We are talking kitchens! - how to update and the most spectacular kitchen at a property we have for sale in Adel
The kitchen is the most used room in a property and the heart of the home, where family and friends come together to socialise, relax and be inspired with healthy cooking. The planning and design of your kitchen can make a big difference not only to the quality of your day to day life, but also to the value of your home.
If you are looking to refurbish your home, then the kitchen is the area where you can be inspirational as well as creative. You may want to invest in a brand new kitchen, however there are some easier alternative options to consider.
If the units in your kitchen work well for you then instead of replacing them, why not re-laquer or paint instead – many paint shops sell a variety of colours for wood, and a two toned look can make a big difference to the room. Use a can or two of paint – and always remember the primer.
Opening up some of the upper cabinetry can completely transform a space – add open floating shelving for displaying unusual items, beautiful glassware, cookbooks and interesting serving platters – this is actually easier to grab items you require without them taking up valuable cupboard space.
Updating or adding an island to the kitchen, not only potentially adds extra storage space but also provides a gathering area where you can be sociable too – many kitchen islands now have a work surface that overhangs so that seating can be stored underneath. Using marble, granite or quartzite can make this look really dramatic too – select stone in a neutral shade to ensure it lasts long enough to stand up to changing trends.
Changing your lighting can make a difference to the feel and look of the whole space, you can now purchase unusual lighting to hang over the island, add a dramatic light over the sink area, and fairy lights underneath elevated cabinets to illuminate the work surface, this definitely adds to the ambiance especially at night.
Add a backsplash to your kitchen – source out some unusual ceramic tiles to make a feature and replace the hardware on cupboard doors, this is really easy to do and can make a big difference to the kitchen without costing a fortune.
It is possible to make flooring and counter tops look luxurious on a less expensive budget, but one thing not to scrimp on is the appliances as these will date the kitchen quickly – new appliances should also be an investment.
If you are looking for kitchen inspiration, take a look at the magnificent 21 ft kitchen at our property at 6, The Meadows in Adel – the bi-folding windows open onto a private rear garden ensuring natural light fills this beautiful space. The high quality two tone units are sleek and extremely modern.
The double island is quite spectacular, with high scratch resistant Dekton work surfaces, ample seating for socialising and eating, a built in hob with 2 in 1 induction extractor with re-circulation kit and 5 Region wine cooler. The stunning bronze sink has an instant hot and cold water tap, plus there is ample storage space.
If you are looking for the absolute luxury appliances then this kitchen has Miele throughout. The Miele graphite grey single oven is engineered to deliver unparalleled accuracy for the always perfect result, there is even a camera inside the oven compartment so that you can always keep an eye on the cooking process – remotely if required. The graphite grey microwave and Miele warming drawers positioned underneath the main oven add that extra luxury.
The sleek luxury units boast an in-built coffee machine offering the best bean to cup experience for coffee connoisseurs.
No matter how great a chef you are, the freshest ingredients really bring out the best flavours in your cooking and with a separate fridge and freezer you have appliances that are thermostat accurate to within one degree – the freezer also has its own built-in ice making machine
The dish washer which is almost silent is Miele too and has a vast range of specialist programmes to ensure dishes will come out spotless.
From the beautiful wooden floor to the spectacular lighting this is one of the most wonderful kitchens you could possibly find in a property, the rest of the home is pretty spectacular too.
Take a look on all the main property portals – there is also a 3D virtual tour of this home and if you would like an early inspection of this beautifully presented stone built detached family home in Adel call now on 01134 676 400 for an early inspection. www.Davidphillip.co.uk
Easy ways to improve your new home without spending a fortune
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 immeyou’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 workdiately. 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 the easy changes, you can start working on the plans for when you finally decide on the ultimate work you want to undertake.
So, here are some quick wins that can improve your home immediately.
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 a whole load of work.
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.
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 like you.
If you are thinking of selling your home, some of the suggestions can also improve the buyer appeal to encourage a quicker sale at a higher price.
