices See New Year Bounce Back While house prices fell towards the end of 2022 (see below) and are expected to continue falling in 2023, there was at least some positive news to start the year for potential sellers! Property portal, Rightmove, has reported the biggest New Year bounce since 2020, with average prices rising by 0.9% according to their data. And while there’s usually an increase in demand in January, the figures still make for positive reading for sellers, as there’s been a surge in demand from potential buyers too. Rightmove has reported a 55% jump in the number of people contacting estate agents about homes listed on the site in the first two weeks of the year. This is coupled with an increase in the number of homes entering the market, as the company has also reported that the 5th January was the third busiest day ever for homeowners asking estate agents to value their home. House Prices Drop For Fourth Month in a Row  High interest rates and the rising cost of living contributed to a fall in house prices for a fourth consecutive month in December. Figures released by major lender, Halifax, showed a 1.5% decrease in the average asking price, which now stands at £281,272. However, while there’s traditionally a seasonal slowdown in December, the fall wasn’t as sharp as expected, and was lower than November’s drop of 2.4%. On an annual basis, prices grew by 2% compared with December 2021, representing the slowest year-on-year growth since October 2019. And while the market slowed significantly towards the end of 2022, average prices still remain way above pre-Covid levels, and so far the start of 2023 is looking similar to the starts of 2016, 2017 and 2018, although some forecasters are predicting a 10% drop in 2023. Mortgage Approvals Drop to New Lows Figures released by the Bank of England suggest that mortgage approval levels have fallen to their lowest level in two years. Just over 46,000 mortgages were approved in November – a drop from October’s figure of 58,000, as would-be homebuyers have been increasingly put off by rising interest rates and cost of living pressures. The slump is expected to continue as uncertainty takes hold of the market and the cost of living continues to be volatile. Rents Rising at Fastest Rates on Record Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that rental rates increased by 4% on average in 2022 – the fastest rise since records began seven years ago. A quarter of private tenants surveyed in December said their rent had risen in the previous six months, as many landlords have passed on the increases they’ve faced on their buy-to-let mortgage rates. The ONS figures also showed that renters pay significantly more on their living costs than homeowners, with their weekly expenditure on housing accounting for 24% of their income – 8% higher than those with a mortgage. New ‘Save To Buy’ scheme launched for first-time buyers An innovative scheme by one leading home developer could pave the way for thousands of renters to get onto the property ladder. The initiative, set up by new homes developer, Fairview, will see all of the money paid by tenants in rent be put towards the deposit for their home. Under the scheme, rent is paid at a fixed cost for between six months and two years, but instead of going to a landlord, the money will be set aside until the renters have a big enough deposit to obtain a mortgage on the property. At that point, they can go through the usual mortgage application process and buy the home they’ve been renting. The scheme is currently running at two of Fairview’s developments – New Hayes in West London and Epping Gate in Loughton, Essex. However, it’s expected to be rolled out to a number of other developments over the next few months. The scheme is open to anyone who is classed as a first-time buyer, and the only stipulation is that you must have a deposit equivalent to 1% of the property’s value when you first move in. This is handed over to the developer when you first exchange contracts, and from that point, 100% of your rent will go towards the deposit to buy the property. There’s also an option to top up your monthly payments if you can, which means getting on to the property ladder sooner. For more property news and updates and a more detailed overview of the East Sussex area, get in touch with Paul Stripp Estate Agent. We are your local property experts. Call us on 07891260449 or email info@paulstrippestateagent.com.

