• 7 ways to stay fit at home!
    Posted on 25 August 2023

    7 ways to stay fit at home!

    Even if you’re not a gym-fanatic or an occasional marathon runner, the activities and interactions of our daily lives provide short bursts of exercise that we wouldn’t even consider to be ‘exercise’.

    We take for granted that walking to the train station, moving from a desk to a meeting or even enjoying a lunchtime stroll to grab a bite, keeps us on the move. Although not ‘high-impact’ (unless, of course, you’re running for the train) these daily activities help to keep our bodies mobile.

    For many of us our commutes have become a matter of steps from bed to desk, and so we must make a point of factoring exercise into our daily routines. Keeping active during this time is incredibly important, not just because it helps to protect and boost our immune system, helps keep our mental health in check, and allows us to get a more restful night’s sleep, but also because of its overall effect on our mood, and in turn, our motivation levels and ability to work productively.

    You probably already know and appreciate the benefits of exercise. The question is: how can you keep on top of your fitness game from your home? Fortunately, the modern world offers us an abundance of digital options, from live-streamed workout classes to Zoom yoga sessions.

    However, space is an issue for many, and as we try to turn our homes into an all-encompassing environment where we can work, eat, relax and work out, learning to make the most of what we have is an important lesson that we're all discovering. Here are our top seven tips on how to use your living space to help keep you fit, active and motivated.  

    1. Clear space

    We’re starting with a simple one that's easily overlooked. If you’re following an online class, it’s all too easy to set your laptop up and go. But, taking the time to prepare your environment will help you exercise more effectively and relax mentally. Move furniture to give yourself more room (think of it as a warm-up) and remove anything breakable such as vases or ornaments.

    If you’ve got enough natural daylight, consider removing overhead lightbulbs, particularly if you’re tall and are going to be jumping or raising your arms above your head. Knowing that you won’t break anything will allow you to focus on exercising instead of keeping your movements restricted and half of your mind on trying not to wipe out that lamp in the corner. If you’ve got a slippery floor, why not use a yoga mat or doormat to help improve your grip.

    2. View your furniture in a new way
    Now is the time to discover all the ways in which your furniture can be used. There’s a whole range of exercises that can be made even more effective using basic household furniture. Here are our favourites:

    Triceps dips and incline push-ups using your sofa or bed – a great way to work out while watching TV. For triceps dips, simply place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of the sofa or bed with your legs in front of you and lower your body in reps. Push-ups or sit-ups can be done with either your feet or hands raised on the bed, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling!
    Sit-to-stand squats from a chair – a great form of resistance training that you can do while checking your emails. If you’ve got a sturdy chair, try holding yourself up with your palms flat to the seat and stretching your legs out in front of you (this may take some practice).
    Push-ups against a wall or kitchen counter – another easy form of resistance training.
    Lunges or single step-ups on the stairs – if you have stairs, then this a great way to stretch your legs. For added cardio, try running up them a few times.

    3. Make your own weights

    What do tins of beans, bags of rice, flour and bottled drinks have in common? They all make great dumbbell substitutes. Put them together in a carrier bag and you’ve got yourself a make-shift kettlebell. Pets and children also make collaborative, heavier alternatives. Safely and willingly, of course.  

    4. Get creative with outdoor space
    Weather permitting, working out in the garden is a fantastic way of spending time outdoors and staying healthy. Try running around the garden or making an obstacle course to encourage the whole family to join in. Empty flowerpots, sticks, anything that you may have lying around the house that can be arranged on the ground – think football-style, fast feet drills. If you don’t have a lot of space, there are still things you can do.
    Take inspiration from Elisha Nochomovitz of Toulouse, France, who proved that creativity and exercise know no bounds by running a marathon on his seven-metre balcony. He is one of many who have done extraordinary things with limited space – skipping is also a great high-intensity exercise that requires very little room.