If you are considering selling your home in Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Cookridge or Otley and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS, call now on 01134 676 400.
A 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w davidphillip.co.uk
Good Reasons not to overprice your home
When selling your home, at David Phillip Estate Agents we always advise pricing your home competitively but realistically, this is even more important after the frenzy of the stamp duty holiday.
The market is already returning to some sort of normality at the beginning of January and we have a number of very nice properties in Bramhope and Adel about to be launched . Properties are still moving quickly so it is even more important to price your property competitively so that your home isn’t overlooked in favour of something priced realistically.
So, here are the 8 good reasons not to overprice your home, (most of them are common sense too!)
Your property could take longer to sell
Homes that are overpriced can take more than two months longer to sell compared to accurately priced properties according to Zoopla. The extra time it took an overpriced property to sell ranged from an average of 68 days in the North East to 49 days in the West Midlands.
Fewer buyers will see your home
Most buyers use property portals like Zoopla and Rightmove to kick start their search for a new home, and one of the key search filters is the maximum price you want to pay.
As a seller, if you price your home too high, it is likely to appear in fewer searches and bypass many potential buyers, it may also compare unfavourably to homes listed in the same price bracket that have been realistically priced – and that is a big chunk of the market.
Buyers can be suspicious of properties that can be on the market too long
While it may be tempting to test the water with a high price, or list at ‘offers over’ reasoning that you can always discount later if your home does not sell, this approach is likely to trigger suspicion among potential buyers. People tend to be wary of properties that have been on the market for too long, assuming there must be something wrong with them.
Bear in mind also, that a price reduction will be noted next to the home for sale on the property websites.
Offers over
Some agents will advise you market your property at ‘offers over’, however through experience this may dissuade people from looking at your property – buyers fear that they will be outpriced and therefore don’t even bother viewing – if the property had been listed at a ‘guide price’ then people know more realistically what they are likely to pay – this also means that your home is likely to get more viewings too generally resulting in more offers, and therefore potentially a price over the guide price.
Sometimes people may put in an inflated offer to secure the property, only to reduce and re-negotiate further down the line – at this time other interested parties may have moved on to another property.
You can create problems further down the line
All properties need a valuation survey carried out by their mortgage lender, and even if you have found a buyer at an inflated price, then it may return a value below the offer accepted – at this point the buyer may try to negotiate a discount or even pull out of the sale altogether. If the buyer does pull out, then you may need to re-advertise your house arising even more suspicion.
You can waste your chance of a first impression
Buyers prefer properties that are fresh on the market rather than those that have been listed for some time – and you only get one chance to make a first impression. If you price correctly then you may have several buyers interested at the beginning which could push up the price naturally.
If you have priced your house too high in the first place then you may not get this interest
The market may change
Sellers who overprice their homes, risk the local property market changing while they wait to sell. The stamp duty holiday saw an increase in house prices and although house prices are remaining consistent, the market may adjust, and if your home has had a price that has been inflated then this may cause problems later down the line.
Homes that have to be discounted can take up to 2 months longer to sell, that could be enough time for the market to shift down a gear.
You run the risk of losing the home you want to buy
At David Phillip Estate Agents, we are finding that people who have sold their property and ready to proceed are in a much better position to have an offer accepted on their dream home. We are currently taking offers from people who are proceedable. Property chains can be long and complex and not everyone will be prepared for you to find a buyer at your overpriced asking price.
You may be hit with higher Estate Agency fees.
Given the time it takes for overpriced homes to sell, you may decide to instruct a new agent in the hope that they might be more successful in finding a buyer – at David Phillip Estate Agents, we have sold properties unsuccessfully listed by other agents, but our fees need to be paid too, this can put the overall price up too. We do though have fairer fixed fees so that you know exactly what you are paying, and also unlike other agents, we do not tie you into lengthy contracts as we are confident in our ability to sell – as long as your property is priced correctly.
