At one time newspapers were very important in advertising but as more people have computers at home with broadband giving good connection speeds, the internet has taken over. When we researched previously the newspapers still had some popularity but now few people use it to look for a new home.

Our branches are already with Right Move and Property Finder who are recognised as the most effective property websites. The trial included Hot Property, Prime Location, Find a Property, the Telegraph (online), Think Property and others. When researching a couple of years ago Rightmove were poles apart from the rest but we found that Propertyfinder and Findaproperty are catching up in our locations. Primelocation didn’t do well in our trials but are well known to be popular in the London area.

We were with Email4property as they had previously proved very effective at getting visitors clicking through to our website but in the more recent research figures show Google to have overtaken them. Interestingly, most of our visitors come directly to our website though. This isn’t as surprising as it may seem. The majority of people move locally so already know of leading estate agents such as Harrison Murray. National websites have more visitors but they cover the whole country so are less effective than they would like to make the public believe in their advertising.

Most importantly, figures show that many customers choose us because we have a good reputation for customer service – and that’s got to be the most satisfying result from the research!

(Research included various websites stats, our own stats and customer surveying).

It needs warmth but avoid too many personal items and photos. Day to day life isn’t always tidy but when people look around its important to make the home look spacious so keep it tidy and clean. If anything is broken make sure it is fixed. First impressions count so the front of the property needs to be clean and appealing. You may love doing up vintage cars for example, but an incomplete project may look untidy to others. Many of us drive around having seen a set of details on a property so make your home look good outside. Listen to the advice of your agent. They want to sell your home as much as you do and help people move every day.

More details can be found here and here.

“Kitchens sell properties”. Improving the kitchen can add to the value of the property. Currently open plan is very popular. You need to consider the market you’re trying to appeal to and avoid narrowing down the appeal too much. Location can be important – if you are near to a local school, for example, the buyers are likely to be families so the home should appeal to them.  Having a study and/or utility room may raise the value and putting in a new bathroom near to sale time will help achieve the price you’re looking for. The outside should also reflect the audience. Families like space outside generally where as people who are working in the city and commuting are more likely to want a low maintenance garden.

More details can be found here and here.

Make sure you get mortgage advice early on in your searching so that you know what you can afford. The initial meeting with the mortgage consultant will also help when you have found the property of your dreams as it will speed things up and the seller may not want to let you view their home unless they know you are in a position to buy. Getting a solicitor early on is also a good idea to avoid delays later.

You will need a surveyor once you’ve found a property. There are different types of survey. The basic valuation is really for the lender to establish that the property you are buying is worth the amount they are lending you. If it isn’t they won’t give you the mortgage. If you are buying an older property or just want more piece of mind you can go for a more in depth survey. You may need a deposit, although there are some lenders who will offer a 100% mortgage, so get saving!

There are low cost ownership schemes worth investigating and you may be able to get onto a key worker living programme if you are a teacher, nurse or other public sector worker.

It sounds complex but talking to your agent, mortgage consultant, solicitors and surveyors can help. More details can be found here.

When it comes to the actual move there is a lot to think about. Good removal companies may be booked up well in advance so once you have a definite date start making calls. You may not need or want to use a removal company but bear in mind that you will need to be fully moved out of your old house by a certain time – 20 trips in the mini may be cheap but impractical! Your utility suppliers, such as gas/electric/water, will need to be told of the move date and make sure you know their process for final readings. You can get post redirected to avoid losing anything and there are others that need to know such as local council. Some agents arrange all things for you. We’re not all list people but for moving it’s a good idea to tick off a list as you go. House insurance needs amending and it may be a good time to think about alternative providers.

More info can be found here and here.

If it’s an area where you’re more likely to let to students they are more likely to be on a tight budget and less likely to look after things so the money spent on quality appliances is wasted. They also won’t expect so much space so the layout of the property should be considered. If it’s a family target audience think what they might expect, eg somewhere for the children to play downstairs or space in the bedrooms. For students the front room for example may be better as an additional bedroom. It’s worth asking your local agent as they know the area and they’re not likely to charge just for asking!

Different lenders are good for different types of buyer. Make sure you seek mortgage advice from a company that can offer a wide choice, effectively researching the market for you. Banks and building societies will only offer their products, obviously, so are more limited than brokers. You need to get a solicitor for the purchase. You may want to  manage the let property yourself or leave that to an experienced letting agent.

More info can be found here.

