I I n n s s i i d d e e t t h h i i s s i i s s s s u u e e … … P P r r o o p p e e r r t t y y a a d d v v i i c c e e : : G G e e t t t t i i n n g g y y o o u u r r h h o o u u s s e e i i n n o o r r d d e e r r . . E E n n e e r r g g y y a a d d v v i i c c e e : : W W o o o o d d , , a a f f e e e e l l g g o o o o d d f f u u e e l l f f o o r r t t h h e e f f u u t t u u r r e e ? ? I I n n s s u u r r a a n n c c e e : : N N o o n n s s t t a a n n d d a a r r d d h h o o m m e e i i n n s s u u r r a a n n c c e e . . J J u u s s t t f f o o r r f f u u n n : : M M o o v v i i n n g g h h o o m m e e w w o o r r d d s s e e a a r r c c h h . . L L o o c c a a l l n n e e w w s s : : W W h h a a t t ’ ’ s s o o n n a a t t L L o o n n g g S S u u t t t t o o n n M M a a r r k k e e t t H H o o u u s s e e . . R R i i g g h h t t m m o o v v e e : : 5 5 t t o o p p t t i i p p s s f f o o r r g g e e t t t t i i n n g g a a m m o o r r t t g g a a g g e e . . L L e e g g a a l l a a d d v v i i c c e e : : W W h h y y h h a a v v e e a a s s u u r r v v e e y y . . P P L L U U S S : : F F u u l l l l p p r r o o p p e e r r t t y y l l i i s s t t i i n n g g s s . . Cover photo: sunset at Sutton Bridge river bank. 206 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 9SG Tel: 01406 359131 Fax: 01406 359939 Email: [email protected]Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. Saturday 9am – 4pm. Closed: Sundays & Bank Holidays Phoenix Property Magazine January 2014 FREE
Phoenix Estate Agents, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire (UK) January 2014 edition of our in house property magazine with full property listings, editorial features & for a bit of fun a word search. Please call us on 01406 359131 for any further information.
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January is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the housing market. Properties that are well presented often have a better chance of reaping the benefits by securing an early sale to a motivated buyer or even to just encourage a more sensible offer. After all as a seller you want to help you estate agent to get the best possible price for you on your property – so help them by working with them, rather than having the presentation of your property being the thing that holds you back. There are some relatively quick and inexpensive steps that can help you to present your property in the best possible light: 1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER Be ruthless in clearing items out of view, think clear windowsills & uncluttered worktops and not having piles of stuff in corners. De-cluttering is important as is allows buyers to appreciate your property’s space and better imagine their belongings and furniture fitting in. Use it constructively to get rid of things you don’t intend to keep when you move and box up anything you won’t need as that will only give you a head start on the packing you would do when you move anyway. It may even in turn make the process of packing less stressful in the long run! 2. REMOVE TRACES OF PETS Particularly important in kitchens where some buyers may not like the idea of pets and food mixing. Vacuum sofas etc and make sure pets hairs aren’t visible on surfaces. Ideally try to confine pets to one room whilst viewings are happening – you want the buyers to pay attention to your property not your pets. 3. MAKE IT SMELL NICE/CLEAN Bad smells can be one of the biggest put offs and could make a buyer rush round and not look properly if the find it unattractive. Don’t cook a big curry or garlic meal the night before a viewing where the smell may linger, try to avoid smoking in the house, get friends to be honest with advice about pet smells. Flowers and pots of herbs can look attractive & also help with neutralising bad smells. Buyers will associate bad smells lingering in a property with added work – like pet smells or smoking – they will assume that they will have no choice but to replace floor coverings and completely redecorate for the property to feel clean to them and to permanently remove that smell. 4. GIVE IT A THOROUGH CLEAN A thorough dust, cobweb sweep and a good vacuum round are huge pluses in making a property more appealing if it looks like you have kept on top of cleanliness and maintenance – otherwise a buyer may get the impression they will find more negative things when they scratch the surface and you’ve moved out. Plus the better the light in your home the brighter and bigger it will seem – especially in these low light months of the year. One of my biggest tips is to ensure the grouting in the kitchen and bathroom is given a spruce up & the oven is clean – discoloured grout & dirty ovens very off end up putting buyers off as it leads to the assumption of poor hygiene & cleanliness. Like common statements of ‘I couldn’t see myself living there – I’d have to rip the bathroom out and replace the suite before I’d feel comfortable using it, or I wouldn’t want to eat food cooked in that kitchen’. 5. STAGE YOUR HOME Imagine that the photos are about to be taken of your property for a magazine for all to see. You wouldn’t want the washing up bowl full, or washing o the line, toys and paperwork everywhere and unmade beds. So show it at it’s best. Think fresh flowers, baked cakes or bread, fresh coffee brewing, open curtains and blinds to let the most light in, television off, neat cushions, fresh, matching and neatly folded towels in the bathroom all can help give the impression of a clean and cared for home. Buyers will factor the cost of anything negative into their decision. The better you present your home and the better maintained it looks, the better the chance a buyer won’t try to knock you so hard on your price – so financially for you it’s in your own interests to give the best impression. Also remember if you don’t do talking to people or your attitude on a viewing could put off a buyer then get your agent to do the viewing. After all you don’t want a good potential buyer to be put off by you because the atmosphere is off. Any good agent who cares about helping you and who feels you aren’t going to take it the wrong way will be honest and give you advice to help you present your property at it’s best. I know it’s not always nice to hear if there are negative points mentioned – but you have to remember to not take it personally – it’s advice to help you after all. No good employing an agent and not enabling them to be honest with you. We are expecting January to be a very busy time for both sales and new properties coming on the market, so give yourself the best chance.