David Phillip has over 30 years’ experience and knowledge selling properties in North and West Yorkshire, so if you are looking to have a no-obligation, realistic valuation completed then call us on 01134 676 400.
86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
If you are looking to sell your home, reaching the greatest audience (the most potential buyers) is a key factor to achieving a quick sale. The National Property Portals ensure you are reaching ‘motivated’ buyers looking to move to the area.
At David Phillip Estate Agents we subscribe to the following portals
Not only is it key that your property is posted on as many sites as possible, the way your property is presented is vitally important too. At David Phillip Estate Agents we create the ‘ultimate property listing’ on Rightmove which could include – featured property, premium listing, 3D virtual tour, beautiful photography, drone footage and descriptive copywriting.
Take a look at Rightmove, Adel today – not only do we have Featured Listings but we have Premium Properties too (Adel Pasture and The Meadows), which increases the chance of buyers noticing the properties.
So, if you are looking to sell your home in 2022 call an Estate Agent that not only ensures you reach the greatest audience in the most effective and professional way possible but also an agent that has a fresh and motivated database of people looking to move into the area.
David Phillip FRICS t: 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
Updated Covid-19 guidance for Estate Agents
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has updated its guidance document setting out general advice and information for Estate Agents as well as for those moving home.The Government says that it has been necessary to re-introduce some measures to manage the emergence of the Covid 19 Omicron variant.
At David Phillip Estate Agents in Bramhope we continue to follow all government guidelines to keep our customers and employees safe.
The general advice issued by the Department states “we urge everyone involved in the home buying and selling process to continue to follow good hygiene practices, including regular hand-washing, sanitising and cleaning, we also encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible and be prepared for potential delays for example if one of those involved becomes ill with Covid-19 during the moving process or has to self- isolate” – you can read the guidance on the Government website and at David Phillip Estate Agents our Covid-19 protocol for viewings and Market appraisals is available on our website.
David Phillip commented “We have been working within the ‘constraints’ of the Pandemic for nearly two years and are comfortable with the ‘new normal’ processes we have in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. We continue to use 3D virtual tours as the first viewing of our properties where appropriate. Our technology ensures that customers do not need to visit the office in person and our cloud based systems offer some of the most sophisticated communication tools – including instant valuations”
So if you are considering selling your home in Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale or Otley and would like a free market appraisal with an Estate agent that is local, trusted and safe, call us now on 01134 676 400 a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, w: Davidphillip.co.uk
Predicting the housing market can often be a little hit and miss, particularly after an unprecedented 2 years, however there are some elements that we can be certain about.
House prices have been playing catch up after the uncertainty of Brexit, once this was resolved, Covid-19 hit the property market with the stamp duty holiday adding a further challenge.
For anyone considering selling their home, the market has now calmed down (although not slowed down) after the stamp duty frenzy, and far from missing the market, now is a very good time to think of moving.
The urgency of transactions has been removed which is welcomed by both buyers and sellers, and there is an abundance of motivated buyers and many high calibre houses are selling before they reach the open market, meaning buyers still have to act with speed if they wish to secure a property.
Yorkshire is still seeing a very positive market – High income families with school age children are looking to purchase properties around the £1 million mark, and are well placed to secure a mortgage. London buyers view Yorkshire as a financially secure region in which to base their principal home, with good transport links into London and a host of excellent private schools. Leeds has a good mix of thriving businesses and industries which gives people the confidence to buy and sell homes in the area - areas on the outskirts of Leeds are particularly appealing.
There is still a continued desire of people looking to make lifestyle changes, a more spacious environment, the option to work from home and more outdoor garden space is still an important factor – the areas of Bramhope and Adel are very appealing.
Some people are looking to downsize too as they realise their current property has too much space, which is freeing up very desirable family homes, often with the scope for modernisation
Yorkshire and Humberside are expected to see a potential rise of approximately 7% in 2022 with prices predicted to grow by 18.8% over the next five years: the highest expected increase in the UK alongside the North West.
