Christmas is a time when families travel far and wide to meet up at Christmas, presents are loaded in the car, everyone is feeling festive, but is your car prepared to travel for the long journey?
Before you drive:-
So if you are driving home for Christmas, have a safe journey and give yourself plenty of time, especially when the roads are likely to be busier, and people are rushing to get to their destination. I’ve just looked at the long-range weather forecast, and hopefully we will be snow-free before Christmas.
If you are travelling up to North Leeds or Wharfedale for the festivities and you decide you would like to stay here for good, call David Phillip FRICS to help you find the perfect home, we have a database of people looking to move that we can match to properties in the area. Call 0113 4676400
If you are thinking of selling your home in January 2025 and would like a free market appraisal, please give David a call.
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN w:davidphillip.co.uk
Selling homes in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Otley and Pool-in-
Wharfedale
For lots of gardeners, it is the Spring and Summer months that bring the most reward after hours of caring and preening result in beautiful flowers, bountiful shrubs and immaculate lawns.
For many people, though, Winter is a time when they just hope that plants stay alive long enough to leave them until Spring. All it takes, is a little investment to capitalise on your outside space all year long.
Keep leaves cleared during winter visits; good garden hygiene helps reduce diseases. Decomposing leaves and other debris on hard standing will supply enough nutrients for weeds to self-seed in cracks, grow and then spread – they can also make paths slippery.
Weeds will continue to grow during a mild winter; ensure all borders are weed-free to allow border plants to grow in spring.
Wrapping pots in bubble wrap can protect against the frost, and horticultural fleece can keep vulnerable plants safe – using twine can help protect your garden against the wind and cloches can protect your plants and help things grow when the temperatures drop, but keep them somewhere protected from the wind, like a wall, edge of a building or hedge.
If you have a greenhouse, then this is the best way to keep plants warm and safe. Some plants are dormant during the winter months. As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged, these plants can be replanted before they ‘wake up’ in spring.
Lawn seed can be applied in winter. Grass grows above 5 degrees.
Winter is a good time to dig a new border. Leave soil in clumps – the winter rain and frost will help it break down naturally – this will also expose any pests to natural predators and the cold. Checking your soil's PH levels is crucial, especially if you are a regular compost user (this can gradually increase the acidity of the soil and throw levels off).
Digging over vegetable plots or preparing new ones can also be done during the winter months. Cabbage, watercress, beetroot and other hearty plants and herbs are perfect to grow through the winter.
In winter, you are seeing your garden in its bare bones, and what repairs are needed - leaky shed roofs, loose paving, blown down fences – this is the time of year to do these tasks.
While it may seem obvious in the winter months, most people often neglect to clean their decking, but this is the most cost-effective way of maintaining its longevity. Tackle any debris, moss or mould that may have formed on the top of the decking by sweeping repeatedly until clear, then go ahead and wash using a hosepipe or, better still, a pressure washer.
To keep it looking its best, protect your decking once a year using a decking protector, decking stain or decking oil. This will absorb any water, creating a translucent, waterproof layer. Decking stain comes in a variety of colours, and as well as weatherproofing the wood, will make the decking look fantastic.
So now your garden is ready for the winter months, and the work you have done in preparation will ensure a beautiful garden in Spring
If you are looking for a property with beautiful gardens, then North Leeds properties certainly tick all the boxes. If you are thinking of selling in the New Year and would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip estate agents on 0113 4676 400
W: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Selling properties in Leeds and covering North Leeds, Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in- Wharfedale, Otley and Alwoodley
Everyone is now starting to get into the Christmas spirit! Pets are a big part of our families and can enjoy the festivities too. Whilst most of them like being pampered at Christmas when family and friends descend upon the home, it is important to try to keep them to as normal a routine as possible. It is a time when there will be more temptation, novel tastes to explore and exciting smells
around the home.
Christmas, though, can be hazardous for your animals if you’re not careful. Food that may be delicious and toys and plants that are a big part of our Christmas can be highly toxic and dangerous for our pets.
Skinless and boneless white meat such as turkey is ok for dogs and cats, but be careful that it is not covered in fat, salt and gravy! (Salt is a big no for pets)– and remember to watch your pet’s waistline too.
Kissing under the mistletoe may be fun for us people, but if a pet ingests this, it can cause a dangerous drop in your pet’s blood pressure, which may prove fatal.
At a time when we are filling Christmas puddings and cakes with raisins and currants, and grapes appear on our cheese boards, these, if eaten, can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Chocolate can be easily sniffed out by dogs, but this is amongst the most dangerous foods – make sure you don’t have any chocolate decorations on the tree, as pets can sniff these out!
Poinsettia can cause bouts of nausea and vomiting, and ivy is not good for pets either.
Although pine needles aren’t particularly toxic, they can be swallowed, so sweep up fallen needles daily
If you want to protect your Christmas tree from playful pets, here are a few tips to help
If it does happen to be a white Christmas, grit used to de-ice the roads and pavements contains sodium chloride (salt) which can be hazardous to pets. If dogs and cats get it on their paws or fur, they have a tendency to lick, but this poses a risk. Ingestion of salt by pets can result in a high blood sodium concentration – this can lead to vomiting, lethargy, convulsions and kidney damage
Christmas is extra special when you have a pet at home, but make sure it is a safe and happy one for your pets.