If you would like any further advice or information please get in touch with call us on 01406 359131.
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There's nothing like coming home to a roaring fire during the winter months, wood burning stoves room heaters and boilers not only create a pleasing and cosy aesthetic in a room in the depths of winter but can help to reduce fuel costs also. An open fire ticks all the 'eye pleasing' boxes but unfortunately is a very inefficient form of heat. Such a large percentage of it goes straight up the chimney and is never used where it's needed. A stove slows down the hot air rushing to outside and holds more of it in the fabric of the appliance.
A basic freestanding stove to heat a single room from GreenWorks sustainable energy is a surprisingly straight forward and less disruptive installation than many people believe. In fact the average install is completed in just a morning after any preparation and can be in use the same day. Further savings can be made via the use of a water-heating boiler stove. The same benefits apply in terms of a visible fire to huddle up to when the snow's falling but the same appliance can be used to heat water for long hot baths, showers and central heating. Don't worry either if your property has no existing chimney, there are lots of products available to quickly and effectively construct factory-made chimney systems in almost any situation. GreenWorks can also design systems to compliment an existing traditional oil or gas heating system in order to reduce running costs and are registered with HETAS the official body for solid fuel heating appliance installation, servicing and repair.
For any further advice or information relating to green energy and energy saving solutions please contact Adam Stittle of GreenWorks sustainable energy on 01945 479112.
YOUNGS ROW, SUTTON BRIDGE
£22,500 EPC RATING:C Modern (2011) leasehold terraced house available on an affordable housing 25% shared ownership scheme offering
2 bedrooms, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bathroom, lounge/diner, kitchen, enclosed garden, allocated parking space, upvc double glazing and modern electric
radiator central heating.
TAVERNERS MEWS, LONG SUTTON
£55,950 EPC RATING:C
Modern (2006) 2 Bedroom terraced house available on a 50% shared ownership
scheme, situated convenient for town centre amenities benefiting from
kitchen/diner, downstairs cloakroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, allocated parking space, enclosed rear
garden & no upward chain.
MARCH ROAD, FRIDAY BRIDGE
£60,000
Building Plot on the outskirts of the popular village of Friday Bridge. Full
planning permission for a 3 bed detached house, Plot measures approx. 37ft/11.2m frontage x 59ft/17.9m depth (sts). Field
views front & rear. No upward chain.
NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE
£80,000
Building plot. Approx 0.5 acre site, Lapsed outline planning permission for a
single storey dwelling. Popular residential location, field view to one side, mature
INDIVIDUAL CONVERSION DEVELOPMENT OF 12 PROPERTIES CONVENIENT FOR LOCAL AMENITIES & BUS STOPS, FITTED KITCHEN
& BATHROOM, FLOOR COVERINGS, GAS CENTRAL HEATING, UPVC DOUBLE GLAZING
& 2 ALLOCATED PARKING SPACES. APPARTMENTS READY NOW CALL FOR MORE
INFO & TO BOOK AN APOINTMENT
PLOT 1: £79,950 1 bedroom end terraced coach house. Open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite bathroom.
PLOT 2: £79,950 1 bedroom terraced coach house. Open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite bathroom.
