We have asked Stephen Stoops from Conquer Mortgages to offer some advice to wishful homeowners who rely on financing to secure their home. Stephen has a wealth of experience helping buyers find the right mortgage, here is what he said about the decision of using an independent mortgage advisor or going directly to your bank. Continue reading Should You Use an Independent Mortgage Adviser or Go Directly to Your Bank?
Do you value your local community and high street? By using a local property like Caledonia Property, you keep business in your community; you support local employment and investment in the area.
We work with local trades people, support local clubs and donate to local charities, rather than send the money to a remotecorporate headquarter.
When selling with Caledonia Property, our fee is paid only upon the successful sale of your home. But if you pay a relatively small upfront fee you take on a risk – maybe you end up unhappy with the support provided, your home does not achieve the level of interest expected, or struggles to sell. But by now you are already invested and have paid the fee that seemed small
Don’t take shortcuts when selling the most valuable asset you’ll ever own.
At Caledonia Property, we would
As we are only paid upon the successful sale of your home, we are vitally motivated to do our best in handling your property sale. From photography, viewings, negotiations and all the way to delivering the property keys, we are a reliable, objective advisor you can count on.
Are you ready to tackle uncomfortable price negotiations and thorny questions about your beloved home? We are trained, experienced estate agents who understand the importance of the slightest of wordsin negotiating a sale and are confident we can achieve a successful sale.
The simple fact our Clydebank and Dumbarton branches are the number one agents locally according to recent Rightmove stats on
For both sellers and buyers, we are only a phone call away: 0333 241 3333.
Gaynor joined our team only a few weeks ago, so we gave her a chance to settle down and then asked her a few nosy questions about work and life in general.
Q.: How long have you worked in estate agency?
I have been in the industry since I left school at 17 years old! So that makes it just over 20 years!
Q.: What does a regular day look like for you at Caledonia Property?
My day starts off running! Viewer feedback for our vendors so they are updated asap. Arranging 2nd viewings, dealing with enquiries and offers from previous night’s viewers. Internet & telephone enquiries, footfall to set up viewings, arrange appraisals, home reports. Marketing materials for brochures, window cards and internet displays. Generally providing good customer service.
Q.: What motivates you the most in your daily job?
My main motivation is to give our customers the best service possible and to make them feel comfortable in one of the biggest moments in their life. It’s a privilege that we get to help and advise them so I want them to know how important it is to me that they receive the best possible service and have every question answered, query resolved no matter how big or small. Estate agency relies heavily on recommendations so I want to be known for being approachable, helpful and of course very knowledgeable in every aspect of the industry.
Q.: How do you relax after work?
I relax by spending time with my 2 girls playing and watching movies. I run, mainly so I can listen to music and keep healthy. I also cook… a lot! Food seems to be able to take my mind off anything!
Q.: For you home is…
For me home is my family ?
January has started busy for our Paisley branch, with sellers ticking off their property goals
As such, we have already seen homes coming on the market and being sold in a week or less. The current Paisley market presents a fantastic opportunity for homeowners currently in a position to sell, as buyers compete on available stock creating the right competitive environment for a quick and successful sale.
Here are a few examples of January 2019 sales from Caledonia Paisley:
This family home is the perfect example of how presentation and good quality marketing come together in a successful sale. The property came on the market with Caledonia Property Paisley and SOLD within a week from listing. Find out property listing here.
Another fantastic example of how quickly the property market is moving is this two bedroom end of terrace property. The attractive price point and condition of the property captured the attention of quite a few buyers so we
This property came back on the market unexpectedly after its sale unfortunately fell through before Christmas. As we listed the property again, it sold within 48 hours of coming on the market, to the delight of our client. Discover the full property listing here.
If you are considering selling property in Paisley, Renfrew or surrounding area, just chat
Caledonia Paisley
25-29 Causeyside Street
Paisley PA1 1UL
T. 0141 648 0888
The current low interest rate offers plenty of opportunity to investors and first time buyers who are ready to make a move on the property market. High mortgage approval rates as well as the local positive trend for property values and high return on investment makes the West of Scotland a great area to buy a home.
We have rounded up a few properties currently on the market that would make a great investment whether as a home or as a buy to let.
Renfrewshire
Offers Over £39,950
Well presented traditional first floor flat, close to Paisley town centre, Glasgow Airport and local amenities. Full details here.
Offers Over £43,000
This traditional first floor flat is located in the popular Calside area of Paisley and would equally be a perfect home or rental opportunity. The building creates a positive first impressions with an immaculate entrance and stairwell. Full details here.
Fixed Price £39,999
Spacious, traditional top floor flat situated close to Paisley town centre and local amenities. Located in a well kept and maintained communal close with security entry system this property is expected to bring an approximate rental income of £375-400.00pcm. Full details here.