The market does remain price sensitive, particularly in light of the recent interest rate rise and therefore setting a realistic but competitive price from the outset is key, this will ensure a healthy amount of viewings, with often more than one offer made.
David Phillip commented: “There is an underlying confidence in the property market which remains buoyant despite the emergence of the Covid-19 variant. We are seeing an increasing number of market appraisals and a rise of properties coming onto the market particularly in Adel and Bramhope”
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS then call 01134 676 400 a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day encourages consumers to explore their options and keep up with scheduled maintenance. Each year, on January 10th, the observance provides information designed to help homeowners and businesses to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Did you know that tuning up your heating system can save you up to three to ten percent in overall costs?
It is often in the little things that you do that can save you big money on your energy bill, such as:
The above list is just a few of the many ways to conserve energy. Use these tips, along with others you may already have in practice, many are available online and you will be able to create energy and financial savings the entire year.
January is an excellent time for selling your home, Rightmove reports some of its highest traffic to the portals, the Christmas decorations have come down and people are working out their plans for 2022 – which often includes moving home. If you would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
W:davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
The 12th night is upon us and The Christmas Trees and Decorations are sadly now being taken down for another year, so if you live in North Leeds and your tree is currently temporarily in the back garden, what are the options for removing it. Do you re-cycle (how and where?) or do you dispose of your tree (how where and how much?)
According to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, between six and eight million ‘real’ Christmas trees are sold in the UK every year. A typical six to seven foot high Christmas tree is between 10 and 12 years old: Nordmann Firs are the most popular in homes making up to 80% of those sold with Norway spruce making up 10-15%
So now that the decorations are down, what are the options for dealing with the tree:-
If your tree is an artificial one it needs to go out with the rubbish
Some tips on making tree removing easier
So now that you have removed your Christmas Tree and decorations, and the children are back at school, this could be the ideal time for getting your property ‘market ready’ with a view to selling.
We have five properties about to be listed in the Bramhope, Adel and the Menston area. If you would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS, please call us on 01134 676 400. A: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
How did New Year’s resolutions start?
The first New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years ago to ancient Babylon. The Babylonians are said to have started the tradition during Akitu, a 12-day New Year celebration.
During the Akitu festival, the ancient Babylonians would plant crops, crown a new king (or pledge their loyalty to the reigning king), and make promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any borrowed items. They believed that if they kept their word, the gods would look favourably on them for the year ahead. If the Babylonians broke their promises, they would fall on the bad side of their gods.
The history of New Year’s resolutions continued in ancient Rome. Emperor Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar in 46 B.C. which declared January 1st as the start of the new year. This new date honoured Janus, a two-faced god who symbolically looked back into the previous year and forwards into the new year. The Romans would offer sacrifices to Janus and make promises of good behaviour for the year ahead.
New Year’s resolutions were also made in the Middle Ages. Knights would renew their vow to chivalry by placing their hands on a live or roasted peacock. The annual “Peacock Vow” would take place at the end of the year, as a resolution to maintain their knighthood values.
Why do people make New Year’s resolutions?
Modern New Year’s resolutions are a largely secular practice, with most people making resolutions to themselves rather than promising gods. The focus of the tradition is on self-improvement, with people taking time to reflect on their goals.
Today’s resolutions are often health focused, driven by the indulgence of the Christmas period. The symbology of the New Year also makes it a great time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh after December 31st.
At least 40% of people in the United States set New Year’s resolutions, while 22% of people in the UK aim for self-improvement with a resolution.
Yet, research shows that 80% of people break their resolutions by the first week of February and only 8% are successful in achieving their goals at all.
Despite having over 4,000 years of practice, these figures aren’t likely to improve any time soon. Experts say we’re doomed to fail when making New Year’s resolutions thanks to unrealistic expectations.