You also need to consider what work is going to have the most benefit when you come to sell in terms of how much and how fast the property will sell for. The most common mistake is to get too personally involved and fussy. Remember you are not going to live there, or at least not in the long term, so the finished product has to have wide appeal. If you decorate neutrally you’re more likely to get a sale quickly. If you chooser very bold colours or unusual features, you may be lucky and get someone with the same tastes as you but you risk taking longer to sell.

Before buying a property research the local market and make sure you are getting good value. If you pay, for example, £150,000 for a property and a similar one fully developed recently sold for £160,000 then you have little or no profit margin. Be realistic with your budget. You don’t get anything for nothing so make sure anything that you need to do is budgeted for. Make sure you have a schedule too so the development doesn’t just roll on (and on). It may be worth getting a project manager – someone who is experienced at getting things done to a timescale and to a price. When the development is complete, or near completion, get a valuation and get the property on market quickly and make sure you have a solicitor ready.

 More info can be found here.

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The 67 apartments now being released complete the Derwent development of 122 units made up of 20 apartments for affordable rent and 102 apartments for part-purchase sale under Derwent Living’s Easy Living brand. The properties range from studios to large two bedroom apartments and are arranged in a number of ultra-modern buildings, set around a one acre open courtyard area complete with water features.

The Hub is a prestigious Canary Wharf style development, covering 5.8 acres within five minutes walk of Milton Keynes railway station and includes two hotels – a Ramada Encore and a Jury’s Inn - and 50,000 square foot of air conditioned office space. In total there will be 392 affordable apartments, 84 serviced apartments and specialist retail facilities with café bars and restaurants totalling 8,165 sq metres of retail space. High quality tenants have already opened in the development including Starbucks, Zizzi and Café Rouge.

Derwent Living’s part-buy, part-rent scheme gives people the opportunity to get a foot on the housing ladder for far less money than an outright purchase. A typical one bedroom apartment in the development has a full market price of £150,000 but Derwent Living allow buyers to purchase a 50% equity stake for £75,000 and then pay a nominal rent of £187.50 per month. At any time the buyer can increase their stake, if they choose to, until they own their property outright. The rental figure reduces or disappears accordingly. Service charges for a one bedroom apartment come to about £128 a month, comparable with similar leasehold property.

Harrison Murray has been chosen by Derwent Living because its network of branches surrounds Milton Keynes and will feed buyers into the area. Nick Salmon, Harrison Murray’s commercial director, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Derwent Living and to be able to offer such excellent apartments in this prime location. The development is extremely impressive, affordable, and ideal for young people working in and around Milton Keynes or in London.”

Steve McDonough, Derwent Living’s commercial director said: “The development provides much-needed affordable homes locally.  Easy Living allows people to buy 50% of the property and pay a rent on the remaining half. It’s a great way for people to get a first step on the property ladder and still live somewhere that suits their lifestyle.”

A launch weekend is taking place on Saturday and Sunday 24th/25th May when buyers can come and see the apartments and discuss the options for financing a purchase. Full details from Harrison Murray on 0845 072 0260.

More details can be found here.

Landlords and tenants can now deal through the offices at George Row, Abington, Duston and East Hunsbury, seven days a week.

Polly Pierrot, Northampton lettings manager, explained the reason for the expansion: “For many years, Harrison Murray has had a very successful lettings business in Leicestershire. We brought the lettings and management service to Northampton last November in response to customer demand and the take-up has been excellent. With the administration systems bedded in and our reputation established we judge that the time is right to bring all the Northampton branches on board.”

Su Snaith, senior branch partner for all the Northampton offices said: “We are now offering a unique service to landlords and tenants. Not only are we members of ARLA – which guarantees customers that we abide by strict rules of conduct and ensures the protection of client monies – but we are able to offer the convenience of being open seven days a week.

“We believe there is no other letting agent in Northampton able to offer this level of professionalism and opening hours. Harrison Murray has excellent brand power which we believe will contribute to the scheme’s success.”

Letting a property may, on the face of it, appear a simple operation but in fact it requires a very high level of expertise, not least in dealing with the drawing up of the correct type of tenancy agreement, carrying out gas and electrical safety checks, making the inventory and checking tenant references.

Harrison Murray can undertake all these functions and a landlord can choose the level of service to suit their needs – from the introduction of a tenant, through rent-collection, to full management. Contact your local Harrison Murray branch for full details.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.

 

The Harrison Murray team will be on hand to explain sales and purchases, lettings, mortgages and conveyancing at the offices at 2A King’s Street.

