Hegartys Magazine

Magazine

Your essential property guide

Magical MakeoversTransform your bathroominto a tranquil haven legal PiTFalls

Don’t fall in the red tape trap

Autumn Edition

HegarTYs heart is in Houghton and Hetton – where we sell more homes than any other estate agent in the area. That’s because we know the area like the back of our hand which ensures you get the knowledge and expertise you deserve when buying or selling your home.

Not only are we based in Houghton-le-Spring, our staff also live in the vicinity and have a deep understanding of the local property market.

Established in 2003, Hegartys has built its excellent reputation on the superb service it provides its customers, using the latest and best ways to secure a sale.

Responding to the rapidly changing property market, we also offer a ‘videoette package’, to bring your property to life online – after all statistics show that as many as 85% of all property searches now start on the internet.

With Hegartys, you are guaranteed a professional property package to ensure that we get the best price for you.

Whether you are looking to buy, sell, rent or let a property in the Houghton-le-Spring or Hetton-le-Hole area, it has to be Hegartys Estate Agents.

Market on the rise...

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6-7 Newbottle StreetHoughton-le-SpringDH4 4AR

Tel: 0191 512 4940Fax: 0191 512 4949Email: [email protected]: www.hegartysestateagents.co.uk

live happily after active

Where activeness is a family affair.

At the Wearside Health and Racquets Club, you can work out or chill out

to your heart’s content this summer. And we don’t just mean the adults.

Our OFSTED-approved crèche looks after little ’uns aged 6 weeks to

4 years. There’s summer-fun galore for the 5-11s, including our awesome

‘Going for Gold’ initiative. While our Junior Gym sessions will keep your

11-15s actively occupied in style.

So come and spend some quality time together. It’s child’s play.

To find out more and book a visit, pop in or call us on 0191 511 4444.

Wearside Health and Racquets Club, 3 Camberwell Way, Doxford Park, Sunderland SR3 3XNVIRGIN ACTIVE WEARSIDE HEALTH AND RACQUETS CLUB

HegartysESTATE AGENTS.CO.UK

www.hegartysea.co.uk

Wheeler House, 2-3 Newbottle Street, Houghton le Spring, Tyne & Wear DH4 4ALTel: 0191 512 4940 Email: [email protected]










9 Donkin Road, Armstrong Ind Est,

Washington NE37 1PFT: 0191 417 4006

www.washingtonlighting.co.uk

OVER THE years, as the original woodenversions have made way for elaborate andeye-catching crystal models, thesestatement lights have helped to transformeven the humblest of homes from ordinaryto extraordinary.

And it’s no wonder that these dazzlingpieces of lighting have enduring appealbeing both decorative and functional –instantly adding an eye-catching statementto any home.

Tony Blenkinsop, is owner ofWashington Lighting Centre, the city’s

premier and largest supplier of lighting.Tucked behind B&Q in Washington, his8,000 square foot showroom featuringstylish lighting and interiors, is a realhidden gem… a veritable Aladdin’s cave!

He said: “One of the main attractions ofa chandelier is that they create a dramaticfocal point which has given these dazzlingpieces of lighting an enduring appeal, withnew more contemporary versions winningover a whole new army of fans.”

Marquette antique brass12 light fitting with mapleleaf shaped crystal£343

Eternity 10 lightpendant£275

Cloud 12 LightCrystal Pendant£315

Stylish chrome finishceiling light withdelicate crystal£497

Chandeliers have been around sincebefore the 16th century – startingout as a preserve of the rich todemonstrate how wealthy they were.

Home style iscrystal clear

IF YOU want to protect your home for thefuture, one of the most effective ways ofdoing so is by making a property trust will.

Essential to the working of a propertytrust will is the way in which you own yourproperty. Most couples own their propertyjointly. This means that when one of themdies, the property will automatically pass tothe survivor.

It is possible to change that so you eachown an identifiable share in the property.You can then either give your share away inyour lifetime, or put it into trust for the nextgeneration, or dispose of it by your will - theproperty trust will.

