Balgores launches revolutionary new way to sell properties

Traditional methods of sale often have delays which create uncertainty, stress and additional costs and result in 30% of agreed sales failing to reach their planned conclusion.


According to Balgores Property Group, leading Estate Agents in Essex, this is all about to change with company's revolutionary new Network E, which reduces the sales process to just 20 working days from agreeing a sale to exchange of contracts.


Network E takes the best aspects of traditional methods of sale and combines these with a process that adds speed, transparency and security. It enables a property to be fully marketed to ensure the best price possible is agreed, but takes experience from the auction industry in ensuring legal paperwork is immediately ready and an agreed completion date can be set at the outset.


Martin Gibbon, a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and Group Director of Balgores Property Group comments: “Balgores is the only agent in Essex able to offer this exciting and proven method of sale and we do so alongside our traditional sales offering. Network E drastically reduces the time it takes to exchange contracts and it gives potential buyers a great advantage. They will be able to make an offer on a property and move quickly, which could help. them to secure their dream home.







“In some parts of Essex, demand is far outstripping supply. In some case, we are seeing many potential buyers chasing one property. We have seen so many buyers bitterly disappointed that they have missed out on a property because they could not move quickly enough. Unless buyers are in a good position to purchase a property, they will not be able to compete with those that are. In this current market, most vendors are accepting offers from buyers who have already sold their home and who are financially and legally prepared. My advice to buyers is make sure they are in a good position to move.



“Home owners thinking of selling in 2016 should certainly ensure that they have considered Network E as a selling option. Balgores would be delighted to provide free property valuations and discuss the options open to homeowners thinking of selling, which have now been extended to include the Network E proposition.”



For further information, contact your local office or visit www.balgoresproperty.co.uk

Balgores launches new property valuation tool

A unique online tool has been launched by Balgores Property Group, which allows clients to have instant access to valuations on their home.

The Value My Property tool has already attracted thousands of people who are considering selling their house, as well as those who are simply curious about what their property could be worth.

The technology was launched on the Balgores website at the end of 2015 and it has created quite a buzz. Martin Gibbon, a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and Group Director of Balgores Property Group comments: “This is so useful for anyone who is thinking about selling their property.

“What often happens is that someone puts their house up for sale in their street and then their neighbours start to think, ‘Oh I wonder what ours is worth?’ But people don’t always want to contact an estate agent at this point and have to pretend to be thinking of selling their house.

“With Value My Property, all you have to do is put a few details in about your property and when you might be thinking of selling. You might be thinking of going on the market as soon as possible or sometime that year, or if you are simply being nosey, then that is fine too. The new tool will then produce a valuation price. It uses average house price data however doesn’t take into consideration individual factors such as extensions, refurbishments and unique market conditions, which is why we would always recommend contacting us to arrange for us to visit you for a detailed appraisal. Anyone in the country can use this tool, you don’t have to live in Essex.”

The team at Balgores has been busy promoting the tool via its marketing platforms and recently launched Balgores Property Times, distributed to over 70,000 people throughout Essex, along with social media and with a widespread radio campaign on Heart Essex.

Martin Gibbon continues: “We are absolutely delighted with how well it’s been received, and the feedback from the public has been extremely positive. It’s very clear that we are now living in an instant culture.  If you want a want a car insurance quote, you just get one instantly online now. People don’t want to have to ring up an estate agent, book an appointment and wait for a valuation just to get an idea of what they might get. Of course it depends on various factors, but it gives you a great starting point.  

“However, if you are thinking of selling it’s always best for us to visit and give a full appraisal.  At the same time we can give you an accurate idea of moving costs including solicitor’s fees, stamp duty, land registry and surveys together with advice on mortgages.

“Value My Property is just one of the many things that make us stand out from the competition. Our marketing is second to none, and includes professional photography, glossy marketing brochures with floor plans and free EPCs, property videos and accompanied viewings. Our offices also provide a dedicated sales progresser, who will track your sale, all the way from offer to completion, making for a smooth, stress free transaction."

http://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/14651/Balgores-launches-property-valuation-tool.aspx

Why do property buyers and sellers choose to relocate?

People choose to up sticks and move home on a regular basis, with the Government reporting that in 2015 alone, over 1.2m UK property transactions were processed.

That is a lot of buying and selling, but what are the most common reasons for relocating?

According to a survey by property portal The House Shop, some reasons are more popular than others.

Unsurprisingly, when respondents were asked why they had relocated – whether that be short or long-distance – a quarter of those revealed that obtaining a new job triggered the move.

A new job will often mean a new home – especially for those who have chosen a position a fair commute from their current location.

However, it isn’t just the prospect of a new job which can lead to people to relocate. According to the survey – although Valentine's Day is now behind us – love is most definitely in the air. The House Shop revealed that 20% of movers relocated to a different area to be with a partner.

It’s also interesting to note that women were more likely to relocate for love than men – with 22% of females surveyed saying they would move to a different area to be with a partner compared to 16% of men.

Moving to be better off financially is another popular motivation to sell up and relocate –and is often a key reason why London residents move to the Essex and Kent locations in which we operate, as house prices are lower and buyers can get more for their money.

Other top reasons which caused people to relocate were being closer to loved ones and being closer to a certain primary or secondary school.

This is something which a seller should take full advantage of. If you’re selling up and you live near an in-demand school, buyers will want to know about it, and this factor will most certainly increase your property’s appeal.

Just as the first steps on the road to love could lead to relocation, the survey also revealed that equally, the break-up of a relationship can lead to the need to move homes and change locations.

Here at Balgores Property Group, buyers from outside Essex and Kent are often getting in touch with us to hear about our latest properties for sale.

