100 Miles in 30 days – and every step Viv took, was for the amazing Holding On Letting Go

Viv’s charity walk challenge began on January 10^th and finished on February 8^th and every step she took has thus far raised an enormous £1183.25 for Holding On Letting Go. This Kent-based charity supports children who have lost somebody close to them, and helps cushion their grief.

Holding on Letting Go go a step further in their support, by offering support days and residential weekends that are free to children and their families as they come to terms with their loss, and are run by trained volunteers.

With the focus on feelings and expression, they help unlock the difficult and confusing feelings of grief within children and give them a safe space to explore their emotions in a safe and trusted space. Their service have been vital for many local families, and Viv, through her own personal experience of loss, wanted to give something back as a huge thank you for their tireless work.

Harrisons Homes are in continual support of Holding On Letting Go and have been for the last two years, raising over £16,000 in accumulated donations of £50 for every house sold with them. Viv’s donation through her fantastic fundraising has certainly given the donation pot a boost!

Viv celebrated the end of her journey with a well earned meal out (and no doubt a good foot soak), and still has her Just Giving page open for any last minute donations. You can find the page here:

http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/holgcharitywalk

Thank you

You never know when you are going to need a charity like Holding On Letting Go to help you or your family through your own grieving processes. With little children amongst the staff here at Harrisons Homes, it feels like something that could easily need to be accessed by us, or anyone we know. Our fundraising and donations mean a great deal to us, so thank you so much for all your tremendous offerings for Viv’s 100 mile charity walk.

Up until now, you’re probably used to a certain format when it comes to how search results are given to you as you look for properties on websites and property portals. You may have noticed recently how those search results are yielding different property details than usual.

Coming into force at the end of April this year is a new rule that states all sales and lettings listings have to include new details and information on them. These include:

• Which Council Tax band the property falls under or the rate – both for sales and lettings
• The price and details of the tenure, for example freehold or leasehold – for sales only

These changes are just the start of the way properties are listed. There be more to come, including to make it compulsory to include details of utilities available within a property. Plus non standard features such as restrictive covenants and flood risk. This will make it much more transparent for prospective buyers, so they can gather as much information as possible before deciding on moving forward with any choices to make an offer. After all, buying and selling property is a huge step to take.  These details are considered very important when looking at prospective bills and expenses.

Why are these property search changes needed?

The property search changes are being implemented following a recent survey by Trading Standards. Who contacted people who had moved in the last three years or are looking to move in the next three years.

These are some of the key points that have bought these changes into place

• 90 per cent  of respondents who use property portals would prefer to find detailed or key information about a property when they’re searching for a property on a portal
• 87 per cent of respondents agreed that portals should include all key information about a home in their property listing
• 54 per cent said that they would be less likely to buy or rent a property where information was missing on the property listing
• 41 per cent assumed that missing information means something must be wrong with the property.

Harrisons warmly welcomes changes to anything that improves standards within the housing industry. Be assured we will always keep you up to date on the changes within our industry that affect you, the valued customer.

If you would like to know more about how these changes may effect your sale, please call our team on 01795 474848

We are really delighted to be supporting the first official market event in Faversham since before the pandemic.  Mad March Market takes place on 26th and 27th March. It is looking like it going to be a busy weekend crammed with lots of fun and activities.

On Saturday 26th the town will welcome a special guest. Rupert, the infamous miniature Shetland pony, will be making his first public appearance since 2019 at 12 Market Place.  Harrisons Homes delighted to be sponsoring his visit

Let it be known that Rupert is a very clever pony.  What he lacks in size, he makes up for in huge personality. He cannot wait to meet all the children, young and old.  And whilst many of you will want to hang out with him, it’s recommended you pop inside 12 Market Place for even more fun and entertainment.

Inside 12 Market Place

Little Rupert won’t be coming alone as he has put hoof to paper and written some special children’s books that he will be selling on the day, along side Faversham themed gifts including some lovely illustrations from Poppy and Swiss. This is also where you will find the postbox where you post entries for the Spot The Hare Trail. This is also were you can vote for your favourite Spring window design.   Additionally in the morning there will be special Arts and Crafts table that is being run by Harrisons supported charity, Holding On Letting Go, an incredible local charity that supports grieving children.