    5. Use a standing desk
    Standing desks have become all the rage in trendy office spaces for a while now, with the health benefits of standing for long periods as opposed to sitting widely acknowledged. If you don’t have a standing desk at home, try improvising – an ironing board can work well, or even a stack of books on a kitchen counter. If standing all day isn’t for you, still try to move as much as possible. A lot of people naturally find it easier to walk and talk, so if you’re taking a lot of calls, you can pace as much as you like without annoying your colleagues.

    6. Turn your garage into a home gym
    If you have exercise equipment at home and a space that is rarely used, now would be a great time to have a clear-out and consider moving all your equipment into one place. Creating a home gym will help you feel as though you have a designated place to work out, the closest thing to actually going to the gym while restrictions are in place. Even if you don’t have professional equipment, but you still have space that you’d like to utilise, you can use our previous tips for makeshift weights and routines.

    7. Factor in relaxing exercise and set the scene
    Keeping fit at home doesn’t just mean high-intensity workouts and resistance training. Gentler exercises such as yoga, Pilates and aerobics are all great ways of strengthening and stretching while allowing us to clear our minds and relax.

    Make the most of this time and try to make your home as much like a yoga studio as you can: dim the lights, use candles, regulate the temperature and find a relaxing playlist. Just half an hour of meditation a day can help to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and gives us much-needed time away from work, technology and the news.

    Are you looking for your new home? Contact us today, we’re always happy to help.
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  • The best quick bathroom design ideas to help sell your property
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    The best quick bathroom design ideas to help sell your property

    A quick redecoration is not a huge undertaking. In fact, most people do a little paint refresh when they buy a property.

    But re-doing the bathroom is a much bigger task and can cost thousands of pounds.

    Because of this, many property searchers consider the bathroom as a key selling point when buying a property. If the bathroom is a bit naff, it can certainly put a buyer off.

    So, what will make your bathroom capture the attention of buyers and keep those offers coming in?

    Quirky but tasteful design features will draw attention and make your home stand out, even if you have a relatively plain bathroom suite. It is possible to give a bathroom a real wow factor, even if you keep the suite itself the same.

    As long as it is in good condition and not dated, you can spruce it up quickly.

    A scalloped edge or coloured suite is definitely dated and might not spruce up as well. But a plain and simple bathroom is a great starting-off position.

    Get it clean: First and foremost, the bathroom must be clean. There is no way you will make a positive statement if the grout is discoloured and the sealant is mouldy.

    Add some colour: Look at the current trends for colours and wallpapers. Bathrooms are often either muted and relaxing or bright and vibrant. Add a touch of colour to stand out from the usual clinical white bathrooms.

    Let there be light: Bathroom lighting is often overlooked, but it is a room that requires lots of light (have you ever tried to put make-up on in a dark room??) You could either install a statement light fitting or add a mirror light to change things up. Mood lighting, dimmer bulbs, coloured lighting, or floor lamps are all options. Have fun with the lighting in your bathroom. Perhaps you can find a way to have ambient mood lighting for a relaxing evening soak, but also bright lights for getting ready for your day?

    Plants: House plants are big business at the moment. Having plants in your home can be a source of pleasure. Indoor gardening relieves stress, boosts creativity, productivity and focus, and promotes recovery. There's some evidence that houseplants may positively influence the air quality in your home as well. Why not have a hanging plant in the corner of your bathroom? Or maybe a large pot plant on a windowsill?

    Beautiful bottles: Rather than having brand packaging on display for all of your lotions and potions in the bathroom, why not decant the products into matching bottles or dispensers? Everything matching will look lovely.

    Towels. Fancy, guest, fancy guest (if you know, you know): Consider having some 'show' towels displayed in the bathroom. Rolled up and stacked neatly, or perfectly folded and placed on a shelf. Big fluffy towels add a sense of luxury.
    Mirror, mirror on the wall: A mirror is a must in any bathroom, but why do you have to play it safe? Why not have a statement mirror? Have some fun and make a statement with the mirror's shape, size, or design.

    It's art, daahhhling: Why not hang some pictures? Of course, this room has water and steam at high levels, so maybe not your most valuable pieces, but a fun print will quickly and easily brighten things up.

