Newsletter Issue 8: July 2013

Mortgage Approvals at a 3 year high!

The numbers of people who browse through our newsletter or simply look at the latest Auction properties has increased over the last 12 months which reflects the increased interest in the housing market.

The number of mortgages approved for house purchases rose to its highest level in three-and-a-half years in May, according to figures from the Bank of England.

Over 58,000 mortgages were approved in May, up by 4,000 on the average of the previous six months. The Building Societies' Association (BSA) showed the number of first-time buyers granted loans by mutuals was up by 50% in the first five months of 2013.

When coupled with historically low interest rates the increase in mortgages reflects the increase of footfall and web visitors we have experienced since January.

Whilst this is positive news the market peaked at 85,000 mortgages per month so some perspective is required.

Buy to let mortgages are also increasing as the number of people in rented properties continues to increase with the number of people in rented properties doubling in the past ten years whilst home ownership drops.

Auctions remain unbelievably buoyant in the city with nationally leading sales figures.

All in all cause for quiet optimism.

I hope you enjoy the rest of our Newsletter and if you have any comments to make please do send us an email and we'll ensure we'll get back to you.

Rob Farnham
Chief Executive

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Liverpool

	220 Quebec Quay, L3 4ER - &220,000 Stylish "Turret" apartment Extensive views of River Mersey Two bedrooms, two bathrooms Fitted kitchen Allocated & visitor parking Gas central heating & double glazing CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	22 Caldy Road, Liverpool, L9 - &159,950 Substantial double-fronted terrace house Large garage (suitable for a number of vehicles) Three bedrooms Extended fitted kitchen Two reception rooms CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	119 Capricorn Crescent, L14 9LR - &89,950 ONO Two double bedrooms Attractive rear garden Paved driveway to front Gas central heating & double glazing No ongoing chain! CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Oak Lynn, Cuckoo Lane, L25 3PL - &449,950 Four bedrooms Extended beautifully Front & rear gardens Garage & off road parking An abundance of living space CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	The Coach House, Alexandra Drive, L17 8TB - &300,000 Bespoke design Four substantial bedrooms Private garden En-suite facilities No onward chain CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Port Talbot Close, L19 2HS - &209,950 Adaptable spacious four bedrooms Contemporary kitchen & bathrooms En-suite facilities Attractive rear garden Juliet balconies CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Wirral

	32 Kings Road, Bebington, CH63 5QL - &265,000 Four bedroom semi detached property Three reception rooms Four piece bathroom suite Front & rear gardens Off road parking No onward chain CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	10 Gorsefield Avenue, Bromborough - &299,950 Detached family home Four double bedrooms En-suite to master bedroom Two entertaining rooms Large rear garden Viewing recommended CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	1 Dawstone Rise, Heswall - &695,000 Unique property with views over Welsh Hills Embracing modern contemporary style of living Bespoke breakfast kitchen with appliances Five great sized bedrooms with en-suite & bathroom Walking distance of the local primary school CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	1a Warwick Road, Upton - &315,000 Large corner plot Extensive gardens Three bedrooms Modern kitchen with utility Large conservatory & garage Separate reception rooms CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	19 Marlborough Grove, Prenton - &169,950 Close to Oxton village Two reception rooms Large kitchen / diner Four double bedrooms Walled rear garden CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Clevelands, Croft Drive East, Caldy - &875,000 Exceptional purchase opportunity Detached home set in extensive gardens Four bedrooms, master en-suite Three separate reception rooms Kitchen and utility room Refurbishment required CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Southport

