2023

What to do when something in your rental needs fixing In this week’s lettings article, we look at how tenants should approach repairs and maintenance issues in their property. Problems in the home are a nuisance. Like when you’ve got a leaky tap and the drip drip drip drives you to distraction, or when your fridge packs up and food goes to waste. When things go wrong, it’s understandable you...

You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours. All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter box and a little bit of imagination. Choosing your plants Your window box can be as simple or complex as you like depending...

It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can tenants and landlords stay one step ahead of the crooks and avoid the financial and...

If you’re selling a property, you might think that selling to one of your nearest and dearest is the answer. After all, they know what they’re buying, you’ll save on professional fees, and the home you love will be left in good hands. But is it really that simple? Unfortunately, no. In this quick read, we look at some of the things that could go (very) wrong if you’re thinking about...

With summer officially starting in a few weeks, most people will have banished all thoughts of winter and the dark, damp days that go with it. But there’s a good reason why landlords should look beyond the sunny skies of the here and now to the colder months. And here’s why. Summer is a good time to get your property ready for winter by making changes that will improve its energy...

First-time buyers are key drivers in the property market and could be the ideal candidate to purchase your home. So, are you doing enough to target them? They might not have the instant allure of a cash buyer, but dig a little deeper, and it quickly becomes clear that first-time buyers (FTBs) have an awful lot going for them. In fact, they could be the best option when it comes to finding a buyer....

Have you ever envisioned yourself being an Estate Agent? Or maybe you're already an agent, fed up with endless targets, mortgage referrals, and the constant scrutiny of your manager or boss. Or perhaps you're from a completely different industry but seek a career that allows you to make a living on your own terms. Either way, you could be in the right place. Welcome to Nest in Essex! /*! elementor -...

We're on the hunt for a part-time, ad hoc viewing assistant to join our award-winning and laid-back team. If you're looking for an exciting opportunity to meet lots of new people, see amazing properties, and potentially earn some extra cash, then keep reading! We're not the type to judge you on your experience, CV, or work history, so...

Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of tenants aged between 45 and 64 skyrocketed by 70%, while those over 65 jumped by 38%.* A third of renters are now over 45. And due to high...

It’s every seller’s worst nightmare. You’re on the cusp of finalising the sale of your property when your buyer gets cold feet and runs for the hills. Just like that, your plans go out the window. If you’re part of a chain, the whole deal could collapse, meaning you need to find a new buyer for your property and a new place to buy. And it’s even more frustrating if you had several offers...