Finn's Newsletter: Summer 2021, Issue No.9

Will working from home be your new norm?

 

Last year, the number of adults who worked from home inevitably increased to 37% over lockdown.*

 

Despite many people agreeing that working from home makes them feel isolated, 85% of homeworking adults now favour a "hybrid" approach of both home and office working for the future.*

 

Whilst job adverts that included home working have increased dramatically to three times the amount seen last year.*

 

Are you currently working from home?

 

Here are our top tips on how you can create a healthy working environment.

 

1. Keep moving

 

When we work from home, we tend to be a lot less active than in an office environment.

 

Exercise is the key to staying in good health, so a lunchtime walk has many benefits and will keep you productive for the rest of the day.

 

2. Look after your eyes

 

Looking at a computer screen for hours can be taxing on your eyes.

 

Aim to follow the '20/20/20 rule'. That means that every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, this should help your eyes recover from the strain.

 

3. Create boundaries

 

It can be tempting to work longer hours from home but remember to have boundaries between work and home life.

 

Having a home office can be beneficial as a designated workspace that you can leave at the end of the day.

 

If you don’t have a home office, why not consider picking a space in your home that will be your professional sanctuary.

 

4. Put a plant on your desk

 

Plants can play a major role in creating a more peaceful, yet engaging workspace.

 

5. Natural light is important

 

Natural light is good for your eyes and mind.

 

If your home office doesn’t have any windows, make sure you have plenty of lamps producing light.

 

6. Invest in a decent coffee machine!

 

Standing up and giving yourself breaks from your computer screen is important.

 

Getting a coffee can be a well-earned break from work and give you some extra energy to get through the day.

 

With career changes higher in September than any other month of the year, are you looking to relocate? Contact us today to see our latest listings in your area.**

 

 

*National Office for Statistics

**Job search website, Monster

 

Could you benefit from repaying your mortgage early?

 

The average homeowner will be 57 before they’re able to fully repay their mortgage, so paying off the debt early is a desirable financial goal.*

 

What is there to consider if you want to pay off your mortgage early?

 

If you are thinking of repaying your mortgage, do your sums.

 

When will you finish repaying your mortgage and what will your financial situation be like then? It's important to consider your options and review them frequently.

 

Here are a few options to help you pay off your mortgage sooner:

 

1) Overpay whilst you can

 

Ensure you have enough money to keep you going for at least three months before paying off your mortgage, as this is a good way to judge if now is the right time to get rid of that debt.

 

Most mortgages won’t charge you for overpaying, however, it’s always worth checking.

 

2) Consider remortgaging

 

Interest rates are at record low levels and there is more product choice for buyers than ever before. If there is a better deal on offer, it might be a good idea to remortgage whilst you can.

 

Remortgaging can help you reduce the size of your loan and avoid less favourable mortgage rates that will extend your mortgage term.

 

3) Reduce your mortgage term

 

Sticking with your current mortgage plan could leave you overpaying if your financial position has changed since you first applied for your mortgage.

 

If you can now afford higher repayments, you should consider reducing your term. By doing this and increasing your monthly payments, it’s a guaranteed way to pay off your mortgage sooner.

 

If you’re looking for expert advice regarding buying and selling, contact us today.

 

 

 

*Hargreaves Lansdown

 

 

What makes the perfect tenant for renting?

 

Having a positive relationship with your tenant is important when renting out a property. But what are the best qualities to look for when choosing a tenant?

 

Ideally your tenant should respond quickly to calls or messages, as this makes it easier to get any problems resolved, however, it's not always the case and that's where relying on a letting agent can be beneficial.

 

Your investment is your financial security. So, having a tenant that is respectful of your property is essential.

  

Rent should be paid on time every month. Whilst sometimes defaults can’t be avoided, a good tenant should pay in full whenever the rent is due.

  

If there comes a point when your tenants can’t pay, they should keep communication with you so it can be resolved.

 

Four tips for vetting your tenants:

 

- Choose a tenant with good credit – ensure your tenant is financially responsible by getting a credit check. If your tenant is responsible when paying bills, chances are they will pay their rent on time.

 

As well as offering fully-managed services, we can help you locate the best tenants that meet your requirements as a landlord.

 

- Get a tenant reference – a reference check gives you a good idea of whether an applicant will be a suitable tenant.

 

This will provide key information on a renter's employment history and ability to pay rent, as well as any previous dealings with landlords.

 

- Meet potential tenants – it’s important you have a good relationship with your tenants so meeting them is essential. Furthermore, it’s a great opportunity to ask any important questions face-to-face.

 

- Listen to your letting agent – your agent will only find you suitable applicants for your property. They will also be able to provide you with advice on choosing a tenant based on their experience working in your local area in the past.

  

Take a look at our property management services or contact us today for more information.

 

 

How to keep your boiler running for longer

 

A broken boiler is the last thing you want as the weather starts to get colder this autumn.

 

If you’re facing boiler issues, this helpful guide is here to get you back on track with five of the most common issues and the best ways to fix them.

 

1. Kettling

 

Is your boiler making a strange bubbling noise? If the answer is yes, then you most likely have a build up of sludge, and should you live in an area with hard water, this can be a common problem that happens again and again.

 

Hard water has a high mineral content, which has a tendency to cause build-up in heating systems and waterpipes.

 

2. Leaking and dripping

 

Having buckets full of water that have been dripping out of your boiler for weeks is not ideal.

 

A broken internal component is the most likely cause behind a leaky boiler and can be caused by the pressure becoming too high.

 

3. No hot water

 

The last thing you want is a cold shower whilst you wait for your boiler to be fixed, so make sure you check your thermostat.

 

If your boiler pressure is normal and the thermostat is set correctly, then there could be an issue with an internal component in your boiler. Get an engineer to check this for you.

 

4. Low boiler pressure

 

Low boiler pressure can result in a number of problems, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system.

 

This can make it difficult to keep your home warm as well as increasing your energy bills.

 

The best thing to do is check the gauge meter.

 

If the needle is below one, then you have low boiler pressure, which can be caused by a water leak. If there are no leaks to be found, then you may need to get your boiler re-pressured.

 

The manufacturers website will give you details of how to re-pressure your boiler.

 

5. The pilot light has gone out

 

The pilot light is the flame that lights gas provided by a main burner. The flame should remain permanently lit, as it is supplied by a gas pipe.

 

If a pilot light goes out, gas will still be released from the pipe, and this could be potentially dangerous. There should be a sensor in the pilot light tube that cuts the gas as soon as the flame goes out.

 

Check the boiler itself to see if there are any specific instructions as to how to turn on your pilot light.

 

As leading lettings agents in your area, we offer a range of services to support our landlords and tenants. Contact us today about our fully-managed package.