October Marketing Report 2022
The leaves are falling, the clocks have gone back and children, still hyped-up on sugar from their Halloween trick or treating, are now looking forward to this weekend's fireworks displays. November brings with it darker mornings and chillier nights and so comes thoughts of Christmas and the New Year. This inevitably focuses the minds of those who have been considering moving, as they consider whether their homes are too small or indeed too large for their needs. The looming New Year sparks thoughts of new beginnings and new homes so, despite the doom and gloom in the papers, life continues. People still move home and the property market continues to be busy.Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire.There are currently 687 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 707, with 681 in August and 573 in July. The increasing numbers of available properties is perhaps indicative of the heat having left the market as properties aren't getting snapped up as fast as they were. Things are started to calm back down to normal levels and there is now more choice once again for buyers.There are also more properties coming onto the market each month. In July there were 348, in August 369, in September 376 and in October 299. This could explain the higher number of available properties as there were more to choose from.In October 271 sales were agreed, in September there were 355, in August there were 364, and in July 289 sales were agreed. As more properties come to the market, more sales are happening. Although the media has been talking about the market cooling, the local facts are that there is still a lot of activity.In July we saw 30 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole. In August, this number jumped up to 51. There were 44 price reductions in September and 54 in October. This could imply that some sellers' or agents' expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with reality. In October there were 90 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at the peak levels. In September there were 81, in August, there were 71 slow movers and in July, there were 49 slow movers on the market. Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps - presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest numbers of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference to achieving your moving plans.In July, each property in the Lanarkshire area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 189. In August, this number jumped up to 221, in September it settled back to 186 and in October it fell to 149. This is not unusual for this time of year with many families busy over half term and focused on Halloween activities and Bonfire night. The high levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year.If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
Avoid the Spring Rush
Many people wait to put their properties on the market until Spring believing that the housing market becomes more buoyant at that time. However, there is an abundance of people who due to New Year's resolutions, marital breakdowns (January traditionally has a higher rate of divorce than any other month) and those who simply decide during their festive break that they would like to upgrade their home, who are looking to purchase properties after the New Year. That means that there are a large number of people looking for a property at the beginning of the year so there is an opportunity for those who choose to list their property in January or February to avoid the increased competition amongst sellers that occurs during the Spring Rush. Increased competition during the Spring Rush means that many sellers discover that more choice on the market leads to lower sales prices so how can you seek to make the most of the early months of the year to sell your property before the Spring Rush begins? Arrange viewings for during the day Shorter days means less of a window to show your house off in the best light, daylight. If possible, arrange viewings during the day and make sure that your windows are clean and your curtains wide open to allow as much light as possible to come into your property. If it isn't possible to schedule viewings during the day ensure that your property is well lit and welcoming. Don't forget about your garden/outside spaces The pandemic has affected our choice of homes. A survey of 2000 people at the end of 2020 by Market Financial Solutions Ltd found that 92% of the people surveyed agreed that having a garden or some outdoor space was the most important factor for them when buying a property. This replaced square footage which was the most important factor the year before. Make sure your outside areas are looking their best by tidying away clutter, cleaning outside furniture and pathways and considering planting some winter flowering plants to inject some colour. If most of your viewings are outside daylight hours consider adding lighting in order to show your garden/outside space off even when it's dark. Heat your property It may be cold outside but you want your potential buyers to feel like they are coming into a warm and welcoming home. Ensure that all the rooms in your house are sufficiently heated during viewings including spare bedrooms and bathrooms. Choose the right estate agent It is important not to overprice your property or you will be left trying to sell a property that has been on the market a while, always less desirable in buyers' eyes as they presume there is something wrong with it when the Spring Rush starts. A good estate agent will guide you through the property selling process and help you to put your property on the market for the right price, not too high and not too low.
