Decisions, Decisions, Decisions 

Jason Stubbs of Phillips and Stubbs looks at how important making the right choice of agent is when planning your next property move.

Markets are forever in flux. That is their nature. So our handling of them must be flexible too.

In the stock market we can buy, hold or sell depending on conditions. In a fruit and vegetable market we can buy the freshest produce early in the morning at the full price, or at the end of the day we can purchase what no one else has bought at a cheaper rate.

The property market is always in flux too. There are occasions when there is a lot of stock and buyers have so much choice they can take their time and sometimes make cheeky offers.

But we are not in that market now. In many places around the UK it is quite the opposite. Figures show that there are up to half as many properties on the market as there were this time last year – and 2017 wasn’t particularly good for stock. So, at present, there is much less choice. Also, with more people chasing fewer properties, there is not so much time to make important buying decisions.

So forget a leisurely, late evening, glass-in-hand, browse through your preferred property portal. It is not going to help very much. Because by the time a good property gets onto a portal nowadays the early bird will have already caught its worm.

Serious buyers behave differently in this market. They know that they need to find a property before it ever reaches a portal  - and that the best way to do this is to get to know their local independent estate agent so they can be first in the queue for the pick of the properties in our case by joining our Coastal & Country Club.

You see, the local experienced agents know the local market best. They know local people. They know when someone is about to make a move. Then they match who they know wants to sell with who they know wants to buy. Property portals don’t do that. Nor do most of the so-called, on-line ‘local property experts’, who, sadly, often don’t even live and/or work in the same town, never mind the same locality.

So if you are serious about buying get to know your local, well-established, estate agent. You will find his or her knowledge and experience provide the very best value in professional advice - because it won’t cost you a thing.  And if you are selling it’s pretty good value too because your local high street estate agents won’t charge you a brass farthing until they have achieved a great sales result for you.

 

 

A renowned Grade II* Listed timber framed period Manor House of fifteenth century origin, in need of general updating and improvement works, set about 100 yards back from a country lane in gardens and grounds of approaching seven acres.

Strawberry Hole Farm is situated in unspoilt surroundings and approached by a long private driveway within half a mile of the village of Northiam with steepled church, local shops, leisure facilities including bowls club, angling club, snooker club, library and Great Dixter house and gardens. There is also a doctor's surgery, vets and primary school.

 

A beautifully presented detached period house with influences of the Arts & Crafts Movement occupying a hidden position close to the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye being set well back from the road in secluded gardens with a garage and parking.

 

A detached Grade II listed period house occupying a rural location on Romney Marsh set within established gardens. Brattle House is situated close to the small village of Brookland with its primary school, Royal Oak public house and 13th century Church of St Augustine with lead font and detached octagonal wooden belfry. Brookland is set on an attractive part of Walland Marsh, renowned for big sky views, picturesque walks and historic churches including the church in Fairfield dedicated to St Thomas a Beckett, standing alone in the fields and approached by a grass causeway.

 

A detached Grade II Listed thatched cottage occupying a rural setting between the villages of Fairlight and Pett, set in mature gardens and grounds of approaching one acre.

FOR SALE, WINCHELSEA BEACH, £530,000

 

TWO MINUTES WALK TO THE SEA.....A detached three bedroom bungalow situated within the coastal village of Winchelsea Beach overlooking the Harbour Field, close to local amenities and the beach with coastal walks to Pett Level and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.o the front of the property there is an in and out driveway providing parking for 6 cars and access to the attached tandem garage having an electric up and over door, light and power connected, window and personal door to rear.The rear garden has a paved terrace and decking with Summerhouse and steps down to the main lawn and ornamental pond feature. There are two timber sheds and the rear is both hedge and fence enclosed.

 

A ground floor apartment forming part of a substantial Edwardian house located close to the town centre with a delightful south facing garden.The property occupies a most convenient location set about half a mile from the centre of the market town of Tenterden, providing a comprehensive range of amenities including traditional and specialist independent shops and national outlets, Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets, professional services including banks, building societies, accountants, solicitors and doctors' surgery, together with schools for all ages, restaurants and period buildings. Tenterden has a modern leisure centre and two golf courses.

SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

 

Many styles, large and small, secret walled gardens, spring bulbs, herbaceous borders and more, in the beautiful setting of the Cinque Port of Winchelsea. Explore the town with its magnificent church and famous medieval merchants' cellars.

Information at winchelsea.com and winchelseachurch.co.uk. Enquiries to david@ryeview.net, 01797 226524. If you are bringing a coach please let us know. Guided tours of cellars on mornings of 14 April and 16 June, booking essential 07596 182874. See winchelsea.com/cellar-tours.

 

This is the first ever solo Pablo Picasso exhibition at Tate Modern. It will bring you face-to-face with more than 100 paintings, sculptures and drawings, mixed with family photographs and rare glimpses into his personal life. 

Three of his extraordinary paintings featuring his lover Marie-Thérèse Walter are shown together for the first time since they were created over a period of just five days in March 1932.

The myths around Picasso will be stripped away to reveal the man and the artist in his full complexity and richness. You will see him as never before.