    A bottle of bleach is not an ornament!: Hide all of your cleaning products. Put them away in a cupboard so that they can not be seen. We all use them, but you don't need to see the bleach stored down the side of the toilet or a grubby old cloth stuffed under the sink.

    Perhaps we could all try to be a little more 'Downton'?:
    In shows like Downton Abbey, which exude opulence and grandeur, there is almost always a chair in the bathroom. Replicate this in your humble abode with a fun armchair.

    Time to relax: Get a bath tray for your scented candle and to hold your book (and wine glass) whilst you soak away your stresses. This shows how relaxing your bathroom can be and evokes emotions in the buyers' minds when they see the photographs online.

    A bathroom that instantly looks like a beautiful place to relax, or a fun, vibrant room full of colour, it will capture the attention of viewers when they're searching for a property.

    If your home grabs attention, it will naturally generate more clicks to the full brochure, leading to more viewing appointments and subsequently more offers!

    If you want some tips or advice on how you could maximise the sale price of your home, get in touch with our expert team today!
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  • Could home improvements be ruining your property value?
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    Could home improvements be ruining your property value?

    Some home improvements cause a deterioration in value when the time comes to sell your property on, while others won’t move the needle either way.

    This makes it an important thing to consider before you decide whether to go ahead with your next project. After all, the wrong decision could end up costing you twice: once to pay for the job, and then again when you sell.

    We’ll take you through some of the worst home improvements you can make if you’re thinking of selling up in the not-too-distant future.

    Removing a bedroom
    Doing away with a bedroom may seem questionable at first glance, and you’d be right! Losing a bedroom can end up being one of the costliest mistakes a homeowner makes when it comes to home improvements.

    Living spaces are commonly listed with three vital statistics: Price, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms. Negatively altering this key selling point is simply asking for trouble and could end up costing you as much as a 15% loss in value when you put your home on the market.

    Reasons for getting rid of a bedroom usually fall into one of two camps: Turning two smaller bedrooms into one bigger room or doing a complete overhaul and creating another bathroom. Either way, it’s highly likely that your plans will be detrimental to the price of your property. Don’t do it!

    Adding solar panels
    This one is a little less straightforward and needs a lot more consideration than removing a bedroom. Installing solar panels is a costly affair, and research shows that when homeowners put their properties on the market the return on their investment is a big, fat 0%.

    Now, that doesn’t mean to say solar panels are worthless. Far from it. But you should definitely give serious thought to the reasons why you are installing them before you go ahead.

    If, for example, you’re not intending to move for the foreseeable future, then installing solar panels may well become a perfectly viable option financially, as you’ll get your money back and then some by way of reduced energy bills.

    Installing them because you’ve heard that buyers are more frequently looking for eco-friendly homes in today’s property market isn’t such a good idea. While this train of thought seems sound enough, the reality is a bit more nuanced. In the main, solar panels are regarded as a selling point, but some buyers simply can’t stand the look of them and will actively avoid homes with them in place.

    Getting a new kitchen
    Kitchens, kitchens, kitchens. It’s all anyone talks about, so putting in a brand spanking new kitchen with state of the art fixtures and fittings must be a no-brainer if you want to up your property’s value, no?

    No.

    While it’s certainly true that everyone loves a beautiful kitchen, not everyone agrees on what constitutes beautiful. It’s also highly unlikely that your buyer will want the same appliances that you do, even if they are the bee’s knees in your mind.

    So, while it may be tempting to overhaul your kitchen prior to putting your home on the market, we’d advise against it...even if yours really is in desperate need of renovation. We’ve lost count of the number of brand-new kitchens we’ve seen in skips just weeks after the new owners have moved in. Don’t waste your money.

    Redoing the bathroom
    Similar to putting in a brand-new kitchen, spending a lot of money on upgrading your bathroom just prior to going to market isn’t the best idea in the world.

    Just like the kitchens we’ve already covered, bathrooms can often be loved and loathed in equal measure. Some will want brilliant white, other’s blue, while the next will want deep, dark tones...it’s guesswork as to what your prospective purchasers will want, so why get involved?

