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Sunderland Property News

EA Masters 2025

Posted on: 15 November 2024

EA Masters 2025

WE HAVE DONE IT AGAIN FOR THE SEVENTH YEAR IN A ROW!

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Largest Market Share of Sold Boards than any other Agent!

Posted on: 01 July 2024

Largest Market Share of Sold Boards than any other Agent!

Call today for a free valuation on 0191 5103323 or for ease book online!

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Easter Opening Times

Posted on: 26 March 2024

Sunderland V Newcastle - FA CUP 2023

Posted on: 06 January 2024

Christmas Opening Times 2023

Posted on: 18 December 2023

20% Discount on our Selling Fees

Posted on: 01 December 2023

20% Discount on our Selling Fees

20% DISCOUNT ON OUR SELLING FEES* To book your free valuation simply click on the link below or call us on 0191 5103323.

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EA Masters 2024

Posted on: 16 November 2023

Sunderland Secure Play-offs

Posted on: 11 May 2023

Christmas Greetings

Posted on: 06 December 2022

EA Masters - BEAG GOLD Winners 2023

Posted on: 21 October 2022

EA Masters - BEAG GOLD Winners 2023

Peter Heron receives national recognition at the EA Masters 2023! Peter Heron has attained the high standards necessary to be awarded with the property industry’s most prestigious mark of excellence.

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Sunderland Promoted!

Posted on: 22 May 2022

Sunderland Promoted!

Congratulations!! Sunderland have been promoted to the Championship after beating Wycombe 2-0 at Wembley, ending a four year stay in the third division. Well Done Lads!!

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Sunderland v Wycombe

Posted on: 20 May 2022

Sunderland v Wycombe

Saturday 21st May, its Sunderland v Wycombe at Wembley for a place in the EFL Championship!

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Peter Heron receives Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2022

Posted on: 31 January 2022

Peter Heron receives Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2022

31 JANUARY 2022, Peter Heron won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award for the 5th year in a row!

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Christmas Opening Times 2021

Posted on: 20 December 2021

EA Masters 2022 - Sales

Posted on: 12 November 2021

EA Masters 2022 - Lettings

Posted on: 12 November 2021

Easter Opening Times

Posted on: 17 March 2021

Peter Heron receives Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2021

Posted on: 29 January 2021

Peter Heron receives Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2021

Peter Heron has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

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WE ARE OPEN!!

Posted on: 04 January 2021

Christmas Opening Times

Posted on: 08 December 2020

National Lockdown

Posted on: 02 November 2020

Local Businesses in Sunderland to Support During Covid-19

Posted on: 10 August 2020

Local Businesses in Sunderland to Support During Covid-19

Sunderland has several fantastic independent businesses; from high-end boutique stores, to family-run restaurants. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact, leaving many Sunderland companies struggling to stay afloat.

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Important Update - Covid 19

Posted on: 13 May 2020

Virtual Viewings

Posted on: 15 April 2020

Virtual Viewings

Virtual Viewings available via our YouTube Channel.

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Festive Opening Hours

Posted on: 13 December 2019

Christmas Drawing Competition

Posted on: 13 December 2019

Christmas Drawing Competition

The Winner of the Christmas Drawing Competition is ....

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Loft Conversions

Posted on: 30 August 2019

Loft Conversions

Many people consider extending their property rather than moving, and a loft conversion seems to be an obvious proposition.

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Stamp Duty on Investment Property

Posted on: 30 August 2019

Stamp Duty on Investment Property

If you’re buying a second home, Buy to Let, or investment property, you should be aware that there is an additional 3% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on top of the standard SDLT amount payable.

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Lighting Up

Posted on: 23 August 2019

Lighting Up

Light pollution is becoming more widespread and is increasingly the cause of disputes between neighbours. However, careful planning and correct installation can overcome the potential nuisance caused by aesthetic and security lighting.