If you’re looking to buy a house in Battle there are a few things you’ll need to think about before committing. Here we list 10 things to consider before taking the plunge and making a purchase. 1. Find Out Your Budget It’s amazing how many buyers start viewing properties before they’ve even found out what their budget is. Many buyers have a vague idea and start looking well before getting the finance in place, only to find out they can’t borrow as much as they thought. So, before you start viewing properties in Battle and putting in offers, get in touch with a mortgage advisor to find out exactly how much you can borrow. They’ll also be able to tell you how much your monthly repayments will be, which will allow you to work out how much disposable income you’ll have left each month. 2. Have Your Finances in Place… And Factor in Additional Costs If your money is tied up in long-term funds or accounts then it may not be easy to access immediately, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get your funds released, and ideally transfer it into an instant access account when you’re ready to make a purchase. It will save a lot of potential aggravation further down the line and will help to speed up the process if you have your funds readily available. Another thing to consider is the additional costs that come with buying a property. Things like conveyancing fees and removal costs are unavoidable, but you’ll also want to think about items you’ll want in the property, such as furniture, electrical appliances, carpets and so on. After all, there’s no point in blowing your budget on a property if you can’t afford to furnish it! 3. Find the Right Location Think about your current circumstances as well as your future ones. Do you need to be close to a train station? Is there a primary school close by? Different buyers want different things when it comes to location, so think about what’s important to you and what’s not so essential. 4. Consider Outside Space The recent Coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot of people’s attitudes towards what they’re looking for in a property, with gardens being a huge positive for buyers. You might not consider a garden to be essential, but having an outside space, even if it’s a small courtyard or a communal area can be very beneficial to your mental wellbeing. 5. Think About Office Space With millions of people now having the option to work from home, properties with home offices have seen an increase in demand too. So, if you’re one of the many people who’ll be spending more time working at home in the future, then a property with a study or the space for at least a desk may be perfect. 6. Does the Property Have Potential? It’s worth considering what value you may be able to add to the property in future, or what a future buyer may see in it. For example, is there space to add an extra bedroom or a conservatory? And if you’re only planning to own the property for a couple of years before moving on, is it likely to increase in value? Does it have good transport links or new facilities being built nearby for example? 7. What Condition Should the Property be in? Are you looking for a house in Battle that’s ready to move into tomorrow, or are you happy to spend time and money bringing it up to scratch? You’ll need to consider these options when you’re looking around and potentially adjust your budget accordingly. 8. Find a Good Conveyancer You don’t need to have a conveyancer in place before you start viewing properties, but the earlier you find one the smoother the process will be. Get several quotes and ask family and friends and your estate agent if they can recommend anyone. A good, recommended conveyancer will help to keep the whole buying process as stress-free as possible. 9. Understand What’s Included Try and find out which fixtures and fittings are included as soon as possible in the buying process, as it will allow you to work out if you need to budget for anything extra. For example, appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines will probably not be included as part of the purchase, which could lead to several hundred pounds of additional costs to consider. 10. Keep Your Spending in Check Before You Buy Remember, if you’re taking out a mortgage, your lender will be taking a deep look into your finances. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them in check before starting the whole process. Don’t go loading up your credit card with purchases, and if you’re able to pay off debts or make them more manageable, it will go a long way to helping you get approved for a mortgage. Paul Stripp Estate Agent are your local property experts for the Battle area. Call us on 07891260449 or email info@paulstrippestateagent.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team

01424 772954 paulstrippestateagent.com/ January Newsletter - Updates on the market and Paul Stripp Estate Agent Ltd As we welcome in the New Year it's time to briefly look back at what has happened to the property market over the last year. Where do you think was the most searched for location within England? Well according to Rightmove, it is still London, predictibly. During the pandemic people were coming away from the cities to find a quieter way of living. However now that we have hopefully turned a corner with the pandemic, people are starting to return to their offices, this of course having an impact on the property market. It is my opinion that Battle and surrounding areas sits nicely as sellers and buyers look to relocate along the trainline but still remain outside the city. What impact will this have on 2023? Due to the price of living and mortgage rates increasing as well, buyers and sellers are taking more time to look into their finances so that they are not overstretched resulting in buyers who are more thorough in their research and slightly lower budgets. What have we seen so far? What I am seeing is those buyers that are out viewing are far more committed than before for the reasons above plus if someone is out viewing in the wind and the rain they are not there to waste sellers time. Making it more imperative than ever that your home is warm and presentable for viewings to ensure your home stands out in the crowd. To summarise the above This artificial price rise is now at an end and there seems to be a consensus that prices are coming back to what they would have been pre-covid, back to the natural rise and fall of the housing market. An Update On My Business We continue to grow. So far to date, we have sold over £7,000,000 of property in the local area. Our business growth has been exponential since we started and I believe this is rooted in the service that we provide and the trust our clients have in the business. To honour that trust we invested back into the business, last January we employed Ami Pitman who has been invaluable. Ami continues to develop her skill set in the industry and has recently undertaken professional training and successfully completed the course.I also recently passed my level 3 in residential sales which is equivalent to an a level and compliments my existing level 3 in lettings and property management as well as my 15 years in the industry. We have our sights set on further qualifications which I see as fundamental to improve standards in the industry and provide our clients with that trust and security that only formal qualifications can give.Currently we are in the process of becoming members of Propertymark which will further raise our service levels and security we can offer clients.Additionally, in the spirit of transparency I am also investing in block chain technology that wil provide greater communication between the sellers solicitor, buyers solicitor and myself. All with the aim of speeding up the process of sales progression which everyone who knows me, knows I am extremely passionate about. Faster process mean less fall throughs; it is as simple as that. My success rating is way above the national average however I am confident that I can raise that further.Furthermore, I have always been an advocate of professional marketing and now very excited to be rolling out my own means of marketing clients homes which will give more flexibility, more content and also reduce the amount of viewings that could be avoided. I cannot say too much but the technology should be with me in 5 weeks. All at no additional cost to my clients. This is an exciting time for my business and my family. I intend to make the most of this year and I look forward to working with you. To all my previous clients, thank you so much for your trust and your business. To my existing clients, thank you for your business and heres to getting you over the line this year. Kind regards, Paul p.s interested to know the different methods to present your price? Click the link below https://youtu.be/HrHlbmKkAkw