    Another common bathroom clanger is getting rid of the bath. Shower only bathrooms make sense on the surface but, when it comes to selling your home, not having a bath in place can alienate a surprising number of people.

    It may not send the price southwards, but we Brits like to soak so much that it could well put people off buying your home if there’s no bath installed.

    Hanging pricey wallpaper
    Wallpaper can reach extraordinary heights in terms of price, but it can be a tempting fix for those who may be looking for a quick way to spruce up their home before a sale. We all know, though, where temptation can lead us.

    A lot will come down to taste once more. What you like, others will hate. Pure and simple. That’s fine if you’re staying put, but not the best idea if you’re thinking of moving on. Neutral painted walls are always the way to go.

    There’s also another reason not to hang expensive wallpaper prior to sale. Home buyers are now well versed in the way of viewing a property, and the vast majority will enter your home with one eye on redecoration...regardless of whether they can still smell the wallpaper paste!

    Not only are the chances high they’ll disagree on your choice of pattern, it’s also a fair bet that some will be put off by the thought of having to strip every wall in the house to get things how they want it to be. Creating unnecessary work for your buyers is not a savvy move.

    Media room madness
    Losing a whole room to watching telly, playing video games, or listening to music may be a dream for some, but in reality, not many people prefer media rooms over more practical uses, especially when space and storage in the home is tight.

    Now, you may be thinking, ‘What difference if someone installs a huge TV in one room with a sofa and nothing else?’. Well, the problem usually arises from the fact that most media rooms actively incorporate the hardware into the room itself. Built-in systems are just that - built in.

    This calls for major renovation work and can cost up to £30k if done properly. That’s a ridiculous amount of money if you’re in a semi-detached home with only two or three bedrooms, and it’ll likely add a paltry £2k to £3k when you sell up. Not a good investment return.

    Are you looking to improve your home value or wondering if your DIY will be a good investment later down the line? Get in touch and our home experts can help.
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  • Avoid the loss of a good tenant by anticipating their move!
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    Avoid the loss of a good tenant by anticipating their move!

    1. Cannot afford the rent
    Tenants may move out because the rent has become too expensive for them as some landlords increase their rental price annually. Another reason could be their own financial situations, i.e., their income may have decreased due to a job loss or an increase in other expenses. Sometimes it can be advantageous to keep the rent low and dodge the void period… just make sure the numbers add up!

    2. Time to upscale
    There are a number of life events that require the need for more space. A marriage, the birth of a child, starting a home business, relatives coming to live full-time and other circumstances can force your tenant to start searching for a bigger property. There’s not much you can do to add space, but if you have a bigger rental available yourself, it might be worth mentioning it to them.

    3. Neighbours
    Some tenants would move if they didn't like their neighbours. This might sound like something that's out of your hands, but it is resolvable. The first thing to do is speak to the neighbours as they might not realise they're doing anything wrong. If they're renting too, the next step is to have a discussion with their landlord if the problem still doesn’t seem to get sorted. The next step after that would be to turn to the local council. Issues could be things like dogs barking, loud music and big piles of rubbish. If all of this fails and it becomes a long-term issue, this could drive the tenant to eventually hand in the notice and move out.

    4. They are ready to buy
    With some rental prices increasing each year and interest rates low, many are making the leap to buy homes whilst they can. This could be due to various reasons, for example, they can finally afford to join the property ladder, and they want to have their own investment, are expecting a family or relocating.

    5. Maintenance problems
    Maintenance issues can cause a tenant to move out because they are seeing a recurring issues or it never got sorted out by the landlord in the first place. It is your responsibility as landlord to keep the structure and exterior of the property well maintained and in good repair and provide your tenant with a safe place to live in. Landlords are responsible for: pest control, damp, gas, water and electricity, leaking roofs etc. Tenants are responsible for: doing minor repairs, such as changing fuses and light bulbs, keeping the property reasonably clean, taking out any unwanted waste etc.