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Pet Let

Posted on: 23 August 2019

Pet Let

Jeremy Corbyn recently unveiled a draft animal welfare policy, including the legal right for tenants to keep a pet in their rented property.

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Timing Your Sale For The Market

Posted on: 16 August 2019

Timing Your Sale For The Market

We know that property values have risen in Sunderland over recent years, and there are mixed indications about future property inflation. Even if the market slows, it is more likely to be an easing of the rate of increase, rather than an actual reduction in property prices.

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Strong Summer Results Despite Brexit Worries

Posted on: 09 August 2019

Strong Summer Results Despite Brexit Worries

"The summer of 2019 is proving to be all over the place in terms of Brexit and the weather; however, the sales and lettings market in Sunderland continues to outperform last summers results with strong sales and rentals across our City Centre and Sea Road Branches.

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Garden Building

Posted on: 09 August 2019

Garden Building

Erecting a pergola, gazebo, arbour, shed, summerhouse or other outbuilding can be a fast, cheap and enjoyable way of maximising the use of your garden.

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Serious about Social!

Posted on: 22 July 2019

Serious about Social!

Love it or hate it, social media’s impact on property marketing has been profound, but there is far more to this dark art than meets the eye.

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SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE!

Posted on: 30 April 2019

SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE!

For your opportunity to sell your home for NO FEE, we are offering the next 30 Clients who list their home for sale with our Fawcett Street City Centre Branch the opportunity of having their names entered into the next prize draw!

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SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE!

Posted on: 30 April 2019

SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE!

For your opportunity to sell your home for NO FEE, we are offering the next 15 Clients who list their home for sale with our Fulwell Branch the opportunity of having their names entered into the next prize draw!

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Easter Egg Appeal

Posted on: 25 April 2019

Spring Offer!

Posted on: 01 March 2019

Spring Offer!

Get a full 20% off our fees from 1st March to the end of May 2019. The 20% off selling fees applies to all new sales instructions, please call more for details on 0191 510 3323 to contact our Fawcett Street office or 0191 510 6116 to contact our Sea Road office. Alternatively you can request a valuation using our free online valuation form.

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Mortgage Advice - Jonathan Moore

Posted on: 28 January 2019

Mortgage Advice - Jonathan Moore

Contact Jonathan today to discuss the best deals out there for you on 0191 510 6119.

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Real Agents Get More!

Posted on: 01 December 2018

Real Agents Get More!

It’s official – what we’ve suspected all along – a “traditional” estate agent gets sellers more in their pocket than the internet-only alternative. They also secure more viewings and offers!

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WIN A GARDEN STARTER KIT FOR YOUR NEW HOME WITH FLYMO COURTESY OF PETER HERON SALES AND LETTINGS

Posted on: 31 July 2018

WIN A GARDEN STARTER KIT FOR YOUR NEW HOME WITH FLYMO COURTESY OF PETER HERON SALES AND LETTINGS

We’ve teamed up with leading UK gardening brand Flymo to give one lucky house hunter the impressive Mighti-Mo 300 Li Lawnmower and Trimmer twin pack, ensuring your garden can be kept in ship shape quickly and conveniently, leaving you more time to enjoy your new home.

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Posted on: 13 July 2018

Whos Choosing Your Home?

An Englishman’s home may be his castle –but it is usually a woman who chooses it! 94% of estate agents polled in a recent survey* confirmed that, in most house-hunting couples or families, it is the woman who has the last word in choosing which home they buy.

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The Meaning Of Service

Posted on: 29 June 2018

The Meaning Of Service

Most lettings agents see their role solely as a “purveyor of tenants”, and they pride themselves on their ability to find the right tenant for a property and to negotiate attractive terms for the landlord.

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Posted on: 22 June 2018

Should I Sell During the Summer Holidays?”

Some sellers feel that if they have "missed" the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer.

