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We are a small, independent agency in London with big reach. Our expert, reputable team have years of exceptional experience and knowledge behind them. This coupled with access to both domestic and wide international markets, means we are best placed to maximise your assets. We value our honest service levels, we value repeat business. We value all our clients for life.
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INSIGHT
How to make your London home look brighter and bigger
Autumn is here and soon the nights and even days will start to get darker and greyer, making our homes feel grim and unwelcoming. Natural light is one of the few things that your home can’t have too much of, especially when you are looking to sell. Light can make any space feel bigger and give a property a warm feeling and a sense of home. There are many things you can do to bring more light into your home without having to undertake a major renovation. We have some great and handy tips for sellers on how to make your London home look brighter and, as a result, bigger.
Clever use of mirrors and reflections
Mirrors bounce light around a room and if you place a mirror across from a window, angled right, the natural light will be reflected into the darkest areas of the room. Mirrors are wonderful for making a room look brighter and more spacious, but so are other shiny and reflective surfaces. In your living toom or even bedroom, think about adding some metallic or mirrored furniture or accents to help reflect light around the room.
Stainless steel appliances in your kitchen combined with sleek white cabinets will make your kitchen look brighter. In your kitchen and bathroom you could also look at using glass tiles or backsplashes. In the right conditions, glass tiles will reflect close to 100 per cent of the light that hits them. Instead of glass, you could also look at highly glossy ceramic tiles as these have nearly the same reflective effect. When it comes to light reflection, the superior choice of tile is the subway tile but you can’t beat metallic backsplash tiles for maximum reflection.
Your choice of window dressing
We use curtains and blinds to block out the light but also for privacy, and even when opening your curtains before a viewing there are some rooms that just won’t be able to carry dark velvet drapes without the light being sucked away. Think about swapping your window dressing for lighter shades and make sure that all blinds are fully open before a viewing begins.
The best paint
Your choice of paint can transform any room, making it look cleaner, more relaxing, cosier and, of course, brighter. It will be of no surprise that neutral shades such as whites and pastels will make a room look brighter, but whilst you’re deciding which colour to choose, leave testing splotches on your wall for over 24 hours, this way you will be able to see which looks the best in the differing light throughout the day.
The paint shade you choose for your interior walls is one way to reflect natural light back into your rooms. Nothing is brighter than a white stain, which will also make your home look clean and fresh. If you’re not a fan of white, look at the varying shades of off white to see if that works better for you. But remember, this is the home you are leaving, so the colour should be chosen to enhance your home’s features and attract potential buyers – you can have fun with colour when you are settled in your new home.
Don’t forget your ceiling when you’re decorating. The reason most ceilings are white is because white reflects light, yet ceilings can often go unnoticed. Choose a matte finish for your ceilings, as this reduces the glare – plus, they don’t need the washability of gloss paints because they won’t get touched as much or filled with children’s wonderful and unexpected art work!
Furniture
Sometimes it can be hard getting light into a dark room without adding a new window – you don’t have to go to such an expense, instead play with the light you already have. Angle your furniture towards the light so that it reflects off it, especially if it is pale in colour. You may not be able to get more sunlight into your room but a large light coloured rug will help brighten it up, especially if you have darker floors.
Clutter also has a way of draining light from a room and making it feel claustrophobic and unwelcoming. By decluttering, organising and minimising the amount of furniture you have in a space, it will feel larger and brighter as a result.
Importance of light
Never forget the importance of light when selling your home in London, you don’t need to knock down walls to make a difference. If you want to understand the difference we can make to your selling experience, give our team a call on 020 3002 2650.
Clever use of mirrors and reflections
Mirrors bounce light around a room and if you place a mirror across from a window, angled right, the natural light will be reflected into the darkest areas of the room. Mirrors are wonderful for making a room look brighter and more spacious, but so are other shiny and reflective surfaces. In your living toom or even bedroom, think about adding some metallic or mirrored furniture or accents to help reflect light around the room.
Stainless steel appliances in your kitchen combined with sleek white cabinets will make your kitchen look brighter. In your kitchen and bathroom you could also look at using glass tiles or backsplashes. In the right conditions, glass tiles will reflect close to 100 per cent of the light that hits them. Instead of glass, you could also look at highly glossy ceramic tiles as these have nearly the same reflective effect. When it comes to light reflection, the superior choice of tile is the subway tile but you can’t beat metallic backsplash tiles for maximum reflection.
Your choice of window dressing
We use curtains and blinds to block out the light but also for privacy, and even when opening your curtains before a viewing there are some rooms that just won’t be able to carry dark velvet drapes without the light being sucked away. Think about swapping your window dressing for lighter shades and make sure that all blinds are fully open before a viewing begins.