    By acting quickly and resolving maintenance issues as they pop up, you’re much more likely to save money in the long run by keeping a good tenant and avoiding void periods. If you’re too busy or live far away, a letting agent is a good solution, able to solve problems as they arise, especially in emergency situations.

    Final thoughts:
    There are a number of reasons good tenants can leave, even if they like the property they are in. Smart landlords will get out in front of these issues and find ways to keep those tenants in their property to avoid turnover costs.

    If you’re looking for more tips for keeping good tenants, get in touch!
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  • Should you use a letting agent?
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    Should you use a letting agent?

    Are you letting out a property for the first time? Or have you often faced a lot of problems while searching for a rental property? Well, in the current property market, letting out as well as finding a property can be a real challenge. Have several people recommended that you should hire a letting agent but you are not sure about it? Don’t worry! You are not the only property owner with this confusion. If you talk to landlords, you may get contrasting opinion about the need of a letting agent. Few landlords just don’t do their job without a letting agent while others simply don’t hire one. So, instead of believing the opinion of others, you need to analyse your requirement.

    Here are a few points you should consider while deciding whether you need a letting agent or not.

    Trust - When you are letting out a property, you mostly deal with strangers. Having someone reliable in between is always a good idea. It not only makes the process but also reduces the risks involved.

    Knowledge - A letting agent has a sound knowledge of the local property market. They know what tenants are looking for and how you can market your property. They will also decide the right amount of rent you should be quoting based on other properties in the area.

    Paperwork - A letting agent takes care of all the paperwork required in renting out a property. They give correspondence, take care of viewings, references and complete any other paperwork involved in the process.

    Legal Requirements - Though you may have rented out several properties, you may not always be aware of the legal requirements for landlords. Also, there are several Health and Safety regulations a property must abide to and you may suffer penalty if you fail to do so. A letting agent has updated knowledge of the regulations, and can help you meet them.

    Cost Effectiveness - Though it may seem surprising, going for a letting agent is actually cost effective. Property owners argue that they have to pay the letting agent and it is an extra expense. But if you compare the time, money and efforts the agent saves with the amount paid as fees, you will realise that you have saved money. Not just money, a letting agent also saves you a lot of stress.

    Surety - One of the biggest nightmares of a landlord is not receiving the rent on time. If the rent is not being paid or not being fully paid, it can affect your cash flows. With a full service letting agent, you get the guarantee that you will receive your rent on time.

    There are several benefits of hiring a letting agent, but one of the most important ones is peace of mind. With a letting agent, you can keep all the stress and hassles at bay. Just make sure you make a reliable choice for a letting agent. Do your research properly, seek recommendations from coworkers and friends, and talk to few letting agents before making a decision. Remember, your peace of mind and piece of property is in his hands!
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  • Building a retirement plan from a property portfolio
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    Building a retirement plan from a property portfolio

    For ages, investing in real estate properties has proven to be one of the most successful strategies to take for your retirement. Why? Homeowners are on the decrease while house renters are on the increase. However, this does not come as easy as it sounds; you need to incorporate the right investing techniques to achieve productive results. Some of these techniques are briefly outlined below.

    Startup with a partnership, then branch off later
    You can start your investment with a colleague or simply a partner, with the agreement to separate on a later date when both of you are in a financially stable position. However, there may be the need to document your partnership so  your rights are protected in cases of premature precaution. Many people attribute their success to this technique as it helps in pulling off efforts as well as funds together, towards building an empire.

    Diversify your investments
    There’s a high risk that comes along with “putting all your eggs in one basket”. At times, the real estate markets fluctuates, and if you happen to have redirected all your investments in a particular market, you might be at risk. You may consider diversifying your retirement investment properties through;

    Location

    Asset classes

    Risk profile

    Core asset

    Core plus

    Value-added rental properties, etc.

    Other portfolio building strategies that can greatly benefit you while investing for your retirement plans in real estate properties include;

    Use of agent brokers

    Investing in different markets

    Low risk

    C-B-A strategy, etc.

