Northfields

Northfields Nominated for 2011 Regional Award

Local independent estate agent Northfields from West London is pleased to announce that the company has been nominated by Home Sale Network, a national network of independent estate agents, for the 2011 Regional Award – Greater London.

The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner of the 18th Annual Home Sale Network Conference, being held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 18 November.

Richard Palfreeman said, “For Northfields to be nominated for the 2011 Regional Award - Greater London is recognition of the hard work and combined effort, commitment and enthusiasm of our entire team.”

Home Sale Network’s 2011 Regional Award - Greater London is an annual prize for the agent that has consistently made the best overall contribution to the Network throughout the year and offers nominees the chance to become the Network’s ‘Best Network Agent in Greater London’. Criteria for nominees include regional meeting attendance, monthly property survey returns and regional marketing initiatives.

Richard Tucker, Home Sale Network’s Managing Director commented, “Home Sale Network is a national network of independent estate agents, made up of 12 regions across England, Scotland and Wales. All members are encouraged to work together to promote the Network as a whole as well as their individual brands.
“The 2011 Regional Award - Greater London recognises the agent that has been most successful at demonstrating outstanding independent business initiatives and embracing the Network principles.”

For further information, please contact Nick Devonport, Northfield Estate Agents, 0208 740 8833 or email nick.devonport@northfields.co.uk

Tenants Beware Rental Scams

The Property Ombudsman, a professional body of which Northfields is a member, released some figures regarding scams that should strike fear into the hearts  of prospective tenants - during 2010 over 5,000 tenants were victims of rental scams.  The majority of these scams were conducted online where it is easier to fool people, however, there are a number of scams which occur face-to-face.

What to Watch Out For

Here are some of the common scams that as a tenant you should be aware of:

1) Let and run

This scam is of the face-to-face variety with a con artist breaking into a vacant property and pretending to own it.  The con artist then tries to rent the property out, secures a deposit from the tenants plus the initial rental payment and then absconds with the money.

2) No need for a deposit

Beware of any landlord who says they do not need a deposit.  It may seem appealing to have this fee waived, but the scam in this case usually involves a guarantor who is liable for any rent is unpaid or for damages.  Without the protection of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme which should by law protect a tenant's deposit, the landlord will then hand the guarantor an expensive bill for damages to the property.

3) Unprotected deposits

Since 2007 the Tenancy Deposit Scheme has protected a tenant's deposit.  All deposits must be registered and held by the TDS (The Dispute Service).  However, despite this regulation, there are still many landlords who are not fulfilling their legal obligation.  A protected deposit ensures the landlord cannot keep the deposit without a good reason and helps mediate and avoid disputes between tenant and landlord.

4) Unjustified charges

Some landlords and unscrupulous agents will charge tenants with unjustifiable and unexpected fees. All fees should be set out in the tenancy agreement. If your tenancy agreement contains clauses for charges, then it is worth checking with the unfair terms in the Consumer Contracts legislation. Those charges may be void and illegal even though they are are in writing. Another way unscrupulous agents may charge fees is by charging tenants a renewal fee that was not set out in the agreement. 

5) The overseas Landlord

The overseas landlord scam is similar to the “Nigerian Ambassador” scam and is often conducted via e-mail. The “landlord” will claim to be from overseas and request the deposit and initial rent be placed in an overseas bank account, only to run off with the money.

Preventing Rental Scams

Here are a few ways that may help tenants avoid falling victim of rental scams:

If you choose to use a private landlord

If you choose to rent directly through a private landlord you will have to do a bit more investigation to protect yourself.  Here are a few suggestions.

- Ask the landlord for photo ID e.g. Driving License, Passport
- Ask for details of previous tenants for referencing
- Ensure the landlord is meeting all legal regulations. Genuine landlords will meet all legal requirements, in particular the Gas Safety Certificate and Tenancy Deposit Scheme.  If they don't have these things in place, don't use them.
- Ask the local neighbours about the landlord/neighbourhood- this is perfectly normal for prospective tenants
- Take note of how familiar the landlord is with the property e.g. does he/she know where the water, gas and water meters are.
- Always double check the terms and conditions in the Tenancy Agreement and any agreement you may have with letting agents. If there is anything you are unclear about, it’s always best to get it checked by a trained professional.
- Don't pay any fees on a property you have not seen.

If you choose to use the reassurance of a letting agent:

Not all agents are created equal, so a few things will help to ensure that the agent you use will conduct business honestly and fairly.

