Latest Property News | Brunt & Fussell

Details: Published: 02 August 2021; Hits: 2319

Struggling to Pay Rent? What Support is Available from Your Bristol Letting Agency

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our economy like never before. The effects of it are likely to keep rippling as restrictions continue to ease.

Job losses, lack of business, and uncertain finances have unfortunately meant that some tenants have been struggling to pay rent.

But don’t worry as there are a few things you can do and they start with speaking with your Bristol Letting Agency.

Speak to your letting agency about options available

While this situation might be the last sort of thing you want to deal with, it pays to be open, upfront, and honest. Speak to your lettings agent in Bristol and landlord to explain where you stand.

Unless you ask the question, you won’t know what the future holds

See what your agreement includes

If you’re struggling to keep on top of your monthly rent payments, talk to your Bristol Letting Agency or landlord to see what your contract options are

This might not be possible for everyone but being honest about your situation and keeping everyone in the loop will help. Unfortunately, your landlord doesn’t have to reduce your rent or allow you to end your tenancy early, but it’s worth asking what options are available.

Explore The Realm of Housing Benefits

Your local council will also be able to help if you’re struggling to pay rent because of the pandemic. Speak to your Bristol Letting Agency to explain your situation and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

If you’re bringing in less money every month, you may find that you’re entitled to housing benefits or help with paying bills. You may also be able to claim for free school meals, council tax and living costs which might mean you have more money to put towards your rent.

Speak to a Lettings Agent in Bristol that Can Help

Not being able to keep up with bills and rent is scary. But you’re not alone. When you choose to rent through Brunt & Fussell, we’ll be with you every step of the way. In fact, we’ve helped hundreds of tenants to navigate the “new normal”.

As well as giving you an honest and transparent service, we strive to keep up to date with the latest news and guidelines regarding the property. And, we’ll relay everything back to you and your landlord so everyone is on the same page.

Whether you have any questions about missed rent payments or are ready to start looking for your new rental property, contact our Bristol Letting Agency today.

Details: Published: 26 July 2021; Hits: 1978

4 Things Potential Property Buyers in Bristol are Looking for in 2021

House prices are rising (yay for homeowners!) but with this comes a lot of people wanting to sell with a Bristol Estate Agent — making the competition fierce.

So how exactly can you make sure that your home stands out from the rest? And what exactly are homebuyers looking for in 2021?

1. Extra Space to Use as An Office

We’ve all been spending more time at home. But let’s be honest, our poor backs can’t hack the daily slog from the sofa or at the kitchen table for any longer.

From noisy washing machines to kids walking in, working from home can be tough at the best of times. So it’s no wonder that our Bristol Estate Agents have seen more people looking for a spot at home they can call an office.

2. Outdoor Space and Gardens

Another thing that lockdown taught us? We all need to get out more. Even if it’s just enjoying your morning coffee with the sunshine on your face or spending a few hours after work in the fresh air.

Bigger isn’t always better either. Balconies, yards, patios and shared gardens are also proving popular. After all, not everyone has green fingers.

3. A Focus on Wellbeing

For some it’s about having an open-plan kitchen where all the family can come together. Others might look for a quiet space that they can call their own. Someone else might be after a spa-like bathroom, ideal for a soak after a long day at work.

We all have a different idea of what wellbeing is. But it doesn’t stop us looking for it in our homes. Your Estate Agent in Bristol will be able to help you on this one, with a few key staging tactics that will allow any potential buyers to envision the space as their own.

4. A Simple and Safe Process

Okay, so this might not be related to the property itself but as a Bristol Estate Agent, we know that it’s just as important. Buyers want a simple and straightforward journey as well as an Estate Agent in Bristol that they can trust.

It’s no surprise that many are looking for Covid-secure viewings as well.

Sell Your Home for More in 2021

Thinking of selling your home in 2021? You’ll be pleased to know that the market is geared towards buyers right now. As one of the leading Bristol Estate Agents, we can help you every step of the way.

We’ve built our Bristol Estate Agent business on trust and integrity, and many of our customers return time and time again. As well as this, we can help with financial advice and answer any questions you may have about the conveyancing process.

Book a free valuation today to start the process. From here, we’ll advise you on the next steps as well as offering a marketing strategy to take your house selling to the next level.

Details: Published: 19 July 2021; Hits: 2261

Budget 2021: What Help is Available for Buyers in Bristol?

Everyone talks about getting on the property ladder and how important it is. But actually getting anywhere near finding the right house can feel just as impossible as winning the lottery.

