Steve McKernan - Keller Williams

01/11/2024

In the bustling heart of the property market, a senior agent has issued a grave warning: while annual sales have seen a commendable rise, the monthly figures have settled into a disheartening stagnation, hindered by a scarcity of available homes.

According to the latest data from HMRC, property transactions have surged by 9% over the year, reaching a total of 91,820. Yet, the monthly increase limps along at just under 1%, revealing a troubling trend. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers stand at 94,800, a modest 2% increase from September 2023, though 9% lower than the robust figures of August 2024.

Nick Leeming, the esteemed chairman of Jackson-Stops, observed, “The slight delay in the transaction figures reflects the immediate uplift the election results have bestowed upon the housing market. Buyers, buoyed by declining interest rates and rising wages, are eager to continue their quests for new homes. However, we find ourselves in a quagmire of stagnation each month, largely due to the dearth of available properties that could facilitate further transactions.”

He continued, “Despite the grand displays surrounding yesterday's Budget, the property market remains in a state akin to before. It was a missed opportunity to introduce much-needed Stamp Duty reforms—an initiative anticipated by market analysts and supported by the public. Our research at Jackson-Stops revealed that one in four individuals across the nation backs a change in stamp duty. While the decision to keep housing policies largely unchanged may not shake buyer confidence, we remain hopeful that declining inflation and improved borrowing conditions will fortify it.”

Matt Thompson, the head of sales at Chestertons, added his voice to the chorus. “In September, the allure of mortgage products with interest rates below 4% ignited a fervor among house hunters, prompting them to either embark on or conclude their property searches. This revival in interest has encouraged sellers to act swiftly, thus expanding the selection available to buyers.”

Thompson further noted, “Currently, we have 17% more properties under offer than we did in 2020, with fresh waves of buyers continuing to enter the market. We anticipate this vibrant activity will persist in the weeks ahead, especially if the Bank of England chooses to announce another rate cut next week.”

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, chimed in with a cautiously optimistic outlook. “Yet, we must acknowledge the disheartening elements within yesterday’s Budget. First-time buyers, in particular, are set to bear the brunt of changes, as the Stamp Duty threshold is set to drop back to £300,000 come next April. For those aspiring to step onto the property ladder with a home priced at £425,000, this alteration translates to an additional tax burden of £6,250—a heavy weight indeed for those hoping to secure their future.”

If you're considering selling your property why not give us a call. You won't be disappointed.

30/10/2024

Today is National CHecklist Day! (I wonder if the Clintons have a card for that one!)

Stay organised and crush your tasks with the ultimate secret weapon: Checklists! Boost your productivity and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. or as we prefer to call them to do lists.

Quick Facts:

When? Every October 30th

Why? Checklists are a powerful habit in our fast-paced world, offering the satisfying thrill of ticking off boxes and completing to-do lists.
Whether at home or work, National Checklist Day serves as a timely reminder of the value of these self-made prompts!

The History Behind National Checklist Day

Did you know this day has some dark origins? Back in the 1930s, early aviators were desperate for safer flying methods after a string of crashes. A group of pilots devised a checklist to use before take off, drastically improving safety. This practice is still in use today!

National Checklist Day coincides with the anniversary of the tragic crash of a Boeing Model 299 on October 30, 1935, which spurred the adoption of mandatory pre-flight checklists. What started in aviation has now spread across various industries and workplaces. Established in the 1950s, National Checklist Day has been part of many lives ever since.

How to Celebrate National Checklist Day

So, how can you make the most of National Checklist Day? Start by creating and using your own checklists! Here are a few ideas to enhance your celebration:

1. Share Checklists: Spread the checklist love! Share your lists with family, friends, or colleagues to help everyone stay on track. Collaboration makes it easier to tackle tasks together!

2. Discover the Benefits: Use this day to explore how checklists can transform your life. Here are some key advantages:

Prioritisation: Sort tasks by importance and tackle them in the right order.

Focus: Keep distractions at bay by sticking to one task at a time.
Clarity and Productivity: Eliminate mental clutter—know exactly what’s next !

Completion of Critical Tasks: Ensure vital tasks are never overlooked, from cleaning in restaurants to post-surgery checks.

3. Implement Checklists at Work: Small businesses and family-run shops can use National Checklist Day as an opportunity to establish essential task lists, helping employees ensure they’re on top of everything necessary to succeed.

We’d love to hear from you! How do you use checklists in your daily life? Share your tips and experiences with us—let’s inspire each other to stay organised and productive!

24/10/2024

# # # How to Make Your Property Shine in a Buyer’s Market

Selling your home in a buyer’s market can feel a bit challenging, but with the right touches, you can make your property stand out and attract those eager buyers. Here are some friendly tips to help your home catch the eye of potential buyers!

# # # # 1. **Curb Appeal Matters**

First impressions are everything! Boost your home's curb appeal by sprucing up the landscaping. A well-manicured lawn, colourful flowers, and a tidy entrance can make a world of difference. Consider a fresh coat of paint on your front door or new house numbers for an inviting touch.

# # # # 2. **Declutter and Depersonalise**

When buyers walk into your home, they want to imagine themselves living there. Help them do just that by decluttering and removing personal items. Clear off countertops, organise cupboards, and consider storing away family photos. A clean and neutral space lets buyers envision their own style in your home.

# # # # 3. **Make Small Repairs**

Take a look around and tackle any small repairs that might be needed. Fix leaky taps, touch up paint, and replace broken tiles. These little things can show buyers that your home has been well cared for.

# # # # 4. **Stage It Right**

Staging your home can really make a difference. Arrange furniture to highlight the flow of each room and create inviting spaces. You might even consider hiring a professional stager who knows how to make your home shine.

# # # # 5. **Highlight Unique Features**

Does your home have a beautiful fireplace, stunning views, or a cosy back garden? Make sure to highlight these features in your listing and during showings. Use quality photos and descriptive language that showcases what makes your property special.

# # # # 6. **Set the Right Price**

In a buyer's market, pricing your home competitively is key. Do some research on similar homes in your area to find a fair price. You might even consider working with a estate agent who can provide insights and help you set an attractive price.

# # # # 7. **Be Flexible with Showings**

Being accommodating with showings can help attract more buyers. Try to keep your home ready for last-minute visits, and be flexible with scheduling. The easier you make it for buyers to see your home, the better!

# # # # 8. **Market Effectively**

Don’t underestimate the power of good marketing! Use social media, estate agent websites, and even local community boards to spread the word about your home. Great photos and engaging descriptions can capture attention and generate interest.

# # # # 9. **Consider Incentives**

In a competitive market, offering incentives can make your property more appealing. Think about covering closing costs or including some furniture or appliances in the sale. With rumours of changes in stamp duty consider a contribution towards this cost.

# # # # 10. **Stay Positive**

Lastly, stay positive throughout the process! It can take time to find the right buyer, but with a little patience and effort, your home can stand out and attract interest.

---

By implementing these friendly tips, you’ll increase your chances of selling your home in a buyer’s market. Remember, a little effort can go a long way in making your property the one that stands out!

Better still. Contact us today and let us take care of things for you ?

22/10/2024

**Good News for Interest Rates? Inflation Drops Below Target!**

Hey there! Exciting news on the economic front: inflation in the UK has finally dipped below the Bank of England’s 2% target for the first time since April 2021. In September, it dropped from 2.2% to 1.7%, surprising many experts who expected it to stay around 1.9%.

So, what does this mean for interest rates? Well, it looks like we might see some cuts coming up. Lindsay James, an investment strategist at Quilter Investors, thinks there’s a good chance the Bank of England will lower rates at their meeting in early November—and possibly again in December. This could be a big relief for households and businesses!

Isaac Stell from Wealth Club pointed out that the Bank can finally breathe easier. With inflation coming down and wage growth slowing, they might be ready to make some moves. Andrew Bailey, the Bank’s governor, even hinted at being “a bit more aggressive” with their approach if the inflation news keeps looking good.

Susannah Streeter from Hargreaves Lansdown noted that this drop in inflation is a huge relief after years of rising prices, especially as we head into a tricky budget season for the government.

But hold your horses—while a rate cut sounds great, it doesn't automatically mean mortgage rates will drop. Peter Stimson from MPowered Mortgages warns that the swaps market, which influences mortgage pricing, has been rising lately. So, even if the Bank cuts rates, that might not lead to cheaper mortgages right away.

In short, while we’re seeing some positive signs with inflation falling, it’s wise to stay cautious about how that will affect mortgage rates in the near future. Homeowners might still face some tough choices ahead!

21/10/2024

The average asking price for properties has only risen by 0.3% this month, significantly lower than the typical 1.3% increase seen in October. This subdued growth is attributed to an increase in available properties, which is the highest in a decade, leading to more competition among sellers to price their homes attractively.

Rightmove's spokesperson, Tim Bannister, notes that buyers now have many options, forcing sellers to be more competitive due to stretched affordability. Despite the lower price growth, the number of sales is up 29% compared to last year, and buyer interest is also increasing, with a 17% rise in inquiries to agents.

However, the market has seen a rise in both new properties listed and the time it takes to sell, leading to a 12% increase in available homes. This competition is especially strong for larger homes, with a 17% increase in listings for four-bedroom and larger properties.

Bannister remains optimistic about the future, suggesting that potential cuts in Bank Rates could lead to lower mortgage rates, improving affordability for buyers. Despite current challenges, he believes the market could rebound significantly by 2025, especially if more clarity comes from upcoming budget announcements.

04/10/2024

🌟🏡 Hey Kenilworth friends! If you could pick the dream home of your dreams right here in our lovely Warwickshire, what would it look like? 🏰✨

Maybe a quaint cottage with beautiful gardens? 🌼 Or a sleek, modern mansion with stunning views? 🌆🏞️

Drop your dream home ideas in the comments! Let's see what the ultimate Kenilworth property would look like! 🚪💭

22/09/2024

When the advert on the side of your van doesn’t say enough about what you do there’s always the number plate.

21/09/2024

Another successful move in Courtesy of Steve McKernan - Keller Williams. Two new tenants for Leamington Spa and five star reviews from both the tenants and the landlady.

If you’re a Landlord or tenant make your next move with Mckernan - Keller Williams

Call me on 01926 359327

01/09/2024

For all those lovely people I met at the Coventry Building Society Arena yesterday during my shift as a Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 ambassador I thank you for being so friendly. I am sorry that the game and result weren’t up to the same high standards.

04/08/2024

Helping businesses strive in and around Warwickshire. If you’re a business in and around Southam book your ticket to the launch event.

We will be promoting, supporting and buying from local businesses. strictly limited to the first 70 so don’t delay, no today !!

With 70 businesses set to be in the same room, can you afford to miss out ?

01/08/2024

Looking to get a better deal then why not call our Sister company and get them to search for one for you.

Castle Mortgages Limited

☎️ 01926 359326

All loans are subject to a credit search, valuation and in some cases status enquiries by the lender. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. This afternoon's focus will largely be on the Bank of England's decision to cut the interest rate from 5.25% to 5%. Leave your thoughts in the comments box below.

19/06/2024

Let's not always strive for perfection. If we do, we'll never complete anything. Remember, doing is the new perfection. 🌟 Just taking action is what matters most.