By Steve Hatch As remembrance day approaches, it has got me thinking about what it would have been like in London during the war. The evidence is all around us, but we are often too busy scurrying around to give it much thought. I often turn up to value a property in North London, confidently knowing what a good Victorian house will sell for in that particular road, only to find that I am faced with a newer style property, built as an infill to replace a bomb damaged house. So for those that have never noticed this… you will have a terrace of Victorian houses and then a couple of odd ones in the middle! The other thing that will nearly always make me late for my next appointment is… when I get called in to value a great Victorian property in Wood Green, Harringay, or Tottenham, and my [...]
Probate Valuations – Wood Green N22 | Harringay N4, N8 | Tottenham N15, N17
Probate Valuations – Wood Green N22 | Harringay N4, N8 | Tottenham N15, N17 Whether you need a probate valuation, already have the grant of probate, or want to find out how to get the best price for your probate related property. We’ll be happy to give you the professional probate advice you need. Take the first step by Calling 0208 8341 6262 When it comes to arranging a probate valuation, Local Estate Agents – Castles – have been helping people with probate valuations in Wood Green N22 | Harringay N4, N8 | Tottenham N15, N17 for well over 30 years. Dealing with the whole situation of losing a friend, relative, or loved one, is difficult enough… so when you add all the practical things that need doing – like getting all the paperwork together, arranging a specialist probate valuation, clearing the property etc. it can easily get a little [...]
QR codes – What are they?
Castles Estate Agents QR codes (or quick response codes) are similar to bar codes in a way… they are a 2D image that looks a bit like a large stamp with a random pattern on it, it’s the pattern that is unique and can be scanned to provide lots more information on the product, or brand. We use them on all our Here’s a QR code if you haven’t seen one before. So how do you use a QR code? With the explosion of smart phones and iPhones in particular, it is very easy for people to download a free QR reader App to their phone. When you see a QR code (and they are popping up all over the place) you simply whip out your phone, tap on the QR reader App and hold your phone over the QR code, this then directs you to more information about the [...]
-
Property Prices and the London Olympics
Property Prices and the London Olympics
By Steve Hatch On your marks, get set… I have learned to effectively filter the ‘same old’ media reports that the property market is still doomed. These stories, tweets and retweets, just do not tie in with what is ‘actually’ happening in our North London branches. The reality is a good levels of buyers registering, strong sales figures, and in many cases, above asking price offers. However, there is a shortage of quality property instructions and ‘financially organised’ buyers are acutely aware of this. It doesn’t help when…Potential vendors seem to think that the prices are going to magically go up overnight when the 2012 Olympics are here! Like all good estate agents we obviously follow up on our valuations to find out when they are likely to want to sell. There is a growing trend of people thinking that their prices are going to be higher when the 2012 [...]
Wood Green Estate Agents
Castles Estate Agents and Wood Green – It’s a love thing! It has to be love… We’ve been intimate with Wood Green for over 30 years so naturally We know every inch, every little beauty spot and exactly what makes the area tick. We always ‘share the love’ and encourage our buyers to discover why so many locals love the area. We generally start by explaining: We’re so confident that you’ll absolutely love our photos of your property – we’ll offer you a No Sale-No Fee Guarantee Simply give us a call on 020 8341 6262 We’ll organise your free photo shoot Simply give us a call on 020 8341 6262
-
The North London Property Market (2010)
The North London Property Market (2010)
I have to admit my French is not that good but I do understand a strong feeling of Déjà Vue when it comes along! I have definitely been here before, all the signs are strong, and so is the feeling that the North London property market is about to take another upward turn, but this is ‘Deja Vue’ with a twist… Lending is tougher now than in previous recessions, but that didn’t stop a very strong finish to 2010.
Glorious Tottenham
Apart from being home to a top premier league football team, Tottenham ‘the area’ has so much to offer property-wise. In fact it is steeped in history and many of the area’s period properties reflect this history. On Monday I was called out to value a gorgeous Grade II listed cottage in a beautiful little spot called ‘Prospect Place’ near All Hallows Church (Tottenham is full of these little gems)… the sun was shining and as driving back to the office I caught sight of ‘Bruce Castle’ sitting proudly at the entrance to Bruce Castle Park, I was so taken by its grandeur and beauty I just had to pull over and take a few shots with our professional Nikon camera. Anyway… I thought I would share my Monday afternoon experience by showing you the shots. There is so much more to Tottenham than many realise! Ever wondered where ‘Tower Gardens’ got its name? This next photo may [...]
Harringay’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ has done a runner!
The search is on in Harringay for ‘Ziggy the cat’. Has anybody seen him? Last seen around the Endymion Road N4 area Here is a heartfelt plea from Ziggy’s owners. Our beautiful 6 month old kitten Ziggy went missing from our garden to the rear of Endymion Road N4 on Sunday 17 October 2010. We are desperate to see him return home safe and well. Description He is all white with one green eye and one blue eye. He is ever so friendly and loves to explore. We are hoping he might have been locked in someones shed or garage on Sunday whilst out and about. Contact if found If anyone has seen him, would you please contact Castles on 0208 341 6262 and we will get in touch with Ziggy’s owners immediately. Many Thanks. This was brought to our attention from HarringayOnline
Why going Multi-Agents is not such a good idea.
By Steve Hatch Buying habits have changed The way people buy and sell houses has changed dramatically over the years. Buyers research prices, area’s and even track the progress of certain properties for months before they start physically arranging viewings. Appearance and smart marketing is everything! Researching the websites All the major property websites can help potential buyers with their research – Zoopla for example offer free access to house price data, as do Rightmove, Findaproperty, PrimeLocation, and the various other sites that we advertise our properties on. Avoid looking desperate at all costs The last approach I would recommend to any committed seller in the current housing market is to list their property with Multiple Agents – Why? – The simple answer is it looks desperate and in a tough market when there are fewer buyers around, the chances are you will be putting serious buyers off rather than [...]
-
Lower Asking Prices are Attracting Higher Offers.
Lower Asking Prices are Attracting Higher Offers.
Lower asking prices are attracting higher offers! This is the property advice that people seem to be struggling to understand…