Are you in the process of selling your property but have decided to take advantage of the warm weather and escape for a little while whilst everything is taking its time? We cannot blame you after such a turbulent year.

Unfortunately, when it comes to taking that break, there is also the worry of your home being safe whilst you are away. With all of your possessions still in the property whilst you are enjoying a relaxing break, there is a risk of potential burglars and opportunistic thieves invading the property not just to steal your belongings, but also to cause considerable damage to the property at the same time.

Failure to Check

According to insurance companies, two-fifths of homeowners fail to check on their doors and windows to ensure they are locked and secured before they jet off on their holidays. You must remember to double-check all windows, doors, garages and outbuildings – and remove all keys.

Before you travel and whilst you are away, be aware that countdown tracers and holiday photos on your social media will highlight the fact that you are away. Many people in the local area will openly discuss that you are away, which will result in an extended knowledge around town that your home is empty and rich for plundering from opportunists.

Ask a friend or relative to keep an eye on your home whilst you are away – such as a trusted neighbour or local family member. They will be able to keep your post, check on the property and ensure that internal problems are prevented for your return home.

Leave the Impression

Do not leave a key under a mat or plant pot for your neighbour to check on the house, as it is a well-overused device that thieves will check on before anything else. You can also make your property look occupied by using timed light switches and asking your neighbour if they would park their car on your drive to give the impression someone is home.

Before you go on holiday, take the time to cut your overgrown grass and borders, as well as put away any garden items that would highlight the fact that no one is home. Having a burglar alarm and security lights are a surefire way to ward off any unwanted intruders. If you do not have any installed, take an investment in safety and have some installed by a local security firm.

Talk With Your Agent

If your property is on the market with estate agents Stockport, be sure that your agent knows that you are away and they will add to the security by checking on the property for safety and leaks.

Contact the team at Joues estate agents for buying property advice and how to sell a house, and feel secure that your property is safe.

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Money! Money! Money! It’s certainly not fun living in the rich man’s world in 2023. As more and more of us put things on the backburner hoping that the situation will improve in the UK, we are all looking for money-saving exercises to get us through.

If you think that would not apply to the housing market, you would be wrong. There are ways to apply saving money whilst moving to a new home also. Make no mistake about it, upscaling or downsizing is a hugely significant purchase – but there are still ways to save some of that all-important moolah on your house move.

At Joules estate agents Stockport, we like to help our clients as much as possible – and that includes advising on how to save a few quid here and there during the process.

Chuck That Clutter

When you are calculating those moving costs – how many of you are paying extra money to move items into your new home that you don’t even want or need? That number is surprisingly high with most clients throughout the year.

It makes good financial sense to conduct a thorough decluttering and toss out the old, unwanted stuff before booking your removal company. With less clutter, you are saving money on packing boxes, saving time on loading up and reducing the number of times a removal company has to make trips or the fuel in your car/van.

If you are putting items into storage, having fewer boxes will help to reduce your expenses as you will undoubtedly be able to have a smaller unit. Some of those unwanted items may be of value to other people also, so you could do some selling and make some money on top.

Book the Right Removals Team Early

Comparing the right pricing between local removal firms is essential, so you need to get multiple quotes whilst also taking the time to read their reviews. It is no good getting a cheap man with a van if they have a track record of damaging valuable goods in transit.

The earlier you tend to book most removal firms, the better – especially if you are planning to move during peak seasons or around a bank holiday. Booking early may save you significant funds whilst also getting the desired firm. You should also enquire if the company does certain discounts which may count towards you.

Some removal firms offer discounts towards armed forces, essential key workers, students or OAPs. don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t see anything on their website or Facebook page.

Talk With Your Agent

An independent estate agent will be there for more than you wanting to buy property in Stockport or looking into how to sell a house – they will have considerable relationships with local businesses that can help to save you money on your move.

Contact the team at Joules estate agents today for help and advice on saving money on your move along with buying property advice.

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