Finally, there will be nomination cards for visitors to nominate a local school to win a brand new laptop. As part of our Laptops for schools scheme.

To find out more about about what there is to see and do visit Faversham Market’s Website, we look forward to seeing you there!

Are you think of buying in Sittingbourne Faversham and Isle of Sheppey this year? If so you’ll need to read on..

What should you expect in 2022?

When it comes to the Swale property market in 2021 and the UK in general, words like crazy and frantic spring to mind. It was a year where the number of properties on the market was low and yet demand was overwhelming at times.  Where house prices reached record highs at times, and many buyers were left out in cold and even struggling to get viewings.  As we are heading to the end of the first month of the year, what is it like out there for buyers?  What should you expect if you are looking to buy a home in Sittingbourne, Faversham or Isle of Sheppey in 2022?

What has been happening

Competition for homes from buyers was fierce at the end of last year, which has been confirmed by data from Propertymark (the leading membership body for property agents). “Our Housing Market Report for November revealed an average of 29 potential buyers for every available property per branch – a 21% increase in competition from October, however, despite a rise in the average number of potential buyers, a record low supply of properties was recorded, with an average of just 20 homes per branch – 50% less than in November 2020,” stated Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark

With the end of the stamp duty holiday last year, it was predicted that things may settle down this year, but this has not been the case. According to recent data from Rightmove, the number of buyers enquiring about homes is 15% higher than the same time last year. Yet, before you start to panic and wonder if you are going to face the same challenges finding a home as last year, there may be some light on the way for your search.  Rightmove figures show that the number of requests for home valuations during the first working week of 2022 was up by 44% on the same time last year, and up by 48% on the same period in 2020.

Return to normal?

What this means is that we should start to see more homes coming on to the market, giving you more choice as a buyer. At Harrisons, we are seeing an increase in the number of enquiries by potential home sellers, who, due to a steadier return to normality, have increasing confidence about making that move which they have been considering for a while.  There will still be competition for properties, and there are things you can do to make sure you are in the best position should you find that home of your dreams.

What you can do if you are buying in Sittingbourne Faversham and Isle of Sheppey?

Buying power is what you need if you’re looking for a home in the next couple of months, and that can start with thoroughly understanding your financial situation.  Playing the guessing game on presumptions and out-of-date agreements is going to place you on rocky ground before you have even begun your property search.  You also don’t want to fall in love with a property, and start to plan where you will put your furniture, only to discover that you can’t afford it.  Do a full financial audit, make sure your credit rating is in a healthy place, and then seek professional advice from a mortgage advise; if you unsure who to ask, we can certainly recommend a mortgage broker who has helped many of our clients.

We all have a vision of what our next home will look like. But what you think you want and what you actually need can often be very different. Sticking to an ideal and not being willing to be open to ideas or being able to compromise will make your search virtually impossible. Often it can be those properties that you had discounted for one reason or another that end up being the ones that steal your heart.

If you are selling a home as well as buying, in this market it is essential that you find a buyer for your property first before you start to search for your new home.  You don’t know the position of other potential buyers.  Having a buyer for your property will place you in a strong buying position and your offer will be considered stronger as a result.

You are not on your own

Many buyers underestimate the value an estate agent can bring to their search. Give our team a call today and let them know exactly what you want and need from your next property. You never know, the next home we are called to value could just be that one you are looking for. For more advice on the local property market, and how to navigate it as a buyer, give our team a call today on 01795 474848.

When we start looking back at 2021, one word leaps to mind – exceptional!

Ask any Estate Agent how their year has been and they would all have to agree that it’s been very unusual compared to normal.  The housing market has been very busy.  Properties have been “flying out the door” often within days of coming onto the market. The end of the the stamp duty holiday has had little impact on demand or lowering house prices.