Sherry Palmer, Market Appraisal manager said: “We have had a great response to the invitations we have sent out, but anyone is welcome to come and see us, there’s no need to make an appointment.

“The idea of the event is to give first time buyers and investors the opportunity to get impartial advice on many aspects of the house buying process.

“There is no obligation, simply the chance to offer customers the guidance they may require. We’ll have a great range of affordable properties from here and our sister branches on view and there will be refreshments available. ”

Harrison Murray’s Enderby branch can be contacted on 0116 275 2631.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 19 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.

 

As long as they take professional advice and put their property on the market at a realistic price, there are plenty of minor improvements which could add value to the home, without breaking the bank.

Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon said: “We are all aware of the current challenging housing market and the stiff competition among sellers to get the best price for their home – particularly in what is a ‘buyer’s market’.

“But there are many touches that can be achieved relatively cheaply, and which if done well, will add value. Sellers may be more apathetic about carrying out home improvement as household finances are stretched – but thinking ahead and being pro-active could pay dividends.”

Some Harrison Murray tips for making the small things count:

Bedrooms add value: If there is a room that you use for storage, or a playroom that could be used as a bedroom, clear it out and put a bed in it. If you want to demonstrate dual usage – put in a sofa bed to show how easily it could be converted.

Kitchens: Traditionally seen as one of the most important rooms in the house, and the hub of the home for many. You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds on a swanky new kitchen – replacing shabby or dated cupboard and drawer doors could be enough to transform the space.

The fabric of the home: Not everyone shares the same taste in curtains, blinds or carpets. But disguising patterned dated carpets or sofas with plain rugs or throws will add a new dimension and give a fresh look.

Bathrooms:  The colour of the bathroom suite will cause a debate among buyers. It may be an added expense, but if you are thinking about replacing what you have, you can’t go wrong with white. But if your budget doesn’t stretch that far – add some finishing touches in complementing colours, like a bale of towels or shower curtain.

Aesthetic appeal: Remember, first impressions count. Make sure that the front of your property looks appealing. Don’t forget to tend to the front garden and avoid bold statements such as ostentatious ornaments. What is parked outside your home can also make a big difference – don’t put buyers off by broken down vehicles and caravans parked outside.

Smaller aesthetic improvements can add significant value to your home but don’t have to break the bank – a fresh coat of neutral paint can do wonders in helping to appeal to buyers, and is obviously the most economical way to make over your home. 

Garden: Now is the time of year when a garden comes into its own. Make sure it’s tidy, swept and the grass edges are neat. A few bedding plants will add a splash of colour and scent.

Nick added: “The money you spend on hidden improvements will not be reflected in buyers’ offers. If you invest in the appearance of the property, you are more likely to add immediate value to your home.

Consider the value of your home when deciding what to change. Whatever improvements you make, ensure you put your own priorities aside and concentrate on how to appeal to the majority market.”

More info can be found here and here.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.

The petition, created by Nick Salmon, commercial director of Harrison Murray and leader of the anti-HIP campaign, SPLINTA, attracted over 9,500 signatures and climbed to 6th place by size out of over 6,000 petitions on the website.

Currently the marketing of a house can begin as soon as the HIP is ordered but the Government had planned to force sellers to acquire the entire HIP before putting a property up for sale, slowing the entire process.

Welcoming the U-turn, Nick said: "This is a temporary victory for consumers. It is clear that Caroline Flint has recognised the strength of our petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, and that Home Information Packs are a complete waste of time and money.

“Her department can spin the supposed benefits for all they are worth but everyone involved in the day to day housing market knows they are neither preventing deals from falling through, nor speeding the home buying process.

“Ms Flint has had the courage to recognise that fact by extending the first day marketing concession. Now she needs to do what her predecessors have collectively failed to do and call in HIPs for a full review.

“The Prime Minister has botched the 10p tax issue, and the Chancellor has dithered over Northern Rock - we hope the Housing Minister won't fudge the costly and useless HIP."

Click here for info on how to get a Home Information Pack.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.

A customer satisfaction survey by leading independent estate agent, Harrison Murray, has shown that the firm is not only very popular with its customers - but has improved its satisfaction ratings to higher levels than in 2007.

Harrison Murray invites every buyer and seller to complete a detailed feedback form after a property is sold or withdrawn from the market.

The scheme began over a year ago, and since then hundreds of customers have taken the opportunity to comment on their experience of dealing with the company.

The latest results for 2008 confirm that, contrary to popular beliefs about estate agents, Harrison Murray is achieving very high levels of customer satisfaction in a very testing market.

