Perren Property- Peek of the Week

Catchment areas: moving to be near a good school

As the new school year begins, it has got me thinking about academic addresses and how important and valuable a property could potentially be when it is close to a great school.

So how much planning goes in to finding your perfect home close to a good school?

I have taken a chunk out of an article written a while ago (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7995024/Catchment-areas-moving-to-be-near-a-good-school.html)  But has some great points to think about when your searching for that academic address.

• Check the admissions criteria of your chosen school. Most primary schools accept children with siblings already attending as a priority and also give priority to children with special needs as well as children in foster care. Distance only comes into play after all these applicants have been allocated places. At some schools there may be other criteria – faith schools might insist on attendance at church, for example.
• Most schools and local authorities require you to stay in the same address from which the application is made until your child starts at the school. If you apply for a place in the new academic year and are offered it in April, you will have to sit tight until September.
• Some authorities demand a level of permanence to the move: that means at least a 12-month rental contract.
• Don’t believe that you can get away with renting (or buying) a place in name only. Local authorities demand to see council tax and utility bills as well as making unannounced home visits.
• If your child already attends a school, think about how you will handle the transition period between moving and being offered a place at your chosen school. Since a place will only be awarded when one becomes available, you may have to stick with the old school for a few months. Will the commute be possible after you move? Might friendships built up over time at the old school (the one you dislike) be just as valuable as the things you like about the new one?
• Keeping in with the admissions officer doesn’t work; those at popular schools are used to bothering and/or flattery by parents. Any breach in protocol to allow a parent to slip their child in before others is bound to come out at the school gate, leading to successful appeals and, potentially, the school having to employ extra staff if their intake goes above the preordained number. It’s just not worth it for them. However, calling frequently will make you feel better and you may glean the odd bit of gossip about possible spaces.

 With all that in mind I have found, what I think is a lovely property and only a stones throw away from the ever so popular Priory School.  http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35649273.html

  

Check out Rightmove’s new school checker as well this will help you search for that perfect academic home.

Remember if you need any help or advice I would love to chat just give me a call... 07794056668 
or email charlotte@perrenproperty.co.uk  

Perren Property- Peek of the Week

A Growing Demand for Short Term Lets

It could be a 3 month work contract or a home away from home, but with the increase of short contracts and a mobile work force there is a growing demand for short term lets.  

Short term lets can be a profitable investment. Guests can stay from as little as one night to several months. A fully booked short term let will bring in considerably more money than a long term tenancy. But establishing short term lets is a lot more costly and void periods in quieter times must be taken into consideration.

A short term rental property is more of a hotel room, your tenants wont be responsible for paying utilities, supplying towels, sheets, furnishings etc. That’s all on you. It will be your responsibility to supply and maintain anything from kitchen appliances to toilet paper.

But get all this right and you could be on to a great investment.

Are you looking for a new business opportunity? How about this... 18 flats set in a beautiful 5 acres.  You could pick this up and continue the great business or even consider a slightly different business venture- hotel, wedding venue… hmmm the possibilities are endless. 

But definitely worth a look.

Check it out…

Remember if you need any help or advice I would love to chat just give me a call... 07794056668 
or email charlotte@perrenproperty.co.uk  

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35984817.html?premiumA=true

Perren Property- Peek of the Week 

How to get more deals from Estate Agents

This week I have been talking to some investors and they all want to know the same thing... how to get that 'deal' from Estate Agents.  I am always asked what the secret is. 

The truth is,  there is no real secret to grab that bargain before any one else. Apart from just being level headed and listen to each other.  We are here to help you,  but at the same time we don’t know everything and love learning from others in the industry. 

So here are my 3 Dos and 3 Donts when it comes to dealing with Estate Agents. I hope this will help you when purchasing and getting that property. 

 Stay till the end and you'll find another property treat. 

The Don't... 

1-Don’t try and trick the agent! – Agents hate it when a prospective client comes in and tries to trick your every move and thinks your hiding something. We are not in the 80s any more and there is no such thing as a dodgy deal when using a regulated agent! Well certainly not in my area!

2- Don’t be a know it all- We do really love to help you! When potential clients come in all bullish and tenacious it gets our back up straight away. We want to build a solid relationship as much as you do and starting out on the wrong foot loses that trust immediately.  If you are Mr or Mrs I am better than you,  we immediately shy away from wanting to help.  

3- Don’t be cheeky with offers! Stupidly low offers will just annoy the agent and the vendor. It doesn’t work and your offer will only go to the bottom of the pile. Be sensible when negotiating and tactful.   

The Do's...

1. Build a good relationship with your agent. When a deal comes along be professional, pre-empt their every move and make the process as simple as possible.  Agents will do everything they can for friendly clients who make their lives easier!

2. Communicate – I am all for communication. Regarding appointments, feedback, offers, updates etc. Always call back the agent even if you didn’t like the property in question or it is going to be a difficult conversation. Being silent only makes things worse!  (This works for agents as well- having a good communicating agent will make your life easier!)

And finally the most important…

3. Remember to say Thank you.  Being an agent can be such a thankless task sometimes show your appreciation if they have done a good job. Sometimes it gets forgotten how many hoops have to be jumped through from beginning to end.

 Looking for an investment in the local area or maybe your a first time investor? 

1 bed - £225,000  You would achieve a rental around £850- £875pcm thats a yield between 4.5%- 4.6%. Check it out...

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36077928.html

Remember if you need any help or advice I would love to chat just give me a call... 07794056668 
or email charlotte@perrenproperty.co.uk