The best paint
Your choice of paint can transform any room, making it look cleaner, more relaxing, cosier and, of course, brighter. It will be of no surprise that neutral shades such as whites and pastels will make a room look brighter, but whilst you’re deciding which colour to choose, leave testing splotches on your wall for over 24 hours, this way you will be able to see which looks the best in the differing light throughout the day.
The paint shade you choose for your interior walls is one way to reflect natural light back into your rooms. Nothing is brighter than a white stain, which will also make your home look clean and fresh. If you’re not a fan of white, look at the varying shades of off white to see if that works better for you. But remember, this is the home you are leaving, so the colour should be chosen to enhance your home’s features and attract potential buyers – you can have fun with colour when you are settled in your new home.
Don’t forget your ceiling when you’re decorating. The reason most ceilings are white is because white reflects light, yet ceilings can often go unnoticed. Choose a matte finish for your ceilings, as this reduces the glare – plus, they don’t need the washability of gloss paints because they won’t get touched as much or filled with children’s wonderful and unexpected art work!
Furniture
Sometimes it can be hard getting light into a dark room without adding a new window – you don’t have to go to such an expense, instead play with the light you already have. Angle your furniture towards the light so that it reflects off it, especially if it is pale in colour. You may not be able to get more sunlight into your room but a large light coloured rug will help brighten it up, especially if you have darker floors.
Clutter also has a way of draining light from a room and making it feel claustrophobic and unwelcoming. By decluttering, organising and minimising the amount of furniture you have in a space, it will feel larger and brighter as a result.
Importance of light
Never forget the importance of light when selling your home in London, you don’t need to knock down walls to make a difference. If you want to understand the difference we can make to your selling experience, give our team a call on 020 3002 2650.
Why location, location, location is driving sellers across London
We can all agree that the last couple of years has been an experience. It has seen us separated from those we love, locked into neighbourhoods, and opened our eyes to what’s important. For many, it has pressed them to make the massive change that is moving house, yet at Right Now Residential we have found that there’s been one common denominator when it comes to motivation to move. Yes, some sellers may be looking for more space but what we are told again and again is that location, location, location is more important now than ever before.
The family incentive
Over the years, decades and generations, many things have pulled us apart – a desire to travel, relocating for work, love and lifestyle. As families, we have accepted living miles apart and coming together for celebrations and holidays. Yet the pandemic, as we know, put a halt to all socialising and travel and meant that, instead of weeks, the time between seeing each other in person turned into years. This has been the driving force for some sellers to make the move to be closer to their loved ones. We have met with children taking the huge step to uproot their lives to settle closer to their parents, and parents doing the same to be close to their children and grandchildren.
This desire for physical closeness is a fierce driver home moving, and also a very emotional one. These sellers are not moving because their house has become too big or too small, or because they have fallen out of love with their property or neighbourhood. The reality of leaving what they love can make these moves difficult, but, ultimately, they know that at the end of it they will finally be in easy distance of what really matters in their lives – those they love.
Change in lifestyle
Cities were the hub where all the action happened and, for many professionals, the only place to be should you wish to climb the career ladder. Now there has been a revolution, a change in perspective, a reality check as it were – a realisation that you really can have a work–life balance. With homeworking continuing for many and employers embracing a more flexible working culture, many sellers are leaving the city life to find their calm amidst the chaos.
Lockdown rules encouraged us all to get out and exercise, with many walking more than ever before – according to Tom Platt, of The Ramblers Association, 'People say they will continue to walk more when the Covid restrictions have ended.' It is therefore no surprise that we have found that many sellers are seeking a new home close to walking trails. Whether these sellers are heading for the hills or the beach, they are seeking a lifestyle that is in complete contrast to what they had been living before.
Rediscovering the beauty on our doorsteps
When you are not allowed to travel out of your local neighbourhood, it is amazing how much you discover is available on your doorstep. It’s as though your eyes have been opened to a new world, and the streets you once raced down, you now wander and take in slowly, seeing what each store has to offer and what’s at the end of that path. If you’re house no longer fits, once you have rediscovered the beauty on your doorstop, you may wish a new home but not a new location.
We love meeting sellers who have been reawakened to their little piece of London during the last couple of years, and although they feel they are ready to move home for one reason or another, there is one area of their search they will not compromise on, and that is the location. They have fallen in love with where they live again, and we just love helping them find a buyer who feels exactly the same.
The best position
Understanding why you wish to move is crucial if we are to provide you with the finest service. We can ensure that your location-dictated move becomes a reality and works with the timescale you have in mind. If you’re motivated to sell because of location, location, location, contact the agent in the best position to sell your home, get in touch with our team at Right Now Residential on 020 3002 2650.