Then if the surviving co-owner needs togo into care, the local authority could only

take into account that person's half of theproperty and not the whole.

This also covers potential problemscaused by re-marriage. Should a partnerre- marry after their spouse’s death, thiscould have a dramatic effect on where theproperty ends up. The act of remarriagecancels any will made whilstboth partners were alive andthe new partner would thenbecome the next of kin.

Any children would thennot inherit and the estatecould pass outside thefamily.

With a property trust will,your half of the house isprotected by the trust andwill not pass outside yourimmediate family. Theterms of the trust dictatethat children can onlyinherit when both parentsdie, just as they wouldnormally.

You can move – the terms of the trustare flexible. We always ensure that theperson living in the property has the optionto move to a new property if they wish.

Property trust wills are not a legal“loophole”, but straightforward commonsense. If your partner requires care afteryour death, why would you want to leavehim or her your entire estate outrightshortly before he or she is about to bemeans tested?

The trust does not get aroundinheritance tax however. The sole benefit ofa property will trust is planning for possiblefuture care cost fees or protecting your halfof the home from the problems of asurviving partner remarrying.

REST & RELAX 37

Mark Cook SolicitorsHome & commercial property

We make time tobuild partnerships

with our clientsProperty legal advice, done properlyMark Cook Solicitors

1st Floor, 32 Frederick Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR1 1LNTel: 0191 567 7244 www.cooklaw.co.uk

■ Free Will review for all our clients■ Call Mark Cook on 0191 567 7244

Build trust intoyour future

It is estimated that one in three women and one infour men over 65 will need to go into care. Whenthey do, the local authority can force the sale of ahome to fund the care costs which has caused a lotof controversy and debate.

Our resident legal eagle Sunderlandsolicitor Mark Cook explains how youcan take steps to protect your property.

A properly drafted willand trust can protectyour assets and giveyou peace of mind.

As a special offer, any R & R readers whocontact Mark Cook Solicitors before the endof April will get a free no obligation asset/willreview. Simply contact Mark Cook on 0191 567 7244 or email [email protected]

offer:



















Turn your bathroom into a quiet havenIS your bathroom a sanctuary that you can enter at the end of a

stressful day and come out feeling transformed and relaxed?As we become more aware of the detrimental effects of long term stress on our bodies, more and more of us are looking for ways to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. And often the answer can lie in one of the smallest rooms of our homes – the bathroom.

Here are a few tips on how to turn yours into a haven of peace and tranquillity.

IT’S important to find a regular respite from the daily pressures that create stress – a retreat where you can escape to for a little vital relaxation.

And with a little thought and planning, your bathroom could provide all you need to unwind at the end of a hard day as well as reinvigorate yourself in preparation for the day ahead. There are a wide range of products on the market now to help make sure you’re pampered in style while enjoying your time out – from whirlpool and spa baths with micro-jets that expel warm air and heated water to keep the water warm, to multi-jet showers, wet rooms and steam areas.

Even the most modest space can be converted into your very own spa. Start with a bit of forward planning – even an eclectic look needs careful planning to avoid looking busy or messy.

Think about what style you want – antique or contemporary – and what you can fit into the space you have. For example have you room for a separate shower area or do you want to make a bath the focus of the room?

Then think about what helps you to relax – is that music, flowers, candles, scents? Whatever works for you, look to incorporate that within your room design. Consider using mirrors – they’re excellent for making a room seem bigger and for creating more light. Heating is no longer just a functional consideration

either, with options from under-floor heating to eye-catching sculptural radiators that can provide focal points for the room.

Create a theme with your accessories, either opting for muted tones or adding a zing by clashing citrus colours and don’t forget to include plenty of storage – you’ll need it for towels, spare loo roll and other toiletries.






















Let good advice lay a great foundationDURING your move you are going to need a legal adviser and

it’s worth remembering that a good solicitor or licensed conveyancer is worth their weight in gold.

But do you know how to get yourself the best possible deal from a legal adviser? Market research shows that most people don’t.

