Category: News

If you’ve been thinking about selling your property, it’s likely that you may wish to delay putting it on the market in the short term.

Here at Norman Morrow & Co we totally understand that, but you can use the extra time you have right now to get your property market-ready so that when the time comes, your property can go straight to market and achieve a quick sale.

Like many people, you may have unfortunately found yourself being forced into self-isolation during this dreadful and unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

As businesses close and the usual social haunts are on lockdown, you will find yourself with more time on your hands. Time you would usually spend travelling to the office or just being out and about or at the gym, pub or restaurant.

A few months ago, the thought of uninterrupted time on the sofa would have sounded super appealing, but right now, due to the circumstances, we are all wishing things were back to normal.

The boredom can set in pretty quickly when you are confined to your home, as can anxiety and fear, so it’s important to keep yourself busy.

So, with this in mind, to relieve your boredom, we’ve put together our top seven list of things you can do during lockdown that will be beneficial to the future sale of your property.

1.Clear out the clutter

You know that cupboard, the one where you keep the plastic boxes? Clear it out, rip it apart. No-one needs 76 tupperware boxes, most without lids or ones that don’t fit, or empty Chinese takeaway cartons that you’ve kept because ‘they might be useful’. Bin them and rejoice in having an organised drawer full of tubs with lids that do fit. And whilst you’re at it, why not take a tip from Marie Kondo and cull your pantry, wardrobes and clothes or re-arrange your furniture to make your rooms look bigger and more inviting.

2.Touch up your paintwork

A coat of paint can work wonders for freshening up your home, making it appear brighter and cleaner. If you are self-isolating and have no way of purchasing paint, take a look in your shed or garage! Most of us have forgotten paint pots stored there, even if it’s just a tin of white gloss – that’s good enough to touch up the skirting boards or banisters which will go some way to presenting your home in a good light.

3.Clean your windows

A sparkling set of windows will instantly allow more light to flood into your home, making it brighter and more welcoming. Make sure you clean windows thoroughly on the inside and the outside. You’ll need to put some elbow grease into it to avoid nasty smears, but consider it a home workout as well. Every cloud and all that!

4. Give your entire home a deep clean

It’s important your home is ‘lived in’ and isn’t treated like a showhome, but of course, living in a home means that carpets get dirty, surfaces get dusty and light switches get sticky, so give your home a really thorough deep clean. This is more important than ever at this time but is a task you should do regularly anyway. Clean your toilets, wipe down all surfaces, mop the floors, clean rugs and scrub bathrooms to ensure that your property is in pristine, clean condition.

5. Check all your lightbulbs

It’s easy to overlook dead lightbulbs around the house, particularly those used in ‘the big light’ as many of us never use the harsh overhead lights in our homes, preferring the more ambient use of side lamps. So, systematically walk through your property and check every light and lamp to ensure they are all working. If they are not and you have spare lightbulbs available, replace them immediately. If not, make a list so that you can purchase bulbs when you are able to get to the shops.

6.Fix anything that is broken!

Now is the perfect time to finish those DIY jobs you’ve been putting off. A well-maintained house lets potential buyers know that it’s ‘well cared for’ and this is a fantastic attribute that buyers can pick-up on.

By making sure your property is well maintained you reduce the chances of a potential buyer making a low offer simply due to the fact that they see niggly jobs as a problem and a hassle to get done themselves, even if it’s only something simple such as a cracked floor tile or ugly pipework that needs boxing in. If you have unfinished jobs, make them good now so that your property is presented at its best and in a completed state.

7. Weed the garden and plant some flowers

In these challenging times we all need a bit of colour in our lives, so go outside, get some fresh air and make sure your garden is neat and tidy. Pull up all the weeds, mow the grass, trim hedges, prune trees – after all, summer is coming! Scrub down your garden furniture and then plant some seeds so that in the coming months you will have introduced some welcome colourful flowers into your garden!

We will undoubtedly face some tough times in the coming weeks, so we at Norman Morrow & Co urge you to stay safe, use your time wisely and of course contact us on 02894423291 or mathieu@normanmorrow.co.uk should you have any property related questions. We are ready, when you are.

We take the health and safety of our staff and clients seriously and have taken steps to ensure everyone stays safe at this difficult time.  We hope to continue operating as normal as possible through the coming period and will keep you updated.

Due to the buoyant and progressive sales market in 2017, Norman Morrow & Co. have recently joined forces with Northern Ireland’s largest mortgage broker, The Mortgage Shop.