We set lofty goals that quickly become overwhelming, and we fail to make a plan to achieve these goals. The key to completing your resolution is to break it down into small, tangible steps. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit”, set a specific goal like going to a gym class every Monday and Wednesday.
Are you looking for inspiration for your New Year’s resolutions in 2020? Here are some of the most common resolutions made on January 1st each year.
You could decide that your New Years’ resolution is to move home – if so, then January is a great month to start planning for a move. If you would like a free market appraisal call 01134 676 400
W:davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
So, you have decided to sell your home and research shows that January is always a busy time, with the impact of January sales encourages people looking to move for various reasons. You will want to choose an agent that will get you the best price in the quickest time.
Modern technology to support your sale
At David Phillip Estate Agents we have clever techniques to ensure your property reaches the biggest audience by using all the key Property Portals. We use the most modern technology to support your sale too, including 3D virtual tours and local area videos, plus effective social media campaigns.
We are confident that our professional photographer will showcase your property in the best way possible, but a little preparation on your side can make that extra difference too, and by this we don’t mean running the Hoover around the house and putting a few things under the bed!
Here are a few tips that will ensure your property is show-cased in the best way possible to encourage a quicker sale and at the best price.
Outside the property
Curb appeal – this is what a potential buyer will first see when viewing your home and therefore it is important that it is a positive one. Ensure the door is painted to a high standard with appealing hardware that can easily be seen, steps are clean, no dead leaves and no overflowing dustbins. When you are having your photos taken, remove any vehicles from the front of the property. If your photo doesn’t have lighting outside then use the photographic enhancement service at David Phillip Estate Agents
Wash the windows and doors – another important part of ensuring good Curb appeal
Mow the lawn and de-weed – ensure the front garden is well kept, cut back the grass and get rid of the weeds – if your property looks good from the outside then people will want to take a look inside
Clean the gutters – dirty gutters are a sign of a badly kept property, also clogs can result in water damage both internally and externally. Blockages and obstructions can also become a home for unwanted pests such as bees, birds and rodents
Straighten stone slabs - these can look really unsightly, and can also be dangerous
Potted plants – these can be cheap to buy, are easy to look after and make the front of a property look much more appealing, plus they can be moved around if required.
De-clutter
This is particularly important especially after Christmas when you don’t have Christmas decorations hanging around. By getting rid of clutter, not only will your home appear bigger, which is an advantage when your property photos are being presented, but it will also give the impression that the home has been well looked after.
We have a rule we follow, ‘use it, love it, bin it’ – use these early stages of home selling as an opportunity to take things to the tip, charity shop, or sell on local websites, E-Bay or Gum Tree. Not only will you make some money but also start getting rid of things in advance of removal day – and less things to move will have an impact on the overall removal cost. If you are looking for a professional de-clutterer, we recommend Clutter Therapy based in Leeds.
De-Personalise
You have probably had some wonderful times in your current home, but when it comes to selling try to think of it as a house, not a home, after-all it soon won’t be. Try and get into this mind-set early on, ensure that the property looks great but allow viewers to use their own imagination – your taste may be completely different to theirs. Remove personal photographs and ornaments – you’ll need to pack these anyway. There is a balance between your home having too many personal items and de-personalising it, so play around with keeping some items but removing others.
Deep-clean and repairs
No one will buy a dirty house including you, so try and leave the house in the same condition as the one you would like to move into. You may have managed to live around those small repairs, but if they are easy to mend then make sure this has been sorted before any viewings take place, and if you don’t enjoy DIY then hire a professional who can do the job for you – holes in walls, creaky doors and broken shelves, don’t look appealing!
So now your house is ready to market make sure you choose the right Agent to sell your home
If you are looking to sell your Property in 2022, then call David Phillip FRICS - with over 30 years’ experience selling properties in North and West Yorkshire you can be sure you are using an Estate Agent with local knowledge enabled by the best technology and modern sales techniques. T:01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
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