https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk en-nz MAU Investments Limited 30 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:57:43 +1200 daily 1 https://www.website.world https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/2211485 Most of us are only trading time for money which is not the path to financial security. The fact is only 5% will make it to financial independence. That means 95% will not have the income they require to live the lifestyle. Maybe its because they don't have the time, knowledge, resources or plan to do, so.. Some maybe don’t know who to trust or even simply fear to make a mistake. For many years privately I have helped property investors become one of the 5% and offer you the opportunity to join them. I have developed an easy method of property investing to allow you to create financial independence for yourself. That is because I firmly believe everyone has the right to be financially independent and free. Not just the 5% and property investment if done right, is the path to take to help you achieve this. Lets set up a call now to discuss. ph 01 332981666 or email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/2211485 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/2211036 Have you ever asked yourself why you are not investing in property today? What is it that is holding you back? As Robert Kiyosaki the author of Rich Dad poor Dad says “Your Future is created by what you do today – not tomorrow". Maybe you are not investing because you don’t have the knowledge, or its too overwhelming, hard work and too much of a risk. Maybe you have no time or you think you don’t have enough spare cash to do so. But what if I told you would not have to worry about any of those issues. Because you don’t. I can do it all for you, so you can sit back breathe a sigh of relief and watch the profits roll into your bank account. All you need is the desire. That’s all. The rest is easy. You are lucky living in the UK as there are so many different ways one can get on the property ladder, And as you know, property investment even on a small scale remains a tried and true means of building an individual’s cash flow and wealth. Why miss out? Interested or know of someone who could be? Let’s set up a call to discuss. I’m Dennis, Dennis Croll, from Mau investments – Property Investment made Easy. Mon, 8 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/2211036 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/987489 If you want a Standard BTL, you will will need have approximately £30,000 to £50,000 for buying costs, deposit, and basic refurb and on average you should depending on interest rate, achieve an average 8 to 12% Yield. If you want a HMO will need 150K – 200K for buying costs, deposit, and full refurb and on average you should depending on interest rate, achieve an average 15 to 20% Yield. This also involves a high cost of refurb. For a Commercial to Residential strategy you will also need 150K – 200K plus for buying costs, deposit, and full refurb and on average depending on how you structure the project should return a higher yield. An alternative is to TITLE SPLIT a block of flats or any property where any freehold titles can be split and turned into leasehold. Sometimes this can be done with little or no deposit and simply do the paperwork to convert the leases. For this you will need approximately will need £30, 000 to £50, 000 plus any refurb costs. This should ensure an 25% to 40% uplift and increased rentals and yields. Want to know more - call Dennis on 01332981666 or email: dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/987489 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/987488 7 tips when buying an Investment Property. 1. Ask yourself - do you want to invest long term and ensure an ongoing regular passive income – or are you wanting to go for flips where you can buy, renovate and sell quickly to make a profit? 2. Ask yourself - do you want to invest in a simple BTL, or a HMO or Commercial to Residential property or something else? Make sure you also have exits. 3. Work out your budget to see what you can afford and stick to it. 4. Find out the possibility of a mortgage with your broker, 5. Take some time to research and get to know your chosen area. What are the demographic’s? What is the demand? 6. Who is your target market? For example: Students, working professionals or first home buyers? 7. Always search for below market value or off market properties to purchase. These will get you started but to do it right there are a lot more. So if you - or someone you know with their hard earned savings doing nothing in the bank or perhaps have an inheritance, or are going through a divorce, or redundancy – or who maybe want their pension pot to generate a much higher return – and who are serious about investing with peace of mind and security, send me an email with an expression of interest to invest – or let’s set up a call to discuss how I can help dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or 01 332981666 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/987488 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985670 Like many, it's likely you're juggling a hectic life filled with work, family, and all the other demands of daily living. So, finding extra time to build a property portfolio may seem like a real challenge. Many say, "Now isn't the right time; there's just too much going on." But truth be told, is there ever a perfect time? The answer is always yes. Anytime is a good time. And as far as market timing is concerned, especially right now is a fantastic time to be investing with so much opportunity out there, as long as you know what you are doing. Yes, there are some challenges right now, but that will put many people off, meaning less competition, which in turn makes now such a great time to invest. The UK property investment market may seem overwhelming, flooded with negative headlines and information. I get it. However, I want to reassure you that, in terms of market timing, now is an excellent time to invest – if you're well-prepared. In such a complex landscape, expert advice can be invaluable, and as such, I am here to help throughout your property investment journeys. To discover more, why not get in touch to book a call? dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or phone 0-1 332981666 Mon, 8 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985670 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985669 If you have the desire to invest in property but honestly do not have the time or expertise to make it really profitable, consider partnering up with Mau Investments. Here’s why… • Strong knowledge of the property market and true values of property • Finding the right property deal that fits your strategy. • Access to off market opportunities not available on the open market, allowing you to secure property you would otherwise not have access to • Creative purchasing options to get the property at the right price. • Extensive research and due diligence • The investor can invest hands and stress free, without any hassle, and yet still reap the rewards of the investment. So if you - or someone you know with their hard earned savings doing nothing in the bank or perhaps have an inheritance, or are going through a divorce, or redundancy – or who maybe want their pension pot to generate a much higher return – and who are serious about investing with peace of mind and security, send me an email with an expression of interest to invest – or let’s talk. #property #propertyinvestment #mauinvestments Mon, 8 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985669 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985244 Can I get on the property ladder with limited funds? Investing in property is the key to financial freedom. But it takes strategic planning, knowledge of the market, workable strategies and knowing how to leverage your hard earned savings to make your funds go further. It also takes hard work and dedication. Property isn't a get rich quick game, it's a slow burning wealth creation game. If you're looking for money-in, money-out deals, you're not looking at the bigger picture that property has to offer. I hear of many who are often held back thinking they need more knowledge, and a lot more money and time to get into property. That’s where I can help. I am all about the average guy and gal. I can show you how to jump on the property ladder, safely and securely – and at any level. Are you interested in a simple and secured high interest rate on your funds or to Joint Venture with us on our next project? You so, you will not only achieve a great return on your investment but also benefit from our knowledge, expertise and personal one on one commitment to help you grow your wealth. We make it simple. You can sit back and relax as we will do it all for you. Let’s set up an informal virtual coffee call to discuss to find out how I can help To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985244 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985246 Did you know that the house that you own and especially if you own it outright, is not an asset – it’s a liability. All that money that your house is worth or paying off is sitting there earning nothing – plus its costing you in rates and insurance etc. Yes it may increase in value over time but it also can decrease as the property market is showing now. That means if you even if you are sitting mortgage free or even only half mortgage free, you could refinance by using your house as security to provide you with another property to provide an additional income stream. You could also do a renovation to increase its value and sell at a profit and perhaps downsize into another property. And even if you have no funds to renovate – no problem. We can help. Contact me for an informal chat to discuss your plans and how I may be able to help. Sometimes its good just talk and share thoughts about where you are at and then in the process discover some solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy 01 332981666 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985246 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985248 Why invest with Mau Investments. Are you fed up getting little or no interest return from your hard earned savings in the bank? Do you want a secured higher interest rate return than any UK banks and many other investment portfolios? We also offer flexible terms from 6 to 24 months with interest and capital paid at end of term or when refinanced or sold - with the option to reinvest if one so desires. Are you not sure about the security of your job at the moment and would like to secure an additional income by investing in property. Are you too busy with work, have other commitments, or do not have the knowledge to get involved with property? Do you have spare savings sitting around that you do not know what to do with doing nothing that you are presently getting no or very little return on? Will you have funds available from a life changing situation such as a divorce settlement or inheritance which you do not know what to do with? Are you approaching or in retirement and want to invest some funds that will provide an additional income to one’s pension? When you invest with Mau Investments you benefit from our knowledge, expertise and personal one on one commitment to help you grow your wealth with property. We make it simple. You can sit back and relax as we will do it all for you. Interested? Let’s set up an informal virtual coffee call to discuss to find out how I can help. Mau Investments – Property solutions made easy Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985248 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985249 How Mau Investments can help investors We invest in property ourselves, and also offer the opportunity for others to do the same with a goal of making it more accessible for everyday people who want to become financially free. When investing with us you benefit from our knowledge, expertise and personal one on one commitment to help you grow your wealth. We make it simple. We offer simple high interest rate returns from 6 to 24 months with interest and principal paid back in full at the completion of the project. We also offer 50/50 Joint Venture projects where you fund the project and we do all the work so you can sit back. relax and we will do it all for you. This will give you access to high-yield interest returns and/or regular cash flow and long-term value gain. Today even with the financial crisis we are facing, property is still one of the most secure and profitable investments one can make – providing it’s done right. Talk to us today and start investing. Its definitely worth it. Mau Investments – Property solutions made easy Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985249 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985247 If you are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, you aren’t alone. Millions of households are finding it hard to pay for everyday items as prices for essentials like food, gas and electricity and their mortgages have rapidly increased. We cannot give Debt, Legal, Investment or Mortgage advice as those industries are heavily regulated. But what we can do is be here to understand, support, help and then signpost you in the right direction. See below for who to contact: DEBT ISSUES: FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT Stepchange Debt Charity: Get expert debt advice and fee-free debt management to help you tackle your debts. https://www.stepchange.org/ Tel: 0800 138 1111 Money Advice Service: Take away the stress and worry of debt with our easy and simple steps. Contact The Advice Centre https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en Tel: 0800 138 7777 Debt Advice Foundation: A registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt. https://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/ Tel: 0800 0434050 National Debt line: Free and independent charity organisation giving free and independent debt ad budget advice over he phone and online https://nationaldebtline.org/ Tel: 0808 808 4000 Citizens Advice: To Get help with the cost of living, Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills, Get help with bills, Check if you can pay less council tax, How to read your smart electricity meter, Check what benefits you can get . Debt and money and more https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ LEGAL AID FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT To check if you can get legal aid - www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid Hope that helps – please remember you are not alone. For any additional assistance with what to do with your property contact me for an informal chat to discuss your plans and how I may be able to help. Sometimes its good just talk and share thoughts about where you are at and then in the process discover some solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. We will always treat you with respect, discretion and integrity. Repossession Rescue - Saving Lives; One Home At A Time. Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985247 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985242 Buying a property? If you’re not a first-time buyer, selling your own home first is a good place to start before you start searching for your next property as it will put you in a strong position as a buyer. Then work out your budget to see what you can afford. You’ll also need to check your credit report (there are a number of companies who do this online). Then find out the possibility of a mortgage with your broker, what’s required, what you can borrow and options available to you. If possible, try to get a Mortgage in Principle confirming an amount of money which a lender believes they would be able to lend you. Together with you deposit, it can give you an indication of the property price range you can search within. Take some time to research and get to know your chosen area. If you can, make sure you walk around the neighbourhood so you can get a sense of what it’ll be like to live there. Visit local estate agents in person to register your interest in the area. You may also contact me, to discuss how we can help especially if its for an investment. Then put in an offer that suits your budget and confirm your mortgage. The lender will arrange for a qualified surveyor to inspect the property as well as make sure that it’s a property they’ll lend against – moreover if a survey uncovers problems you may be able to negotiate a price cut to offset some or all of the cost of the work. The rest is easy – just leave it up to your solicitor to set up the exchange of contracts and completion and when that’s all done move in. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985242 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985243 What’s the real situation in the UK with mortgages? Today in the UK it's getting close to 2M people who cannot pay their mortgages – and it's predicted to get worse. The Covid ‘hangover’, price hikes/cost of living crisis and inflation is all taking its toll. There is a Tsunami on the way of investors and homeowners not being able to afford their mortgages. Coupled with that are potential further debt, family problems, and mental issues – all of which we do our best to hide. Thus, it is not hard to feel stressed and overwhelmed with what to do. And I completely understand and get that. But please remember, you are not alone. I am here to help. Contact me for an informal chat to discuss your plans and how I may be able to help. Sometimes its good just talk and share thoughts about where you are at and then in the process discover some solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. Repossession Recue - Saving Lives; One Home At A Time. To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985243 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985245 You are not alone If you are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, you aren’t alone. Millions of households are finding it hard to pay for everyday items as prices for essentials like food, gas and electricity and their mortgages have rapidly increased. We cannot give Debt, Legal, Investment or Mortgage advice as those industries are heavily regulated. But what we can do is be here to understand, support, help and then signpost you in the right direction. See below for who to contact: SHELTER FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT England Shelter - Shelter's online advice helps millions of people each year with homelessness, council housing, eviction and more. https://england.shelter.org.uk Tel: 0300 330 1234 MENTAL HEALTH FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT Mind - There to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. Also claiming benefits - getting support - organising your finances etc Tel: 0330 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/ Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. www.samaritans.org From mobile: 116213 The Calm Zone: The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and we’re taking a stand against suicide. That means standing against feeling shit, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living. https://www.thecalmzone.net/ Tel: 0808 585858 Hope that helps – please remember you are not alone. For any additional assistance with what to do with your property contact me for an informal chat to discuss your plans and how I may be able to help. Sometimes its good just talk and share thoughts about where you are at and then in the process discover some solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. We will always treat you with respect, discretion and integrity. Repossession Rescue - Saving Lives; One Home At A Time. To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 0133298166 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985245 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985225 Property prices are cyclical, and will go down as well as up, however, so far in history, they have been on a general upward trend. Currently in the UK property market ...most forecasters are saying that UK house prices are expected to fall by around 5% to 10%, as the market rebalances after years of growth, and as mortgage rate rises, inflation the and cost of living pushes prices down. Unemployment is also expected to rise to about 5.5%. In addition, the government is actively working with mortgage lenders to avoid additional stress on borrowers, so we hopefully the number of forced sales will be relatively small and the lack of supply, combined with the strong underlying demand for homes, will ultimately insulate the market from any dramatic falls in prices. Previously the coronavirus pandemic had fuelled a mini housing boom as flexible and home working led to an increase in sales of larger properties in more rural and idyllic settings leading to an approx. overall 23% increase and on average pushing values up £12,000 on a year ago. . Overall 2023 to be characterised by a slower property market during which about 25% fewer properties will come on to the market and change hands compared to a ‘normal’ year. Moreover while inflation as a whole may be close to or at its peak, household energy bills are likely to rise again, putting more pressure on household budgets. However, there is still uncertainty around this forecast and its always important to realise property prices are cyclic and one should always look at investing for the long term. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985225 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985226 During my career, I have helped others who want to get involved in property. I enjoy helping others on their property journey. Once people realise that only 5% on average understand that the path to financial security and independence is not trading time for money, saving money in the bank which is losing value, their life changes. Sandra and Steve asked my advice with what to do with their limited amount of savings. They were a couple who did not have the knowledge, the time or a plan but wanted to get on the property ladder. With my help they purchased a BTL and are now on their way to creating a property portfolio and their financial independence for their future. If you want to do the same get in touch - be happy to help. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985226 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985227 Properties sold in the UK may be freehold or leasehold. Here is what both of those mean and my thoughts on buying a leasehold property... When you buy a property freehold, you own the building and the land it’s on until you decide to sell it. If you buy a property freehold, it means you completely own the property and the land it sits on and are responsible for all costs relating to the property. Its is also called ‘fee simple’. But if you buy a property leasehold, you own only the building (not the land it’s on) and only for a set number of years. When the term of the lease expires, the property will belong to the landowner unless you can extend the lease. The closer you are to the lease expiry date, the less valuable the lease becomes, Newly-created leases can be anything from 99 or 125 years to 999 years. If a lease has less than 80 years left to run, it may make the property hard to sell, and it may even be difficult to remortgage. With leasehold you do not own the land the property is on, and if it’s a flat you don’t own communal areas such as stairs or hall, nor the structure of the building itself. Normally, leaseholders pay fees to the freeholder. But government legislation coming into force on the means that ground rent charges will be banned on most new residential leases and retirement properties, which will put an end to annual ground rent increases. A lease will also tend to include certain restrictions; for example, you may not be allowed pets, and you may need to ask permission to make changes to the property. If you break any conditions you could be taken to court and may risk losing your lease. The freeholder is usually responsible for buildings insurance (though not contents insurance). And the freeholder should consult with you on certain maintenance costs and some charges you can challenge if you disagree with them. As a leaseholder, you also have the right to demand the freeholder’s management of the lease be transferred to a ‘right to manage’ company set up by you and other leaseholders. Contact me if you wish to learn how to Title Split to substantially increase your profits on your next investment. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985227 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985228 You matter to me. I care. Since 2000, I have been a successful business owner, ex Real Estate Agent and now Property Investor who has been involved in property for many years. This has given me a wealth of knowledge and experience which I can share with you. This means when it comes to property you are in good hands and can be assured all business is done professionally, ethically, morally. I like to treat everyone the way I like to be treated. In other words, everyone knows what is required, there is no BS and expectations are met. In addition, clear, transparent and effective communication ensures a win - win for all. I have a full and highly local experienced power team around me, who have the same mindset as I have, to offer a one stop solution and make the process as seamless as we can. It is one of the key cornerstone to the success of the business. There is always a huge amount of work and due diligence involved in securing any property. From the initial communication with the seller we will have a very good idea about the area, price, demand, yield and capital growth, as well as being in the right condition at the right price. My goal is to surpass your expectations by going the extra-mile to get the best possible results for you as an investor or in helping sell your property if needed. I am a down to earth guy with a genuine approach without all the hype. Add to that a real sensitivity to my clients’ individual needs with an ethos of respect, discretion, and integrity. Book a virtual coffee with me today - I would love to chat. Email dennis@mauinvestmetns.co.uk Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985228 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985241 Why good photographs are essential to sell your property. It's best to engage a professional photographer or engage a company to help. One of the many items Mau Investments can do for you is get photography done that sells. Other options are to leave it up to your Agent or do them yourself. If you are choosing a Agent choose one who takes good pictures. Check other properties they have photographed to get an idea through online property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and others. Here are some other tips: *Stage things so that on the day of photographs, everything looks as good as it can possibly be. For example, clear worktops, add fresh flowers or fill up the fruit bowl. These things add a splash of colour and always look more attractive to buyers. *Temporarily move things from room to room to make sure that each room looks bigger and is being displayed in its best possible light. *If using a professional book your photography session at the right time of day, when the sun is at the right angle to brighten your house up to its maximum effect. Bright rooms always make your house look bigger, so make sure you only take photographs at the time of day that works best to achieve this in your house. *Taking good photographs is one thing that might be out of your control, but there really is no excuse for not having enough photographs. There is nothing worse when looking for a property to buy to find something that looks interesting at the right price, only to find that the four pictures that are available aren’t very good. *When getting pictures taken by your estate agent, make sure you accompany the photographer around the house and make sure they take multiple photos of each room. Make a point of asking the photographer how many photographs they take of each room and make a point of making yourself available to move things or adjust things to help them take the best photos possible. Good photos get enquiry and sell properties. If you are considering selling, get in touch for help in formulating photography that sells. Assisted Sales with Mau Investments get results. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985241 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985212 I decided to work in property and continue to do so today because you can make a difference and help sellers get the price they want and help buyers find the house they want. When you invest, you can build/renovate what you want. This is very satisfying. Sometimes you have to work long hours but it’s very rewarding. Property also is always changing with new trends, different markets and dynamics, so you have to keep up to date. Working professionally in property also means that I can share the knowledge and experience to help people make good decisions and importantly be there for people during major milestones. I get to help people through each stage in their lives and truly be part of a community. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985212 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985213 Before looking to invest in any area it is important to consider if it meets your investment strategy and criteria. To do this, here are three things that you may wish to consider 1. Is there growth in the area (is there new investment, are there planned developments, is there a growing population etc) 2. What are the demographics of the people that live there (again, do they fit your strategy. An aging higher earner for example, is more likely to want to buy, and will be less likely to want to rent if that is your strategy. Renters may be a younger demographic of working age) 3. What are the transport links and facilities like, (again would they suit your strategy and the demographic that you are serving. For example renters are likely of the younger demographic that needs to either find work locally or have good transport links to commute.) Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985213 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985214 When viewing a property here are the things that I recommend to always take, a camera / mobile phone, tape measure, ladder, and binoculars. It is always a good idea to take photographs on a viewing, so taking a camera is a necessity. A tape measure will enable you to check room sizes etc within the property. You may be able to view the loft on a viewing, so a portable ladder will be useful. Binoculars will enable you to take a look at the roof and other areas that are hard to access Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985214 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985215 Clients often ask me how did I come up with the name of the business Mau Investments. A great question. Simply because my wife loves cats – and what do cats do all the time – Meow. And as my wife is Austrian, in German that’s Mau. Thought it was cute and besides cats are always protective of their territory – plus most are friendly, vigilant, curious, inquisitive, inventive, loyal, and smart - and that’s what I am towards my clients and their property. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985215 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985216 When looking for trades for your renovation, it may be a good idea to use personal recommendations from your neighbours or by taking a look at building taking place at local properties. You can always ask the homeowner if they are happy with the work undertaken. If that is not possible search online to find the best tradespeople. There are many Facebook pages in local areas – often with recommendations from those who have used them. Checkatrade.com has an extensive nationwide network of trades that you can search for free. They run strict background checks on tradespeople before they can become members. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985216 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985217 Japanese knotweed is considered to be a very invasive species of plant. Once this plant is established, it is very difficult to get rid of. The strong growth of the Japanese knotweed allows it to displace many native plant species while its invasive root system and strong stems can cause damage to buildings, pipes and roads. its drive to expand, Japanese knotweed will exploit existing weaknesses in property underground services, walls, concrete, foundations, fences, out-buildings and conservatories. As it grows and expands, it will crack walls, ruin garden fences and it can even break through into buildings. It is also difficult to eradicate so if the property has it, I would leave it alone. However, the existence of Japanese Knotweed does not necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the property. If there is an approved knotweed management and treatment plan in place, then there should not be any problem in getting a mortgage. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985217 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985219 Did you know that one of the things to be aware of when buying a property is the flood risk? Property does not need to be near a river to be at risk of flooding. The government has a flood risk map that you can use to see if an area is at risk of floods....The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official online location to find all flood hazard mapping products created under the National Flood Insurance Program, including your community's flood map. Check it out here: https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985219 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985220 Given the cost of living crisis at the moment, many people are choosing to not heat their homes as much as they may have done in previous years. Many years ago, before central heating was widely used, houses were built to allow air to circulate. However, more modern homes are not built in the same way and so black mould can occur, especially during the winter months. To reduce the risk of mould in the home, there are some things that you can do including wiping condensation from windows, trying to allow ventilation by opening some windows in moisture-prone areas, using lids on pans when cooking, when possible dry clothes outside (although this is not often in the winter in the UK), keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. Clean mould when you see it as soon as you can using appropriate products, and taking appropriate safety measures. Mould is not good for your health. When looking to purchase a property, if you notice mould, check the reason for that mould. Is it due to the lack of heating, or could it be caused by a leak or something else? Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985220 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985221 Sale fallen through? That can be so disheartening, not to mention very inconvenient! If the sale has fallen through because the buyer is no longer able or willing to pay the agreed price, decide if you are willing to accept a lower price or not. It could actually be cheaper to accept a lower price than to put your house back up for sale. If it’s a problem with your property decide if you are willing to fix that problem if you can. Or you could offer to reduce the price by the cost of the repairs. Be aware of ‘gazundering’ This is where a buyer agrees on a certain price and then deliberately reduces it at the last minute. Conveyancing delays could also be a problem so try to get all the parties involved to come together and see if anything can be done to speed things up. If a buyer may need to complete a chain consider what you can do to help mend the chain. You could also take your property to the auction or find another buyer. If you would like to learn more about how we could help, why not get in touch today or visit our website for further information. I have tools in my toolbox others don't and are happy to share those options and solutions to assist your sale. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985221 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985218 When investing in property it pays not to be too emotional about a particular property as things could always go wrong. For example, even though I had put an offer on a property which was accepted, at the last minute the seller pulled out, apparently wanting a higher price. A price at which the property as an investment would not work. At the end of the day its all about the numbers. And if they do not work, you should move on. This of course is easy if you are not emotionally attached. Yes, that was frustrating but that’s business and there are always good deals. As such it did not take long before I found another. And as a footnote, last I heard the seller of the original property still has it on the market proving again the property always has to be priced right – according to the market. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985218 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985223 One important lesson I learned on my property journey when I was a Real Estate Agent, was to never trust the sale had been finalised until completion. Anything can happen between an offer, exchange and completion. The deal could fall over at any time. For example, the buyer may not be able to raise the funds, the survey may come back as being unsatisfactory or the buyer may simply change his/her mind. The seller may even change his/her mind. That’s why is always important to follow up and be on top of the process at all times. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985223 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985222 When choosing your new home, you need to check out these things when on a viewing Top things to check when on a property viewing •Keep an eye out for signs of damp. The main giveaway are a mouldy smell, flaky plaster, and watermarked walls or ceilings. •Is the building structurally sound – look for hairline to big cracks, ask how old the roof is and check the state of the window frames. •How much storage space is there, what’s the attic like and are the rooms big enough for your needs? •Are there enough power points and what condition are they in? Is the plumbing up to scratch – check the radiators, the boiler and state of the pipes •Which way does the house face – does it get sun? Take a compass to find out. •Is the property sound proofed •Check out the area. Is it noisy, any local rubbish dumps near, are shops, transport links and schools nearby. Is the area a conservation area and if so what rules apply? If you do like a property, arrange another viewing for a different time of day, and scout out the local area a bit more. •Personally I often use Google street view/maps to explore the area and get the Agent to virtually show me the property together so its like being there in person. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985222 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985224 If you own a buy to let, do you use a letting agent, or do you manage yourself? Here are the pros and cons of self management PRO’s of using a letting agent: 1. Using a letting agent frees up a landlord to develop their property business by giving them more time to buy, develop and build up their portfolio. 2. Letting agents in theory should be skilled in managing rental properties. For example they should know the vital aspects of landlord and tenant law and legal aspects, which means that they can avoid some of the management problems where a landlord is unfamiliar with 3. They will have a number of contacts in the letting world: trades people, plumbers, gardeners that they can call on and get a problem fixed. 4. They have access to more routes to market and able to get your property to market more quickly and more effectively than relying on your own efforts. 5.They can filter out inappropriate tenants. And ask for references. CON's of using a letting agent: 1. They can be costly even if they say they can achieve higher rent – anywhere from 8 to 20%.so shop around. 2. They will save the landlord a huge amount of time with a full management service. The letting agent collects the rent; deals with tenant questions and maintenance issues as well as setting up the tenancy in the first place. 3. How knowledgeable are letting agents? Unfortunately, many letting agents know far less than they should about tenancy law and procedures. So check them out first. 4. Let’s face it this is the age of the Internet. Landlords can now market their property for a few quid. And often its better to do the viewings yourself so you meet the tenants.. 5. They don’t know your business. Need to discuss? - Get in in touch. Be happy to help. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985224 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985194 New build or an older property, which do you prefer to purchase, both have advantages and disadvantages. Here are my thoughts Old House Pros and Cons • More character, bigger (big bedrooms, a large garden or high ceilings), and in established neighbourhoods., • Issues are more visible and you can normally have higher maintenance, wear and tear, and less energy efficient. You can however have a survey done and make sure everything is in order and especially structurally. • You can renovate to add value – this is the biggest advantage despite being a cost and you can personalise the refurb and this normally increases the value • When making an offer on an older property, you know exactly what you’re getting but be aware of any long chains. . • Negotiating power – buying an existing property means that the purchase price is negotiable between buyer and seller.. New Build Pros and Cons • Although normally smaller and less space you can often personalise and have a say in the style of things like carpets, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. • If you buy a new build off-plan, you might not know the quality of the end product until after you’ve put an offer in so a snagging survey is essential. However new builds do offer a builder’s warranty, offer less maintenance and are more energy efficient • No chain –or no existing or previous owner so there’s less chance of your transaction falling through. However there could be delays: The buying process can be even longer with new builds if the building’s not finished on time •New builds are more expensive with the average premium paid to purchase a new build property compared to the price of an average older house in Britain is approx. 30% more. However, there are several home-buying schemes which means great options for first-time buyers. And sometimes developers will throw in incentives when trying to sell a new build property. For example, covering your stamp duty or upgrading your fixtures and fittings. Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985194 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985200 Once you have completed your renovation, I would always recommend dressing the property when you put in onto the market. So why is that? Dressing the property can help a buyer to imagine themselves living in the property. Properties that have been home-staged can sell for 10 to 20% more than a non-staged home and sell a lot faster. The cost, therefore, is definitely worth it to have a professional do it. Property staging’ is the art of making your home look its best. By strategically placing a new plant in a window sill, adding stylish cushions, or repainting tired furniture to lift a room, you can create a lifestyle that people will want to buy into. You might love your private study, but if you are trying to appeal to families, would they prefer to see that space as an extra bedroom? A professional house dresser will know the interior trends that sell and be able to instantly see the simple changes that can be made - such a new room layout or de-cluttering a room to make a good impression. Whether you do it yourself or get in an interior expert, dressing a house for selling will show your property in its best light and create a narrative that people will want to buy into. Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985198 Are you thinking about selling your home?. Here are my tips for finding a good real estate agent. Ask for recommendations from friends and neighbours and compare how they market their properties Get an agent who is local and knows the area and whose track record in sales is good. Get three valuations from 3 different agents to get a realistic price. However, beware of choosing an estate agent that suggests the highest asking price as even though a high valuation might sound appealing, it could make the property tougher to sell. And as time goes by, when the house doesn't sell buyers may assume there's a problem with the property and it ends up selling for less than if it had been realistically priced in the first place. All good agents should be operating to codes of conduct that will ensure you are dealt with professionally. Finally choose an estate agent you're happy to work with,' and who is experienced, enthusiastic and helpful. If you cannot find one that makes you feel comfortable, get in touch. I work with the best of Agents to secure the sale. 01 332981666 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985198 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985199 Given the cost of living crisis at the moment, it can be easy for homeowners to fall into arrears with their mortgages. If you are struggling right now, please feel free to contact me to see how I may assist you. With a vast network of property professionals, if I am unable to help, I will know someone that can, or I can direct you to organisations who may offer assistance. Email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or phone 01332981666 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985199 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985196 The conveyancing process starts when your offer on a house is accepted and finishes when you receive the keys normally taking between 12 and 16 weeks to complete. Conveyancing is the legal transfer of home ownership from the seller to the buyer conducted by a solicitor in person or online. The buyer's solicitor will write to the seller’s solicitor to confirm they are instructed and request a copy of the draft contract and any other details, such as the property’s title and the standard forms. Next, a set of legal property searches are carried out to ensure there are no other factors one should be aware of. A list of fixtures and fittings is also complied and completion date agreed.. You will need to get a survey done, insurance arranged on the property and your mortgage in place which the buyers solicitor will receive a copy of to go through the conditions. Once the buyer has paid the deposit and exchanged contracts the buyer will be in a legally binding contract to buy the property with a fixed date for moving. Completion takes place when the seller’s solicitor confirms that they have received all the money that is due. Once this happens the seller should drop the keys at the estate agents for the buyer’s collection. This means that the conveyancing process is over. Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985196 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985195 Here are Common Reasons Why Houses Don't Sell Pricing yourself out of the market is probably the single most obvious reason why a property will fail to sell. Buyers do their research and most know how much similar houses in the same or comparable area will be on the market for. Don’t be greedy – be realistic. The property needs a good tidy up/clean and attention to minor cosmetic issues. Any signs of damp, rotten woodwork, exterior cracks and plumbing issues etc also need to be taken care of. The property needs modernisation/minor refurb. Items such as central heating and even double glazing are now a basic expectation from most buyers. If you can afford it look at replacing the kitchen and bathrooms. It's also surprising and a little alarming how low the quality of some estate agents photographs and quality of marketing of the property is. Choose your agent wisely.. Talk to someone who knows how to help set up your property to sell. For example, I have tools in my tool box others don’t that can help even if you cannot afford any refurb. Talk to me to discuss ways how I can help sell your property at the right price. Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985195 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985147 At Mau investments, I approach sellers with an ethos of cooperation with all of those I meet. When one sincerely wants to help another, its always a win-win for all. If we decide to work together you have two options. I assist those needing to sell due to rising interest rates, higher inflation and for many a cost of living crisis. In addition, for example, those facing divorce, sale of property through probate/inheritance, moving locations or those simply finding it difficult sell at the right price. Also I assist those who may be facing potential Repossession issues. I have tools to help you in our toolkit that others don't to help provide solutions to get you the seller back on track and the right price for your property. I will always treat you with respect, discretion and integrity. When you contact me to discuss your plans to discuss how I may be able to help it is simply an informal chat. Nothing else. Sometimes its good just talk and share thoughts about where you are at and then in the process discover some solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. Mau Investments – Property solutions made easy Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985147 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985148 Why Isn’t Your House Selling? A house that’s been languishing on the market is unlikely to fetch a premium price. Here are some mistakes a seller could be making: Unrealistic price is driven by what you want instead of what the market is dictating. If a seller sets his/her price on needs and emotions rather than the actual selling value it will be difficult to sell. Many sellers decide on ‘subjective’ rather than ‘objective’ value for their home. So be careful when an agent boosts that they can achieve an unrealistic price – just to get the listing. This is common practice and some agents know all too well how to play that game to win a listing. Its crucial to present the house in a pristine state and attractive to buyers. A property that’s not spick-and-span often indicates concealed flaws that will increase the total cost to the buyer once purchased. Your potential buyer will have to allow themselves greater room for error for the price of repairs or refurb themselves, reducing their offer. Sellers often don’t take the first offer seriously and hang out for a higher price. This often happens if an offer comes in shortly after the home’s been listed. Often the first offer ends up being the best buyer, and the vendors lose by having to take less money much later on in the selling process. If the offer is acceptable – take it. You could sell the property on your own and you will save the commission, but will it be worth it? Less than 10% of self-sellers actually sell their home and nearly all of them end up hiring an agent after much wasted time and a lot of advertising dollars spent. As an ex Real Estate Agent myself, I could do this easily but I don’t. I still work together as a team with a Real Estate Agent so that we achieve the sale at the right price. It’s also a lot less stress. I hope this has been helpful. If you’re considering selling any time soon, we should talk. Mau Investments – Property Solutions make easy Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985148 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985146 It's all too common for your property to fall short of market asking prices because it's in need of repair or refurbishment. You may also not have the money to do the needed repairs or refurbishment - Or perhaps you are having problems with meeting your mortgage payments forcing you to think about a below-market sale and accept a lower price than you deserve. If so, you need to consider an Assisted Sale What is an Assisted Sale? It’s when a property owner is ‘assisted’ to sell their property. Why you would do this is for several reasons. It could be because the property has been vacant for some time due to the fact it is simply not selling in its current state. Then again, it could be that a family member has inherited the property and just wants to sell it quickly and move on. It could be that the property badly needs modernisation/refurbishment or even repairs, and you don’t have the money – or inclination – to get it done.. Assisted Sales gets quicker results for the homeowner and normally at the price you originally wanted and sometimes even more. You get to move on quickly, There is no cost (or can be shared cost) to renovate, refurb or do the necessary repairs. Can get help with mortgage costs and payments Can get accommodation while the work if required is being done It is ‘Hands-free’ – you may not have the time, desire, knowledge or will. Contact me for an informal chat to discuss your plans and how I may be able to help. If you like what we can do, we can progress from there and if not, we will have been pleased to have helped. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985146 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985102 Does Street Appeal help sell your property? Yes, it does. By adding street appeal you will enhance the appeal of your property and entice would-be buyers to view. A welcoming entryway is essential. Replace welcoming elements like the letterbox, house numbers, doormat, and door hardware. This can have a huge impression on buyers. These small elements can send a welcoming impression and are relatively inexpensive. In addition, add pots of colour to either side of the front door for a visually dramatic entryway. Recommended are impatiens and succulents which are also very fashionable. Renew garden beds: Get them into shape by pruning growth, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and adding mulch to restore colour that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather. For the evening, consider always leaving a few interior lights on plus any exterior lights at the front of your home. Buyers may drop past to view at night. Hope this helps. For more in-depth insider secrets into selling your property at the right price get in touch. Be happy to help. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985102 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985105 How does Supply and Demand affect the property values? If you are selling or buying property, you’ve probably heard the phrase that it’s all about location, location, location, and to a large degree that’s spot on. Here is the one of several other factors to consider: Supply & Demand Perhaps one of the biggest factors, the number of properties up for sale, and the number of buyers competing for them has a major effect on the value of a home. Generally, if there are more buyers than sellers, values will go up. If there are more sellers than buyers, the values will come down. Due to the current economic situation, today we are in what is called a buyers market and prices therefore are likely to fall. By how much it is not certain. Some are saying 5% and some up to 21%. A lot will depend on demand which is still high and availability of financing for buyers. Last year the market rose quite considerably so property owners have benefited form that. So if you are considering selling to take advantage of those price rises now might be a good time before the market drops. If you are thinking of selling you are welcome to get in touch to discuss the best ways to still sell at the right price – or the price you want. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985105 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985104 What happens if I cannot pay my mortgage? Let’s be honest. Right now, through no fault of their own for some its getting tough. We are potentially facing a severe recession. Some even say a depression worse that the late 20’s early 1930’s. Many are asking what to do especially as regards their home. Interest rates are rising, inflation is getting worse and many are thinking (or needing) to sell their home. It’s often tempting to look to do a quick sale, even at a discount. But what if you need extra cash to settle some debts and have something left to move on with? Given many people typically live up to (or above) their means, selling at a big discount (below market value) might be the worst thing you could do. In the event the seller goes bankrupt or into an IVA, (a formal and legally binding agreement between you and your creditors to pay back your debts over a period of time) - the official receiver or insolvency practitioner has the right to look at their assets prior to them becoming insolvent. They have a right to challenge and overturn any transactions that disposed of assets which left the seller unable to satisfy any legal debts. In lay terms, this means a discounted fast-cash sale could be overturned leaving the buyer/investor out of pocket and the seller in deep trouble. It's an offence under the insolvency act to dispose of an asset which leaves you unable to satisfy your debts or to undertake any transactions to favour paying one creditor over another. Given mortgage lenders are aware of and vigilant over distressed sales, it makes sense to make yourself fully aware of what you can do to protect yourself and your assets. Whether you are buying or selling. It also makes sense to explore all options available before making any decision as to what fits your situation. Whatever you do make sure you're properly informed before you proceed. Hope this article was useful. Feel free to get in touch if you want to discuss how we can help. I am always here to help with respect, discretion and integrity. Repossession Rescue – Saving lives one home at a time. Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985104 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985103 How does your property condition affect property values? The condition the house is in will have a major bearing on the price it could potentially sell for. One must take into account the property size and potential for improvements. Improvements or even a basic refurb could be worthwhile to either maintain or increase the value of your property. Moreover, it isn’t just the overall footprint of your house; it’s also how you use the space that affects the price of your home. Improvements or even a basic refurb could be worthwhile to either maintain or increase the value of your property. You also might find that smaller, more basic improvements such as a new boiler, fixed roof, or double-glazing installation will actually prove to be better long-term investments as well as putting less immediate strain on your finances. Its all about cost – effectiveness. En-suites and stylish bathrooms in general are seen as highly desirable so if you have the opportunity to create one do so. And be careful about losing a bedroom when changing the layout of your home. Generally, the more rooms the better when it comes to bedrooms, and an upstairs bathroom is a must. Modern kitchens are also worth considering. Double garages are better than single garage or carports as many households have multiple cars. In addition, adding a conservatory instead of an extension while still an option, will add more value for less expense. It can make a new room that can be used for a home gym, an office, an extended dining area or just another room ro relax in. And lastly don’t forget to landscape the outside living area and gardens. You are welcome to contact me before you change the layout or do any refurbishment of your home to be sure what effect it’s likely to have on the value of your property. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985103 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985037 Does local infrastructure affect property values? Yes absolutely. Changes to local infrastructure can affect property values both positive and negatively. As an example, the planned high-speed railway (HS2) will mean those backing directly on to the new line may find their property values decrease from the extra noise created. Those living far enough away not to be inconvenienced by the line, but close enough to be able to easily use it, may find their property values rise as their house because more attractive to commuters. Local amenities also play a role. A lot will depend on your target buyer but how close you are to a shop or local transport like a bus stop or train station can also have an impact on the value of your home especially if your property is likely to attract people without their own transport. In addition, local schools or universities etc also are important especially if you are selling or buying a property that’s likely to appeal to families. The performance of local schools/universities will have a bearing on how much a house sells for. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy One must also consider the flood risk and as values could decrease in areas hit by flooding events. However research suggests properties hit by flooding only suffer from a temporary reduction in value. Usually, they have returned to their original value after just three years. If you are thinking of selling, then it’s important to know what is happening in your local area to take advantage of any new developments that could affect the value of your property. Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985037 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985039 In the previous post we covered a few questions that a seller should ask their prospective agent. Here are some more: Can they offer advice on how to present your home to the best effect. And what tools/methods will you use to sell my home so that I get the price I want in today’s market? Often many agents do not have the knowledge or cannot/will not adapt to use alternative methods to ensure your sale. Ask the agent if they provide a weekly report and feedback from all potential buyers. The report should also include average days on the market (the longer the average time to sell, the lower the probability of achieving a premium sale price). Moreover, check to see if the agent is qualifying their buyers. Ask the agent if he/she has had any sales fall through. This can be noted by the sales agreed to exchange success rate. Some agencies are seeing a 40% fall through rate at the moment. Lenders are also becoming more cautious so ask the Agent to make sure potential buyers have the funds or access to them. Due diligence is more critical now than ever. And NEVER sign a time bound contract that exceeds 4 weeks. If they’re confident in the advice that they’ve given you and they are confident that they’ll give you a great service, they shouldn’t need to tie you in. Conversely if you are not happy with the agent’s performance confirm you cancel the agreement and last but not least, what will l be their plan if it does not sell? If you can’t get a satisfactory answer to the above questions get in touch. Mau investments – Property solutions made easy Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985039 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985038 Thinking of selling? Renovate to increase the value. It’s well known that renovating a house before you put it on the market can be worthwhile. However embarking on a renovation project can be a daunting process, whether it’s just a bathroom or an entire house. You will need the funds and the knowledge of how best to maximise the effect. First, you will need to evaluate whether you can renovate. Do you have the time – the knowledge and the money to do so. You need to know that if you do the investment and time required will pay you back. No funds and/or little knowledge. No problem. Mau Investments can help you. When you do renovate its important beforehand to decide who the potential buyer will be and tailor the renovation to suit the needs and desires of that buyer. And not necessarily what your taste might be. And don’t cut corners. Or try to get a job done for next to nothing. You will more than likely end up with a bad contractor. Don’t fuss over every little penny or you’ll alienate your contractor. You need to have them on your side. And yes you can do it yourself, no problem but getting professionals to do the job means the renovation is completed to a high standard. The extra money you spend will help to seduce and persuade people to buy.. Moreover, make sure you have all the necessary insurances before you embark on any home renovation project. I hope this has been helpful. If you’re considering selling any time soon, we should talk. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/985038 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984912 How recent local sales evidence affects the Valuation of your Home. Sometimes (though thankfully not often), a home will not value at the price it has sold for, causing the contract to crash or negotiations to re-open. Stay abreast of recent sales evidence of property sales in your area by attending all auctions, and checking the real estate portals such as Right Move and Zoopla, leading up to and including the time of selling your home. Make sure when you attend an auction that you grab a brochure to make your notes and hand this evidence to the valuer. This up-to-the-minute information could be very useful, as sites commonly used by valuers can sometimes have information that’s 3 or more months old. Once you have decided to sell and as soon as you can your home needs to be presented in as pristine shape as possible. This includes the possibility of staging. Not only for the valuer but also later for viewings and open homes. In addition during the conveyancing process to avoid the sale falling through. In other words, don’t drop the ball and for example let clutter accumulate and the garden become unkempt. Has this information been useful? Please drop a line or leave a comment below. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984912 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984913 Should I Downsize? In the last year or we have benefited from increases in property values. Now it appears they are about to fall and some say not recover until 2025. That means there could be an opportunity to sell now to profit from those rises and downsize. By doing so you will reduce monthly outgoings/bills. Current estimates suggest that you could make annual savings of over £500 on energy bills alone by relocating from a four bedroom to two-bedroom house, while relative savings on tax, insurance, maintenance and even mortgage payments could also be substantial. In addition by selling your house and buying a smaller, less expensive property you can free up equity locked in your home and use the proceeds to fund retirement, help children or grandchildren to buy their own home or pay off the shortfall on a mortgage. In addition, you could use that equity to invest in a rental property to add passive income. By downsizing you will also be able to reduce your maintenance burden as smaller homes obviously require less in the way of general maintenance. It’s wise to look to the future and consider how you would cope in future years. However, if you do decide to sell and downsize make sure you get the right price for your property. You are welcome to call me anytime to discuss how decluttering, repairs and a cost effective refurb is essential to consider first to maintain the value or even perhaps increase the value. You can do this whether you have to funds to do so or not as we can assist with that. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984913 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984914 What is caveat emptor and do you need to be aware of it Selling a house is done with 'Buyer Beware' known as Caveat emptor - i.e. it's up to the buyer to discover anything that's wrong with your home. There are potential legal and financial repercussions for being less than honest with a potential buyer. To avoid legal difficulties, you will need to provide certain information. It’s important to know you’ll legally need to declare all of the positive and also the negative details of your home. Failing to do so could see you ending up in court. That’s because the buyer must have complete information to enable them to make the right decision before buying it. You should for example disclose information on and planning permission and your property boundaries between you and neighbours like having an ‘unregistered easement’ which may be something like a right of way that isn’t detailed on the title deeds will potentially cause an issue. Also its wise to notify any potential buyers of any neighbour issues Moreover, it is important also to disclose any building and alterations that has been carried out in the property. Plus, if any defects such as cracks appearing in the walls faster than they can be filled in etc. Of course you chosen solicitor will be able to guide you through what you need to disclose or not. That’s what they are there for. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 o Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984914 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984929 Should I sell my property empty? Short answer, I would recommend you don’t. People don’t buy houses, they buy homes. You aren’t selling a commodity. You are selling a HOME, a place where a family will LIVE, raise their children, have a refuge from the outside world. Even if you’re selling a tiny flat, you’re selling to someone who will bring their hopes and dreams of how their lives when living in this new space. Walking through empty rooms, or an empty house, is usually pretty depressing. So why would a buyer feel especially motivated to make an offer? Buyers can’t tell the difference between a 3x4m room and a 4x5m room if it’s empty. When you’re dealing with an unfurnished space, a potential buyer has no idea what to do with it or how to arrange it and will focus on the negative details. Buyers can also get distracted from looking at the house, thinking of such things as; is this a divorce or have they had to leave town in a hurry? Are they selling because they have money problems? If so they are likely to put in a low offer since the seller might be desperate.” Clearly this is not the situation to get you the best price for the property. Instead, I recommend staging your home. Its worth the investment. Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer. Filling empty rooms and replacing outdated décor and furniture is essential by updating décor with on-trend, inviting style—particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms—can make a memorable impression – and will sell the house for its true value and maybe even a bit more. If you are thinking of selling, let's have a chat. Mau Investments – Property solutions made easy Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984929 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984930 How does an assisted sale work? How it works is simple. An Assisted Sale basically then would be a legal agreement between a you – the seller and Mau Investments where we would agree a price the property is worth before and after the repairs/refurb if required. We can also help with funding for the repairs/refurbishment, accommodation costs while the refurb takes place, take control of your mortgage payments, property maintenance and council tax etc. Normally we would then sell the property with the assistance of a Real Estate Agent and pay you the agreed price, less expenses. So, if your property is clearly in need of repairs or restoration, and you've felt caught between the two unpalatable choices of selling below the market price or spending huge amounts updating your property, you may want to consider an Assisted Sale. In addition, if you are not in rush to sell, we have options available that will help go towards achieving the price you want without necessarily doing a refurb. Therefore, with no time, money or effort sunk into refurbishment or worrying about what to do to sell your property, you’ll shift your property at a much faster rate and potentially even get a little more than what your property was originally worth. Interested? Feel free to get in touch so we can discuss ways to help. Email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy. Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984930 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984931 Questions you should ask your Agent It’s important to ask your potential Agent a few important questions before you take them on to sell your house. Here are a few – and in a post following will add some more. Initially, you need to ask: What are the agent’s qualifications”? How long have they worked in the area? Can they show you a track record and offer testimonials? Can you call their testimonials yourself? Do they offer guarantees on performance? Its also important to evaluate their skill set, especially as regards negotiation skills (a good negotiator could be the difference of thousands of pounds to you) Moreover, you should also ask them to be upfront and tell you the negatives of your home and who are the buyers they will target. What will be their marketing plan – do they have professional images? Is their copy creative or is it bland? Where will they advertise? Social media for example is a must. as those things add up and if not what will it cost. If you can’t get a satisfactory answer to the above questions get in touch. Email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984931 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984793 Why it's better to buy and sell “chain free” Chains occur when one home buyer is also relying on the sale of their own property before they can move. This creates a chain of linked house purchases, where each transaction relies on the success of every other transaction in the chain. Downward Chain Free is where the buyer does not need to sell to buy their new home, before they can purchase - such someone who has the funds or as a first time buyer. Upward Chain free is where the seller has no plans or needs the funds to buy another property themselves after they've sold. For example, someone selling a buy-to-let property or moving into rented accommodation. If the seller needs to purchases another property to live in, your completion date is also likely to be affected by the date when your seller can move into his new home too. Here are some chain free examples. As a buyer your purchase doesn’t depend on you selling your place first. The seller has already bought a new home. It’s an inherited or second home. It’s a new-build property. The property being sold is repossessed or sold by a company. The seller is moving to rented accommodation. The seller is relocating somewhere else in the UK or abroad. The seller is moving into retirement accommodation. There are many reasons why a property might be chain free, so it’s always worth selling chain free if you can and the buyer buying chain free. That means there’s less chance of the deal falling through. Hope that was helpful. You are always welcome to get in touch to have a chat. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Fri, 8 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984793 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984835 Should I sell my house now? In my opinion yes. If you want to sell your house now, with house prices now dropping after many years of house price increases and with prices expected to fall further in 2023, it might be a good time to capitalise on house price growth and the existing buyer demand before it wanes, especially if you’re selling a second home or rental property. Moreover, despite what commentators and the media are saying about house prices, people still need to move home for a myriad of personal reasons. These include: Mortgage rates rising making it unaffordable. Being ready to downsize to save costs or release equity Increasing debt, A life changing situation such as divorce or death in the family. You’re selling a second or inherited home Your family expanding and a need for more space Relocating for a job Its worth remembering that our homes are often our biggest financial asset, so it’s worth understanding what’s happening in the market and revaluating your personal circumstances when deciding if it’s a good time for you to sell now. That and making sure you get the right price and highest valuation you can. You are welcome to get in touch if you are considering selling to discuss options and how we can help. Financial Advice Disclaimer: Please be aware Mau Investments Ltd and its employees do not offer investment advice. Should you seek advice, please contact an independent financial advisor. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy. To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Fri, 8 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984835 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984834 Selling? And want to secure your property at today's value - or perhaps even more? With property prices falling and a buyers market it's getting harder to get the price you want, It's also taking longer to sell. Moreover some say this decline will last for quite some time. However, if you are not in a hurry to get your money out now from the sale - or cannot be bothered or have the funds to do any necessary repairs and/or a refurb in order to sell - and don’t want all the hassle of selling; there is another way. In addition, you will be likely to make more money than with the traditional way of selling. We can even offer you a break from your mortgage payments or if you have inherited a property make sure you get a higher value than its current worth. Interested? Get in touch to find out how. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Fri, 8 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984834 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984794 Should I sell my home now? To determine if you should sell your home, you need to consider life circumstances, your financial situation like your affordability of meeting mortgage payments, do you have enough equity (the percentage you own) in your home to pay off your mortgage, the costs of selling, such as Agents fees, Legal costs, perhaps a Home Report, maybe staging costs and the costs of moving. Moreover, you may need to consider the cost of and renovations and/or necessary repairs. You aren’t required to make repairs but you will need to disclose them and may need to make a concession to the buyer if you don’t attend to them. Renovations can also increase the value if done right. In addition, you need to establish your ability to afford a new home – or whether you should downsize to save on household costs. You’ll also want to know what your house is worth, understand the local housing market, how long properties are taking to sell and why and how seasonal trends can impact your goals. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss the best ways to do this and the most cost-effective way that will ensure a sale at the price you want. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Fri, 8 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984794 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984707 Have you done any renovations prior to selling? If so , you need to know this. Many people have work carried out without receiving or only have partly complete building regulation certificates. Often, it's simply because they didn't know they needed it and it may have been carried out by the previous owner. However, it will come up during the conveyancing process when you sell your home since a potential homebuyer may be wary about the lack of permissions. Plus, potentially it could also devalue your property and the buyer may not be able to get a mortgage. Another factor to consider is that if the alterations fail at any stage you will have to redo them to comply with the regulations. In addition, you may face court proceedings and/or be fined. If you don’t have any certification however you still can apply for retrospective building control approval and a building control surveyor will carry out an inspection and assess whether it meets the relevant regulations and standards. However, if the work doesn’t meet the required standards you will be required to rectify any issues at your own cost. This can be both disruptive and expensive. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy For more information contact dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Thu, 7 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984707 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984706 Selling your property in today’s market There is a lot going on in the market today causing concern. The biggest concern estate agents have for sellers this year is being unrealistic about what price they can achieve for their home, Many Agents are reporting a drop in buyer and seller activity with buyers making offers substantially below asking price. Sellers therefore need to be aware of comparable prices nearby and be realistic with their asking price. Another big concern is conveyancing times, which are taking longer. Plus, the impact of sales falling through which is rising dramatically. In addition is also an increase in homes that have been valued down by surveyors making it harder to get mortgages. This might be due to the expectations that house prices will fall this year. A slowdown of the market has been predicted for this year by many industry insiders, which is good news for buyers. Sellers, however can still take advantage of the property increases last year as long as they present their property well and don’t put their home up at an unrealistic price. Hope this helps. Get in touch if you wish to discuss what options are available to you to get the right price. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Thu, 7 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984706 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984654 Selling A House With Solar Panels Solar panels are great. They save you a heap of money and are good for the environment, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but when selling you need to understand if you own the panels or does a third party lease the roof for the panels? If your roof space is being leased by a solar firm then you may find that a potential buyer may have some issues to get a mortgage. Homeowners signing a lease (typically for 25 years) will have strict criteria, such as the unconditional right to break the terms of the lease in the event of repossession in order to facilitate a quick sale. When selling the seller must also pay up the outstanding amount left on the lease. This will add another layer of legal complexity to the sale and is enough to put some lenders off. And the buyer is required to take over the lease following completion. This brings different legal issues and extra cost as the lender will need to satisfy themselves that the lease is in line with their lending policy. Presuming they don’t take the solar panels with them, you simply become the owner of said panels when you complete your purchase. For those who own the panels lenders will need proof of MCS certification when installed before approving a mortgage to check that the installation complied with guidelines (and building regulations) if applicable. Hope that helps Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Tue, 5 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984654 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984655 Did you know that the winter months are quieter in the property market? In spring it tends to start to pick up again. However, here are my top few tips when selling. Most important is to make sure during viewings that the house has a warm (with heaters on) and inviting atmosphere with making sure both the inside and outside of your home are well lit, and that all lights, including security lights, are working. Make sure curtains or blinds are wide open to allow natural light inside good lighting. Also ensure driveways, paths are swept and the garden is tidy and entrances are appealing outside and viewers remove their shoes to avoid bringing in dirt, mud and snow. Check drains and gutters for dead leaves and not blocked and leaking. Check with your estate agent to find out their opening hours. Also don't forget to tell everyone that you are selling and ask friends to share the property portal link. Need any help? - email me dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk Tue, 5 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984655 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984535 What determines how quickly it should take to sell your property It depends on many factors, including your geographic location, (location, location, location) - the price, property size, competition (or supply and demand), desirability of the neighbourhood, schools, green parks and crime rates - and the type of property you are selling. In addition, and most importantly also the property’s condition/presentation. Homes that shine and sparkle tend to sell much quicker because they attract buyers who are not interested in those homes that need work. Moreover. most buyers will be attracted to those homes where they can visualise themselves living in and not in those homes that are cluttered and poorly maintained which makes them more difficult to sell. There’s also an issue for how close your property is to public transport. In addition you’ll need to appreciate that buyers will be less willing to move to an area with a pollution issue or high levels of crime. Finally, target your buyer. When we negotiate with buyers, we always qualify our buyers by applying the RAW principle – that is if a buyer is Ready – Able – and Willing. If you are considering selling get to touch to discuss ways of how we can assist you to maximise your sale. Mau Investments – Property Solutions Made Easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Sun, 3 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984535 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984446 Some common questions when selling your house : How do I sell my house in the UK? - You can sell it yourself or like we do register with an estate agent after you have researched which one has the expertise and will work best for you. How long should you live in a house before selling in the UK? - There are no rules – though if you are selling a new house just a few months you will have to pay capital gains tax and moving fees. Also, you may not get a mortgage until you have owned your current home for at least six months What is the best month to sell a house? Normally Spring and summer. People want to move in warmer weather How long does conveyancing take with no chain? - You should prepare for conveyancing to take between six and eight weeks, though realistically this might be 12 weeks. Is it hard to sell a leasehold property? - It is harder because most buyers want to buy freehold How quickly will our home sell? - - On average between 10 and 90 and up to 120 days How do I estimate value of my property?- Ask for quotes from at least 3 Agents and/or a valuer. If you are considering selling get in touch to discuss ways of how we maximise your sale. Mau Investments – Property Solutions Made Easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Fri, 1 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984446 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984223 Are your emotions in the way of selling? The process of selling your home can be stressful and frustrating even when the mechanics of the transaction are going smoothly. However once you decide to sell your home, it can be helpful to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a seller rather than the home's owner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you'll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property that you've undoubtedly created many memories in. The truth is we are human and sometimes we have no clue what the next step for our lives is. We know we need to sell for a multitude of reasons but when you are still emotionally tied to your home, it is difficult to remember to not take things personally. Whether it’s less than friendly feedback or whether it is an offer that you find ridiculously low, it is important to remember that treat this as purely a business transaction. That is why here at Mau Investments we understand what it can be like to have to let go of your home. We can provide solutions to those needing to sell, with empathy, respect, discretion and integrity. Feel free to get in touch if you want to discuss how we can help. Repossession Rescue - Saving Lives; One Home At A Time. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984223 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984379 What’s happening to House Prices? In 2008/2009 house prices fell for 16 consecutive months and dropped by 18%. Analysts predict that this time prices will fall for at least until second quarter of 2024. But they only forecast a overall a 12% decrease in house prices from the high of 2021/22. The reason for the prolonged crash is due to changes in the mortgage market. This means higher interest rates will not immediately impact mortgage rates, but will be filtered through slowly. But even fixed-rate deals won’t last forever. It is estimated that around 1.8 million mortgages will end in 2023. This means homeowners need to look at refinancing at much higher rates. Commentators predict that interest rates will stabilise soon.. This means that the housing market will take some time to recover in terms of prices as well as activity. A crashing or weakening housing market is bad news for many, but it can also be an opportunity. Those who have the means will be able to bag themselves a bargain, as many have done after the financial crisis of 2008. One thing sellers should keep in mind though is that even if house prices fall by 12%, they will still be higher than before the pandemic. This is because over the past two to three years house prices have risen on average in most places by over 20%. The way to capitalize on that increase is to ask how to maintain or in some cases increase the value often without huge investment or indeed use Mau Investments to fund the work. And then assist you in marketing the property together with your Agent to ensure you get the price you deserve. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 33298166 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984379 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984041 What Is A Memorandum Of Sale? It is a document that is created once a sale has been agreed on a property. It’s not a legally binding document but it does set out the agreed price and declares the intention of both the buyer and seller to complete the transaction. It will also show: The name and address of both the buyer and the seller Details of the solicitors that will be handling the transaction Important details about the property the offer has been agreed on Which mortgage lender will finance the purchase (if applicable) It’s, therefore, a record of the sale and purchase that is about to happen (assuming the transaction will complete). While there are no legal implications to the document, it does seek to clarify and confirm the details of the agreed transaction. It is usually the sellers’ estate agent that provides the memorandum of sale. Since the estate agent selling the property is often due a commission when the sale completes, it makes sense that they prepare the memorandum of sale. In cases where a sale has been agreed without an estate agent, it would be down to the seller of the property (or a representative of theirs) to issue the memorandum of sale. Hope that helps Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/984041 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983964 Why are 1 in 3 Property Sales falling through? One in three Property Sales are likely to fall at least once before completion. The most common reasons for a house sale falling through are a change of heart or circumstance, buyer’s remorse, closely followed by a break in the “chain” and mortgage problems. Lenders are also becoming more nervous because of uncertainty in the property market and so are rejecting more applications. Buyers may also have experienced an event in their personal life, such as their relationship breaking down or a redundancy, which makes the house purchase financially unviable for them. In addition, there could be conveyancing issues and delays. The more delays you have, the greater the risk of something going wrong. Moreover, there is the possibility of “gazumping” (when a seller agrees to sell their home to one person but then suddenly changes their mind when a better offer comes along). Finally, there could be the problem of a negative survey. Surveyors today are tending to down value properties due to the instability of the market. So, it’s crucial that your property is up to standard or is as advertised and is at a realistic market price. To help prepare you property for sale, get in touch to discuss the best methods to achieve the sale. Mau Investments Property Solutions made easy. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983964 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983949 Selling via traditional methods or an Assisted Sale? A standard estate agency sale can take an average of three or four months or longer. This approach relies heavily on finding the right buyers, receiving the right offers, and haggling to get an agreeable result. During this time the seller is also still paying for the mortgage and household expenses. However, with an Assisted Sale with Mau Investments, while still using an Agent, the seller can often receive up to - or even beyond – full market value for their property by using this method and can achieve a much faster sale. There is also no responsibility or expenses relating to preparing the property for sale. Often all household expenses including mortgage payments can be taken care of by us. In addition, the selling price is agreed up front, so there is no haggling with buyers. Value (if refurbishing) is added to a property without the seller having to manage improvements and one can reclaim Stamp Duty (in certain cases) when in possession of more than one property. Best of all, the nuances of any Assisted Sales Agreement are flexible and totally up to you. So if you are thinking of selling or are selling right now and are maybe stuck, get in touch for a virtual coffee to discuss how I can help you Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983949 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983732 Are you stuck selling your property? If your property has been on the market for quite some time, it shouldn’t be. If its in a good area and it should be selling. Demand is still there. In fact, a recent survey stated that average selling times at the moment should only be around 30 to 90 days maximum I help stuck owners get a sale. I’ve had many years of experience selling homes in all types of markets as an Agent. Today, however, although I work with other Agents, I no longer sell houses as an Agent and I am not associated with any particular Real Estate company. Instead, I’m just a private individual like yourself, who has developed the ability to solve seemingly complicated property sales dilemmas, the kinds that thousands of homeowners get into everyday when they try to sell their home. Relocation, divorce, mortgage payments in arrears, or simply wanting to move on or downsize – these are examples of situations that happen to good honest homeowners. And before you know it your most valuable asset is looking like a big heavy anchor. If any of the above is happening to you, I sincerely believe I can help. I work with the seller (and the Agent), by Assisting the Sale. I will prepare your property for sale with better presentation and/or improvements that will attract targeted buyers. I don’t know what your particular reason is for selling but I do know how to get house sold as quickly and as professionally as possible - and without costing you a penny. If getting a sale sorted is something you want, call me on 01332 981666 or email me at dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk to set up a virtual chat over coffee. Sometimes it’s good to share thoughts about where you’re at and in the process discover solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what I can do, we can progress from there and if not, I will have been pleased to have helped.I promise to always show respect, discretion, and integrity. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy. Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983732 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983689 Kerb appeal is vital to sell your home. It’s been said that house buyers are willing to pay up to 25% more for a house with an attractive, fresh looking exterior. So, what can you do? * The easiest (and cheapest) way to spruce up the outside of your property is to give it a fresh lick of paint. *Make your door as inviting as you can. Clean it thoroughly with PVC cleaner if it’s a PVC door or give it a fresh coat of paint if it’s wooden. *Fit some cost-effective lighting that not only adds an element of security to your property but makes it look more attractive to potential buyers too. *Clean pathways and drives attract more interest. If you have a pathway or drive, consider hiring a pressure washer (or paying someone to do it for you) and clean them up. *Remove weeds. It almost goes without saying that you should remove any unwanted plants or weeds before photograph day. Equally important to remove them before viewings too. Make sure cracks between paths are not full of weeds. *Keep bins out of sight. If you have a small garden or front entrance and you normally keep your bins close to your door, make sure on the day of your property photographs and viewings that you move them temporarily. No one likes to see bins in photographs. Get in touch to find out additional ways to enhance your kerb appeal. Developing Kerb appeal is just one of the methods Mau Investments uses at no cost to the seller, when assisting your sale to ensure your property sells at the right price Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983689 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983628 What is Repossession Rescue and how could it help you? Many have asked me why I became part of Repossession Rescue. Its simple. Most of us at some time myself included have been in debt in one way or the other. Trouble is when one is in that space the thought of trying to pay the next bill gnaws at the stomach from every call, every letter, every stranger asking to pay up when finances are in freefall. Add to that the risk of losing the house, growing every day and the anxious feelings going shopping worrying if there is enough to cover purchases and would the card be declined? There's a limit to how much anyone can take – first Covid and now the economic situation the country is now in. However, it's important to understand that your money situation is in your hands. Making the change means taking back control. Regaining your power and your perspective. Learning to love and trust yourself. Building up better habits. And finding the place where you finally feel worthy again. The triumph of the human spirit to adapt and overcome is what I truly believe in. It's what drives me to keep going. To keep finding ways to educate, support and help others to not just survive, but to thrive. So, when the opportunity to become part of the Repossession Rescue organization to help someone along the way to help get their lives back on track with my knowledge and experience in property, I jumped at it. After all, you never know when the help you give will be returned to you when you need it. So, if you need help, and especially with your property, let me know. Repossession Rescue – Saving Lives One Home at a time. #property #sellyourhouse #mauinvestmetn Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983628 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983489 With the way the market and the economic outlook is right now many are struggling with their property, particularly homeowners and investors causing financial distress. As property investor myself, I have a unique opportunity to help homeowners by offering solutions that can alleviate their debt burden. Being part of the national Repossession Rescue Network, which deals with repossessions and distressed assets, I'm here to remind you that I can help. I can help avoid repossession and eviction, which can be devastating for families and communities. How I can do this is as follows: 1. Offer a quick sale: Many homeowners in financial distress need to sell their property quickly to avoid repossession. I can offer a quick sale that can help them get out of debt and move on with their lives. 2. Negotiate a fair price: While its only fair and reasonable that I need to make a small profit, it's important to acknowledge that sellers in distress are in a vulnerable position. I always promise to show respect, discretion and integrity and be fair and transparent in negotiations. My aim is to try to find a win-win solution that benefits everyone involved. 3. Provide alternative financing: Some sellers may have trouble securing financing due to their financial situation. As an investor, I can offer alternative financing options, such as an Option agreement, Vendor financing or Assisted Sales that can buy sellers much needed time and help them sell in a timescale that suits them. My underlying ethos is that helping sellers in distress isn't just about making a profit - it's about making a positive impact in their lives and communities and that we can all play an important part in creating a better future for everyone. If this resonates with you, feel free to get in touch. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 #RepossessionRescue #SavingLivesOneHomeAtATime #HelpSellersInDistress #PropertyInvesting #MakingADifference Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983489 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983565 How much should I sell my property for? You have to get your asking price right if you want to attract offers. Most active buyers check in on property listing websites daily. They set their search criteria based on what they can afford to buy and often use upper limits to define their search. Sometimes these upper limits can be purely psychological in nature. For example, setting £300,000 as the maximum price instead of £305,000. So when deciding your price you will also factor in a little extra to get you a buffer in negotiations. But before you do consider potential buyer physiological barriers. If your buffer is too high you won’t get enquiry and/or offers. You will also need to price your property in relation to other similar properties in your area. Buyers are already researching this information and if your house is perceived to be overpriced, you aren’t going to sell it. Researching your area is the only way to know for sure what your property is perceived to be worth, although this figure is always firmly in the eyes of the buyer, and most property portals line RightMove and Zoopla have good tools online to help you do this. You can also contact me to help. We can establish a fair price which with some additional help to present the property so that it sells easier. Get in touch. I will be happy to Assist you sale - and all at no cost to you Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/983565 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969456 You might decide to put your property up for auction through an auctioneer. You will then need to instruct a solicitor to create a “legal pack” detailing all relevant information relating to the property. Usually, you will be required to allow viewings of your home in advance of the auction date. A date will be set for bidding to commence. At a live auction, the property or “lot” will be available for bidding between certain times on a single day. Online, house hunters may be able to bid on the lot for up to 30 days. When selling via the traditional method the winning offer will be considered legally binding upon the close of bidding. Contracts will then be exchanged and an initial deposit paid. This is usually 10% of the price offered by the winning bidder. The buyer then is committed and has 28 days to pay the remainder, plus any additional fees relating to the sale. With the “new method of auction” -or “conditional” auction sale, it is usually undertaken online - bids are made with the intention of purchasing the option to buy. The winning bidder then pays a deposit to reserve the property on the day bidding closes. They then have 28 days to get all finances and legal matters in order, at the end of which contacts will be exchanged. Following this, they are granted an additional 28 days to complete. Unlike the traditional method, the buyer is legally permitted to drop out of a transaction of this kind, making it less secure for the seller. However, the reservation fee or deposit is non-refundable. Success rates are high in selling – around 75% (whereas an Agent’s sale is around 50% of listed properties) your property and you can set a minimum price. But, properties can sell at a lower asking price and Agents fees are less (around 1.5%), with Auction houses charging around 2.5%. In addition, sellers have to pay an entry fee of several hundred pounds. Buyers will have to pay around 4.5% of the purchase price. Therefore, it makes sense, to consider an Assisted Sale with Mau Investments instead? This has also a high success rate, and won’t cost you a penny, except for Agent and Legal fees. The purchaser pays all the other expenses. Get in touch to find out how. Mau Investments – Property Solutions make easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969456 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969375 My advice is to declutter as much as possible. You want buyers to be attracted to it, or to be able to imagine themselves in it. You want them to see the potential in how they could make it their home. Having all of your possessions on display interferes with this picture you’re trying to paint. Unfortunately, this is more likely to prevent buyers from seeing the potential. Start decluttering your hallway first. Your hallway or entrance is the first thing your buyers are going to see after they enter the property and is your second chance to make a good impression (the first being your front door). Make sure everything is tidy. Remove any paperwork, keys, wallets and other personal items that generally tend to accumulate around these areas. Thin down any coat racks so they only contain the coats you need. Pack away shoes that you aren’t wearing right now and make the hallway feel as spacious as possible. Giving the impression of a clean and tidy, well organised hallway will give the buyer the impression that everything else in the house (including repairs and maintenance) is taken care of and organised too. Removing the fear of things likely to go wrong with simple organisation is an easy way to increase the chance of selling your house. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 Thu, 6 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969375 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969357 We are presently seeing many properties taking longer and struggling to sell. This is causing them to be reduced by substantial amounts to help generate enquiry to hopefully lead to sales. If this is happening to you or if you are considering this, my advice is don’t. There is a better way. I will help you maximise the potential price and ensure your property gets sold to a qualified buyer, through either smart presentation and/or improvements or repairs to your home. Sometimes not much at all needs to be done to improve your chances of selling. Trouble is that many sellers don’t have the inclination or funds to do this. That’s where we come in. We can help you. All at our expense. We take on all the costs to carry out the works and even take care of the mortgage payments if it helps, meaning you as the homeowner won’t have to spend a penny. We can work very quickly to improve a property. We will then market and sell the property on your behalf targeted at specific buyers, with your preferred Agent. The property will be in a much better condition, meaning it will appeal to more buyers and hence be easier and quicker to sell. My aim is to get your property sold for a higher price, meaning more money in your pocket, as opposed to it sitting on the market for months and months while you still have your household expenses to pay, and the price continually gets reduced. If getting a sale sorted is something you want, call me on 01332 981666 or email me at dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk to set up a virtual chat over coffee. If you like what I can do, we can progress from there and if not, I will have been pleased to have helped. I promise to always show respect, discretion, and integrity. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy. Wed, 5 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/969357 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/845019 UK buy-to-let yield map... Totally money analysed data from 580,000 properties across England, Scotland and Wales. Using their maps and quick insights as a guide, new and experienced landlords can hone-in on where to make their next investment. Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/845019 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/844526 Tips on how to get better returns Mon, 9 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/844526 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/845020 Rental income is becoming increasingly important. UK house prices are under pressure and demand is growing, making it a good time for long term investors to look at the UK market. Mon, 2 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/845020 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/718731 I've upgrade my website. You can do the same with your investments. With current NZ interest rates, cash in the bank is essentially loosing value against inflation. Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/718731 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/763329 Sometimes (though thankfully not often), a home will not value at the price it has sold for, causing the contract to crash or negotiations to re-open. Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.mauinvestments.co.uk/blog/763329