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 0113 4676400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN
http://www.davidphillip.co.uk
Selling homes in Leeds and covering, Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Otley, Pool-in-
Wharfedale and Alwoodley
Children and Adults love fireworks, but unfortunately our pets don’t. Sometimes they can be scared literally to death. According to the RSPCA, it is estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Dogs' ears are extremely sensitive when they hear loud bangs and whistles, and some dogs may experience physical pain in their ears from the noise. Some fireworks can produce sound between 120-175 decibels. Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss, and long-term hearing damage caused by fireworks. Similarly, livestock and other outdoor animals often try to escape the bangs out of fear. Here are some tips on how to look after your pets on Bonfire Night.
Keep all pets indoors and shut any windows and doors so they can’t run off if they do get frightened. If they do venture out into the garden, make sure it is secure, just in case your dog decides to bolt if it is frightened. Don’t force them outside if they don’t want to venture beyond the house. Have your pets wear a tag in case they escape and ensure their microchip info is up to date. Walk your dog in daylight, avoiding times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Ensure that blinds and curtains are closed. That way, they can’t see the flashing lights of the fireworks, and the noises are muffled as much as possible. Ensure that you have already walked your dog in daylight hours.
Build a cosy den some days in advance in an area that they feel safe in. Fill it with lots of toys and blankets– this could mean an extra blanket on their bed. Ensure your pet has free rein of the house so that they don’t hurt themselves in a panic trying to escape. Give them extra cuddles and strokes to comfort them and keep them calm. If they are whining, barking or hiding, let them – don’t try to coax them out, they are just trying to find safety.
Turn up the TV or Music so they are distracted by familiar sounds – Classic FM usually has calming classical music for pets.
These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog. In some cases, the vet may even prescribe medication.
Ensure their water bowl is topped up – anxious pets can get very thirsty. If you have pets that live outdoors, move them into their hutches and soundproof their cages.
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
Selling homes in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Cookridge, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley
and Alwoodley
The weather at the Weekend saw torrential rain across North Leeds. Suddenly, the nights seem to be
getting darker much quicker, and everyone I know has switched on the central heating at some point
recently. At this time of year, I always think about how I can be more energy efficient in the office (we’ve at
long last fitted a Smart meter), but also at home.
With relatively simple changes such as insulation, ensuring your pipes are properly lagged and using energy-efficient light bulbs will not only help your chances of a good sale if you are selling your home
but also reduce the cost of your energy bills whilst you are living there, which is key.
Covering North Leeds, Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge, Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale
and Alwoodley
The contestants of Strictly Come Dancing have just been announced. Castle Howard has announced its Christmas activities (the Wizard of Oz this year). The nights are just starting to get dark a little earlier – I hate to mention it, but this always makes me start thinking about Christmas. If you are thinking about moving home by Christmas too, then September is the time to start thinking about marketing your property. There are things that you can do to help you sell your home quicker, too. These include:-
At David Phillip Estate Agents we are ready to help you move in time for Christmas. If you would like
a free market appraisal, call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN, covering
Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley and Alwoodley
There is a lot to think about when moving home, especially if you are moving with children. Not only will you have to take into account how close you are going to be living to family and friends but also to a good school.
Nearly a quarter of parents have moved house to be within their desired school catchment area and according to TES, families willing to move are prepared to pay out a 12% premium for their desired catchment area. Rightmove have previously analysed the prices of properties in Key areas and worked out that a typical nationwide catchment area with schools assessed as ‘outstanding’ could add a premium of almost £52,000 to the value of a property.
School catchment areas are based on a child’s permanent address. Both secondary and primary schools should be able to provide information on their defined geographical catchment areas so you can find out if you are close enough to be considered for a place.
Children living outside the catchment area are unlikely to be offered a place at what may be the
school of their choice. Therefore, if you have a young family, it is key that where you are living or more importantly, where you move to is going to be the best for your child’s education.
To reach this all-important deadline, and if a house move is likely to be involved in achieving the first
school of your choice, then September is potentially the best time to properly start looking for your
next home.
At David Phillip Estate Agents based in Bramhope, North Leeds, we are surrounded by some highly
rated schools. We market lovely family homes close by to these schools. Register on our fresh
and relevant database to ensure you start your search in the most effective way possible. Applicants
on our database will be notified of new instructions before launches on Rightmove, providing
you with a distinct advantage to those who aren’t registered.
For further details t 01134 676400 w: davidphillip.co.uk e:info@davidphillip.co.uk, 86, Leeds Road,
Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
Selling homes in Bramhope, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Alwoodley, Cookridge and Otley
Knowing when to put your property on the market can be a tough decision, but if you are looking for
a pre-Christmas/New Year move, then September could potentially be the best time to start the
marketing process for the following reasons:
So if you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip
FRICS on 0113 4676400
W: davidphillip.co.uk A: David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN
Selling houses in North Leeds, Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Alwoodley and Otley
Ok, you’ve just moved into your new home and it needs a full daunting refurbishment. Sometimes you need to spend some time in the property to see how it works for you rather than starting on the work and colour scheme immediately. How you feel in a couple of months’ time and what works for you in the future may be completely different to your initial thoughts and plans.