    Whichever strategy you choose to opt for, remember the key factor is, first of all, conducting a market survey, and ensure the location or nature of the property you want to invest in has potential in the future. This includes the stability of the market, its growth, as well as the expansion of your investments.
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  • It’s official—this is the UK’s most Instagrammable paint colour
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    It’s official—this is the UK’s most Instagrammable paint colour

    To help you decide on the perfect shade for your next decorating project, research has uncovered the on-trend hues making waves this summer by analysing Instagram hashtag data (searching by brand and popular paint colour).

    While Dulux took the top spot, Farrow & Ball's hugely popular Hague Blue and Stiffkey Blue came in second and third place, respectively. These deep, bold blue shades are perfect for those looking to make a statement, and are especially popular in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways.

    Hague Blue can create a comforting space. A deep and rich blue with green undertones, it promotes both calm, confidence and a feeling of being grounded, which in the middle of a pandemic makes it increasingly popular. It also has a nostalgic feel, providing a certain comfort in these uncertain times.

    If you're after a more neutral colour, you'll be pleased to know that Little Greene's French Grey also made the list, alongside Farrow & Ball's warm and contemporary Elephant's Breath.

    Elephant's Breath can be both 'uplifting and 'calming' in the home. Taking a middling grey and adding a touch of warmth and intensity from pink or violet, Elephant's Breath has a lovely contemporary feel which will create a spacious area where it is used.

    As well as the trending colours, it was discovered that Farrow & Ball is the most popular paint brand on Instagram with 1.2 million hashtags, followed closely by Benjamin Moore with 400,000.

    Take a look at the full list of paint colours below...

    10 most Instagrammable paint colours

    •      Egyptian Cotton, Dulux
    •      Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
    •      Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball
    •      Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball
    •      French Grey, Little Greene
    •      Elephant's Breath, Farrow & Ball
    •      Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball
    •      Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore
    •      Sap Green, Farrow & Ball
    •      Denim Drift, Dulux

    Whether you’re DIY-ing for a sale or just to give your home a lift, choosing the right paint colour can be an important decision. Get in contact for some little tips and bits of advice we’ve picked up along the way on improving your home and home value.
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  • Six Ways to Dress Your Home for a Successful Sale
    Posted on 18 August 2023

    Six Ways to Dress Your Home for a Successful Sale

    Presenting a home in its best light can significantly bump up the selling price and speed up the transaction.

    We’re not suggesting that plush cushions and tasteful throws can make up for structural issues or a poor location. But most buyers are driven by emotion; they want to step inside a property and fall in love with it.

    So woo them! Set your emotions aside and think about what will hit home with buyers.

    Top tips for dressing your property.

    Declutter
    Bin old furniture or knick-knacks that have seen better days. Sell items that you no longer use (treadmills or exercise bikes often gather dust in the corner of spare rooms). Put bulky possessions that you just can’t part with into storage. It’s all about creating space.

    Tidy
    Ensure paperwork, photos, toiletries, and washing are out of sight. The same goes for shoes, coats, phone chargers, dog beds, and cat litter trays.

    DIY blitz
    Draw up a list of odd jobs that need doing and work through it. Fix broken cupboard doors and rickety fences and blitz carpet stains, mould, and damp. Give tired walls a lick of paint in a neutral tone.

    Identify your target demographic
    If you’re selling a four-bed home with a garden, it’s a fair bet families will be your target market, so make sure the outdoor spaces are welcoming and safe. If you’re marketing a sleek studio, target young professionals and dress the property accordingly.

    Don’t send mixed messages
    If you’re marketing a four-bed home, make sure each bedroom has a bed in it (even if that means borrowing or renting one). Similarly, if you’re trying to pass a small room off as a study, put a desk, chair, and lamp in it. Never load up rooms with odds and sods like gym equipment, fishing gear, or bikes. This only confuses buyers.

    Don’t overlook outdoor spaces
    Dress the garden just as you would any other room. That means taking any junk to the tip and installing garden furniture and a few colourful blooms.