PLOT 5: £79,950 2 bedroom ground floor apartment. Open plan lounge and kitchen.
PLOT 10: £69,950 2 bedroom first floor apartment. Open plan lounge and kitchen.
SPECIFICATION: - Kitchens: Fitted units plus oven, hob with extractor, space for fridge/freezer, space/plumbing for washing machine. - Bathroom/Cloakroom/En-Suite: Fitted with white suite. - Double glazing & Gas central heating - Carpets/floor coverings included. *All information subject change.
bathroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, southerly facing enclosed rear garden & allocated parking space. Internal viewing
essential!
RAILWAY LANE SOUTH, SUTTON BRIDGE £115,000 EPC RATING:E
3 Bedroom end terraced house, refitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, downstairs bathroom with separate
cloakroom, double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, enclosed
courtyard garden & further 92ft/28m (sts) long lawned garden area with decking.
GOOSE GREEN, SUTTON BRIDGE
£116,950 EPC RATING:D
Modern semi detached bungalow situated on a popular location offering 2 double bedrooms, en-suite cloakroom, refitted
bathroom, conservatory, entrance porch, majority upvc double glazing, gas central
heating, garage, driveway & feature enclosed approx. 80ft/25m long rear
garden. View now!
CHURCH GATE, SUTTON BRIDGE
£123,995 EPC RATING:C
Modern 3 bedroom detached house offering kitchen/diner, downstairs
cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, double glazing, gas central heating, south facing enclosed rear garden, garage & off road parking. Internal viewing advised.
BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE
OIRO £125,000 EPC RATING:E
3 Bedroom detached bungalow convenient for local bus stop and
amenities requiring further updating and benefiting from kitchen/breakfast room, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, garage and off road parking, lawned rear
garden & no upward chain.
KING STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE
OIEO £125,000 EPC RATING:C
Modern detached bungalow situated within walking distance to amenities & bus stop offering 2 double bedrooms,
bath/shower room plus additional separate cloakroom, kitchen/diner,
utility room, off road parking, enclosed rear garden gas central heating, upvc
Non Standard Home Insurance - One size doesn't always fit all! In today's marketplace insurers are getting more and more selective with regards to home insurance often refusing to cover anything but normal standard risks. Well we have insurer who offers cover for all non standard risks covering things such as:-
Non standard construction
Subsidence
Flood history especially with what's occurred recently you may struggle to get insurance when your renewal comes up
Adverse claims history
Declined, refused or cancelled insurance
Previous convictions or bankruptcy Anything else which doesn’t meet the ‘One size fits all’ approach of the standard insurance market. We have obtained policies for customers who have struggled to find an insurer who will cover non standard risks. We have not one insurer to approach but a range of them so we will obtain a competitive premium for you. So if you know anyone in this situation or you think this could apply to yourself please give us a call on 08003081140 speak to Jane, Liz or Kat who are waiting to assist you. Coversure Insurance, the cover you want, the service you expect, the advice you need.
Jane, Kat, Liz, Richard and Kim wish you a happy healthy prosperous New Year!
FALKLANDS ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE
OIEO £125,000 EPC RATING:C Modern 3 bedroom semi detached house,
upvc double glazing & gas central heating. Needs to be seen inside to
appreciate layout & space of accommodation offered.
PRINCES STREET, HOLBEACH
OIEO £135,000 EPC RATING:D
Modern detached bungalow situated convenient for local amenities & bus stop
offering 2 double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, double glazing, gas central heating, garage, 2 off road parking areas, established & secluded rear garden with
patio areas. Internal viewing a must!
WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE
£139,995 EPC RATING:E
Detached bungalow situated in a popular location, 2 double bedrooms,
conservatory/utility, majority UPVC double glazing, gas central heating,
bathroom with corner bath & separate shower, garage & off road parking, good
size rear garden.
KENZIE DRIVE, SUTTON BRIDGE
£144,950 EPC RATING: C
Modern (2006) 4 bedroom end terraced house offering 2 reception rooms,
3 Bedroom detached house benefiting from rear field view,2 reception rooms
plus conservatory, downstairs cloakroom, modern upstairs bathroom,
detached single garage with utility room, driveway, parking area, upvc
double glazing, gas central heating & rear garden. Internal viewing essential!
CHALK ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER
£157,950 EPC RATING:E
Extended 1830s Period 3 bedroom semi detached cottage in a sought after village
offering 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs bathroom plus
separate cloakroom, utility room, oil central heating, double glazing, enclosed
lawned garden with decking areas, summer house & off road parking.