The family incentive
Over the years, decades and generations, many things have pulled us apart – a desire to travel, relocating for work, love and lifestyle. As families, we have accepted living miles apart and coming together for celebrations and holidays. Yet the pandemic, as we know, put a halt to all socialising and travel and meant that, instead of weeks, the time between seeing each other in person turned into years. This has been the driving force for some sellers to make the move to be closer to their loved ones. We have met with children taking the huge step to uproot their lives to settle closer to their parents, and parents doing the same to be close to their children and grandchildren.
This desire for physical closeness is a fierce driver home moving, and also a very emotional one. These sellers are not moving because their house has become too big or too small, or because they have fallen out of love with their property or neighbourhood. The reality of leaving what they love can make these moves difficult, but, ultimately, they know that at the end of it they will finally be in easy distance of what really matters in their lives – those they love.
Change in lifestyle
Cities were the hub where all the action happened and, for many professionals, the only place to be should you wish to climb the career ladder. Now there has been a revolution, a change in perspective, a reality check as it were – a realisation that you really can have a work–life balance. With homeworking continuing for many and employers embracing a more flexible working culture, many sellers are leaving the city life to find their calm amidst the chaos.
Lockdown rules encouraged us all to get out and exercise, with many walking more than ever before – according to Tom Platt, of The Ramblers Association, 'People say they will continue to walk more when the Covid restrictions have ended.' It is therefore no surprise that we have found that many sellers are seeking a new home close to walking trails. Whether these sellers are heading for the hills or the beach, they are seeking a lifestyle that is in complete contrast to what they had been living before.
Rediscovering the beauty on our doorsteps
When you are not allowed to travel out of your local neighbourhood, it is amazing how much you discover is available on your doorstep. It’s as though your eyes have been opened to a new world, and the streets you once raced down, you now wander and take in slowly, seeing what each store has to offer and what’s at the end of that path. If you’re house no longer fits, once you have rediscovered the beauty on your doorstop, you may wish a new home but not a new location.
We love meeting sellers who have been reawakened to their little piece of London during the last couple of years, and although they feel they are ready to move home for one reason or another, there is one area of their search they will not compromise on, and that is the location. They have fallen in love with where they live again, and we just love helping them find a buyer who feels exactly the same.
The best position
Understanding why you wish to move is crucial if we are to provide you with the finest service. We can ensure that your location-dictated move becomes a reality and works with the timescale you have in mind. If you’re motivated to sell because of location, location, location, contact the agent in the best position to sell your home, get in touch with our team at Right Now Residential on 020 3002 2650.
Is your bathroom really aiding the sale of your London home?
Selling your home is an art, and your success can largely depend on how you prepare your home for sale. Bathrooms really do have the potential to make or break a sale – a new or well-maintained bathroom can say a lot about a home, whereas the alternative screams pound signs, something no potential buyer cares to see. With the high cost of replacing a bathroom, it is no wonder that how yours is presented could potentially break the sale. Buyers want to see a spa-like sanctuary, a place they can go and relax, so stand in the doorway of your bathroom and ask yourself: is my bathroom aiding the sale of my home?
Unsightly view
We have all seen them whilst flicking through properties online, those bathrooms filled with everyday items and toiletries making the room look far from attractive. That toothbrush in its holder, toothpaste on the sink – although this is normal life, you have to change your thinking and turn your bathroom into more of a chic hotel setting. Every surface needs to be clear, with only a small selection of items on display, such as a couple of carefully placed luxury bottles. Get inspiration from hotels, interior magazines and Instagram, where bathrooms are elegantly staged to create a luxurious space that no buyer would want to leave.
Is there space?
No matter the room, space is always something that buyers crave. If they feel like storage is an issue, it can make them contemplate whether your property is going to be big enough for them. Buyers will naturally want to have a nosey in cupboards, which is why you need to make sure that your bathroom cabinets are clean and beautifully organised. Use baskets or boxes to organise and store items on your shelves, as this gives a clean and tidy look.
Bring back the shine
Of course, a bathroom is going to lose its shine over time, but missing or mouldy grout really isn’t that attractive and will no doubt be the first thing your potential buyers see. You would be amazed how quickly they can begin to question the asking price of your property if they don’t feel it has been well maintained. Make sure your bathroom is cared for and loved, so that when they start to think about an offer, they will want it to be competitive so that your home doesn’t slip through their fingers.
Make it sparkle
From taps to showerheads, from the bath to the sink, every inch of your bathroom should be sparkling clean. Don’t forget your shower door – there are some great tools that can keep this looking super clean. If you have a shower curtain, just grab a new one for the viewings – ideally one that is a neutral design and works with the colours of your bathroom.