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Posted on: 11 May 2018

Working With Builders

When you buy a property that needs work, you usually hope to be able to recoup the cost of renovation by adding significantly to the future selling price. That’s the theory anyway! But getting the builders in can be stressful, and we have all heard stories of extortionate costs, unforeseen extras, no-shows, and poor, even dangerous, workmanship.

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Posted on: 04 May 2018

Auction - Short Sharp Sale

Auctions have become recognised as the most effective way of selling a property decisively in the shortest possible period of time.

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Is A "For Sale" Board Really Necessary?

Posted on: 13 April 2018

Is A "For Sale" Board Really Necessary?

Clients often ask us if a board will significantly improve their chances of selling, especially as the majority of (but not all) buyers source property online. Some sellers feel that a board risks “overexposure”, or they don’t want their neighbours to know they are selling.

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Posted on: 06 April 2018

First Impressions

You only get one chance to make a first impression! When it comes to selling your home, attention to detail could be pivotal in securing an early sale at the best possible price.

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How Many Should I See?

Posted on: 30 March 2018

How Many Should I See?

When looking to rent a property, it is natural to want to see as many properties as possible before making the "right" choice and common sense dictates that you should view a handful of alternatives before deciding which to rent.

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Posted on: 23 March 2018

Working in Partnership with your Estate Agent

When the time comes to sell your home it is important to ensure that you entrust your sale to a reputable estate agent, if the stress of selling is to be minimised.

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Posted on: 16 March 2018

Property Checklist

Household emergencies generally occur during the depths of winter, but we recommend that landlords undertake a pre-winter checklist now to prevent unforeseen property headaches in the months to come.

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Posted on: 14 March 2018

Wanted ... Accompanied Viewer

We are looking for a smartly presented and professional individual to be available to work flexible hours accompanying prospective Purchasers and Tenants around empty properties we have for sale or to rent.

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Posted on: 28 February 2018

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THE OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED AT 2PM TODAY. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

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Posted on: 23 February 2018

Can I Buy My Freehold?

Most lessees (nb not tenants) have the statutory right to purchase the freehold of their building, called Collective Enfranchisement, under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.

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Peter Heron Awarded Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2018

Posted on: 16 February 2018

Peter Heron Awarded Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2018

February 2018, Peter Heron has won the Feefo Gold Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

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Sunderland's Top Selling Agent in the City!

Posted on: 12 February 2018

Sunderland's Top Selling Agent in the City!

Still successfully selling more properties than any other agent in the City, why not take advantage of a whopping 30% discount on our selling fees for all new instructions taken in February.

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Posted on: 02 February 2018

A Question of Preference

During the course of the ownership of your home, you will no doubt consider a number of improvements that you hope will add value, or at least recoup the money spent, when you eventually come to sell.

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Posted on: 26 January 2018

A Property Pension?

Property is now regarded as a serious investment option and an attractive alternative to a traditional pension. The failure of many pension funds to perform has had a major effect on their popularity and people are now choosing to take more direct ownership over their destiny – in more ways than one.

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Posted on: 19 January 2018

Buying At Tender

After weeks of looking, you have found your perfect home. It seems to have everything you wanted – desirable location, great accommodation, beautiful garden and excellent condition.

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Posted on: 12 January 2018

Selling By Tender

If you are selling an especially popular, rarely available, or unique property, you may be in the privileged position of having several buyers clamouring at your door, each hoping to become the lucky owner of your special home.

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Posted on: 22 December 2017

Posted on: 08 December 2017

Grand Entrance

We all know about the importance of first impressions. Yet it is surprising how few people take a proactive approach to doing a few things that will really impress a buyer before they even walk through the door.

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Posted on: 17 November 2017

Going the Distance

If you were to compare the map of UK surname distribution of the 1801 census with a similar map today, you would probably be surprised at how little change there has been since then, with local surnames still congregating around the area of their ancestral home.

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Posted on: 10 November 2017

Getting Particular

When you instruct an estate agent to sell your home, you naturally want them to promote it in its best light. But what does this actually mean?