Continued Safety

Looking back to this time last year, it’s hard to remember that as 2021 started, the UK was in lockdown due.  Despite being in a similar situation currently, it does look as though, for the moment at least, we will begin 2022 without a lockdown in England.  However, keeping people safe and reducing the possibility of spreading infection is something we are very much committed to.

We will continue to only conduct viewings on properties with people that are able to make an offer. This is inline with Government and industry guidance.  We believe this way of working, not only keeps everyone safe, it also works much better for our clients.  They want to know that everyone walking through their door is in a position to make an offer, and they do.  With the market being so busy and this method of conducting viewings, we are currently tying up sales within 16 days.

If you are thinking about moving and are looking to find to find a home before you put yours on the market, we are happy to provide you with video tours and any information you may require.  But, we would really recommend you list your home for sale before you physically view anything.  With homes selling so swiftly, you are likely to be very disappointed if you find without having an offer agreed on your own home.

An exceptional year for Harrisons Homes Estate Agents

Looking back at 2021, it’s hard to pick out the highlights, there have been so many!  We started the year with a brand new fresh image, following a major re-brand.   With our new look we have sponsored local events and we hope to do more in 2022.  We also introduced Thank You hampers for our buyers and clients. That are packed for of gifts from local suppliers, including our own Harrisons Beer!

Charity

In May this year we were over the moon to hit our target of raising £10,000 for local children’s bereavement charity Holding On Letting Go.  We achieved this figure through a combination of fundraising and by donating £50 from every sale we complete.  We have been very moved by the work this charity does. Their services have been really stretched as we have adapted to living through a pandemic.  Children and many families have struggled to cope with their grief when restrictions have limited visits to the dying, or being able to attend funerals.  Therefore, we are committed to continuing our support and as of today, we have raised a total of £14,250

Laptops for Schools

With successive lockdowns and home schooling. The shortage of technology available to schools has been highlighted over the past couple of years.  Unfortunately, there has been no support from government to make these accessible to schools.  Step in Stephen Brown from SJB Consulting, who following the tragic death of his wife, Sam, wanted to fundraise in her memory.  Stephen came up with a computers for schools fundraiser,  backed by Agents Giving.  For every 20 houses sold by Harrisons, we will donate a laptop to a school in Swale.  We are delighted that this has been matched by Shore Way Marketing, meaning that we are able to donate a laptop with every TEN houses sold.

Innovative Estate Agency

For too long the property industry has been stuck in a rut, with many agents just replicating what other agents are doing. There is too much focus on winning instructions from competitors. An over reliance on portals and poor sales progression due to their focus being on listings rather than sales. This approach is not in the interest of clients or the industry in general.

We believe the industry is changing, we are committed to changing people’s perception of the industry and improving the image of estate agents.  We are proud to be members of The Federation of Independent Agents, which is an organisation made up of the best independent agents in the country.  Members all work together, supporting each other, sharing ideas and providing training.  We believe this collaborative approach will drive up standards, and is very much the future of the industry.

Gazeal Reservation Agreements

Currently in the UK one third of every property sale agreed falls through before it gets to completion.  With the current way we buy and and sell houses in England there is no commitment from either buyer or seller to complete on a sale.  They can drop out at any time, without a genuine reason.  Having a reservation agreement in place makes the sale more secure and this is why Harrisons have one of the lowest sale fall through rates in the UK.  

We believe in 2022 reservation agreements will become more commonplace as the government currently recommends them in their “How to Sell” guides and they are re-visiting organising pilots of using reservation agreements with a view to making them a legal requirement in the UK.  Harrisons were one of the first agents to embrace and recommend using reservation agreements and we have used them on over 100 sales this year

You don’t even have to be local or a client of Harrisons. We can arrange a reservation agreement on any property sale in the UK. Call out team for further information on 01795 474848.

Heads Up Property Alerts

There has been an over reliance on property portals in recent years.  As such, we market our properties “behind the scenes” initially.  This gives our buyers a chance to view and offer before they go onto the internet.  This way of marketing really works. Many houses have sales agreed long before they are due to be published to the portals.  By targeting buyers that are able to make a solid offer, we are able to negotiate the best price.  This is why we are currently achieving 102% over the asking price on average for our clients.

