YPG Estate Agency & Letting Agents Belfast

Top Tips When Shopping for a Short-Term Let

There are many advantages associated with short-term letting opportunities in Belfast. Not only are these properties often able to offer a more personalised experience when compared to other options such as a serviced apartment, but their flexible rental options are ideal for those who may need to adhere to an unpredictable schedule. There are still a number of suggestions to keep in mind for anyone who hopes to encounter the most appropriate opportunity. Let us take a look at some useful suggestions so that an informed decision can be made.

Be Sure to Shop Around

While this first recommendation may seem obvious, some individuals will immediately commit to the first short-term let that they encounter. We should remember that the price of a short-term let may be up to 30 per cent higher than a long-term rental. This is why it is critical to compare at least three different providers in order to better appreciate which one is able to offer the most cost-effective solution.

Determine the Amenities

Some renters have adopted the belief that comfort needs to be sacrificed for convenience when searching for a short-term let. On the contrary, this is much more of a myth than a reality. The best letting agencies will be able to provide their tenants with all of the modern amenities that they have come to expect. These include:

Wireless InternetFurnished kitchensSecurity features such as exterior CCTV systemsConveniences such as flat-screen televisions and coffee machines

Although these accessories may differ slightly between properties, clients should nonetheless never be forced to lower their standards.

Consider the Reputation of the Firm

It is just as important to appreciate what others have had to say about their previous letting experiences. Word of mouth is always crucial in order to make an informed and pragmatic decision. Has the company in question obtained vastly positive reviews or have renters been critical of the services rendered? The majority of transparency agencies will be happy to provide testimonials upon request. If they are unable or hesitant to do so, it is normally prudent to look elsewhere.

Customer Service Options

There may be times when a customer has a specific question or encounters an unforeseen situation (such as the need to cancel the agreement ahead of schedule). This is why it is critical to that letting firm provides a number of contact methods. A dedicated email address and a phone number are both critical in order to avoid any miscommunications or confusion along the way.

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

These are some of the most useful recommendations to keep in mind when shopping for a short-term let. The good news is that there are many unique possibilities in and around Belfast. Would you like to learn more about your options or do you have additional questions? If so, please take a few moments to contact one of our representatives at your convenience.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly All Year Round

No matter the conditions of the ever changing property market, here are some top tips for successfully selling your property all year round.

Remember Kerb Appeal

When selling a property, it can be easy to forget that the first thing the buyer will see is the exterior. Even if the inside is immaculate, be sure that your property has some real kerb appeal too. Clear up front gardens, give front doors a lick of paint and get rid of any outstanding rubbish or debris that might make the outside of your home look less than appealing.

Tidy Up , Declutter and Depersonalise

Once through the front door, now it is time for the buyer to gain their first real impression of your property. Declutter any furniture that may block a clear transition throughout the house. If you have pets or children, ensure to tidy up any day-to-day mess prior to viewings, and air out the property to remove any trapped odours. Although buyers will all have specific individual requirements, a clean and tidy home is a great way to encourage and maintain interest. Depersonalising the property in order to make your home as appealing across the board as possible is also a smart idea. Buyers want to imagine their own family living there, so seeing excessive amounts of photographs can seem intrusive and off-putting.

Choose the Right Agent and the Right Price

Choosing the right estate agent is integral for helping your property reach the most potential buyers all year round. The right agent should be able to show a proven track record for sales in your local area, and be able to quantify the level of interest they plan to generate in viewings. Many agents may already have potential buyers waiting for properties like yours, so don't be afraid to ask for more information, as working with an estate agent should be a collaborative process. In terms of pitching the right price for your home, don't always be swayed by the highest valuation price. If priced too high, a property can sit on the market for months with little to no interest. Instead, always opt for a sensible median price that is somewhere between the lowest and highest valuation. That way, your property will catch the eye of buyers with the right budget, but it will still leave room for negotiation from your agent once a potential buyer puts in an offer.

Viewings

Although it can be tempting to be at home while viewings are taking place, it is much better to keep your distance and stay out of the way. Potential buyers want to feel they can express their opinions freely to an agent, without worrying the homeowner is within earshot. It can also make it easier for a buyer to imagine themselves one day living in the property, making it more likely they will put in an offer faster and your property will be successfully sold quicker.

How to Give Your Rental Property The Wow Factor So That You Have Prospective Tenants Queueing Up

When it comes to preparing a property for the rental market, there are several key points to consider in order to attract the best tenant. Here is everything landlords need to know on how to give your rental property the wow factor so that you have prospective tenants queueing up.