Sellers were asked ‘Would you use Harrison Murray again in the future?’ 89 per cent said they would certainly or probably do so. This compares with 76 per cent in 2007.

Buyers were asked ‘Would you sell through Harrison Murray in the future?’ and 90.5 per cent said they certainly or probably would do so. In 2007 the figure was 85 per cent.

Both buyers and sellers were asked whether they would recommend Harrison Murray to a friend or colleague. Overall, 92.5 per cent said they would certainly or probably do so. The 2007 figure was 86.5 per cent.

The big question in the survey asked sellers and buyers to rate their overall satisfaction with the service they received from Harrison Murray.

In 2007 91.5 per cent of respondents said they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ but in the latest survey the figure has jumped to an extremely impressive 98 per cent.

Commenting on the survey, Harrison Murray’s commercial director, Nick Salmon, said: “We are delighted to see that we have successfully improved on last year’s figures – which in themselves set a high bench mark.

“The company puts a lot of resources into training and these figures are a wonderful reflection on the efforts of our hard-working staff.

“In a tough market it pays to use an agent that people have tried, tested and can recommend and with nine out of ten recommending Harrison Murray these questionnaires show a big ‘thumbs up’ from our customers.”

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

 

“Within a matter of days, we had secured two offers, and the house was sold in less than a week  - with the seller agreeing to sell at a realistic price – and the new buyer delighted with her property,” said the branch’s market appraisal manager, Sherry Palmer.

“We are extremely pleased that we’ve been able to help two sets of customers achieve their goal, and in such a short space of time.

“It just goes to prove that by offering an excellent service, and taking the customer and their needs into account – coupled with local knowledge of the market and staying ahead of the competition – that there is still a market out there.”

Moving out of the three-bedroom townhouse in Enderby is Paul Burdett (31) and his family. “Having received no joy for four months from our original estate agents, we went on the market with Harrison Murray, primarily because they are local.

“We received excellent service from them, and we definitely made the right choice in swapping agents. They kept in touch with us every step of the way,” said Paul.

And moving in to the property in King Street is first time buyer Hayley Malyon (28) – who was only made aware of the home thanks to Harrison Murray introducing it to her.

Hayley, who had been looking for her ideal home for a number of months, also switched from her Blaby agents, and chose Harrison Murray to help her in her search.

“I was new to the whole housebuying process. Sherry, my Harrison Murray namesake Hayley and the team not only guided my through the journey, but – the service was first class and everything has gone so smoothly.”

Pic cap

Harrison Murray sales administrator Kameron Hutchinson with delighted seller Paul Burdett.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or

Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

Each downturn has four phases that overlap one another: A period when, for whatever reason, supply exceeds demand and prices begin to fall; a stage when sellers realise change is underway but believe it can’t be affecting their own property - whilst buyers hold back, expecting further price falls; a ‘plateau’ where the market and prices stabilise; and a period when demand begins to overtake supply and prices begin to rise again.

These phases can each last months or even years and my estimate is that we are currently somewhere between phase one and phase two. At this stage in the market cycle sellers can make a huge mistake that may lose them a great deal of time and money. It’s a trap called ‘Chasing the Market Down’.

With buyers being extremely cautious any seller who thinks they can still be optimistic in their asking price will find no-one is viewing the property, and no-one making an offer. It’s always down to just one factor, the price is set too high. Nothing else. Even a hovel by a motorway will sell in this market - if the price is right! A few weeks go by and the unrealistic seller reluctantly reduces their price a small amount. Still no-one views or offers. A few more weeks and down comes the asking price again but there are still no takers. The problem is that all the time the market has been falling and despite the reductions the property has remained relatively expensive compared to others

In the end, after chasing the market down for weeks or months, the seller will achieve very substantially less than they might have received if they’d priced really competitively at the outset. Sellers can avoid this trap by getting their asking price slightly ‘under’ the market. The effect is to make the property attractive to buyers because it appears to be excellent value when compared to the many others that are available. The result is viewings, followed by offers, followed by a sale.

We have recently had several cases that prove the point. One seller tried the market in early June at £189,950 but when in two weeks hardly anyone viewed he sensibly dropped the price by £10,000 and the property went under offer within 48 hours. A house that came on the market in March at £275,000 was going nowhere until the price came down to £259,950 in early May and went under offer a week later. Just this week the owner of a property that had been up for sale since February at £250,000, slashed the asking price to £225,000 and received an asking price offer within 48 hours.