Due to the success of this method of selling homes we have set up Heads Up Property Alerts, where buyers can register for details of properties that are coming onto the market, before they go live, giving them the option to view before anyone else.  To register, simply complete our online form (you can opt out at any time) or join our Heads Up Property Alerts Facebook Group.

Our Team

None of our successes this year would have been possible without our incredible team.  2021 has welcomed three new members of staff.  Viv Parker as a property professional , Holly Mills as our PA and Pauline Clark as our dedicated in house Sales Progressor.  All three feel as though they have been here forever. They also all share our ethos in terms of outstanding customer service and values.

All of our staff receive continual professional training and undertake industry recognised qualifications.  We believe this is an integral part of raising standards and that qualifications should be compulsory within the housing industry.  After all, we are trusted to help sell what is arguably the biggest asset owned by many. We think estate agents should be qualified to do this.

Awards

Finally, we couldn’t look back over 2021 without mentioning the awards we have one.  It’s been an incredible year for us in this respect. We have won SIX awards and have been shortlisted for one.

Predictions for 2022

So, as we close the door on 2021 and reflect. We have to ask ourselves what our thoughts are for the year ahead and what we think could happen over the next twelve months.   If you would like to hear about our predictions for 2022 check out our latest blog

All that remains, is that we say a heartfelt thank you for your support over the last year.  Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read our posts and blogs.  We wish you and those you love a happy, healthy 2022

The call for the change in law and for the introduction of reservation agreements has been picking up a lot of support recently.  The past 18 months in the housing market have been unprecedented. The flaws in the current system have been more obvious to see.  We believe these agreements are the future as do many others.

National newspaper, The Times, has launched a campaign called “Get Britain Moving: Speed up. Streamline. Save money”.  With two main objectives: to reduce uncertainty by calling for the introduction of reservation agreements (making offers legally binding) and greater transparency through the use of digital innovation to create a faster, more secure and less stressful way to buy property.

So you’ve done your online valuation.  Got your finances in place, know what you can afford.  Decluttered and finished off your DIY todo list.  You now think you are ready to sell your home.  All you have to do now, is choose and estate agent.   If you are thinking of selling your home, here are 10 questions to ask your estate agent:

1. What is you average time for selling a property?
2. What percentage of the original asking price are you achieving for your sellers?
3. What percentage of properties do you reduce from the original asking price?
4. What is your timeframe from agreement of sale to completion?
5. What are you doing to offer security to any sales agreed?
6. What do you do differently to other agencies?
7. What is your marketing strategy?
8. What is your success rate for selling properties?
9. How do you ensure all buyers are financially qualified to proceed with a house purchase?
10. How long is your contract and can you explain the terms of your notice period?

In a perfect world, the home selling process would be straightforward and quick. You’d list your home for sale, schedule viewings, receive multiple offers, and sell your home fast and above list price. Unfortunately, selling your house isn’t always that simple and your home could end up sitting on the market longer than you anticipated.

If you are concerned about the amount of time that it is taking to sell your house, why not give our team a call on 01795 474848 for some no obligation, no pressure to switch to us, just some honest advice.

We recently pledged to support the Computers for Schools charity in addition to our ongoing support for children’s bereavement charity Holding On Letting Go.  From now on, every house sale we complete, we make a donation to the Computers For Schools. The monthly figure of donations is then matched by the good folk over at Shore Way Marketing. November was a bumper month for completed sales. As such, we are delighted to announce that we have raised enough for TWO brand new laptops to be donated to local schools.

With two new laptops winging their way to us. The question is, how do we pick which schools to donate them too?

Win A Laptop For Your School No 1

From now on. Every vendor who sells their home through Harrisons, will be asked to nominate a school to receive a laptop. Upon completion of their sale.  We will then do a draw to see which school wins when we hit our target to receive a laptop.

Win A Laptop For Your School No 2

The second way we will be giving out laptops for schools is via competitions and community events.  We will be sharing details of these via our social media channels.  Please ensure you follow Harrisons Homes on Facebook and Instagram to find out how you can get involved and win a laptop for your school.