As with any other service, it’s a good idea to shop around before choosing a legal adviser. Ask around, particularly with people who have moved recently, to get a personal recommendation and look for someone who has experience in this field.

When you are looking to employ the services of a solicitor or legal conveyancer, there are several questions you should ask.

These include:

* What will the legal advisor do for you?

* Charges – what exactly are you paying for and is the fee all inclusive?

Make sure the estimate covers the adviser’s fees and shows separately any amounts payable to other people by the adviser on your behalf such as court fees, search costs or fees for swearing statements of truth.

* Experience – check how much conveyancing they do. Look at their firm’s adverts for an indication of what they specialise in.

So what basically do you get for your money?

You need a legal adviser to oversee the residential conveyancing part of your move – that is the legal term for transferring ownership of land or property from one person to another.

There are two main stages – getting from the acceptance of an offer to the exchange of contracts, and getting from exchange to completion.

After you have accepted an offer on your home and the estate agent has sent a letter of confirmation of the agreed terms, your solicitor will start gathering the necessary information to draw up a draft contract.

It’s worth preparing what you can in advance to save any unnecessary delays.

The next process is getting you to the Exchange stage of the move.

Your conveyancer will agree a completion date with the buyer’s solicitor. Completion is usually two to four weeks from the exchange of contracts, but this is negotiable depending on the situation. It can be sooner.

If you need the work completed by a particular time, make sure the legal adviser understands your timetable and remember it may be more expensive to have work done quickly.

A deposit is usually paid on exchange of contracts and at this stage, you and the buyer have both made a legal commitment to buy or sell the property.

Basically good legal advisors will move quickly, study the property documents thoroughly, alert you to any potential problems and be able to explain the implications to you in simple terms.

Checklist:

* Recommendations – try to employ a solicitor that has been suggested to you

* Where to look – the CLS Legal Adviser Directory can find a legal advisor in your area and you can check this out with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (www.theclc.gov.uk). Other sites worth looking at are the Institute of Legal Executives (www.ilex.org.uk), Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or the Law Society (www.lawsociety.org.uk), if you’re wanting a list of solicitors in your area.

* Charges – get estimates from a few different advisors (this does not commit you to using them) and pin down their charges.

* Experience – check for their experience in this field.

* Client Care Letter – you should get one of these once you have selected a legal advisor, setting out what they will do for you and the likely costs. If you are not given one, ask for it.

* Checks – if you’re using a licensed conveyancer (only possible in England and Wales) you can check their credentials with the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (log on to www.conveyancer.org.uk or telephone 01245 349599).







28 REST & RELAX

HERE WE take a look at some of the doand don’ts of maximising your space byadding a loft conversion to your property.

Converting your loft is certainly a jobfor the professionals, but if you get it rightyou not only gain a fabulous light-filledspace, you could also get a handsomereturn on your investment when you sell.

According to the Federation of MasterBuilders, (FMB) a loft extension can add upto 15% to the value of your property.

Mark Emmerson of Bloc design & buildin Sunderland, explained there are manyfactors to take into consideration beforegoing ahead and getting a loft conversion.

Here’s his checklist:• DO contact your local planning office -

planning permission is not alwaysnecessary, but you should check if thework can be done within what is knownas, permitted development.

• DO get in the professionals – you willneed an architect and structuralengineer, plumbing and heating adviceand a reputable builder who isexperienced in loft conversion work.

• DO make sure your builder and designerexplain any changes necessary to yourexisting house to upgrade its fireprecautions

• DON’T ignore a party wall – you mayneed an agreement with yourneighbours if you are affecting it inanyway.

• DON’T expect this to be over within aweek or two – however good yourbuilder is - this is a major job and it willinevitably be disruptive for a while.

Reach for the sky

With the cost of moving home running into many thousands of pounds, and faced with a rather stagnant housing market, it’s not surprising that manyfamilies are opting to move up instead of moving on.

...you could also geta handsome return onyour investment...

28 REST & RELAX

HERE WE take a look at some of the doand don’ts of maximising your space byadding a loft conversion to your property.