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Posted on: 03 November 2017

Advertising Myth

It would be perfectly reasonable to assume that as your rental property comes to market, your letting agent will simply post the property details on various property portals and wait for the tenant enquiries to roll in.

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Most Sold Boards in the City!

Posted on: 23 October 2017

Most Sold Boards in the City!

As Sunderland’s leading agent with the most sold boards in the City we believe our traditional values and modern approach combined with a personal attention to detail is the reason why clients come back to us time and time again. We don’t charge a penny until your property is sold!! Why not take advantage of our current 20% discount on fees and call now for a free valuation or for ease book online!

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Posted on: 20 October 2017

How Long Has it Been on The Market?

One of the first things a buyer will ask an estate agent when offered a property is “How long has it been on the market?”, and with good reason. Buying a property is a large transaction and it takes courage to commit to undertake such an apparently huge decision – often with very little support other than pure instinct.

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Invictus Games 2017

Posted on: 21 September 2017

Invictus Games 2017

All the staff at Peter Heron are excited and fully behind Ian ‘Roni’ Ronald who is the partner of Liz Witney, our Fulwell Branch manager as they both head over to Canada, for the 2017 Invictus games in Toronto.

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Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

Posted on: 28 July 2017

Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

In this, our last of five articles in the series looking at the serious consequences of seeking to sell privately or through an internet-agency we look at the importance of the fact that buyers buy by comparison.

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Posted on: 26 July 2017

We Are Refurbishing!

We are Refurbishing!! New Office Coming Soon!! Fawcett Street Branch Closed however telephone lines open as usual Call us for all enquiries on 0191 5103323

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Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

Posted on: 21 July 2017

Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

This is the third instalment in our investigation into why property sellers will always do better using a “traditional” style of agency versus an internet-only approach (not that we regard ourselves as that traditional!)

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Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

Posted on: 14 July 2017

Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

In our third article in the series, we focus on the aspects of Compromise and Involvement – two factors that only a proper estate agent can deliver.

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Why Use a "Proper" Estate Agent?

Posted on: 07 July 2017

Why Use a "Proper" Estate Agent?

One thing an online agent can not generally do is provide a local property valuation expert to assess your property and suggest the most appropriate asking price. It may be tempting to simply rely on one of the online “valuation” tools available.

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Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

Posted on: 30 June 2017

Why Use A "Proper" Estate Agent?

The role an estate agent plays in helping buyers and sellers to reach a satisfactory conclusion is critical to the sales process. Yet some vendors are understandably tempted to fall into the trap of trying to do the job themselves in an attempt to “save thousands”.

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Most Sold Boards in Sunderland!

Posted on: 12 May 2017

Most Sold Boards in Sunderland!

As Sunderland’s leading agent with the most sold boards in the City we believe our traditional values and modern approach combined with a personal attention to detail is the reason why clients come back to us time and time again. We don’t charge a penny until your property is sold and if you change your mind and decide not to sell we don’t charge you a penny then either. Why not take advantage of our current 20% discount on fees and call now for a free valuation or for ease book online!

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Posted on: 05 May 2017

The Market's Picking UP!

