In this three-minute read, we look at the paint colours that are making a splash in 2021. For millions of Brits, getting through this pandemic has been a case of “Keep Calm and Carry On with DIY”. To stop themselves from climbing the walls from boredom and frustration, they’ve turned to painting them. As a result, DIY chains such as B&Q have recorded surging sales, while paint...
February 2021
‘The darkest hour is just before the dawn.’ The quote is attributed to the English theologian Thomas Fuller from 1650. It could easily be applied now, more than 370 years on. As the weather turns for the better, the vaccine programme accelerates across the UK, and green shoots of the ‘old normal’ start to spring up, here at Nest in Essex we’re feeling hopeful. A fascinating...
In this two-minute read, we look at the home renovations that don’t add value – and can make it harder to sell your property. If there’s a chance you could sell your home in the next few years, think before you rush into making any major home renovations. While you might read about celebrities investing in fancy wine cellars (David Beckham’s building one for his 7,000 bottles of...
In this two-minute read, we look at how technology can help landlords be more successful, do their bit for the planet, protect their tenants, and save money. From smart TVs to one-click shopping, technology makes life a whole lot easier than it was 20 years ago for the average person. It also has many benefits for private landlords and their tenants. Here are our top tech tips. Remote...
In this three-minute read, we look at a new report that outlines how Rayleigh, Hockley and Leigh on sea landlords can build a long and prosperous partnership with their tenant. What’s the secret to a successful tenant/landlord relationship? It’s a question that has vexed property gurus through the ages, but now the University of Stirling thinks it has the answer. A new report from the...
A 60-second speed read. The Beatles were right when they sang ‘money can’t buy me love.’ But money can buy you a gift to give to your significant other. The trouble is not all ‘romantic gifts’ are created equally and received gratefully. And with Valentine’s Day on Sunday here are seven presents to avoid. Anything weight-related – Slim-Fast won’t go down too well.Cheap and...
In this three-minute read, we explain how renters can avoid getting ripped off by fake landlords. Renters in Rayleigh, Hockley and Leigh on sea should be on their guard against fraudsters using Covid-19 as a cover to swindle people out of their hard-earned cash. Rental fraud is not a new scam – Action Fraud, the UK’s reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has been warning about it for...
With Valentine’s Day coming up at the weekend, we look at ten reasons why Rayleigh, Hockley and Leigh on sea property owners think their homes are dreamy or dreary. A three-minute read. Top five things people love about their homes 1. A room with a view Beautiful views are calming, provide distraction, and reduce claustrophobia. Lucky homeowners who look out upon an unspoilt view are also...
In this two-minute read, we share three stories that shine a light on affairs of the heart in the lead up to Valentine’s Day on Sunday. Lockdown celebrations One thing star-crossed lovers in Rayleigh, Hockley and Leigh on sea don’t have to worry about this Valentine’s Day is bagging a reservation at a candle-lit restaurant. In “normal times”, even the most mediocre eatery...
In this three-minute read, we look at some of the positive initiatives inspired by Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health used to be a taboo subject, but thankfully things are changing. This week was Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, and up and down the country, people found interesting ways to engage with young people about the issue. The week's theme was...