Occupying a newly refurbished and branded annex within our own office, Stephen Corry from The Mortgage Shop will be a welcome addition to the Crumlin community. Offering appointments daily and out of hours by request, Stephen will be based in the Crumlin office on a full time and permanent basis. Fully qualified to give mortgage and protection advice, he will be available to help any potential first time buyer, anyone climbing the property ladder, remortgaging or simply requiring insurance or protection advice. Landlords with an existing portfolio hoping to refinance or new clients with an interest in ‘buying to let’ can also take advantage of the many products available to this whole of market broker.

Delighted to be in a position to require the services of a full time Mortgage broker, we are already seeing the benefit of an in-house adviser with a marked increase in viewers and enquiries in the past few weeks. We were keen to offer our clients a full range of services whether they are buying or selling, renting or letting and believe The Mortgage Shop are the industry leaders when it comes to providing advice on products from a wide range of lenders.

The new office was officially opened on Saturday 10th February by Councillor Vera McWilliam, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Contact the office to arrange an appointment or to have a chat about your needs.

The 25th January is just another day for most but for our Secretary, Christina Loughran, it marks a 25 year service history – the longest for any member of Norman Morrow’s valued team. Christina joined Norman Morrow & Co. on a ‘Youth Training Programme’ in 1993 to gain skills and experience in office work. Shortly after she enrolled in a ‘Private Secretary’ course and it was no surprise when she passed with flying colours. For the past 25 years she has provided not only secretarial services to the office and to Norman personally but has assisted with all aspects of the business including Sales, Rentals and Property Management over the years.

Christina is valued for her commitment to her work, her vast knowledge of the industry and her much appreciated personal approach to our clients. She is highly regarded by all of our clients and is a well known and active member of the local community. We are delighted to be marking this huge milestone in her career and would like to extend our sincere thanks for her hard work and dedication over the past 25 years. I’m sure you will all help us to congratulate Christina for her outstanding achievement!

Just in time for Christmas, we are running a special promotion to celebrate another successful year in business!

Any homeowners thinking of selling should take full advantage of this fantastic offer in the run up to Christmas! Properties listed For Sale between 1st November 2017 and 18th December 2017 will be entered into a prize draw for a

Luxury Galgorm Resort & Spa Experience!

The lucky winner will have the choice of:

1. Five course meal for two in the River Room Restaurant with a bottle of house Champagne.

2. Enjoy use of the Thermal Spa Village with Spa Lunch or Afternoon Tea for two people.

3. An overnight stay in a Standard guestroom for two people including Full Irish Breakfast and use of the Thermal Village. (Valid January and February only.)

Winner will be drawn on Wednesday 20th December 2017.

With supply levels at an all time low and demand high, NOW is the time to sell! Don’t delay, get on the market before the run up to Christmas kicks off!

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
THE OFFER IS LIMITED TO PROPERTIES LISTED BETWEEN 1ST NOVEMBER 2017 AND 18TH DECEMBER 2017 ONLY.
FULL MARKETING PACKAGES MUST BE PAID IN ORDER TO QUALIFY.
THE OFFER IS OPEN TO NEW PROPERTIES ONLY. PROPERTIES PREVIOUSLY LISTED AND WITHDRAWN WILL BE AT OUR DISCRETION.
THE OFFER IS OPEN TO PROPERTIES LISTED AT AN ASKING PRICE WITHIN 5% OF THE AGENTS VALUATION.
NORMAN MORROW & CO. RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY PROPERTY THAT MAY HAVE LIMITED SELLING POTENTIAL.

 

Thinking of selling your property? Struggling to gather a marketing fee together after all your improvement projects have been paid for? It’s time to take the next step in making your move happen….

For a limited time only we are offering a FREE marketing package inc EPC (if required) to all new customers who register their property FOR SALE with Norman Morrow & Co.

This offer will include:

  • Free Market Appraisal.
  • Eye catching FOR SALE board.
  • In-house PHOTOGRAPHY with professional camera and wide angle lens.
  • Full colour BROCHURE advertised in our prominent office window.
  • Listing on Northern Ireland’s 2 property WEBSITES – Propertypal.com, Propertynews.com and of course our own website normanmorrow.co.uk. 
  • Direct mailshot to registered BUYERS!

The market in South Antrim has been steady over the past 6 months and as a result properties in all areas of Crumlin, Glenavy, Antrim and Ballinderry are in high demand and short supply! Homes which have in the past experienced a delayed selling period are now being snapped up by buyers from all areas of Northern Ireland. Now is the time to sell and being the longest established agent in the area we have the experience to make your move a reality! Call us today to book your free market appraisal!