Fixed Price £71,995
Spacious two bedroom Ground Floor Flat, situated off Glasgow Road close to a variety of Paisley Town Centre amenities. Full details here.
Fixed Price £43,500
Modernised elevated ground floor traditional flat located within walking distance from bus and rail links and Dumbarton Town Centre. Full details here.
Fixed Price £52,995
An immaculately presented, two double bedroom second floor flat within Dumbarton High Street location offers residents parking and is close to all amenities and only a short walk from Levengrove Park. Full details here.
Offers Over £53,995
Positioned in a popular location this preferred first floor flat two bedroom flat has an open tree lined outlook. The property has communal and private garden to the rear. Full details here.
Fixed Price £55,000
Well presented ground floor two bedroom apartment with large shared garden grounds to the rear and a small front garden surrounded by hedging. Full details here.
The average number of days a property spent on the market in 2018 in Glasgow or Edinburgh has been around 56 or less. So if you feel like your home has been struggling to sell, here are a few key aspects to consider:
There is usually a price point where the right audience will start showing interest, so getting it right when your home goes on the market is absolutely essential. The first week brings in the most interest from active buyers on the market, so it is important to catch the eye of buyers looking in the correct pricing bracket from the very first moment.
The presentation – photography, floorplans, brochure and description must reflect the pricing point. If buyers feel they are not getting their value from money based on a first cursory glance, your property might as well be overlooked. Keep in mind that buyers spend only a few short seconds judging the appeal of your property so a refresh of the overall presentation might be needed.
What has been done to push the property through all the channels? Every time a new property comes on the market with Caledonia Property, we not only display it on our website and on all major property portals, but we also have a list of vetted potential buyers that we get in touch with; we make sure your property reaches the biggest potential audience by using our Facebook and Instagram channels and do our best to leverage all possible outlets to offer the biggest audience reach to your property.
Having an experienced partner like ourselves on your side ensures you avoid at least some of the stress usually related to a property transaction. Our experienced local staff will be by your side every step of the way with guidance, advice and support – from considering a home sale to delivering the keys to the new buyer.
The new year has barely started but our team has already been very busy organizing Closing Dates and sales on behalf of our clients. The influx of buyers taking advantage of the affordable mortgage rates in 2018 keeps coming into early 2019 with many active vetted buyers competing for the limited stock available.
So where does the shortage come from and how come the market has more buyers than sellers?
Firstly, let’s take a look at sellers’ demographics. We currently see very limited stock coming to the market; homeowners sell their homes when their life circumstances change and they must make a move on the property ladder. We see sellers moving home because of careers, because of changes in personal circumstances, or families that grow and need to go up to a larger home, etc. But we don’t see many aspirational or speculative sellers, who simply want to move in order to upgrade their living conditions, most likely because of the more general atmosphere of uncertainty.People are holding off on moving up the property ladder until the outlook starts becoming clear.
At the same time, in terms of buyers, the affordable and fairly relaxed mortgage landscape fuels first time buyers who have come on the market in record numbers in the last year. Also property investors looking for good yields have continued to look for good opportunities; Scotland in particular performs well above UK average in terms of return on property investment, especially in some local pockets.
In other words, the market’s imbalance is due to continue as long as the available stock is surpassed by the current demand. We advise sellers to take advantage of the conditions and call our team to discuss their next property move as they are most likely to achieve a great price for their home.
If you would like to find out more about selling in 2019, read our blog on moving on the property market this year.
With home owners moving home almost 3 times less now than in 1988 (according to a Zoopla survey, people spend 23 years in a property before they move as opposed to 8.63 years back in 1988), you might be forgiven if you don’t exactly remember the exact ins and outs of property sales. While it might seem like a daunting process, it can actually be straightforward, especially when you have a local estate agent like ourselves on your side.
Whether you are moving up or down the property ladder, these are the three steps you need to consider.
Make Caledonia Property your first port of call.
Our local property agents will help you get an idea of the current value of your home and of any local property trends you need to be aware of. We offer free, no obligation valuations so take advantage of our service! That will give you an idea of your starting point in building a budget for your next home.
Preparation is key ahead of listing your property on the market. Homes have been selling more quickly in Scotland than in any other part of the UK in 2018 (source),so you need to be aware of the fact that in general properties in good condition get lots of attention from buyers and sell quickly.
Not only will we make sure your home sells for the best possible price but we can negotiate the date of entry on your behalf as part of our service so you will be able to line up your moving out date with your moving in and avoid unnecessary stress.
If and when ready, instruct us to sell your property and we’ll endeavour to find the right buyer and achieve the best possible price on your behalf.
We can be as involved as you need us to be, from taking photos, creating floorplans and brochures, managing the listing on property portals to organizing viewings and taking care of negotiations. Selling your home can be a taxing and emotional moment, so having our experienced team on your side to guide you will give you further peace of mind.