    For more advice about how to market your home, get in touch with us here at Pinkertons.
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  • Pinkertons' Managing Director Joins Distinguished Judging Panel for The Negotiator Awards 2023
    Posted on 15 August 2023

    Pinkertons' Managing Director Joins Distinguished Judging Panel for The Negotiator Awards 2023

    The prestigious Negotiator Awards, recognised as the pinnacle of excellence within the estate and letting agent industry, is set to reach new heights this year with Pinkertons' Managing Director taking a prominent position on the esteemed judging panel. The event, which celebrates outstanding achievements and innovations, has chosen Victoria Pinkerton for her exceptional industry acumen and reputation for excellence.

    Having secured two remarkable victories in 2019 as the recipients of the Best UK Letting Agency and Best Northern Ireland Estate Agency awards, Pinkertons continues to shine in the limelight of the property realm. Now, with their own MD joining the select group of industry luminaries, the spotlight is firmly on Pinkertons once again.

    Victoria Pinkerton commented "The opportunity to contribute to The Negotiator Awards 2023 as a judge is both an honour and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. These awards embody the finest achievements in our industry, and I am thrilled to be a part of the process that recognises and celebrates excellence."

    The Negotiator Awards, renowned for its commitment to impartiality and openness, has attracted a record-breaking 30 industry leaders to the judging panel this year. Grant Leonard, Event Director, emphasised the value of these experts sharing their profound insights to determine the most outstanding agents and suppliers across the UK.

    While the industry anticipates the awards ceremony on November 24th at the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel, the deadline for submissions is the end of this month. Following this, the unveiling of the shortlist is expected in late September 2023. The grand finale will occur at a glittering gala dinner at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, showcasing the finalists and announcing the victors.

    The Negotiator Conference & Expo, an essential networking event for estate and letting agents, is set to precede the awards ceremony. With prominent keynote speakers and enlightening panel discussions, the Expo serves as an invaluable platform for industry professionals to gather, strategise, and innovate.

    For further information on the awards visit https://thenegotiator.co.uk/awards/

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  • Top qualities to look for in your estate agent
    Posted on 11 August 2023

    Top qualities to look for in your estate agent

    Local market understanding
    It’s hard to fathom an estate agent who doesn’t understand the market or have an inkling of the real estate terrain in the locality. The agency you choose should have professionals who comprehend the community really well and can buy or sell without a problem. From areas with low crime, public amenities, transport links to academic institutions, quality real estate agents know their local area.

    Observable honesty
    Just like hiring any professional out there, getting the best estate agent is as risky as anything else. If you can get a recommendation from a person you trust, all the better. However, this isn’t always the case and you might have to judge the individual for yourself. An honest real estate agent will be very authentic from the beginning. For instance, if the home you need to sell requires some intensive repairs and fixing, the individual will be candid with you. The person must be someone you believe will always have your best interest all the time.

    Communicates amicably
    One of the key traits of a real estate agent that comes into use all the time is communication. Ability to communicate is diverse, from being able to speak with potential buyers or sellers to keeping you updated as much as possible on the progress and condition of your property.

    Great at listening and taking instructions
    If getting an agent to take up your instructions is really hard then there’s a problem. As the property owner or buyer it’s the business of the agent to just listen. A quality agent adapts to you and reads you very well, including knowing the best way of reaching you; you might prefer email, text messages, phone calls or just typical one-on-one meetings.

    Well networked
    If real estate agents are to succeed they need to be well networked. Having lots of contacts within a specific zone or locality is very important and shows the ability to penetrate where it matters. They should be connected to potential sellers and buyers, brokers and other estate agencies as well as loan officers, home inspectors, repairers and appraisers.

    Makes the most of tech
    You don’t really need real estate agents who have no idea how to leverage on modern technology. If they only use newspapers, magazines and conventional media to advertise their property or services you need to be sceptical. The best estate agents and agencies have websites and are aptly web savvy so that they know which websites to use to sell or buy property, among other things. Social media is big today and they should be able to leverage on it as much as possible.
    Every property owner deserves a real estate agent with all the proper qualities to help them sell or purchase homes and other properties or just to manage their assets. Do ensure the one you choose exhibits the qualities you hold dear.
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