So, as a Bristol Estate Agent, we were delighted when chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed that he was determined to turn generation rent into generation buy in his 2021 Budget.

But how exactly does he plan on doing this?

What is the 95% Mortgage Scheme?

As a Bristol Estate Agent, we’ve got a lot to blame Covid for including the fact that it’s now harder than ever for first-time buyers to get their hands on a mortgage. But Rishi Sunak wants to change this.

His new 95% Mortgage Scheme will mean that banks and building societies will be able to offer 95% mortgages again, meaning you only need to find a 5% deposit.

Who is Eligible for the 95% Mortgage Scheme?

If you’re a first-time buyer in the UK who is looking to buy a property with a Bristol Estate Agent, you'll be pleased to know you can take advantage of the scheme. It’s only open to new mortgage applications though and isn’t available for second homes or landlords.

A few other things to bear in mind. The property has to cost under £600,000, the mortgage will be on a repayment basis and you’ll need to be credit checked and meet the affordability tests. It’s also only available until the end of 2022.

Where Can I Get a 95% Mortgage?

Tempted to get started looking for your first home with the help of an Estate Agent in Bristol? Perhaps you’ve found the dream pad and you’ve already pictured where you’re putting the Christmas tree…

Lots of big lenders are now offering these mortgages including NatWest, Barclays, HSBC, and Virgin Money — with interest rates coming in at below 4%.

Other Help Available for Buyers

Got your eye on a sparkly new build property? Maybe you’ve seen a new build estate advertised by our local Estate Agent in Bristol?

The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme is also still available until 2023. Just like the new 95% Mortgage Scheme, all you need to do is put together a 5% deposit for a property that’s worth up to £600,000.

Rightmove recently revealed that on a 5% deposit, first-time buyers would need to save around £10,000-£20,000. But this depends on where you’re looking to buy, of course.

Taking the First Step

Are you a buyer looking to kickstart your property search with a Bristol Estate Agent? Perhaps you just want to know exactly what’s on offer.

Either way, we’d be delighted to help. Our expert team at Brunt & Fussell has helped hundreds of people, just like you, to find their dream home. Plus, we’ll be with you every step of the way and will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Details: Published: 24 May 2021; Hits: 1933

Finding The Right Estate Agent in Bristol to Sell Your Home

Selling your home isn’t as ordinary as picking up eggs at the supermarket. Many people may only do it once or twice in their lifetime. Others may never do it at all.

So we understand why picking the right estate agent in Bristol to sell your home can feel overwhelming.

There are so many to choose from - where do you even begin?

1. Make a shortlist of estate agents

It’s very useful to start with making a list of estate agents in Bristol:

Ask your friends and family for recommendations
Google Bristol estate agents and see what comes up
Have a look around to see who is selling in your area
Walk down your High Street and see who has experience in your postcode

2. What to ask your list of estate agents

Now that you’ve got your list, you can start “interviewing” them. Remember, your Bristol estate agent will work for you.

Here are some questions to consider:

How quickly do they sell their property?
How often do they achieve their asking price?
Do they have experience selling property like yours or in your postcode?
Do they have a hotlist of potential buyers?
How do they market your property, and who pays for it?
What is their viewing policy?
What additional services do they offer?
How does their sales progression look?

3. Consider if its a match

You might be working with this estate agent in Bristol for several months. You two must get on well. Do they make you feel welcomed? Are they helpful? Do they respond to your queries in a professional and timely manner? Are they punctual? They will be meeting potential buyers, and they must be on time.

4. Work as a team

While the agent works for you, you must be transparent about your needs. If you need to move by a certain deadline to move for a job or a baby is on the way, it is important to discuss these things up front to manage expectations. The agent can also tailor their services to your needs.

5. The valuation of your property

Most estate agents will come up with a similar price that the property may sell for, and you can be sure that your house will be reasonably priced. However, an odd one or two might come up with a very different value. Ask them to justify their price and show examples of property in the same market at the same price point.

While some estate agents might promise overly optimistic valuations to win your business, others might know the market differently.

Make the decision

Now that you know how to decide, you can choose an estate agent in Bristol for you and your property.

Brunt & Fussell provide comprehensive services to sell your property in Bristol. We begin with a no-obligation visit to your property to advise you in all aspects of selling your home. We will suggest a marketing strategy that includes computer matching software, internet portals, and accompanying viewings.

Book your free property valuation with us today.