 

Terms and conditions:
This offer is for a limited time only and can be withdrawn at any time.
The offer is open to new properties only. properties previously listed and withdrawn will be at our discretion.
THE OFFER IS OPEN TO PROPERTIES LISTED AT AN ASKING PRICE WITHIN 5% OF THE AGENTS VALUATION.
NORMAN MORROW & Co. RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY PROPERTY THAT MAY HAVE LIMITED SELLING POTENTIAL.
SHOULD THE PROPERTY BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE MARKET (UNSOLD) WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF BEING LISTED, NORMAN MORROW & Co. WILL BE ENTITLED TO A WITHDRAWAL FEE OF £100 + VAT (£120).

 

 

 

We are hosting a special open evening which will focus on our fantastic selection of New Developments currently available in Crumlin. Buyers will be able to come in and have a chat with our sales specialists about the various house types, timescales, deposits and ask any other questions they might have. They can also take a detailed look at the house plans on a larger scale and see full details on the individual turnley specifications for each development.

Our mortgage advisor will also be on hand to briefly discuss affordability and rough monthly payments.

Although the recent temperatures wouldn’t have you feeling like Summer is on it’s way, Spring is well and truly here! The flowers are in bloom and the smell of cut grass is once again filling the air. Always the most popular time of year for selling, Spring traditionally sees a steady increase in the number of new properties listed. Now really is the time to dust away the cobwebs and take the bull by the horns if you are in the frame of mind for moving, give yourself the maximum advantage of the longer evenings and brighter days to make the most out the home you have created for yourself, and hopefully that new buyer!

DEMAND IS UP!

Demand continues to increase for starter homes with properties under £100k selling within weeks, if not days. Homes in reasonably good order with little modernisation required are top of the wish list for the majority of buyers however Investors are continuing their efforts to pick up the odd project for turning around or to turn into a good rental property, also in high demand! There is also a shortage of small bungalows and ground floor apartments to suit the buyers hoping to down size or in need of easy maintenance. Overall, demand is up, supply is low so this really is a good time to organise a market appraisal, free of charge!

PROFESSIONAL IMAGING AND FLOOR PLANS!

Any good agent should continually review their marketing strategies and the services they offer. Here at Norman Morrow & Co we recognise that trends are changing and buyers are expecting a more informative and polished view of the properties they are considering for viewing. On reflection of that we are now working with a professional photographer and floor planner to maximise the potential in the exposure our extensive marketing already provides.  Costs for these additional services are individual to the property and will be negotiated at the point of instruction. Drone imaging and video footage are also options to consider for larger properties and those with additional outside space or land.

FRESHEN UP FOR THE NEW SEASON!

Many of us will have started our spring clean, selling or not but finding time in a busy schedule to do a good clear out can be the lowest of priorities. If you are thinking of selling your property or are already on the market, taking time to de-clutter and give your home a fresh look for Spring/Summer is a must!

Given the increase in demand and the potential of a professional photographer capturing every little detail of your very lovely but lived in home, now’s the time to write that list and get cracking (no pun intended). Here are a few tips:

  • Show each room to its full potential – clear out the junk room, de-clutter as much as possible!
  • Give any room a new look by changing the colour of a wall, buying a new set of curtains or just rearranging the furniture.
  • Clean up grubby walls by wiping them down or if necessary giving them a fresh coat of paint, hallways and staircases are usually the worst culprits.
  • If you haven’t already….Cut the lawn, trim the hedges, pull the dreaded weeds and invest in a few colourful flower beds to add a touch of life to the front of the house. No room for flower beds? Window boxes will have the same effect!
  • Bringing the colour indoors, fresh flowers will brighten any room… just remember to change them when they’ve had their day!
  • Do all the little minor jobs that you’ve been putting off until a wet day, buyers will notice and it will reflect in the price they’re prepared to pay!

Finally, contact us to give you a market appraisal or to discuss any changes you might have in mind for a current sale! Have a great Easter from all the staff!

 

NB The office is closing at 1pm on Friday 14th and will reopen at 9am on Wednesday 19th.

We are delighted to be supporting the Cool FM Mission Christmas appeal this year by acting as a drop off point for gifts and donations.

