30/03/2008 by admin.

Almost every homeowner in Britain has engaged the services of an estate agent at some time or other. Many surveys put estate agents alongside politicians and journalists as those they perceive as the least trustworthy professions. A reputation only hindered by recent ITV satires and undercover documentaries of the industries.

So what’s the truth? Firstly, there is no substitute for reputation. Asking your friends and neighbours about their experience, both as buyers and sellers will always be helpful. Since MunroLock opened our clients have come back to us time and time again and recommended us to their friends.

Secondly, there is a professional association, The National Association of Estate Agents. The NAEA has 10,000 members and is ‘committed to raising professional standards, across all aspects of the property market for the benefit of member agents, and ultimately the home moving public’.

Those that work at estate agents have a duty of care to their clients, stringent procedures to follow, if they ignore these procedures, they could face a criminal record. It is important that those agents who do not comply to these regulations are reported and dealt with. I frequently see things like the over-valuing of properties still happening in this area.

However, Estate Agents should have no reason to be forever tainted with such negative perceptions. After all, few of us come into contact with politicians and journalists at all, but we do need estate agents, and do so when we are undertaking a very important and financially critical transaction – buying or selling our home.

So, yes, you can put your faith in the - right – estate agent.

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30/03/2008 by admin.

The outcome of the recent budget was that there is not much help for first time buyers and they are all wondering how and when they will be able to afford a mortgage and purchase their new home. A time that should be exciting is now a stressful, worrying and drawn out process of saving for a deposit of 10% - 12% of the property price which if you are on a low salary, can take a long time especially if you are buying on your own. You also have to look at getting a mortgage and a lot of buyers are also waiting till the interest rate drops before they look to buy a property. Some lenders give money to people who can not afford the re payments and in the long term may loose the roof over their head. There are other options, such as buying with friends or getting a bargain at an auction but some have complications and are not suitable for everyone. So be prepared, be sensible and make sure you have enough funds in place and speak to our independent mortgage advisor Mark Veness of Approved Mortgages and Loans who will no doubt be able to get you a great rate.

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