Clean Up and Declutter

A messy, cluttered space is never going to attract a good prospective tenant. Be sure that the property is given a good clean prior to professional marketing photographs, as greasy appliances and black spot mould in kitchens and bathrooms can quickly see tenant's choosing another space. Clean carpets are also essential, especially if smokers or pets have previously lived in the property. Although it is possible to undertake a thorough clean yourself, it is a good idea to hire a professional cleaner, who will be familiar with the standard expected when preparing a property for the rental market.

Choose the Right Décor

When learning how to give your rental property the wow factor so that you have prospective tenants queueing up, it is important to choose all interior design and décor with tenants in mind. Keeping wall colours neutral and decoration unfussy if renting fully furnished is a great way to attract interest from a wide range of prospective tenants. Avoiding trends is also advisable, as this can make a property quite divisive. After all, tenants want to feel they are renting a home, not just a living space, so it is essential that they can imagine not only living there, but putting their own stamp on it too. High traffic areas, such as hallways and landings, should always be repainted prior to rental, and any broken furniture removed or repaired appropriately. Whether the property is modern or traditional in style, it is always important to keep the interior looking clean, fresh and hygienic in order to attract the best tenant.

Choose the Right Agent

Once all the hard work involved in getting a property ready for the rental market has been finished, it is now time to choose the right agent. The right agent will be able to market your property to prospective tenants, as well as advise on the best rental price in order to stand out against the competition. The right rental agent will also have inhouse property managers, who can give further advice on how to give your rental property the wow factor so that you have prospective tenants queuing up. A professionally managed property can also be a huge plus point for both landlords and tenants, taking the headache out of everyday running of the property and allowing tenants to have a bespoke person to contact in the event of any maintenance issues. So when preparing a property for rental, don't forget that choosing the right agent is just as important as the look and feel of the property itself.

The Property Buyers Checklist - Key Things to Consider Before You Start Bidding

Buying a flat, apartment, or home in Belfast City is a big decision, and is one that requires a massive financial investment. For many people, acquiring a home is the most expensive undertaking they will ever have to make.
There’s a lot a buyer needs to contemplate, which is why it’s essential to have a checklist. It helps to ensure the buyer will consider everything, and not skip over or forget anything important.
Below is a property buyer’s checklist featuring all the key factors to consider before buying a house in Northern Ireland.

1. How Much Is Available

Considering how much money is available for use in buying a home is by far the most important. It’s also one factor buyers have to consider before they can start searching for a home.
Start by using readily available online tools such as online budget planners. Such tools are meant to help buyers get a feel of how much they will spend each week, every two weeks, or a monthly basis.
Apart from the acquisition price, there are also other extra expenses to factor in the budget. They include Lenders Mortgage Insurance, stamp duty, and the realtor fee.

2. Factor in Forgotten or Silent Costs

For first time buyers, there’s a need to note that it’s the extra cost that will arise during the buying process that may cause budgetary mayhem.
Commonly known as forgotten or silent costs, they include:
• Building and pest infections
• Council rates
• Conveyancing
• Stamp duty
• Loan fees
• Additional insurance
• Lenders mortgage insurance

3. Research, Research, Research

A buyer can never be too prepared when they are looking to buy a home. The first step involves narrowing down on the specific areas in Belfast where they would like to move into.
During the research, homebuyers must also consider the recent sale prices, as well as the suburbia profiles as listed on the local real estate websites.
When they are sure they have undertaken enough research, the next step involves having a chat with the local realtors. The chat is meant to provide them with a glimpse of the prevailing trends in the areas they want to buy a home.
Every buyer has to consider what’s important to them, while also keeping an eye out for things that are likely to help in enhancing the value of their properties when the time to sell comes.
Here, essential things to consider will include:
• Access to amenities
• School zoning
• Transport
• Future building plans
• The neighbours

4. Compare the Costs of Buying Vs Remodeling

Renovating vs buying is a decision many home buyers have to make. For those with enough space to remodel, they can avoid the additional hassle of having to look for a new place. All they need to do is to renovate or expand the current residence.
For homeowners who decide to sell and look for a new house, they must begin by realistically establishing what they are likely to get for the current residence. It’s recommended to have a word with lending specialists to get an idea of all the financials involved in a buying exercise.

5. Negotiate Confidently

Whether buying for the first time or not, the worst mistake one can make is to rush the whole process. Consider the money involved before making any impulse buying decisions.
Even though buyers can negotiate firmly when they already have a price in mind, it’s also important to note that one can also walk away. Buyers shouldn’t have to settle when there are other properties out there for them to see.