January Newsletter - Mighty House

Welcome to 2020 and our first newsletter of the year! We hope you had a fantastic start of the year.

This newsletter will cover property market forecasts & interior design trends for 2020, tips for buyers and sellers on how to move fast, our newest and biggest charity fundraising challenge. Also, scroll until the very end to see the two team members that have joined us recently!

2020 Corporate Challenge - help us raise £20k for St. Johns Hospice!

We are participating in the St. John's Hospice Corporate Challenge. This is the first time when local businesses are competing with one another to raise the most money for the charity.

We have been fundraising for St. John's Hospice for a long time and we have raised thousands of pounds over the years, but this year we are aiming especially high - our target is £20.000!!! The challenge is ending on 31st of May, so we will be doing our best to reach our goal for this fantastic charity.

We will be organizing & attending in a huge variety of events, initiatives and physical challenges to fundraise as much as we can. Some of our ideas are doing office bakeoffs, organizing pub quiz nights, speed-dating, running marathons & possibly jumping out of a plane!

You can help us by sharing this message, donating some money or suggesting fundraising ideas. Follow this link to see how much we have raised so far or be our hero and donate here -> https://corporatechallenge.everydayhero.com/uk/mighty-house-corporate-challenge
Thank you very much for your support & donations!!!

Click here to read 2020 Corporate Challenge - help us raise £20k for St. Johns Hospice!.

Property Prices Forecast to Rise in 2020

There is much to look forward to in 2020, if we take Rightmove’s recent forecasts for the property market into account. Rightmove is predicting the average price of a property will increase by

Click here to read Property Prices Forecast to Rise in 2020.

Tips for buyers and sellers looking to move

It’s the start of a brand new year in the market, with buyers and sellers alike preparing to fulfil their New Year’s Resolutions and make their move. Market conditions appear to have stabilised after December’s general election brought with it a majority Conservative Government, but what can you do to give yourself the best chance of a successful transaction? Read our top tips for Buyers and Sellers below.

BUYERS TIPS

Research, Research, Research
As clichéd as it sounds, buyers who prepare sufficiently are more likely to end up with a better deal for the home they’re looking for. Once you’ve made the decision to begin house hunting, look into sale and listing prices for properties in the local areas that you’re interested in; this will give you a rough guide as to how much you can expect to spend.

Prepare your mortgage
If you’re house hunting in a competitive area where properties are quickly snapped up, then getting a mortgage agreement in principle will give you an advantage when you find the property that you want. Having your finances in order and prepared can save time and prove invaluable if the home you want is likely to generate significant local interest.

Survey the house
Once you’ve had your offer accepted, carry out a survey of the house to flag up any major issues or elements of the property that require attention, such as urgent defects or structural concerns. Depending on the age of the building, you could find yourself a wildly fluctuating amount of work to carry out, especially if previous owners have neglected its upkeep. Either way, a survey will provide valuable piece of mind in any outcome.

SELLERS TIPS

Research, Research, Research
Preparation is key for sellers, too! Make sure you know your property’s true value before it’s listed; carry out a full appraisal of your home with a trusted agent and not just an instant valuation to get a clear idea of what your property is worth. Inviting valuers into your home can also provide you a fresh set of eyes which can be useful in flagging up any existing issues or reminding you of a few flaws that could require attention before going to market, too.

Find ways to add more value
If you’re looking for ways to add more worth to your property, then carrying out home improvement projects will certainly aid you. These can be relatively simple tasks, such as installing double glazing, adding extra insulation to your loft, or decorating your home as, on average, it can increase your property value by as much as £11,719! Whilst the cost associated with these projects may be off-putting, it will pay off when it comes to increasing your home’s value.

Declutter and organise
Take a look at each room in your house and you’ll likely find a few easy ways of decluttering and making extra space. This is vital for the viewing process as potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in this space, and in some rooms, it’s as easy as clearing a few worktops or mantelpieces.

In today’s market, preparation really is key whether you’re buying or selling. Carry out your market research, get your finances and paperwork and make sure you utilise a knowledgeable and local agent to help you through the process.

Design trends to look out for in 2020

We’re moving into a new decade, and so the last thing that you want is for your home to look dated. Throughout 2019 we have seen some extreme trends in interior design; from the embracing of industrial elements to the resurgence of entirely neutral spaces. We have taken a look at what to expect this year and how to get ahead with your design aesthetic, whatever your budget.

1. Colour makes a comeback
One of the key trends this decade has been that of neutral spaces with a few accent pieces to liven up the décor, however this year one of the main inclinations in design will be towards colour; bolder, brighter and braver! Rebecca Breslin, Wayfair Professional design manager, is calling for an end of “Greige, grey and all neutral everything without texture or visual interest” and therefore if you are looking for a change this year then start by adding colour into your home – burnt oranges and deep blues are set to be en vogue throughout the whole year.

2. Paper set to tear up the market
A feature wall has been the mainstay of every makeover show and glossy magazine before-and-after shoot since the early naughties, however 2020 is set to end this fad. Rather than a singular wall that is adorned with wallpaper, we are going to see all four walls covered with paper – in line with the brighter aesthetic of 2020. Wallpaper has seen something of a renaissance over the past decade, with designs from Gucci and Dior all the way through to stick-and-peel examples flooding the marketplace, and this isn’t set to end this year. If you want to experiment, then start with smaller spaces such as studies, toilets and guest bedrooms where patterns will seem less overwhelming.

3. Cabinet shake-up
The crisp, white kitchens that have been an enduring design staple over the last decade are set to move into retirement in 2020, with colour making its way back into the heart of the home. Kitchen cabinets, more specifically, are to become a real focus in kitchen design – therefore if you are looking to stay on-trend then think about rejuvenating your cabinets. Navy blue matte cabinets with vintage gold handles will transform your aesthetic immediately and mixes the traditional and vintage visuals that are set to be all the rage this year.

4. Give art a start
In these modern days of mass production and consumerism, vintage art and antiques are making a huge comeback due to the perceived one-of-a-kind nature of the objects and that they possess their own unique story. If you are looking to make small changes to your home that make it chic, then adding some select pieces of art is a great start – adding pieces to your kitchen walls will add particular interest to an otherwise utilitarian space.

5. Soften the edges
Throughout the 2010s, chicness has often been related to strong lines, sharp edges and minimalism, however as we move into the next decade this is set to be turned on its head for an altogether softer look. As well as a nod to 30s glamour (think metallics such as silver and gold, as well as scalloped seating) curves and fluid shapes are set to be popular this year; from circular side tables to rounded-edge sofas.