Getting your property market ready
Many sellers put off tackling jobs around their homes as they believe that buyers like to change things when they move in. However, this is a false economy that may both delay your sale and affect the price that you get for your property. There are people who are looking for a fixer-upper but they expect their willingness to spend time doing up the property to be reflected in the price of that property. A run-down property can also give the impression to potential buyers that you do not take care of it and will leave them wondering what larger problems are lurking unseen. So if you would like to get the best possible price for your property it can pay to tend to any odd jobs before you put it on the market. Kerb appeal The exterior of your house is the first thing potential buyers see and first impressions matter. Make sure your front door is free of any dents and that the door handles are in good condition. Make sure your front garden is tidy and that the latches and hinges on any gates are well-oiled and in full working order. Ensure that your roof doesn't have any broken or missing tiles. Interior Repair any nail holes in your walls and if they are looking tired consider treating them to a fresh coat of paint. Make sure your flooring is in good condition, and replace chipped or cracked floor tiles and any damaged carpet. If you have pets, having your carpets steam-cleaned can be a great way of freshening them up. The right lighting can make even the smallest home appealing so take time to make sure all of your lightbulbs are working and fix any broken light fittings. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most expensive rooms for potential buyers to upgrade so it is no coincidence that updating them can have the greatest effect on your property's value. However, you don't need to install a completely new kitchen to make a difference. Fixing leaky taps and running toilets and ensuring built-in appliances are working properly can sometimes be all that is needed to spruce up your bathrooms and kitchen. Garden/Outdoor area Clear away any broken items like cracked plant pots and fix things like broken panes of glass in your shed. Living in our homes day in, and day out we can often become blind to small things that need fixing but, potential buyers who are looking at your home with fresh eyes will notice them. Asking a good friend or family member to take some time to walk around your property and point out things you may have missed can be invaluable. Alternatively, we are always happy to come and give you some advice on how you can ensure that your property is market ready, just give us a call on 01698 441327. If you don't have time or feel up to fixing issues yourself we have a list of trusted local handymen we can recommend.
How to make the most of your outdoor spaces in the Winter
Even in Winter you can make the most of your property's outdoor space and getting on top of small jobs now means that it will be ready for you to enjoy in the sunshine whenever it arrives. Weed and tidy up The first step towards making your outdoor space attractive to potential buyers is to make sure that it is clean and tidy. Tidy up any areas that have become neglected, remove any weeds and neatly trim any grass. Remove moss from paths, sweep up leaves and clean outdoor furniture. Add some colour We think of Spring as the time that our gardens come to life and colours bloom. However, there are lots of plants that bloom happily during the winter and can add colour and fragrance to your garden. A combination of colourful pots and some Winter flowering plants can really brighten up your space, especially when contrasted against green evergreen bushes. The following are a selection of our favourite winter flowering plants to brighten up your garden or outdoor area: winter cherry witch hazel early flowering daffodils winter honeysuckle Christmas rose pansies daphne snowdrops and winter clematis. Area to entertain Whilst socialising in the garden has traditionally been a summer activity, the pandemic has meant that more and more of us are choosing to create areas that are suitable for socialising outside all year round. A suitably-placed fire pit or chiminea can provide essential warmth on cold evenings. A gazebo can provide both shelter from the sun in Summer and rain in the Winter. The addition of a few fairy lights, blankets and waterproof cushions can create an enviable space for you to enjoy and for prospective buyers to desire. Tidy up your outbuildings As the first chill of Autumn settles over our gardens it is tempting to simply throw garden furniture, toys and other summer accessories into our sheds and other outbuildings and close them up until next year. If you are trying to sell your property it is important to remember that these outbuildings are a part of the property that you are trying to sell so should be as tidy and as well maintained as your house in order to maximise your sale price. Take the opportunity of a quiet weekend in January to sort through these outbuildings, declutter if possible in order to create the impression of space. If any maintenance is required, for example a new coat of paint or fixing a window, it is a good idea to sort these before potential buyers view your property. Attract wildlife During the cold winter months when their food sources become scarce our local wildlife really benefits from a helping hand from us. As their natural food sources decline in Autumn and Winter birds are more likely to visit bird tables or bird feeders than at other times of the year. In return for a ready supply of nuts and seeds they provide us with a colourful and entertaining display as they flit around our gardens. Bird feeders ensure we can enjoy this display from inside our houses as well as outside and the feeders themselves can also be an enjoyable decorative addition. If you would like more advice on how best to present your outdoor areas to potential buyers during the Winter months please do give us a call on 01698 441327.