Fluffy and white
You know when you stay at a nice hotel or resort and they have those gloriously fluffy white towels and bathrobes? When it comes to towels, you want them looking their best for viewings, which is why at Right Now Residential we always recommend that you purchase some ‘viewing’ towels. These brand new white and fluffy towels are only to be put out when you have a viewing, so you know they will always be ready to look their best, even if you have very little notice.
Bring the outside in
One easy way to transform your bathroom is to bring in the outdoors by incorporating plants and natural textures. Plants can also help filter out any toxins that may be in the air, and humidity-loving plants thrive in a bathroom environment. Plants will add colour and personality to a room with very little effort, and you don’t need a big bathroom either. But a swell as providing some decoration they are also known to purify the air and release natural oils – they can even lower your stress levels, which is ideal when you are wanting to soak in a long hot bubble bath.
Don’t forget the scents
Viewing a property is a sensory experience, your mind is soaking in everything it sees, hears, touches and, of course, smells. When you think of a luxurious bathroom, you want the room to be filled with calming scents such as lavender, peppermint, citrus or rosemary. It’s about matching the scent to the vibe and style of your bathroom, as mismatched aromas can confuse the senses. You want buyers to be excited by the ambience you have created.
Every room counts
It is essential to remember, when selling your home, that every room counts. If you take time to truly prepare your home for sale, you will reap the rewards in estate agent valuations and subsequent offers. For more advice on how to prepare each room of your home for sale in London, contact our sales team on020 3002 2650.
Unsightly view
We have all seen them whilst flicking through properties online, those bathrooms filled with everyday items and toiletries making the room look far from attractive. That toothbrush in its holder, toothpaste on the sink – although this is normal life, you have to change your thinking and turn your bathroom into more of a chic hotel setting. Every surface needs to be clear, with only a small selection of items on display, such as a couple of carefully placed luxury bottles. Get inspiration from hotels, interior magazines and Instagram, where bathrooms are elegantly staged to create a luxurious space that no buyer would want to leave.
Is there space?
No matter the room, space is always something that buyers crave. If they feel like storage is an issue, it can make them contemplate whether your property is going to be big enough for them. Buyers will naturally want to have a nosey in cupboards, which is why you need to make sure that your bathroom cabinets are clean and beautifully organised. Use baskets or boxes to organise and store items on your shelves, as this gives a clean and tidy look.
Bring back the shine
Of course, a bathroom is going to lose its shine over time, but missing or mouldy grout really isn’t that attractive and will no doubt be the first thing your potential buyers see. You would be amazed how quickly they can begin to question the asking price of your property if they don’t feel it has been well maintained. Make sure your bathroom is cared for and loved, so that when they start to think about an offer, they will want it to be competitive so that your home doesn’t slip through their fingers.
Make it sparkle
From taps to showerheads, from the bath to the sink, every inch of your bathroom should be sparkling clean. Don’t forget your shower door – there are some great tools that can keep this looking super clean. If you have a shower curtain, just grab a new one for the viewings – ideally one that is a neutral design and works with the colours of your bathroom.
Fluffy and white
You know when you stay at a nice hotel or resort and they have those gloriously fluffy white towels and bathrobes? When it comes to towels, you want them looking their best for viewings, which is why at Right Now Residential we always recommend that you purchase some ‘viewing’ towels. These brand new white and fluffy towels are only to be put out when you have a viewing, so you know they will always be ready to look their best, even if you have very little notice.
Bring the outside in
One easy way to transform your bathroom is to bring in the outdoors by incorporating plants and natural textures. Plants can also help filter out any toxins that may be in the air, and humidity-loving plants thrive in a bathroom environment. Plants will add colour and personality to a room with very little effort, and you don’t need a big bathroom either. But a swell as providing some decoration they are also known to purify the air and release natural oils – they can even lower your stress levels, which is ideal when you are wanting to soak in a long hot bubble bath.
Don’t forget the scents
Viewing a property is a sensory experience, your mind is soaking in everything it sees, hears, touches and, of course, smells. When you think of a luxurious bathroom, you want the room to be filled with calming scents such as lavender, peppermint, citrus or rosemary. It’s about matching the scent to the vibe and style of your bathroom, as mismatched aromas can confuse the senses. You want buyers to be excited by the ambience you have created.
Every room counts
It is essential to remember, when selling your home, that every room counts. If you take time to truly prepare your home for sale, you will reap the rewards in estate agent valuations and subsequent offers. For more advice on how to prepare each room of your home for sale in London, contact our sales team on020 3002 2650.
