I am in the blog equivalent of the dog house as it’s ages since I updated. Don’t worry I haven’t disappeared but have spent the last few weeks networking and improving my own property and my eco credentials into the bargain…so get ready for a few months of me waxing lyrical about lime plaster, thermafleece, home maintenance, eco paints, permaculture and all things green as well as lots of publicity about my next big project The Bradford on Avon Green Fair…October 3rd and 4th (Details in my next blog!)

People have been contacting me thinking that the sorry state of the housing market has sent me into a state of blind panic or an early grave. (As if?) On the relocation front, rather than scouring my particular patch of countryside for great homes for my clients I have instead spent hours with my ear glued to a mobile phone sweet talking estate agents and solicitors into helping my clients through that minefield of the difficult market - the gazunderer and the broken chain. Whilst certain sections of the market plummet in price, nervous buyers find the time between  an offer being accepted and contracts exchanged increasingly difficult. Fearful of ending up with a property which is worth considerably less than they have agreed to pay for it when they finally move in, they suddenly review their offer, sometimes within minutes of exchanging contracts, sending several dependant purchases into turmoil. It’s understandable, morally questionable but perfectly legal. I could get on my soapbox about how the system needs to change and how HIPS with compulsory surveys might have helped the situation but I prefer to focus on the positives……that employing a relocation agent makes it more likely this kind of problem wiill be resolved and  that I have always found homes for clients in great communities rather than properties with investment potential alone and therefore the properties I am negotiating on are good value for my clients long term.

The economic climate has also lead to an increase in clients wanting to stay put and improve their properties,  saving themselves money in the short and long term. For some this means introducing energy saving features like solar panels and better insulation. For others who have less money to spend it’s more about maintaining what they have so that it works more efficiently. This week I have projects in hand ranging from repair and repainting of exterior woodwork using eco-paints to flushing out an ancient central heating system and fitting thermostatic valves on the radiators so that it works more efficiently in the Winter.

Now is the time to tackle the jobs which will make your home cosy, secure and cheaper to run in the long term. And if you want some great advice about how to ‘green up’ without going bankrupt you know where to come……