December 2022 Market Report for Lanarkshire
The Christmas holidays and the dawning of the new year often bring changes to many. The realisation that their home is no longer right for them, wanting to move for a better lifestyle, family breakdowns or new additions. It can be a great time of year to sell your property because those house-hunting in January tend to be serious about their move. The Spring Rush can bring many more "would be nice to move" situations whereas people now are more likely in the "have to move" camp. Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire. There are currently 568 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 620, 687 in October, 707 in September and 681 in August. Things have now calmed back down to normal levels for the first time since the beginning of 2021 and there is now more choice once again for buyers. The number of properties that came onto the market in December, 153, was noticeably lower than during previous months. This was to be expected as December is usually the least popular month for sellers to put their properties on the market due to festive commitments. Prior to December there were a steady number of properties coming onto the market each month. In August there were 369, in September 376, in October 299 and in November 219. This explains the high number of available properties as there are lots to choose from. In December 135 sales were agreed. In November there were 265, in October there were 271, in September there were 355 and in August there were 364. The noticeable drop in December is normal and is not indicative of a long-term dip in the local property market. It is reflective of the effect of this time of year on buyers' priorities. The local facts are that there is still a high level of activity in the local property market and we expect the first quarter of 2023 to be as busy as normal. In August we saw 51 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole. There were 44 price reductions in September, 54 in October and 81 in November. It fell to 30 in December which was likely to be caused by sellers waiting for the market to pick up again after the normal lull in December rather than choosing to reduce the price of their property. In December there were 182 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. This could be due to a combination of the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at the peak levels and the effects of Christmas festivities on buyers' priorities. In October there were 90, in September there were 81 and in August, there were 71. Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps - presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest numbers of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference to achieving your moving plans. In August, each property in the Lanarkshire area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 221. This is the average of the top ten agents in the area. In September this dropped to 186, in October it was 149 and in November it settled down to 129.2. In December it dropped to 76.5. This is highly typical for this time of year with commitments over the festive period taking precedence over house hunting for many buyers. The levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market are expected to return to their normal high levels in the first quarter of this year. Average daily views per property on Rightmove for properties listed by Lanarkshire Law were 83.4 in December which was 9% higher than average. We are pleased to be consistent in achieving higher than the average again for our clients. It shows the difference your estate agent can make when it comes to attracting the right buyer to your property. If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
How to make moving home fun for children
Children often feel anxious when they are told that they are going to be moving home. They are concerned about whether they will like their new home, whether they will be able to see their friends, and whether they will have to change schools. Like all of us, they simply need to be able to talk through their worries and get some answers to their questions. Taking time to sit down with them and listen to their worries and opinions is the best way to help. Chatting in the car can be one of the best places for these sorts of chats, especially with teens. Giving your children some autonomy over decisions such as the colour you are going to paint their new bedrooms and the furniture they would like to put in them can help to give them a sense of control. This can help alleviate the anxiety they may be feeling about moving somewhere new. Taking your children on a viewing to see their new home can be very helpful. It gives them the impression that they helped choose which property they will live in and allows them to visualise where they will be moving to. However, if at all possible, avoid taking them on the first viewings. This allows you to concentrate on looking at the properties and avoids the possibility of your child falling in love with a house while you do not! Once you have had an offer accepted on a property, it can be a lovely idea to take your children on a tour of the local area. That way you can all find out where all the local parks are, where a nice cafe is, and if there are any exciting activities nearby. This will help turn a worrying experience into an exciting one, as they already know where some things are, so moving home doesn't feel so daunting. Make sure on moving day that you pack their most important belongings into a bag that they can keep with them. That way even when the moving truck is unloaded at the new house and they are surrounded by boxes they will still be able to cuddle and play with their favourite toys without having to worry about which box they are in. We at Lanarkshire Law are always delighted to help your children in finding their new home. If you would like us to help you in finding the perfect new home for your entire family, please give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us a message.