BRIDGE ROAD, LONG SUTTON
OIRO £160,000 EPC RATING:C
Modern (2004) detached chalet style house, 3 bedrooms, en-suite to master,
family bathroom & downstairs cloakroom, L-shaped lounge/dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, detached single garage, extensive off road parking, gas central heating & upvc double glazing.
SPALDING ROAD, HOLBEACH
£169,950 EPC RATING:E
1930s 3 bedroom detached house convenient to town centre amenities,
schools and bus stops, 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs cloakroom,
upstairs bath/shower room, extensive block paved driveway, garage, south
facing enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing & gas central heating.
MILL LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE
£174,950 EPC RATING:D
Modern detached bungalow in a no through lane close to amenities & bus stop, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom, refitted shower room, lounge, dining room, conservatory, refitted kitchen, utility, integral garage, driveway, gas central heating, upvc double glazing,
feature garden with orchard area, redecorated throughout. View now!
BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE
OIEO £175,000 EPC RATING:D
Modern 4 bedroom detached house, 3 reception rooms, modern kitchen, refitted bathroom, refitted en-suite
shower room & downstairs cloakroom, garage, off road parking, enclosed rear garden, gas central heating & majority
wood effect upvc double glazing.
WOAD LANE, LONG SUTTON
£189,950 EPC RATING:C
Modern4 bedroom detached chalet house, front field views, lounge/diner, family
room, kitchen, utility, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bath/shower room, en-suite & walk in wardrobe to master
bedroom, en-suite shower/sink to ground floor bedroom, double glazing, oil central heating, off road parking & enclosed rear
garden. Internal viewing essential!
LONG ROAD, TERRINGTON ST CLEMENT £189,950 EPC RATING:D
1930s semi detached house on an overall plot approaching approx. 1 acre (sts) in a
rural location with field views front & rear, 2 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs
LONG SUTTON MARKET HOUSE CHRISTMAS CLOSING. The Market House will reopen on Thursday 2nd
January 2014. MARKET HOUSE RECEPTION Come and meet our friendly volunteer receptionists for tourist information, bookings, local information Housing and Benefit forms for South Holland District Council, recycling bags, bus pass forms. SOUTH HOLLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL CUSTOMER SERVICES are in the Market House Reception Tuesdays and Thursdays if you have a concern no need to travel to Spalding come and meet an adviser on these days at the Market House. LONG SUTTON YOUTH GROUP EVERY THURSDAY 6.30pm to 8.00pm ring 01406 366767 for more details. Youth Club starts Thursday 9th January LINCOLNSHIRE VOLUNTEER CARD CHILDRENS LINKS This Free course is for all Volunteers aged 16 plus. The Lincolnshire Volunteer Card programme gives you essential volunteering skills and you will receive a certificate and Lincolnshire Volunteer Card recognised across the county. Join in and come to the Market House course Wednesdays 15th, 22nd, 29th January 5th, 12th 19th February 6.30pm to 8.30pm ring 08453730645 or email [email protected] or visit at http://www.childrenslinks.org.uk/ WEA GARDENING COURSE starts Every Wednesday 10.30am 21st January 2014 ring Market House reception for more details 01406 366767 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Every Monday and Thursday morning 10am to 1.00pm Mondays are a drop in, Thursdays are for Booked appointments only. CAB will be available on Monday 23
rd December Drop in. 10.00am to 1.00pm. The Market House
then closes. TAI CHI every Thursday 12.30pm to 1.30pm call in to the Corn Exchange Market House Reception 01406 366767 THE LINCOLNSHIRE CREDIT UNION Is open at the Long Sutton Market House on Fridays at 10.00am. The opening times will be every Friday 10.00am to 12 noon. Think of us as a Community Bank that is run by professional volunteers, working under the strict regulations of the Financial Services Authority. When it comes to borrowing money, we make everything simple! We are able to offer loans of between £100 and £3000, with a typical monthly rate of 2% on a reducing balance. All loans are approved on a capacity to repay basis, so poor previous credit may not be a problem. If you would like to save then there are easy access savings accounts with a competitive rate of interest, call in and chat to us on Friday mornings. AGAPE CARE FOOD BANK BRANCH AT THE MARKET HOUSE There is a collection point for donated food in reception open each day 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Please remember those in need this Christmas, any Christmas foods would be much appreciated, puddings, chocolates, crackers. Can you help with dried dog and cat food for those struggling with pets. MIGRANT WORKERS ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LIFE SKILLS CLASSES Free, 7.00pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the Long Sutton Market House ring Market House Reception for more details 01406 366767.