1) Professional Membership - The lettings industry is not as regulated as many in the industry would like, so it is best to choose an agent, like Northfields, who voluntarily belongs to professional bodies such as the National Approved Letting Scheme, the National Association of Estate Agents and the Property Ombudsman.  When you choose an agent who has elected to be a member of one of these bodies you are protected from sharp practice and have a means of complaint via the Ombudsman.  Just as you would choose an ABTA travel agent, you protect yourself from scams and guarantee expertise by using an estate agent with membership of these organisations.

 2) Industry Awards- Choose an award winning letting agent.  The lettings team at Northfields has a multitude of industry awards under their belt (click the link to read more about our awards).  These accolades are awarded after a lengthy application and interview process by industry professionals, so by choosing an agent who is recognised within the industry as outstanding, you will be assured that all proper practices will be followed and your interests will be protected.

Avoid becoming a victim of rental scam and contact Northfields Estates when you are searching for rental properties on 0208 567 6660 or register your details online here.

Even if we do not rent properties in your area, we can refer you to a vetted agent in your area through our membership in the Home Sale Network. For help finding a reliable agent outside the West London area contact our relocations manager Shellie Ross on 0208 840 6666 or at shellie.ross@northfields.co.uk

Is It Worth Moving Up North to Get a Cheaper Property?

If you have family or friends who live in the North you will probably have experienced the profound sense of disgust when they tell how much they bought their property for, particularly if you are used to the cramped conditions and high prices in London.  But is it worthwhile to jack in your London job, sell your property and move North?  Consider some pros and cons.

Cons

1.  The upheaval - Moving house is stressful as it is, but if you are moving longer distances there will be added costs and more difficulty in even doing basic things such as viewing prospective properties.  The change will be particularly hard if you have childrens' schools and partners' jobs to consider.

2.  Less economic security - The Guardian recently reported that in a public spending cuts study, commissioned by the BBC, northern regions, including Middlesbrough, Mansfield and Stoke-on-Trent, are the least resilient to economic shocks, and places in the south, in particular Surrey, are most able to withstand them.

3.  Higher Arrears Rates in the North - Given the lack of economic certainty it is not a surprise that ratings agency Standard & Poor's said that rising unemployment and falling house prices means arrears among mortgage borrowers in the north are nearly 25% higher than in the south.

4.  Higher Job Losses- With the Coalition's government's austerity measures we all know that many public sector workers face being made redundant.  In fact, it is predicted that the axing of public sector jobs will hit the north hardest. In fact, it will only be in the north that unemployment will hit 10% in the next five years, according to the Centre of Economic and Business Research.

5.  Fewer jobs available - There are also fewer private sector job opportunities in the north: the Centre for Cities says that for every extra private sector job created in the north and the midlands between 1998 and 2008, 10 were created in London and the south.

6.  Lower Salaries - According to the Office of National Statistics, the average gross disposable household income per head is £19,000 in London; £16,800 in the south-east and £14,700 in the south-west. In the north-west it is £13,380 and £12,500 in the north-east.

Pros

1.  Outgoings are lower in the North - Although Londoners may enjoy higher salaries they also lose more in rent or mortgage payments, travel, and living expenses.

2.  House Prices are Lower - The average house price in London is £259,749 and £223,983 in the south-east, according to Halifax, which puts the average home at £122,181 in the north-west, and £124,152 in Yorkshire and Humberside.  So certainly a move to the North will mean a larger home.

Beware however, some areas in the North are pricier such as South Manchester, Cheshire, and Harrogate.

The Bottom Line

 If you are moving to a job that is assured, the lifestyle rewards can be rich. There is still a huge difference in house prices between south and the north, says Martin Ellis chief economist at Halifax. "It's a bigger difference than there is in salaries," he adds. "You're likely to make a profit if you move."

If you have decided to up sticks and move North, Northfields Estates can still help.  As a member of the Home Sale Network Northfields Estates has proudly been hand picked by Cartus, the premier provider of global relocation. Each year Cartus relocates over 130,000 families, to over 160 countries worldwide. With nearly 30 years experience of the UK property market, Cartus knows what makes a good estate agent.

Cartus uses Network members to help buy and sell homes for relocating families. The Network is highly selective and membership is based on certain criteria being met such as quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism resulting in membership being approved on an invitation basis only.

If you are selling your property here in London we can give you a free valuation for your home - request your valuation online here or call 0208 840 6666.

And if you are buying in the North we can still help by referring you to a reliable agent in your chosen area.  Call 0208 840 6666 or contact our Relocations Manager Shellie Ross at shellie.ross@northfields.co.uk for help with your big move.

 Would you consider making a move North to get a bigger and cheaper property?