	Victoria Road, Freshfield, L37 - &2,675,000 Prestigious & highly salubrious location Stunning architect designed family home Immaculately presented Five double bedrooms with en-suites High spec modern fitted kitchen Bang & Olufsen surround sound throughout CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Hatfield Road, Ainsdale PR8 - &315,000 Five double bedrooms Two en-suites & ground floor bathroom Large open plan dining kitchen Ample off road parking Utility room & conservatory Feature landscaped gardens CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Delamere Road, Ainsdale, PR8 - &435,000 Double fronted detached house Four bedrooms Stunning gardens Parking and double garage Walking distance to Ainsdale village No onward chain! CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Mere House, The Gravel, Mere Brow, PR4 - &370,000 Detached family home Four bedrooms (master en-suite) Three reception rooms Beautiful feature gardens Off street parking Garage CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Bibby Road, Churchtown, Southport, PR9 - &349,950 Four bedroom detached family home Two reception rooms & dining kitchen Utility room & outside WC Retains original character & charm Sunny aspect gardens & garage Much sought after location CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Hereford Road, Southport, PR9 - &189,950 Four bedrooms Large breakfast kitchen Through lounge & dining New UPVC double glazing Off street parking Gardens CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Sonia Mumford-Roach
POSITION: Area Director
LOCATION: West Kirby

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at BFL? Been with BFL from day one, ten years!

Favourite Wirral Bar/Restaurant? Wirral Wro Bar

Top Tune? Lady by Modjo
Favourite TV Programme? The Apprentice
Interesting Fact about you? I have sung with Paul McCartney's brother and danced with John Lennons sister.

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Samantha Clothier
POSITION: Branch Manager
LOCATION: Allerton

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at Venmores? 3 years
Favourite Liverpool Bar/Restaurant? Gusto, Albert Dock
Top Tune? U2 - One Love
Favourite TV Programme? At the moment BBC drama Frankie
Interesting Fact about you? When I was 16 I was an extra on Brookside riding a horse on a beach and I was also filmed for Homes Under The Hammer whilst working at Venmores.

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Tom Jennings
POSITION: Sales Negotiator
LOCATION: Southport

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at Ball & Percival? 3 months
Favourite Southport Bar/Restaurant? Verve (Birkdale Village)
Top Tune? Oasis - Champagne Supernova
Favourite TV Programme? Big Bang Theory
Interesting Fact about you? I used to fly private jets around the world for the rich and famous

The Housing Market is stopping grumbling and starting rumbling.

2013 has seen a dramatic change in the activity within the housing market in Southport, Merseyside, Wirral and North Wales. Since 2008 the housing market has pretty much flat lined in terms of activity and slipped gradually backwards on price.

During the opening six months of 2013 the numbers of visitors to our websites and property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla have increased by over 70%. Whilst a chunk of this growth is down to how we use the internet to idly gaze and dream it has translated into an increase of over 30% in the numbers of leads our properties have generated in comparison to the same period last year.

Viewings of properties are up by 25% and sales by 20% again compared to the same period last year. As the number of houses coming to market has remained static this means that the average time to sell a house is dropping again by over 25% which is good news for those selling.

In any normal economic cycle an increase in activity and a reduction in stock would mean at some stage prices begin to move upwards again. This is not a normal economic cycle and the pressure on the financial institutions to keep lending within sensible and affordable limits will help ensure that prices remain stable.

There is a mortgage available now if you have a decent credit history and a deposit of 10%, for first time buyers that can be as low as 5 % and the incentive on purchasers is to shop around for a good deal. It’s also refreshing to see a change in television and newspaper advertising reminding people that there are mortgages around.

So is now a good time to buy? The market indicators are that prices have bottomed which combined with the low cost of funding means yes. It could be that collectively we have accepted the economy as it stands today and are getting on with life and aiming to realize the dream to become owners of our own homes.

Prepare To Sell...

Unclutter Rooms look neater and become easier for people to imagine living in

Repair Give people reasons to buy rather than reasons not to.

Clean Makes your home more welcoming and gives the impresion it has been cared for. Tidy up; put everything away or in its place. Ensure windows, curtains and carpets/flooring are clean. Remove thick dust. Ventilate rooms.

Kitchen Make sure the work surfaces are clear and clean. Oven, sink and tiling should appear fresh and clean. Make sure there are no unpleasant cooking smells.