You can though make some instant improvements before your start the hard work you had initially envisaged. Some home improvements are more urgent than others, and choose the easy fixes first.
Whilst you are working on these changes, you can start working on the plans for when you finally decide on the ultimate work you want to undertake.
Do some painting – opt for a light colour and paint your walls, lighter colours help the space reflect
the light and make the room feel more open, whilst dark colours add a more dramatic affect – just
painting one wall can make a difference without creating a lot of extra work and cost.
Improve the natural light, install large floor to ceiling windows in the place of old ones, paint the
interiors white to help improve the reflection of light and add skylights into your bathroom.
Turn one room into a main suite that you really love- buy new bedding, an incredible mattress and a new headboard. Spend money on the décor, buy a large mirror, replace the switches and purchase a dressing table that you will enjoy using, adding a table lamp can improve the ambiance, and again do some painting.
Change the carpets, replacing with hardwood floors can create a timeless and modern look in your home, purchasing a couple of rugs will make things more homely.
Rather than initially replacing the kitchen, painting the current units can make a big impact and add new door handles too. Upgrade your appliances – you are probably going to replace the kitchen at some point, so buy new appliances when you move into the property – they will probably help with your utility bills too. Adding shelves to display your personal items can look great and also free up space.
Give door handles a new look, replace outdated handles with something new and modern – and paint the doors at the same time.
Update your bathroom fixtures – replace the shower nozzle, faucets, shower curtain, lights, bathmat and towel bars and splurge with nice soaps, shower gels and moisturisers. Replace the towels.
Restore your front door, replace the numbers, the handle and the letterbox, and add some potted plants near the entrance to make your new home look more welcoming.
All the above are quick wins to make your new home feel more homely and more to your taste – some of the suggestions can also improve buyer appeal in general, and if you are selling can help to secure a quicker sale at a higher price.
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip FRICS on 0113 4676400.
David Phillip Estate Agents, selling homes in Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Cookridge, Alwoodley and Otley.
A 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w davidphillip.co.uk
July is the perfect month for alfresco dining and the peak gardening season is well underway, which means that there are plenty of jobs to keep your garden looking at its best in July, despite the hosepipe ban that is currently underway in Yorkshire!
So what can you do, despite being able to use the hosepipe?
Hoe and hand weed borders often so that weeds don’t have time to set and seed. Add mulch to grass and soil, as this not only suppresses weeds but it keeps moisture in the soil, which helps to protect your plants against the summer heat. Create perfect edges for your beds and borders – create the edge, remove turf, hone edges and mulch the bed
Feed, water (currently with a watering can) and deadhead summer bedding in pots, borders and hanging baskets regularly, this will encourage more flowers to follow and keep terracotta pots damp to keep plant roots cool
Cut back early summer perennials such as delphiniums, lupins and geraniums after flowering to encourage more blooms for a second burst of colour. To prevent wind and rain from damaging the plants, put supports in place around tall herbaceous perennials.
Feed and deadhead or ‘summer-prune’ roses to keep them flowering strongly. Some roses may repeat flower – avoid leaving the odd inferior bud, and don’t leave the branched end of stems which carried previous flowers in place – if the plant thinks flowers are still present, it will delay the production of new flowering shoots.
Check for clematis wilt – this is a fungal disease which causes rapid wilting and in severe cases can kill the whole plant. Large-flowered hybrid cultivars are very susceptible, but the smaller-flowered species are much more resistant.
Cultivate kitchen garden crops – tomatoes, peppers and cucumber crops require regular feeding with a high potash tomato fertiliser, water regularly and consistently.
Late sowings of beetroot, radishes, lettuce and salad crops grow quickly in warm soils (which will be very warm in the current heatwave) for an extended season of fresh vegetables. Pick courgettes before they become marrows!
Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds and keep them topped up – remember to keep the bird bath topped up too.
Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if you didn’t feed it in Spring. All lawns require feeding in order to remain healthy. Mowing the lawn regularly keeps it in good health, health encourages thick grass and deters weeds. Watering once a week is usually sufficient to ensure the water reaches a depth of around 10cms – this is likely to be a full evening's work currently with the hosepipe ban in Yorkshire!
If you do want to encourage wildflowers for pollinating insects ( and there do seem to be more bees this year!), it is time to stop mowing and enjoy the flowers that will appear.
Sow biennials such as foxgloves, forget-me-nots and wallflowers for blooms next year.
Water and feed sweet peas regularly – pick the flowers every few days and remove seed pods to prolong flowering.
If you are considering selling your home (and the gardens in Bramhope are looking very photogenic at the moment) and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS call 01134 676 400 a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN www.davidphillip.co.uk – covering Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge and North Leeds.
David Phillip Estate Agents selling homes in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley and Allwoodley
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