Converting your loft is certainly a jobfor the professionals, but if you get it rightyou not only gain a fabulous light-filledspace, you could also get a handsomereturn on your investment when you sell.

According to the Federation of MasterBuilders, (FMB) a loft extension can add upto 15% to the value of your property.

Mark Emmerson of Bloc design & buildin Sunderland, explained there are manyfactors to take into consideration beforegoing ahead and getting a loft conversion.

Here’s his checklist:• DO contact your local planning office -

planning permission is not alwaysnecessary, but you should check if thework can be done within what is knownas, permitted development.

• DO get in the professionals – you willneed an architect and structuralengineer, plumbing and heating adviceand a reputable builder who isexperienced in loft conversion work.

• DO make sure your builder and designerexplain any changes necessary to yourexisting house to upgrade its fireprecautions

• DON’T ignore a party wall – you mayneed an agreement with yourneighbours if you are affecting it inanyway.

• DON’T expect this to be over within aweek or two – however good yourbuilder is - this is a major job and it willinevitably be disruptive for a while.

Reach for the sky

With the cost of moving home running into many thousands of pounds, and faced with a rather stagnant housing market, it’s not surprising that manyfamilies are opting to move up instead of moving on.

...you could also geta handsome return onyour investment...




AS MORE and more buyers look towards new-build homes to meet their modern lifestyle expectations, Britain’s best-known housebuilder, Barratt, highlights the top six reasons for choosing a brand-new home – including lower maintenance costs, better use of space and energy efficiency.

g Energy efficiencyAll Barratt homes are installed with the latest energy-saving measures and improved insulation, which can mean lower gas and electricity bills.

g Low maintenanceNot only is a new-build home free from any niggling DIY issues, but all Barratt homes provide buyers with the peace of mind of a 10-year National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty.

g Safety and securityWhen buying a new home, purchasers can be sure that housebuilders like Barratt will adhere to the latest building regulations, which set standards on everything from fire safety to ventilation, and from electrical safety to quality of workmanship.

g Better use of spaceResearch by the Home Builders’ Federation (HBF) shows that 17% of space goes to waste in older houses, as downstairs rooms are rarely inter-connecting, meaning occupiers don’t achieve maximum use.

g Less stressBuying direct from a housebuilder can make the house-moving process a whole lot easier, particularly if you’re able to take advantage of a part-exchange deal or purchase package.

g Personal touchAnd probably one of the most exciting things about buying new is that you don’t have any redecorating to do when you move in.

Barratt can make the purchase of your new home easier too. They can offer a wide range of easy options, which are designed to help get you moving. They could even help you with a tailor-made purchase package to suit your individual circumstances. If you have a property to sell, for example, the famous Barratt Home Exchange Service could be the answer. The housebuilder will consider either buying your present property through their Seven-Day Part-Exchange Service, or will sell it for you – free of charge – through their Agency Selling Service. Either way, you could buy and sell in one easy move. If you’re a first-time buyer, Barratt can offer a range of assistance to guide you through the home-buying process, including help with your deposit. And if you’re looking to invest, the Barratt Premier Investment Service is a professional service to assist investor-buyers through all the elements of buying and letting a brand new property. It’s a complete one-stop solution to maximise the value of your property, from finance, legals and rentals to arranging furniture packs – even down to teaspoons! Barratt has been in business since 1958 and has established a reputation for high-quality, value-for-money new homes to suit all kinds of buyers, from studio apartments to top-of-the-range six-bedroom houses. They are currently building on over 450 developments nationwide, at prices from around £90,000 to over £4million. For more details, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/moving or call 0845 60 80 100.

of the best from Barratt6

Whether traditional or modern, every Barratt home is designed to optimise living space and take advantage of its surroundings.

Stylish new homes built by Barratt, who work with dynamic architects to create classic and cutting-edge designs.

Whether you’re buying a starter home or top-of-the-range penthouse, Barratt includes designer fitted kitchens in all its new homes.

First-time buyers Terry Clapperton and partner Gemma benefited from a package of discounts and savings offered by Barratt.

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