If you’re considering selling property in these areas, why not enlist the services of Balgores Property Group? Contact us and we’ll ensure you plenty of buyers are given the opportunity to purchase your home.

Alternatively, if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market and would like to know how much it could be worth, try our free online property valuation today.

http://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/14640/Why-do-property-buyers-and-sellers-choose-to-reloc.aspx

The lowdown on…Brentwood

Guess what? It’s time for the second instalment in our location lowdown series. Here we’re providing a more in-depth look at the areas we operate in at Balgores Property Group.

Right now it’s Brentwood’s turn…

The area

Brentwood is a suburban town which is inextricably linked to everything that is Essex. Although the early history of the town is fairly obscure, we do know that the Great Roman Road ran through the town linking London to Colchester.

Brentwood is ideally located in south west Essex and lies just beyond the M25. This means that London locations can be accessed with ease.

The town’s close proximity to the M25 also means that Stansted Airport is within easy reach – only a 30 minute drive away.

The commute into the capital isn’t too troublesome, either. Trains into London Liverpool Street are frequent, and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

These days it would be difficult to talk about Brentwood without mentioning TV show The Only Way is Essex, affectionately known as TOWIE, which is filmed in and around the town, and has increased the town's profile and visitor numbers.

Like many of the TOWIE stars, Brentwood’s high street has experienced somewhat of a facelift in recent years.

It now contains a range of boutique and high street stores and various eateries, as well as a shop or two belonging to the stars of the show.

When it comes to keeping its residents busy, Brentwood doesn’t disappoint. As well as the town being home to the famous nightspot Sugar Hut, it also contains Brentwood Theatre; a great place to catch the latest production or comedy show.

Alternatively, if you’re a little more artsy, then the Brentwood Arts Cinema Club could be your cup of tea.

The sales market

Brentwood is one of Essex's housing hotspots and remains an area where you can get more property for your money when compared with the bright lights of the capital.

The demand for property in Brentwood has continued to grow, which caused house prices to rise in 2015.

While national house price growth stood at around 6% last year, according to the Land Registry, in Brentwood, prices rose by 11.5% on average.

First-time buyers and those who are looking to settle down will be the ones who are most likely to be drawn to the area, as Brentwood contains beautiful rolling countryside spots and some prestigious schools; two things which remain high up on the list of desirable characteristics for young families.

The rental market

In a study by Rightmove, it was revealed that Brentwood is one of the UK's top locations for landlords to gain great returns on their investment, which is in turn attracting more landlords to invest in the town.

It has been reported that rents in the East of England increased by an average of 7.8% in the last year alone.

Renter’s aren’t getting a bad deal either by choosing Brentwood as their home. Living here provides them with access to plenty of local amenities and great connections to the capital.

Despite rising significantly in recent times, average rents in Essex are still cheaper than those on offer in Central London, Greater London and the South East.

What does the future hold?

There is a real buzz around Brentwood at the moment, which is in some part down to Crossrail.

This new transport infrastructure, which is set to open in 2018, will better connect Brentwood residents to nearby areas as well central London locations.

It will provide more frequent services to Tottenham Court Road and Canary Wharf, which is fantastic news for Brentwood's army of commuters.

The buzz around Crossrail has already started to affect property prices and that's why selling or letting a property in Brentwood or the surrounding areas could earn you a pretty penny.

To contact our office in Brentwood please call 01277 216800 for sales, or 01277 210506 for lettings.

Alternatively, if you would like to discover how much your property could be worth in the current marketplace, then try our free online property valuation today!

http://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/14229/The-lowdown-onBrentwood.aspx

First-time buyers booming in Essex

Across the UK, first-­time buyer sales rose at their fastest rate at the end of 2015, since August 2007, as the cost of owning a first home continued to fall, according to recent figures*. (*Source: Estate agents, Your Move and Reeds Rains).

An estimated 31,300 first-­time purchases were completed in November 2015, up 23.7% on the same month last year.  Leading Essex estate agents, Balgores Property Group, has seen a huge leap in the number of first time buyers, up by 28% year on year, across the county. 

Over the last 12 months, Basildon has seen the largest hike in first time buyers up 50%, followed by Brentwood up by 35%, Upminster up by 30%, Chelmsford up by 25%, Hornchurch up by 19% and Romford up by 10%.

Martin Gibbon, a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and Group Director of Balgores Property Group comments: “We have seen a steep rise in demand for first time buyer properties across all our offices, with Basildon experiencing a huge hike of 50%.  Basildon is very attractive to first time buyers, with its affordable homes and great transport links into London.  It offers a direct service to Fenchurch Street, taking just over half an hour.

“Basildon has an excellent Sporting Village, which was originally constructed for the 2012 Olympics and is located in the picturesque Gloucester Park, as well as a good choice of schools and a thriving shopping centre.  Basildon has something for everyone.

“Chelmsford has seen first time buyers increase by a quarter over the last 12 months and it’s no surprise that it is so popular.  The City is constantly expanding and new businesses are moving to the area, including retail giants such as John Lewis and Waitrose. 

“The City’s dynamic is truly multicultural, but it still retains much of its original county town charm in many of the surrounding districts. In addition, the City enjoys some of the best schools in the county including New Hall, King Edward VI Grammar School and Chelmsford County High School for Girls.

“Brentwood is a vibrant town offering a great selection of shops, bars and good restaurants.  In addition, there are good quality state and private schools providing the best in education. Located amongst picturesque Essex countryside, with delightful local parks, Brentwood is an ideal retreat.  The town has convenient access to the city, both by road and train.”

For further information, contact your local office or visit www.balgoresproperty.co.uk.