 

Selling House in West London: Now is the Time

Many people dream of leaving the big smoke of London and starting a quieter life in the country.  If that has always been part of your plan, now may be the time to make the big move.  "Property prices in the capital are recovering well ahead of those in the rest of the nation", reports the Times Online, "which gives you a chance to swap your semi in the metropolis for something detached with an acre or two, or a handsome house in a smart town where the schools are good, before the gap narrows and the pick-up eventually spreads."

This pattern in the property market has been seen before.  Between 1995 and 2000, the prices of London properties increased and then property prices elsewhere rose from 2000 to 2005; so the ideal time to cash in on a property in the nation's capital was 1999.

We are now entering a market which is mirroring the late 1990s.  London is recovering faster than other areas of the UK meaning that the price differential is quite significant.  In pounds and pence that means that the London homeowner of 2005 could have expected an average saving of 43% by buying a similar property out of the capital.  Compare that to today's differential where the saving could be 50%.

With the base rate remaining as low as it can go, mortgages for those with equity are cheap, increasing the amount available for movers to secure the house of the their dreams. So where should you head to make the most of the price differential?

The biggest gains are for those who are heading north, where, according to the latest research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, most agents report that prices are still falling.

Even if you plan on staying in the relatively high-priced southeast, the homeowner planning to sell up in London stands to benefit from the gap between London prices and the prices of homes within a commutable distance.

Another factor on the home sellers side is the lack of stock that is coming to the market which creates added competition amongst buyers.

Families looking to move will want to consider putting their houses on the market right away if they aim to exchange and complete in July so they are settled in well before the new school term starts.

Luckily, Ealing and Shepherd's Bush are popular areas commanding prices that reflect the demand, but those with homes in less fashion­able areas of the capital should be careful not to set their hearts on the prettiest commuter hot spots if they’re determined to get more house for their cash. Areas like Buckinghamshire which are within commutable distance of London, will have price tags that rival or even outstrip some less desirable areas of London.

Northfields advice for people moving out of London for pastures greener is to move fast while the price differential is on your side.  If you start this process while the temperatures are still cold with a threat of snow in the air you will beat your competition to the pick of the crop before spring brings out the rest of the house hunters.

Northfields can take care of your entire relocation, from selling your home in West London to finding a new home outside the London area.  As part of the Home Sale Network, we are one of around 750 independent agents nationwide, each chosen for local knowledge, high quality customer service and excellent results. Ask us and we will connect you with the best independent agent in your chosen area.  Call us now on 0208 840 6666 or register online here.

Moving to a new area? How to get to know the area where you are looking to rent or buy property

Committing to buying or renting a property in a new area can be a bit daunting, but with a little research and the help of a knowledgeable estate agent you can reassure yourself that the area or road you are moving to, is right for you.  Northfields shares its top 5 tips for investigating the area you are interested in:

1. Visit Up My Street and enter the postcode or area name to learn about the schools, transportation, population, leisure activities and even council tax for that area.

2. Walkit.com is a great website to help you figure out exactly how long it would take you to walk from point a to point b at three different walking speeds.  The website will even tell you how many calories you’ll burn on the walk.  At Northfields, our negotiators use this website tool all the time to help tenants and buyers figure out how long exactly it would take them to walk to the tube or work from the property they are considering. 

3. Go for a walk around the area.  Stop into a local café or have a browse in the shops to see if the area feels like the right place for you.

4. Ask your agent – a good estate agent will have local knowledge and should be able to point out where the nearest supermarket or gym is located in relation to the property you are viewing. 

Northfields also has online area guides for several keys areas in West London on our website www.northfields.co.uk, including; Ealing, Pitshanger, Northfields, Hanwell, Brentford, Acton, and Shepherd's Bush, so take advantage of these if you are thinking of moving to West London.

5. When you are relocating, chances are you won’t be aware of the best estate agent to use in that area.  Contact our Relocations Manager, Shellie Ross on 0208 840 6666 or via e-mail at shellie.ross@northfields.co.uk .  Shellie can put you in touch with an estate agent that is a member of the Home Sale Network.  Home Sale Network is a national network of selected estate agents. All members are independent businesses, hand picked after thorough checks to identify them as, in Cartus’ (the premier provider of global relocation services) opinion, the best independent estate agent to represent Home Sale Network in their area.  Home Sale Network is highly selective and membership is based on certain criteria being met such as quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism.

So with a combination of surfing the net, pounding the pavement and tapping into your estate agent’s expertise, you can be reassured that your next move will be right for you.