Mission Christmas supports families in Northern Ireland who are disadvantaged by providing gifts to make their Christmas a little more cheerful. 1 in 4 children in Northern Ireland live in poverty and last Christmas 8,864 children  received gifts thanks to the Mission Christmas appeal.

Do your bit to help make these kids dreams a reality, it could be a friend or neighbour, it could be your kids one day. When you’re buying your gifts this year just pick up an extra one for a child aged 0-18, boy or girl, and leave it in to the office unwrapped. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just new and unopened.

Thank you!

As the falling leaves of Autumn begin to clutter the roads and gardens, we realise that Winter is well and truly on its way. The dark nights are drawing in and our winter coats are making their way to the front of the wardrobe. You could be forgiven for thinking that the ‘selling season’ is over but with December 2015 being the busiest in our 37 year history we’ll not sit back and take it easy just yet!

At Norman Morrow & Co. we have seen many peaks and troughs in the market over the years, in the past even putting the clock on for the Winter dip but the last few years have seen a noticeable shift in the ‘seasons for selling’. Not too surprising given the considerable rollercoaster we have experienced in the last 10 years but gone are the days of ‘Spring Cleaning’ in order to catch the market. Sellers should remain focused on maintaining their high standards all year round so that any viewer, even opportunists, can appreciate your biggest asset in all its glory! With these top tips we hope to help you make the most of your property and stay ready for viewers all year round!

  1. KERB APPEAL

Buyers have been known to make a judgement on a property within 10 seconds of walking through the door! Great if you have an interior fit for Homes and Gardens but the appearance of the exterior and front garden is just as important in order to get them through the door! Every property needs some Kerb Appeal – a pretty hanging basket, a welcome mat, a door number and most importantly gardens that are well maintained.

If you’re determined to sell your property, use what opportunity you still have to tidy up the garden and prepare for Winter. Give the grass one last cut to keep it neat and tidy, pull the weeds you’ve walked past each evening and ‘meant to do’, fix the garden gate/fence and if needs be give it a fresh coat of paint. Clear out the gutters, reattach downpipes and ensure drains are free from debris to avoid minor flooding in our typical Northern Irish weather! The crisp leaves with an array of colour are attractive on a bright dry morning but an eyesore on a wet windy one!

  1. KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING

Nothing beats an open fire blazing up the chimney on a cold wet evening. If you’re lucky enough to have an open fire, multi-fuel stove or even an Aga in the kitchen, be sure to have them lit and adding to the warmth of the house when viewers come knocking. A coffee and a chat about the many features of living in your fantastic property are ideally located around the heart of the home, the Aga or the open fire!

  1. BRIGHT AND BREEZY

Winter brings dark days and evening viewings are inevitable for most properties. Ensure each room is well lit with the best lighting to suit the time of day. Try to allow as much natural light in as possible by cutting back overhanging trees or branches and opening all blinds or curtains. A few soft touches are always welcomed in the form of lightly scented candles, fresh flowers and easy listening music playing in the background. An open window allows fresh air to circulate and get rid of any lingering smells from cooking or pets. Smoking outside is a must! A non-smoker will be instantly put off by the smell of stale smoke.

Make the most of your home this Winter and the unexpected may just happen!

JPEG

 

The summer is over (snif snif) and the schools are once again bustling with pupils, Autumn is fast approaching. Before you batten down the hatches and look forward to cosy evenings, spare a few hours to discover what your options are when searching for your first or next family home!

Norman Morrow & Co. are hosting a HOME BUYERS EVENT that will give free, independent advice on buying your next home in the South Antrim area. Buyers keen to investigate a move to the up and coming villages of Glenavy and Crumlin or those hoping to take advantage of the peaceful country lifestyle,  should call in and have a chat with the experts!

In business for nearly 40 years, Norman Morrow & Co. is one of the longest established Estate Agents in the area. If there’s anyone knows South Antrim, it’s us! Whether it be through living or working in the area, we have the best local knowledge to help anyone with their move. Based on the Main Street in Crumlin, we offer services to Sellers and Buyers alike including free valuations for marketing purposes and Independent Financial Advice.

Call in between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 29th September to see some of our showcased properties, perfect for first time buyers and home movers. On hand will also be our Independent Financial Advisor to discuss your individual needs and answer any questions you have about qualifying for a mortgage. Also available will be a representative from the Co-ownership Housing Scheme who can discuss the process and qualifying criteria. Financial resources are constantly changing, you could be surprised at the number of options available to you! Can’t attend? Give us a call and arrange another time!

We look forward to seeing you!