In the mean time, speak to a mortgage advisor and figure out your mortgage options and exact budget.
Because of the current increased competition amongst buyers, it is very important that you are ready to make a quick offer when you search for your next home – otherwise you risk losing out to other buyers who are more prepared. A mortgage agreement in principle will give you an extra edge in securing the home of your dreams. Interest rates are projected to stay low throughout 2019 (source), which will make the perfect conditions for an affordable mortgage.
Of course, if you are looking at downsizing, you might be in the enviable position of paying for your next home in cash, which will make the process less complicated in terms of financing.
By this point you will have a clear idea of the price your property will achieve on your property, your options for your next home as well as the costs associated with the move. Just remember, we don’t charge an upfront fee, but only get paid on the successful sale of your property.
We wish you best of luck in your next home search!
We hope you are spending a fantastically relaxed holiday together with your loved ones! If property ownership is on your mind, you are not alone, as many of us take the opportunity at this time of year to consider their next step on the property ladder.
We have rounded up a few property highlights currently available that would suit first steppers and/or property investors to kick start your search:
Offers Over £33,995
–Fantastic Opportunity for first time buyer to get on property market- 50 % Shared Ownership – Monthly rent payable to Clydebank Housing Association is approximately £144.00 per calendar month. Full details here.
Offers Over £62,500
Charming One Bedroom First Floor Flat located within the popular Clydebank ideally suited to young or old alike or first time buyers. Early viewings are highly recommended. In good decorative order throughout. Find full details here.
Offers Over £69,995
Rarely available, well proportioned upper floor maisonette flat situated in a refurbished building and located within a sought after area. Find full details here.
Offers Over £149,995
An outstanding and extremely rare ground floor apartment within the popular village of Bowling with the added advantage of private garage. Find full details.
Fixed Price £70,000
Offered to the market is this spacious mid terraced villa situated within a popular Foxbar address. The property is in need of some modernisation and upgrading allowing any future buyer to style the property to their own unique taste. Find full details here.
Offers Over £82,500
Offering to the market this well presented upper cottage flat with family size accommodation. Situated within a popular location and close to local amenities. This property would be a perfect downsize for a retired couple or as a first property for a young couple. Find full details here.
As we are nearing the end of 2018, our property experts have put together what we foresee will be the biggest factors influencing the local property market in 2019, based on current information.
While the media covers Brexit with daily news, it is easy to get distracted by the many unknowns March 2019 might bring – with some possible outcomes predicted to have a lasting impact on the housing market. However, our local experience confirmed by recent Zoopla research, shows that the majority of Scots are optimistic about property values increasing in 2019, with 53% agreeing property values will rise regardless or Brexit.
Our property experts recommend you don’t get deterred by general doom and gloom, set your own agenda for your property goals and speak to a local experienced agent that can advise you on the various micro trends depending on location of your property and the many other factors influencing property values.
Driving prices forward in 2018 was the fundamental imbalance between supply and demand. What this means, is that as long as there are plenty of keen buyers, but a lack of good stock, property prices will continue to be pushed upwards. 2018 has seen homes in good condition being quickly sold at fantastic price points.
Our property experts recommend: if you want to achieve a good price and catch the eye of current savvy buyers, your best bet is to invest in cosmetic upgrades that go along way in adding value to your property before putting it on the market. Just speak to one of our experienced agents and they will be able to advise on how to spend your home improvement budget so that it adds the most to your property value.
The active buyers we have seen on the market have been fuelled in recent years by the affordable financing options available. With many financial products from many lenders as well as a relatively low rate from Bank of England, buyers are spoiled for choice which keeps the property market financed and active. We believe this trend will keep into 2019, which means you will still have plenty of choice in financing that dream home.
Our property experts recommend: speak to a local experienced mortgage advisor who can understand your circumstances and offer the most suitable choices for your needs.
West of Scotland has seen healthy property price increases overall; as usual, good schooling, commuting options as well as local amenities have an impact on value of properties. That being said, due to the increase in online delivery services, remote properties have increased their appeal too with many finally able to see their dream of living in a tranquil, picturesque location come true without sacrificing on comforts.
Paisley with its bi for City of Culture 2021, has seen visits to the town and surrounding areas rise by 17% over the last year outperforming the rest of the Glasgow City Region.
Clydebank is subject to a massive regeneration project in the next 7-10 years, so again, one to watch in terms of property investments. Villages like Cardross or Duntocher have character and appeal which means they will continue to be an interesting proposition for a certain market demographic.
If you are thinking of making a move on the property market, don’t get trapped in a fixed fee arrangement with a corporate agent. You will have to pay that fee regardless of the outcome – so we suggest instead you speak to a local experienced property agent like ourselves who only gets payed upon the successful sale of your home. Not only that, but we are a local company, keeping offices on your high street, hiring and training local people and making business locally.