Long Sutton Market House Corn Exchange is an excellent venue for family events and celebrations, for exhibitions, performances and concerts. Come and see what else we have going on, Craft groups, Citizens Advice
Bureau, Photographic Group. Phone Market House reception on 01406 366767 for more information. www.longsuttonmarkethouse.org
Happy New Year from everyone at the Market House Photography Group Our next meeting takes place on Monday 13th January at 7.30pm at the Market House, Long Sutton. All welcome. Subscription renewals due. Congratulations to our winners in our Photographer of the Year competition, prizes will be presented at the January meeting. The 2014 competition starts in February. Our 2014 programme is nearing completion, highlights include field trips to London & York see adverts for details. We will also be welcoming some guest speakers and also doing some practical sessions.
The recently opened Nail Lounge is situated above Salon 2 in Market Street, Wisbech. Holly Sutton is the owner of The Nail Lounge and she is fully qualified in luxury manicure and gel nail polish. Holly was trained by one of Harmony’s top trainers, Louise Calloway. Gelish is one of the best gel polishes on the market. It’s long lasting and hard wearing with a high shine finish and the polish can last up to three weeks at a time. There are a rainbow of colours available to suit all tastes and occasions ranging from French polish, pearly pastels to bright vibrant shades. The Nail Lounge is currently open every Wednesday from 10.00am until 4.00pm for walk in appointment’s, however, home visits and pre booked appointments are available to suit your requirements upon request. So why not get booked in for a little treat and a relaxing break from all that new year sales Shopping! If you would like glamorous looking nail’s then give Holly a call on 07863 552527
and book yourself an appointment!
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There's more to moving than just spotting the ideal home. Here are five ways to ensure you do don't spend more than you need to when stepping on the housing market.
Check your credit rating You may think you've got a great credit record, and if you've always paid credit or store card debts on time, never got into arrears with your landlord or fallen behind with other payments, you're probably right. However, it's worth getting a copy of your credit file from the three companies that the financial sector speak to when reviewing mortgage applications – Experian, Equifax and Callcredit. You can get a copy of your credit report for £2, but be aware of 'free trials', as these tend to lead to monthly payments that you could do without. If you subsequently spot an error, contact the credit file company and ask them to correct it. Government schemes There are a number of government schemes that could help you to buy a home. These include Help to Buy: equity loan, through which you can borrow up to a fifth of the value of a new-build home in England (a similar scheme operates in Scotland and will be launched in Wales from January 2014). There's also the Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee, which can be used for older property and not just new-build homes. This is a UK wide scheme that can mean that you will only need to find a 5% deposit on properties worth up to £600,000. Homebuy is another scheme you could use. This allows you to buy at least 25% of your council or housing association home and pay rent on the rest of it. You can increase your ownership share over time until you own the property outright. Innovative lender schemes Some lenders, including high street banks and building societies, operate mortgage schemes that take into account the fact that a borrower will need more than a 5% deposit to get their hands on keys to their desired home. Each provider works in a different way. For example, some allow local authorities to indemnify up to 20% of the value of the property, so you can get a more attractive mortgage rate, as a large proportion of the borrowing is underwritten. Other mortgage providers allow parents to use their savings as a guarantee. The money they put into an account is not handed over to their children and will earn interest, but it can be recovered by the lender if the homebuyer defaults on their mortgage payments. For this reason, you'd get a preferable mortgage rate, but need to be aware of the risk should you fall out with your guarantor. Check with your bank or building society to see what schemes you could use. Fix a budget and be flexible about location Stamp duty bands, removal costs, solicitor's fees, estate agent costs, home insurance, utility bills, and general living costs all add up. So it's essential to work out the likely costs, add a little more for unexpected costs and use your total as a barometer when looking at what property you can afford. It's worth considering homes in areas slightly outside of your target location. Who knows? You could save a fortune just by living in a neighbouring postcode. Independent mortgage advice Buying a home is the biggest outlay you'll ever make, so it's important to explore all the options available to you. It's worth taking independent mortgage advice from a broker, who will not be tied to any one provider and can source mortgage products to give you more choice. All information accurate as of 09/12/2013.