Dear Mike and Annette,
I cannot thank you both enough for the excellent job you have done for us. First viewers and you sell it - you can't ask for much better service than that can you!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Kind regards
Joanna W
Friday, 22 October 2010
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Breaking News
NFoPP-backed Property Standards Board is dissolved
The Property Standards Board, set up to establish mandatory licensing of all estate and letting agents, and with the backing of NAEA and ARLA, has been dissolved.
Five months after the general election, it has had to acknowledge that licensing is no longer on the political agenda.
The board was a cross-industry initiative, set up jointly by RICS and NFoPP in response to Sir Brian Carsberg’s Review of Residential Property published in June 2008.
The Property Standards Board proposals revolved around a requirement that it wanted the Government to enforce, that all sales and letting agents should have to be licensed.
The board proposed setting up a single regulatory vehicle for the residential property industry, which would have run in tandem with a register of private landlords – another initiative discarded by the new Government.
The proposed licensing body would have ‘over-arched’ the existing bodies, including NAEA, ARLA and RICS. These would have been effectively responsible for carrying out the licensing. Minimum standards for a licence to be granted were proposed, with an appeals system if licences were refused or withdrawn.
The Property Standards Board itself would have overseen the compilation and maintenance of the directory of all sales and lettings agents.
The board did get as far as producing a consumers’ charter, which is still available.
The board had members on it representing the NAEA, ARLA, NFoPP, RICS, Trading Standards and Solicitors Regulation Authority. Also on it was Bill McClintock, of the Property Ombudsman Scheme, who has also been trying to get his own Register of Property Agents off the ground.
ARLA was represented by Lucy Morton, 2009 President, and the NAEA by current President Mike Jones. Solicitor Liz Richards represented NFoPP as a whole.
The Property Standards Board was chaired by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, a former chief executive of the European Labour Party. She admitted that until chairing the board, she had not realised that estate agents act for the seller, not buyer.
This week, she said: “I am naturally extremely disappointed that we were unable to bring the residential property sector together to raise standards and improve consumer protection throughout this vitally important sector, which involves one of the most important transactions in people’s lives – the securing of a home.
The Property Standards Board, set up to establish mandatory licensing of all estate and letting agents, and with the backing of NAEA and ARLA, has been dissolved.
Five months after the general election, it has had to acknowledge that licensing is no longer on the political agenda.
The board was a cross-industry initiative, set up jointly by RICS and NFoPP in response to Sir Brian Carsberg’s Review of Residential Property published in June 2008.
The board proposed setting up a single regulatory vehicle for the residential property industry, which would have run in tandem with a register of private landlords – another initiative discarded by the new Government.
The proposed licensing body would have ‘over-arched’ the existing bodies, including NAEA, ARLA and RICS. These would have been effectively responsible for carrying out the licensing. Minimum standards for a licence to be granted were proposed, with an appeals system if licences were refused or withdrawn.
The Property Standards Board itself would have overseen the compilation and maintenance of the directory of all sales and lettings agents.
The board did get as far as producing a consumers’ charter, which is still available.
The board had members on it representing the NAEA, ARLA, NFoPP, RICS, Trading Standards and Solicitors Regulation Authority. Also on it was Bill McClintock, of the Property Ombudsman Scheme, who has also been trying to get his own Register of Property Agents off the ground.
ARLA was represented by Lucy Morton, 2009 President, and the NAEA by current President Mike Jones. Solicitor Liz Richards represented NFoPP as a whole.
The Property Standards Board was chaired by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, a former chief executive of the European Labour Party. She admitted that until chairing the board, she had not realised that estate agents act for the seller, not buyer.
This week, she said: “I am naturally extremely disappointed that we were unable to bring the residential property sector together to raise standards and improve consumer protection throughout this vitally important sector, which involves one of the most important transactions in people’s lives – the securing of a home.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Is Your Property Empty This Winter?
With winter almost upon us I thought I would mention taking some precautions against frost damage.
If you have a property that is currently vacant, you may already have made the necessary arrangements.
I would strongly recommend that whilst the property is empty, it remains heated in order to minimise the chances of a burst water pipe.
If for whatever reason the heating is not left on, please be sure to drain down whatever water systems are on site.
As I am sure you are aware, Insurers must be made aware that a property is vacant. If the first they hear of this is via a claim, it is unlikely you will be covered.
In my experience, some styles of property are more vulnerable than others. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely
MN
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
House Price Forecast; October 2010
Lloyds banking groups ‘Halifax house price index’ has announced a fall in UK house prices for the 3rd successive month. http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media1/research/halifax_hpi.asp
I think we will see more of these headlines over the coming months, but would preach caution over taking such statements at face value. My view is that such headlines will be offset by a different message early in the New Year.
Once the government cuts, and changes to VAT have taken time to settle, I think house prices will recover quite quickly.
There is still a huge pent up demand for properties in the UK. As soon as more competitive mortgage products are introduced to the market, I think we will see steady growth and a rapid increase in turnover.
MN
Monday, 4 October 2010
Severn Brow, Oldbury
Nock Deighton, Bridgnorth’s premier firm of estate agents are pleased to announce that a buyer has been found for Severn Brow.
Located in the particularly sought after village of Oldbury, Severn Brow is a magnificent Victorian period country house in a stunning elevated location enjoying spectacular aspect down the Severn Valley in approximately 4 acres.
We recommend that all unsuccessful applicants register on our reserve interest list.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)