Pension vs Property
Rising mortgage rates, increasing regulatory pressure to improve the EPC ratings of their rental properties, and the prospect of paying increasing amounts of tax under government plans to cut the capital gains allowance have caused many landlords to consider selling. However, yields in the property sector are still competitive compared to the income that can be drawn from a traditional pension. The average gross yield on a new buy-to-let purchase is 6%, according to a recent survey. By contrast, a typical pension pot in drawdown has a target rate of 4%. Mark Harris, of SPF Private Clients, said, "Demand for rental property is unlikely to fall anytime soon, with more people having to rent for longer because they can't afford to buy, the need for good quality rental property at a reasonable price is higher than ever...what's more, with a number of landlords selling up because the increased tax and regulatory burden has become too much, demand is only going to grow. If the rest of your investments have been in stocks, bonds and cash, it is good to have some exposure to bricks and mortar." A fall in house prices could also work in favour of investors who are looking for an opportunity to invest in a rental property. When house prices fall, it pushes up rental yields. Mr Harris added "Buy-to-let benefits from capital growth over the long term," he said. "This means you can enjoy a regular and fairly predictable income, but also eventually benefit from capital appreciation should you decide to sell up and bank the profits." As analysts at Deutsche Bank predict that if the American economy enters a downturn, stock markets could still fall a further 25%, workers nearing retirement need to think carefully about where to place their funds in order to maximise their returns during their retirement years. If you have been considering investing in a buy-to-let property and would like to discuss how the current market will affect your investment, please give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
The top ten features people want in a home in 2023
These are the top 10 things that homebuyers are prioritising in their property searches in 2023. Open plan living The versatility offered by open-plan living and the existence of a large communal area that is perfect for both gatherings and busy family life are highly sought after by buyers. Home Offices Working from home is no longer unusual, and as a result, many buyers place a lot of value on having an office space that is separate from the rest of the home. Modern Kitchens Efficient, sleek, and modern kitchens have been topping buyers' must-have lists for several years now. A Pantry Space is important to buyers. Pantries offer the ability to create space in the kitchen by storing everything you need there. They are perfect for stashing away a large weekly shop or for hiding bulk buys with ease. Kitchen Islands Kitchen islands are high on many buyers' lists of things they want because they add extra counter space, storage, and a nice focal point. Storage Buyers are looking for properties that feel spacious, and storage is key to this. Ample built-in storage is very attractive to buyers. Hardwood Flooring Durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting, it is easy to see why hardwood floors are popular with buyers. Outdoor Entertaining Areas Since the pandemic, buyers have placed a premium on socialising spaces, and outdoor gathering spaces are especially popular. Garages/outbuildings After the pandemic, buyers have become much more interested in having enough space at home to do do-it-yourself projects or just store their things without them getting in the way of their living space. Going Green Energy bills are going up, the cost of living is going up, and people are becoming more aware of how they contribute to climate change. This means that homes with EPC ratings of C or above are getting more attention from potential buyers than homes with a big carbon footprint. If you are thinking about putting your property in Lanarkshire on the market, please call us on 01698 441327 or sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk and we will be delighted to come and give you a free no-obligation valuation.