Analysing and understanding the UK property market is notoriously difficult. Conflicting reports and biased perspectives often confuse people who simply want a degree of reassurance that their purchase or sale is well-timed. Many people who currently have no intention of moving are also naturally curious about the value of their home, which is usually their biggest investment. There are two angles on the property market that interest us most – property values, which are driven by the relative balance of supply and demand, and transaction volumes, which are primarily influenced by confidence levels and affordability. The past year has been relatively unstable: we saw a massive rush to purchase buy-to-let investment properties before a change to the SDLT tax regime in March 2016. We then had the Brexit referendum, a change in Prime Minister, an American election, continuing sporadic terrorist activity and more recently, a snap general election! Yet through all this, the property market has remained strong in UK and Sunderland in terms of prices, primarily due to lower supply levels as people “wait and see what’s going to happen”. And what usually “happens” is “not much”! Life goes on following anything other than a major crisis. And there have been no major crises in the property market for years. The market is certainly gaining a long-awaited fluidity, with transaction volumes having risen about 21% compared to the first quarter of the year. Any comparison with the same time last year would of course be distorted by last year’s SDLT deadline. However, the pace of house price growth continues to soften; whilst The Land Registry puts annual price growth at 5.8% there will always be a time lag in this behind asking prices. Rightmove currently reports annual asking prices up 2.3% compared with 7.6% this time last year, so we expect reported Land Registry figures to reflect this damping in the coming months. And what of the election? The consensus is that this election is unlikely to have any major effects on the property market. Any potentially scary stuff has already happened in the past twelve months and whatever the outcome of the election there is unlikely to be any fallout that would have any significant bearing on whether people will choose to buy or sell their home. There are fewer speculative sales than ever before, with most transactions stimulated by a genuine need to move, prompted by the real stuff of life – a job change, marriage, a growing or shrinking family, debt, divorce, etc. The election is unlikely to affect any of these and it is also fortunate that polling day, on 8th June, will follow a very short campaign. As ever, we British keep calm and carry on. So if you plan to move house, there really is nothing standing in your way and we’d be delighted to help you move. Why not contact us today for an idea of how our marketing plans could make this as profitable and painless as possible? You might be pleasantly surprised.

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Posted on: 04 April 2017

The Market Opportunity for Sellers

This year’s spring market can hardly be regarded as a typical. Traditionally, spring has always been regarded as the busiest time of year for Sunderland’s property market. Whilst you might have read headlines about the strength of the market, this does not necessarily equate to activity, which, according to the Office for National Statistics, fell by 21% last year. Certainly the upward pressure on house prices, perpetuated by lower transaction volumes, does seem to be on the wane nationally. Prices are still rising, but at a slower rate: 5.7% annually compared with 7.4% last year. Now that Brexit has been officially triggered it is difficult to say what affect this will have on both activity and values. Before Article 50 was triggered we had uncertainty about whether it would be triggered at all. Now we have uncertainty about the tangible effects of leaving the EU, which is a long-term issue. But these things have a habit of settling down and finding their own level. There is unlikely to be any unexpected shock to the market. If anything, any decline in activity can only support a continued rise in prices, especially while interest rates remain historically low (even if they do rise a bit, which they may). With no pressing issues facing the market, and prices continuing to rise, an opportunity presents itself here for anyone thinking of moving up the ladder. Look at the maths; if you currently own a £200,000 property and would consider upsizing to a £300,000 home, if you wait a year, and growth remains at say 6%, you’d sell for £212,000, but your purchase would cost you £318,000. You’d make £12,000 on your sale, but “lose” £18,000 on your purchase. So our advice to anyone thinking of upsizing in a reliably rising market is to do so quickly. And don’t worry if you feel there is not a great deal of choice when you come to buy, as up to as many sales are done “off-market” - sold before they even hit the portals, to people who had already lined up their own sale, making themselves attractive buyers. We are experts in the field and have a deep understanding of Sunderland’s market and how to help our clients maximise their opportunities. So why not contact us today for an idea of what your own property might be worth as a starting point? It’ll only cost you a cup of coffee! (white half a brown sugar please). Call Now on 0191 510 3323 to book your valuation!

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Posted on: 12 December 2016

Christmas Opening Times

Find out our office opening times over the Christmas Holidays.

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Posted on: 29 June 2016

Brexit - Safe As Houses?