Top Tips for Buyers Returning to the Housing Market in 2009

A Home Sale Network survey reports signs of an increase in buyers returning to the housing market at the end of 2008, and suggests some Top Tips to Home Buyers for 2009.

If you are looking to move home this year, Northfields Estates, members of national, independent estate agency network Home Sale Network in Shepherd's Bush and Northfields, offers hope of increased buyer activity for 2009 and some top tips to help make the most of today’s market.

In a survey conducted in the first week of January 2009, 49% of respondents to a Home Sale Network member questionnaire indicated that they had seen an increase in the number of buyer enquires in November and December 2008.

Of the Home Sale Network respondents who had experienced increased buyer enquiries, 28% said enquiries had picked up by between 1-5% and 56% indicated pick up had been between 6-10%.

Furthermore, 63% of respondents who reported more buyer enquiries also indicated that these enquiries had resulted in an increased number of offers for property.

Asked for their top tips for buyers in 2009, Home Sale Network respondents said:

Top Tips for 2009’s Home Buyers

1. A housing downturn may be the best time to trade-up as any price reduction on your old home is likely to be less than the reduction on the home you are planning to buy.
2. A house is a home and should be regarded primarily as a place to live.
3. Knowing the area you are buying in is key to purchase success. (If you are moving outside your locality, ask your local Home Sale Network member to recommend a fellow Network member in the new area that can offer you purchase help and advice.)
4. Consider the increased savings from any price reduction you receive by purchasing now when compared to the possibility of a smaller price saving if the market allows.
5. A house purchase should be viewed not as a short term commitment but one offering value in the longer term. 

Richard Palfreeman, managing Director from Northfields Estates said,
“We believe that 2009 could be a year in which canny buyers may really benefit from the market. As Home Sale Network’s Top Tips for 2009 Buyers notes, those looking to trade-up as well as first time buyers and those in rented accommodation may reap rewards in the current market.“

“It is also reassuring to see an encouraging number of Home Sale Network survey respondents reporting an increase in buyer enquiries towards the end of 2008. We are cautiously optimistic that this will continue in 2009,” Richard Palfreeman added.

For further information, please contact Richard Palfreeman on 0208 840 6666 or e-mail richard.palfreeman@northfields.co.uk.

West London Estate Agent, Northfields Nominated for National PR Award

Local estate agent, Northfields has been nominated for Home Sale Network’s prestigious national PR and Marketing Award.

The award is presented annually by Home Sale Network, the national network of independent estate agents. It recognises of the member who has made the most significant contribution to promoting the Network over the year.

The winner will be announced at the 15th Annual Home Sale Network Conference, being held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel, on Friday 14 November 2008.

Richard Palfreeman said: ”Northfields are thrilled to have been nominated for this award. It is a real reflection of the combined effort of our staff, who are continually coming up with new ideas and innovative ways to promote Home Sale Network.”

The glamorous black tie awards dinner will be hosted by Zilpah Hartley who, as well as being a former host of the TV show ‘A Place in the Sun,’ regularly contributes to Ideal Home magazine, 4homes and Moneywise.

Home Sale Network’s managing director, Richard Tucker said: “The PR and Marketing Award is presented in recognition of the Network member who has consistently displayed innovative thinking and a real enthusiasm for promoting Home Sale Network.”

For further information please contact Shellie Ross, Relocations Manager at Northfields Estates, on 0208 840 6666 or email: shellie.ross@northfields.co.uk.

Moving? We’ve been hand picked to help

Local West London estate agent Northfields Estates has been hand picked by Cartus, the premier provider of relocation services.

In Cartus’ opinion, Northfields is the best independent estate agent in Northfields and Shepherd's Bush to represent Home Sale Network. With nearly 30 years experience of the UK property market Cartus knows what makes a good estate agent.

Shellie Ross, Relocations Manager at Northfields said: “Cartus relocates staff for over 30 FTSE 100* companies including pharmaceutical companies, financial services providers and major retailers. In the UK, Cartus uses Home Sale Network members to buy and sell homes for the relocating employees and their families.”

If you are relocating, choosing a Home Sale Network estate agent to sell your home means it is marketed to a potentially much larger pool of buyers. This includes people referred by other Network members who are moving into the area as well as employees of organisations being relocated by Cartus.

Shellie continued: “Our link to Cartus means we are a local, independent estate agent but we have the benefits of a national connection as well.”

To find out more about the services that Northfields can offer, contact us today because we have been hand picked to help you move.

For further information please contact Shellie Ross, 0208 840 6666 or email: shellie.ross@northfields.co.uk.