These reduced sale prices are far from bad news for the sellers because they have found that the properties they want to buy have also come down. They’ve lost on the swings but gained on the roundabouts, and all it took was a healthy dose of realism.

Note to editors:

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

 

And what makes this even more special, is that it is one of only two remaining dwellings on the historical St Crispin site, on Acorn Road – with a fabulous outlook onto the village green. Neatly tucked away in a cul-de-sac location with mature trees as a picturesque backdrop, the three-bedroom Victorian property will set you back just £249,995. The typical Victorian characteristics of original stripped floors, ceiling roses, sash windows and coving work in harmony with the modern aspects of the home.

Other features include a pleasant and relatively private view out onto the garden which is laid to lawn with patio and shrubbery area, feature fireplace in the lounge, separate dining room and kitchen, ensuite to the master bedroom, garage and off road parking  with space for three cars on the drive, access to a workshop which has storage in the eves. The property is located in the St Crispins development, with access to a range of shops, businesses, GP surgery, school and many other amenities.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact Harrison Murray in Duston on 01604 590890.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

 

Looking out onto the surrounding Cambridgeshire Fens, this makes is a remarkable home with a view .. and a pew! The wealth of original features in this unique four-bedroom home include: the font, which now graces the main reception area; quarry tiles floor with stone arch windows and pews in the entrance hall; the pulpit and a magnificent stained glass window designed by C E Kemp have been made into dining room focal points; a magnificent stone arch, overlooked by the galleried landing; vaulted ceilings.

These wonderful features are complimented by modern facilities, including a galleried first floor and mezzanine and first floor landing area. A contemporary kitchen, with integrated appliances, make for a spectacular dining and entertaining area at the hub of the home. Two of the four bedrooms have ensuite facilities.

The converted church is being sold through Harrison Murray estate agents in Wisbech, and has a price tag of £375,000.   

For details or to arrange a viewing, contact 01945 465432.

CHURCH HISTORY

St Etheldreda’s was completed in 1876, at a cost of £2,700 and consisted of chancel, nave, south porch, vestry and a small western turret containing two bells.

There is a small stained window on the south side of chancel, and another on the north side in memory of Francis William Gordon Woodgate, a memorial window was erected at the east end in June 1887, at a cost of £120, to Samuel Jones Lody, Baron Overstone a benefactor to this church, who died November 17th 1883, and another in memory of Williams Cutlack Little by his window.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk

 

Ian Gibbons, managing director of TMAC (part of the Harrison Murray estate agency group), said: “It’s true that the number of lenders and products on offer has shrunk over the last 12 months, but how far has it really shrunk? “The truth is, there were too many lenders competing for business in 2007, the net result was many of them were lending at a loss to gain market share.  “The market has gone back to realistic levels and the loss-leading products have disappeared, but that doesn’t mean lenders don’t want to lend or that there aren’t competitive products around.”

Ian added: “There are still good deals on offer for FTBs, re-mortgagers and home movers, and those with good credit profile and large deposits can still attract very competitive products. “There are also deals available to buyers with no deposit via vendor-gifted deposit schemes or guarantor mortgages. Guarantor mortgages are available.”

And there is a word of warning from Ian: “In the current market it is essential that anyone looking for a mortgage or re-mortgage speaks to a broker who deals with the whole of market, such as TMAC. Beware, because most estate agency based mortgage advisers only offer mortgages from a very small panel of lenders and insurance products from only one provider. Harrison Murray, via TMAC offers access to the whole of market, and nine leading life assurance and income protection companies.”

 TMAC writes some 2,500 mortgages a year. And because it is not tied to any single bank, building society or lending organisation or estate agency, the advice offered to the public is truly impartial, as they deal with whole of market. For more information call TMAC on 0800 169 6930 or visit www.themortgageadvicecentre.co.uk

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

TMAC working in association with Harrison Murray. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk

However, for those borrowers who feel as if they are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to deciding whether or not to take a fixed-rate, a variable rate or ride out the short term – help is at hand. Until six months ago, anyone could arrange a mortgage. But today, it is the job of a seasoned professional who specialises in mortgages.

The experts at The Mortgage Advice Centre (TMAC) work in association with independent estate agents and valuers, Harrison Murray. And because TMAC is not tied to any particular lender or bank, its advice is truly independent. Ian Gibbons, managing director of TMAC, said: “Arranging a re-mortgage can be a minefield for many people, as can re-mortgaging, with the current financial climate adding to the strain.

