Improving your buying power has never been more important. With the increase in the cost-of-living, fluctuating interest rates, and high inflation, you need to pay attention to the details that can counteract these current challenges. A new home could be more affordable than you realise. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do that may put you in a much better position to buy the home you desire.

Pay your bills on time
Reduce any debts, from credit cards to monthly insurance payments to car loans, if you can. Late payments can reduce your credit score, so ensure you don’t miss any payments.

Build up your credit

 It’s important to use your credit card or have some borrowing history because this shows your potential mortgage provider that you have the ability to pay back debts.

Access your credit report

Keep an eye on your report, checking details such as your address history, payment history, settled accounts, and whether you are on the electoral register. Any errors should be corrected immediately, as they could affect your ability to borrow.

Reduce your debt-to-income ratio
Lenders closely examine your monthly outgoings in comparison to your earnings. So, if possible, pay off any existing debts and do not take out any more new loans. It’s equally important to be disciplined and monitor your spending.

Get in touch with a good mortgage advisor
Good estate agents will put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor. There are many options when it comes to mortgages today that help counteract the effects of high interest rates.

Porting your mortgage

This means if you are an existing homeowner, you could move home without needing a new mortgage. If you are currently paying a more favourable interest rate, then this could save you significantly in costs.

Longer mortgage terms

Lenders are now offering much longer-term mortgages, which means you will pay more interest overall, and also it will reduce your monthly payments.

Interest only

Instead of paying a capital and interest mortgage, you could opt to buy the home you want with an interest-only mortgage, which costs far less per month. Then, in a few years, if you decide to remortgage, you could change your mortgage product.

Increase the size of your deposit
It’s a bit cheeky, but there is always the bank of mum and dad to help increase the size of your deposit. This reduces the amount you need to borrow, but it’s also often one of the biggest hurdles to getting your first or even second home. Create a savings plan and stick to it. You can save money by being savvy with food shopping and socialising at home.

Earn more money
It may be worth considering taking on a second job or negotiating a pay raise. The more you earn, the better. It’s important to be realistic; don’t overdo it. Your earnings have to be sustainable, and your well-being comes first.

Be resilient and resourceful
Don’t give up. Keep searching for the home you want. There is plenty of room for negotiation right now. Sometimes you have to be patient. Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market and can put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor.. Sometimes they will be aware of properties about to arrive on the market before they are advertised.

Talk to your agent
Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market, be able to put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor, give you the right valuation for your home, and help you find the home of your dreams in the right location by making good use of the equity in your property.

Contact us today for all your home moving needs.

 

 

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Outdoor living spaces are now as important as any room in the house. But that serene and chilled feeling that only comes from outdoor spaces does not have to end just because it’s winter. Whether you have a vast collection of spaces, a balcony, or something in between, you can create something magical that you can benefit from all-year-round.

Shelter
Whether you opt for awnings, pergolas, umbrellas, a gazebo, or your own unique design. Complement the aesthetics of your home and shield yourself from the rain.

Comfort
The key is to combine comfort with durability. So, acquire cushions, couches, throws, rugs, and tables that can cope with a bit of moisture and cold weather. More importantly, if you are warm and comfortable, you will enjoy your outdoor space. Then you can relax after a hard day's work.

Entertainment
Add music with portable speakers, an outdoor big screen for your favourite films, or a telescope for stargazing. Enjoy a warm, fresh-air experience as you take in the inviting view from your outdoor space, perhaps overlooking the garden.. Maybe you would prefer to curl up with a good book or entertain guests.

Fire
If you are entertaining, you can’t ask all your guests to curl up under a blanket! Adding a patio heater, fire pit, or outdoor wood burner can elevate the ambiance. You can’t beat the crackling of a real fire. Perhaps you already have a log store, and if you don't, consider getting one to add character to your relaxation space.

Sleep
An outdoor lounger or hammock is a great spot for an afternoon nap. Enjoy a good book, try some meditation, or get comfortable for movie night.

Food
You've got several options to elevate your al fresco dining. Build a comprehensive outdoor kitchen for a gourmet experience or just add a table to enjoy meals as the sun sets and into the evening. For a middle-ground solution, how about installing a fridge to keep your beers chilled throughout the summer? If it's a hot cuppa you fancy in the winter, adding a few electrical sockets means you won't have to trek back to the kitchen to boil the kettle.

Drink
An integrated bar will also help save your legs, especially if you are fond of cocktails. Whether it is an extravagant design with bar stools or a small cupboard, it will become more appealing when adorned with nice details. But if you prefer more mainstream choices, add a coffee machine or juice bar in case you want to work from home in your outdoor living space!

Light
Lights on strings, solar lighting, and candles, all available in an infinite variety of styles and shapes, will add warmth to your outdoor space. Soft lighting for romantic or relaxing evenings will create a magical glow. Modern or antique lanterns will stop the flames from going out, and you can relax or entertain to your heart's content.

Will an outdoor living space add value to your home?
The answer is undeniably yes. Your property will be a much better home to live in, and the more refined your outdoor space is, the more desirable your home will be to prospective buyers.

Contact us to see how you can find your perfect home today

 

 
Furnishing your property can be expensive. And with so many increasing costs to face, you want to transform your property into a home with as much impact as possible for the least amount of money. If you enjoy creating great interiors, it's important not to get carried away.. If you find it confusing when choosing furniture for your property, don't be intimidated; it can be fun.

Get creative
From restoring furniture to building it yourself from scratch, there is no end to the things you can do to create your own furniture. Reupholstering dining room chairs and repainting tables can really add to the quality of your property. It may even be less time-consuming than waiting for a new table to be manufactured and delivered, so there's no reason not to. And while it may take more effort, restoring your own furniture is rewarding and kinder to the environment.

Be resourceful
Facebook is full of great furniture available for free or at a very affordable price. Charity shops, antique stores or Gumtree will have what you are looking for. You could make some great finds and add real character to your property. Weathered and rustic furniture is on trend, and in modern settings, it works wonderfully to add a sense of quality and personality that’s universal in its appeal.

Finer details
The impact that finer details can create is uncanny. The cracked tile that drags down a nice bathroom. Decent towel racks or some shelving in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedrooms create the opportunity to add more personality with flowers, pictures, candles, or collectables. Updated, energy-efficient appliances can breathe new life into a kitchen and make it more appealing to tenants.

Consider finance options
If you insist on buying new, timing can be key to getting a good bargain. January sales or end-of-line special offers can save thousands. There is also the option of 0% financing, so whether you are letting or renting your property, you can pay for your furniture over time, alleviating larger financial burdens.

Plants and pictures
Plants add so much vibrancy to any property, but if you are letting a property, you can't exactly fill it with high-maintenance plants. Opt for a few dried flowers and plants here and there that do not need much TLC can add a homely touch. The same goes for prints or pictures. Your tenant will have their own tastes, but you could get the ball rolling with something small.

Lighting and mirrors
Mirrors and good lighting will instantly make your property more appealing because it will look bigger and feel more modern. LED lighting will keep tenants happy by being more energy-efficient and will keep your tenants happy. Mirrors are not expensive and can magically transform a small room into a large room.

In summary
The first rule to remember is that there are no rules. Furnish your property using a blend of methods, from sourcing online, restoring to buying new. Do it your own way; use your contacts and creativity to make your property as appealing as possible.

Considering growing your buy-to-let property portfolio?