Fall in love with your home this Valentine\'s Day
The most romantic day of the year is nearly upon us. Love is in the air and all around us are happy couples preparing to celebrate their love. I would like to talk about a different type of love, the love you have for your home. Just like our relationships with our partners, the relationship we have with our homes goes through stages. First meeting someone you like is the same as the first viewing of a property. You then progress to asking them on a first date, which is like making an offer. Courting and finding out more about one another is the same as the paperwork side of things the solicitors deal with. The honeymoon period is when everything's glowing and rosey. You're completely in love and showing off your home to all your family and friends. After a while though, you might start getting a bit complacent, taking your home for granted. You may even feel bored and no longer enjoying the time you spend in your home. Your eye may start to wander as you start noticing other homes... Then you may decide to sell your home, which could be seen as the equivalent of a break-up. If your relationship with your home has hit the complacency or boredom stage, maybe it is time to freshen up your relationship by making some changes that will benefit you both. Whether you rearrange furniture, declutter your house, or commit to completely redecorating, changes, big or small, can help you fall back in love with your home. If, after making some changes, you still believe that your relationship with your home cannot be saved, you will at least know that you have maximised your profit if you do decide to break up (sell). Estate agents are the matchmakers of the property world so if you and your property have reached the end of your relationship, we will gladly help you to handle your break-up with empathy and sensitivity. We can handle the dates (viewings) of your home with potential new owners and provide you with any constructive criticism, saving you from having to hear if the viewers simply didn't like your taste in sofas. Once a potential buyer progresses to a second date (second viewing) we can handle all their queries and help them to decide whether your property is the right match for them. Love cannot be rushed. Some people place an offer on a first viewing, "love at first sight". Some people want to see it six times before they decide to make an offer, a perfect example of how love can grow. We can help guide you through the property selling process. No matter how lucky or unlucky in love you are, we will find your home its perfect person/people. One thing is definitely true. If you instruct us to find your property the perfect new owner, you will fall head over heels with our service and care. If you are ready to break-up with your property and you would like to put it on the market give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk and we will make sure that your property finds someone who will love it as much as you used to.
January 2023 Market Report for Lanarkshire
2023 is in full swing, and the housing market is starting to return to its normal busy levels after the usual lull in December. Buyers who are looking in February are serious about moving, which makes this one of the best months of the year to put your property on the market. The Spring Rush is on its way and will bring many more "window shoppers." Homebuyers who are looking now tend to be motivated and have a strong drive to find their next home. Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire. There are currently 693 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior, there were 568. There were 620 in November, 687 in October, and 707 in September. The market has returned to its normal busy levels after the usual December lull. There have been a steady number of properties coming onto the market over the last few months. January was no exception, with 203 properties coming on the market during the first month of this year. In December, there were only 153, which is likely because many sellers were busy with holiday plans. However, before that, in November there were 219, in October there were 299, and in September there were 376. We expect these high levels of activity to continue throughout the year. In January, 215 sales were agreed. This indicates that the market is returning to normal levels, as anticipated following the lull in December, when only 135 sales were agreed upon. In November, there were 265; in October, there were 271; and in September, there were 355. The local facts are that there is a high level of activity in the local property market, and we expect the first quarter of 2023 to be as busy as normal. In September, we saw 44 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole. There were 54 in October, 81 in November, 30 in December, and 92 in January. In January, there were 251 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This is a property that has been on the market for at least 12 weeks. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at peak levels. In December, there were 182 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. In November there were 120, in October there were 90, and in September there were 81. Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps: presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest number of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference in achieving your moving plans. In September, each property in the Lanarkshire area had an average of 186 daily views on Rightmove. This is the average of the top ten agents in the area. In October, it was 149, and in November, it was 129.2. In December, it dropped to 76.5. This was highly typical for December, with commitments over the holiday period taking precedence over house hunting for many buyers. In January, average daily views sprung back up to 122. The levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market have, as expected, started to return to their normal high levels in the first quarter of this year. Average daily views per property on Rightmove for properties listed by Lanarkshire Law were 178.6 in January, which was 46% higher than average. We are pleased to consistently deliver above-average results for our clients. It shows the difference your estate agent can make when it comes to attracting the right buyer to your property. If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
11 tips to help you sell your property