“We deal with the whole of market, which puts us in a position to talk through every aspect of a mortgage with the borrower. We can help them to look at the mortgage package in its entirety and suggest which is the best, based on their personal circumstances. If you’re looking to re-mortgage, come and talk to us. Acting on a good deal quickly will be to a borrower’s advantage, particularly with rates changing at such a rapid rate.”

TMAC writes some 2,500 mortgages a year.

For more information call TMAC on 0800 169 6930 or visit www.themortgageadvicecentre.co.uk

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

TMAC working in association with Harrison Murray.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk TMAC managing director Ian Gibbons on 07966 209802.

Until the late 1980’s anyone wanting to get a mortgage would approach a mutual building society (those excellent institutions that take in money from investors and lend it out to borrowers – something that used to be called ‘prudent lending’ before Margaret Thatcher opened the floodgates for banks and more rapacious lenders to get involved) for a loan to buy a house.

The norm was that they would have to have saved at least 10 per cent of the purchase price. If it was a couple purchasing they would be allowed to borrow about three times the main earner’s annual income and half the annual income of the lower earner.

In those pre-political correctness days it was usual for the husband to be the main bread winner and if the wife (‘partners’ were owners of businesses) worked it was assumed that at some point she would be having children and her income would cease. The loss of her wage was therefore factored in when assessing how much the couple could afford to repay, hence the ‘half times lower income’. Sometimes the building societies went further. Not only did the prospective borrower have to save the deposit, they would often be asked to open a savings account and for a period of several months to pay in an amount equivalent to what they would be repaying each month when the mortgage was taken out.

This requirement had three big benefits. First, it gave the borrower time to adjust their budgeting so that when the mortgage started the repayments did not come as a financial shock. Secondly it demonstrated to the lender that the borrower was a responsible person who could sustain the repayment. Thirdly, the accrued savings could be used to help fund the 10 per cent deposit. Oh, and there was arguably a fourth benefit. Holding lending in check kept house price inflation in single figures so that first time buyers could actually afford a home.

When prudence went out of the window, to be replaced by grossly irresponsible lending, everything changed. 125 per cent mortgage? Certainly Sir. Borrow ten times annual earnings on a self certification income? Of course Madam.

Half a dozen loans for a buy-to-let portfolio? Sign here.  It comes as no surprise that these lenders have had their fingers and most of the rest of their corporate bodies burned in the last nine months. Unfortunately it isn’t the fat cat bosses of those companies who are suffering from the effects of the demise of the monster they created, it is Joe Public who now finds that mortgage funds are so hard and expensive to obtain.

One day in the not too distant future those lenders still left standing when the dust has settled will have to start lending again but if they have learned anything from this crisis they will never again let their greed overcome common sense. The 10 per cent deposit is going to be with us for a long time to come and it will help to bring us to our collective senses about property values. The world of residential property has changed. It’s no bad thing. Get used to it.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

 

Commercial director Nick Salmon said: “Some people may have just returned from their summer holiday, and to be talking about Christmas may promote sighs and groans! However, if you are thinking seriously about moving house in time for Christmas, now really is the time to take action.”

Nick added “Many people wait until the autumn or the onslaught of the colder weather to start thinking about a Christmas move. But with the average sale taking between eight and 10 weeks to go through - potential sellers can stay ahead of the game by getting their property valued and on the market.

“The knock on effect of this is that prospective buyers, also looking to move before Christmas, will start to have more choice earlier on in the season - and will be less likely to put off their plans until the New Year.”

 

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray commercial director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.

 

Branch Partner Mike Ford (Melton Mowbray), said: “This is fantastic news for us and our customers. In the face of the credit crunch we continue to be market leaders. This is a great achievement for the team and Harrison Murray – which has been operating in the town for less than 18 months. We have built on the sound reputation and quality brand of Harrison Murray to gain the respect and commitment of our customers, for which we are thankful.”

The independent estate agents and valuers breathed new life into the former Coleman’s tobacconist building in Sherrard Street, and as well as building its reputation throughout Leicestershire, it has built an equally successful team to match.

Mike and the team have taken the branch from strength to strength since its opening last May – with Harrison Murray now showing more Sold Boards in the town than any other agent. Mike added: “People like the fact that we are a truly independent agent, and we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation. The key has been to show customers that we listen carefully to what they need and then work really hard to achieve success for them”

Harrison Murray’s success flies in the face of the RICS report – which reveals that over the last three months, housing transaction have fallen to their lowest level since RICS started tracking them in 1978.

Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk.