Musings of a Brighton Property Finder

Undoubtedly there are still fluctuations in the housing market and it is likely that these fluctuations will continue early into 2010.  The British Bankers Association spokesman, Derek Dooks,  reported a net lending increase in April although not as vigorous as in March.  He believes that  mortgage lending  has stabilised slightly.  Howard Archer from IHS Global Insight holds a similar view that €˜housing market activity has very likely passed its worst point€™ but predicts a €˜gradual€™ and €˜fitful€™ pick-up due to the €˜very poor economic fundamentals and still tight credit conditions.€™

So where does that leave us?  We, Property Finders, believe that there are good opportunities for all groups of buyers.  Most estate agents are advising their clients that, if they really want to sell their house, they may well need to accept offers.  This is borne out by comparing prices achieved with asking prices.  Our expertise and knowledge of the London market is a good starting point for buyers, as our interest is in achieving the most realistic price for our clients.  We also pride ourselves on our negotiating skills, agreeing deals based on up-to-date knowledge of the market.  One advantage of tighter mortgage lending controls is that, if a buyer has confirmed his/her mortgage or other borrowing arrangements before they actively start their search for a property, then they will be in a very strong position indeed.   Our experience with vendors confirms our belief that they will accept a prudent offer more easily, if it is accompanied by a proposed exchange and completion date and the buyer can demonstrate willingness to proceed e.g by getting the survey done PDQ and of course the magic words €˜cash buyer€™ spark real interest.

Our firm advice is that it is a good time to buy €“ so whether you€™re looking for a new home or simply a buy-to-let investment with a good yield €“ you know the Brighton Property Finders in the know!

Technorati Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders

Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders

Musings of A Brighton Property Porn aficionado

Don’t you just love finding out how much your friend at Bridge paid for their spangly new flat or how much your downsizing City friends achieved for their fabulous Sussex rectory.  Or how much your Doctor paid for his new house or whether that irritating bloke at work really did get a fantastic deal on his post-divorce seaside penthouse?

Well it’s not just us – it’s official according to a survey for propertylive.co.uk.  Apparently 70% of us browse house prices although we’re not interested in moving and one in 10 do so to find out what friends houses are worth.  One in five of us want to check our what our colleagues homes are worth. 

No surprise to discover that uber-competitive Londoners are the worst with 16% admitting to logging in to determine the value of someone else’s homes compared to 7% in laid-back Brighton.  The 25-34 age group are by far the nosiest, with 17% checking the house prices of their friends and neighbours and one in eight looking at the house prices of their colleagues homes.  80% of this age group look at property prices regularly, although they have no interest in buying or renting a new home.  And we thought we were bad.  At least we Property Finders get paid for it!!

Technorati Tags: Brighton Property Finders, house price anoraks, House Prices, housing envy, property porn

Tags: Brighton Property Finders, house price anoraks, House Prices, housing envy, property porn