Selling your home can be made easier by following these eleven simple tips. Declutter We all have excess stuff laying around and hidden in the nooks and crannies of our homes. Getting rid of this, or even just putting it in storage, can have a huge effect on how spacious your home feels. Consider getting rid of bulky furniture, as it can make a room feel smaller than it is. Revitalise A lick of paint is one of the cheapest ways to revitalise and reinvigorate a property. Don't forget the front door. Remember, first impressions count. Repair Unattended minor repairs can cause concern for potential buyers because they may believe that if you neglect minor repairs, you will also neglect larger maintenance issues. Clean Dirty homes feel uncared for and can create the same impression as unattended repairs: that you haven't been looking after the property. Remove limescale, clean skirting boards, and scrub all of your surfaces until they shine. When you are selling a property, aim for a showhome look, not a lived-in look. Kitchen Per square foot, your kitchen is the most valuable room in your property. If your kitchen is looking tired and outdated, then it is definitely worth taking a bit of time to update it. If you can't afford to replace the cabinets, then consider painting them in order to give your kitchen a low-cost makeover. Light Light and airy homes are always more attractive than dark and dingy ones. Make sure that all of your light bulbs are working. Clean the windows to let as much natural light in as possible. Consider putting some carefully placed mirrors on the wall to bounce light around the room. They can also help to create the optical illusion that a room is bigger than it is. Garden If you have a garden or outdoor space, remember that that is part of the property you are trying to sell, and the state of it can make or break a viewing. Cut back overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, clean the patio or decking area, and make sure that your garden furniture is in good condition. When you sell a property, you are selling a lifestyle. No one wants to imagine themselves spending long summer days in a garden that is overgrown and neglected. Smell A bad smell will put off most buyers. So find the source and eliminate it. Make sure your bins are empty and dirty washing is dealt with; even when hidden away, it still emits an odour. If you would like to fill your home with a pleasant scent after removing bad odours, then simple scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus are the most popular among potential buyers. Trying to mask a bad scent with another simply results in a mix of scents, which can be very unpleasant. Fire On cooler days, light your fire to make your property warm and welcoming. The rising cost of energy has made working fireplaces more attractive to buyers, so having yours lit is a great way to show it off. Plants The nation's obsession with biophilic design does not seem to be abating. The idea that humans possess an innate desire to seek a connection with nature is embraced through the integration of nature into interior design. Whether you choose to bring flowers or plants into your home, their presence can bring both colour and life to a room and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Agent Choose Lanarkshire Law to sell your property. You should always instruct the right estate agent to sell your property. Give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk to find out why we think we are the best choice to sell your Lanarkshire property.
The first things to do when you are moving home
Moving home is one of the most stressful things you will do and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things that you need to do. Our easy to follow list will help guide you through it. In the lead up to moving day: Pack early Avoid a last minute panic and start packing early. Removing the stress of last minute packing will help make your moving day go far more smoothly. Redirect your post It can take up to two weeks for your post to be redirected so make sure that you arrange this nice and early then you don't have to worry about whether you have failed to notify anyone of your change of address. Insurance Lenders usually require that you have buildings insurance in place before you move as a condition of them granting you a mortgage but don't forget to organise your contents insurance before you move in as well. Meter readings You need to let your utility companies know which day you are moving out of your property and provide them with a final meter reading so that you don't end up paying for your buyer's energy or water usage. Internet You need to inform your internet service provider of the date you are moving home. It can take several weeks to get connected to the internet when you move so the sooner you can start the ball rolling the less time you will spend relying on mobile data. Pack an essentials box Having a box with everything you need for the first few days in your new home will save you from a lot of frustrated searching through all of your unpacked boxes. Make sure that you include your kettle and some tea bags for that well deserved first cup of tea in your new home. Moving Day! Find the essentials No not the teabags, although those are important too! You need to find the location of the stopcock, the thermostat, the gas and electricity meters and the water meter too if you have one. Meter readings Once you have found your meters make sure that you take readings from all of them. Always take a photograph as it will be time-stamped so can help if there is a disagreement over your first bill. Submit these as soon as possible to your energy suppliers, you will normally have been left their details by the sellers. If not, expect to receive a letter from them in the first few days as the previous owners will have submitted their final meter readings and the companies will be keen to make contact with the new billpayers! Neighbours It's always a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. They will be the ones who will be taking in your parcels and can also be a great source of information about the area, including which pubs and restaurants to try out and which day to put out the bins. You never know, it could even be the start of a lifelong friendship. We are always here to offer advice on any aspect of moving home so if you have a question please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
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