Bathroom Remove any lime scale. Clean plug holes and mirrors. Replace or clean shower curtain. Clean toilet, bath and sink. Repair any leaks and replace tiles and grout as needed.

Bedrooms Tidy wardrobes and make sure clothes are put away. Any unrequired items, for example shoes or toys, should be packed away and stored in the loft or garage.

Garage Dispose of any unnecessary items – doing this before your move will save time later on.

Outdoors Make sure you have ’Kerb Appeal’. Looking at your house from the road, would you want to buy it? Keep the lawn neat and mown, tidying the borders. Keep drive, paths, yard and any steps clear. Repair any cracked or broken windows. Repair any external damage to property or fences. Keep the patio area neat and ensure that any garden furniture is in good repair.

General Replace light bulbs as needed.

Refresh any paintwork.

Ensure the property smells fresh.

Keep pets out of the way.

If you have a question regarding the above topic, please contact the editor na.goodwin@venmores.co.uk

Mortgage update

NO ADVICE FEE ON MORTGAGES

Venmore Mortgage Services is delighted to announce that we no longer charge an advice fee for mortgages.

Couple this with the fact that we are able to advise from the whole of the market this really does make Venmore Mortgage Services the place to come to for quality mortgage advice.

Our Mortgage Adviser Nadine Edwards is massively experienced and fully qualified to give mortgage advice. Nadine really goes the extra mile to help all of her clients whether they be a first time buyer or an investor looking to add to their property portfolio.

Also unlike a typical bank or building society Nadine will meet with clients after work or on a Saturday.

Even if you already have been to see a mortgage adviser or perhaps even had an agreement in principal it is still worth getting a second opinion, after all this is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you will make!

To book a no obligation meeting with Nadine please call 07798 882856 or e mail her on Nadine.bflmortgages@hotmail.co.uk

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments or other loans secured on it.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some aspects of buy to let mortgages.

Venmore Mortgage Services is a trading style of BFL Mortgage Services Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Registered in England & Wales. Company number 06734055. Registered office 7 Pensby Road Heswall Wirral CH6 7RA.

Zoe's Place Hospice

Home from Home for families of seriously ill children at a Liverpool Hospice were given a 20k makeover.

Estate Agents The Venmore Group led the improvements and Jaguar Landrover and local businesses helped to come up with the cash to fund the project.

Everton FC footballer Seamus Coleman joined ex-Liverpool FC player Robbie Fowler in opening the new Parent Flat.

Carol Kirkham fund raising manager for Zoes Place said “ the Venmore Group embarked on this major refurbishment of our Parent Flat and have gone above and beyond what we could ever have imagined they could do. We cannot thank them enough.

The project has converted a run down flat into a comfortable living area for the families. The flat provides room for families to stay over while their child is in the Hospice.

Business Development Director Maria Barrigan from the Venmore Group said working on the project and meeting the children has been an inspiration. It is such an amazing cause, the children are beautiful and so happy I would like to thank everyone involved.

When Maria first saw the rooms that needed refurbishing she said she was surprised at the work which needed doing. They just had 3 wooden beds in single rooms. Now they have a living area and a amazing bedrooms. The refurbishment saw walls knocked down, showers replaced the rooms rewired, plastered and painted and all new furniture.

Lettings Market Continues To Thrive!

GREAT NEWS FOR LANDLORDS as once again extra staff are needed for our letting department throughout the summer months!!

Our letting departments, in the city and South Liverpool, are very much looking forward to the annual summer influx of tenants looking to secure their ideal property. Whether this be a city centre apartment overlooking the Mersey or a large house to share with friends in South Liverpool, our stock levels are always high and the demand is incredible.

To cope with demand we take on new staff in each office to ensure our levels of customer service are kept to the highest possible level, our landlords are kept informed and our tenants are moved into their chosen homes quickly and efficiently.

If you have a property that you would to let, or are looking to find your perfect rental, please contact our Lettings deptartment on 0151 236 4400 or email me at d.kay@venmores.co.uk.

Here’s to a great Summer 2013!

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