Be it the outbreak of war, Black Monday, 9/11, or 7/7, historically momentous events always send shock waves that appear to threaten the very backbone of our nation and especially its economy. ? Brexit is no different, and there has been much talk about the potentially disastrous effects of the UK leaving Europe, as if our islands could literally sink into the North Sea without somehow being attached to the continental mainland. However, one thing is certain - shock waves are short lived and we will recover. But recover from what exactly? The only thing on the table at the moment is the fear of the unknown. However, Britain is not only an incredibly resilient and resourceful nation, but world leaders and our trading partners around the world are already going to great lengths to find ways of developing new forms of relationships with the UK that could even be an improvement on what we had before. And let’s not forget that over half of voters believe we are better out than in! Of course, it’s impossible to predict all likely outcomes, but from a property perspective, could this, weirdly, be exactly what the market actually needs? Was it in danger of overheating? We know that there has for some years been a massive imbalance of demand over supply. Thats not going to go away. However, it could be moderated as more people, worried about the future of the housing market, will come to market. Let’s say 20% more. And let’s assume that 20% fewer people buy for the same reason. This 40% rebalance might just give the market the lubrication it needs for more transactions to take place. In the process prices could of course lose their shine which would inevitably help first time buyers get on the ladder. If fewer people are buying, they have to rent, and now the pound is cheap for foreign investors, could this herald a rush of overseas landlords taking advantage of rising rents? There are so many variables at play here, yet the most influential ones have more to do with people’s short- and medium-term response to the uncertainties surrounding Brexit than any separation from Europe itself, which may well turn out, in maybe two or three years’ time, to be less of an issue than 48.1% of disappointed voters expect. Keep calm and carry on? Absolutely.

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Posted on: 20 June 2016

Staff Training

This office will be closed on Thursday 23rd June at 3.30pm due to staff training and will be open as usual Friday 24th June. Sorry for any inconvenience.

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Supporting the MS Society

Posted on: 15 April 2016

Supporting the MS Society

Peter Heron are proud to be Supporting the MS Society.

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Easter Opening Hours

Posted on: 24 March 2016

Easter Opening Hours

Find out our office opening times over the Easter Holidays.

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Posted on: 04 December 2015

Tips For First Time Buyers Number 3

First time buyers do not always demonstrate to estate agents the same level of urgency as someone who is selling.

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Posted on: 01 December 2015

Holding Your Rent Securely

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a letting agency is whether or not they subscribe to a Client Money Protection Scheme.

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Posted on: 30 November 2015

Defects And Disputes - Should I Disclose Them?

When selling your home it is natural to want to show its best aspects to prospective buyers, whilst minimising anything that might put them off.

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Posted on: 28 August 2015

How Serious is my Buyer?

As the internet has become the first port of call for most prospective buyers, estate agents can feel somewhat swamped with buyers. The issue is not a lack of enquiries, but which of those enquiries will turn out to be serious.

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Posted on: 31 July 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 8 - Linked Transactions

The adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link could not be more aptly demonstrated than in respect of property transactions in the UK.

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Posted on: 03 July 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 7 - Offers

Good negotiation is a skill that adds real value to the service you receive from your estate agent. After all it can be the make or break of a sale.

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Posted on: 19 June 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 6 - Offers

One of the most important aspects of your estate agents role is not only to negotiate a price (or ideally secure the full asking price of course) but actually to generate an offer in the first place!

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What Agents Do - Guide Number 5 - Accompanied Viewings

Posted on: 05 June 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 5 - Accompanied Viewings

The layman’s view of an estate agent is simply someone who shows prospective buyers round properties.

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What Agents Do - Guide Number 4 - Qualify Buyers

Posted on: 22 May 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 4 - Qualify Buyers

The phrase “Willing and Able” is seldom heard today, as it no longer appears on estate agency documentation. However, it remains important to discover if a prospective buyer for your property is indeed willing and able to proceed, should they express interest in your home.

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Posted on: 08 May 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 3 - Advertising

In the old days, a property ad in an estate agent’s window and the local newspaper were all that was required to promote a property. Today we also have our website and numerous portals ensuring that our clients property receives the maximum exposure to the right people – or ideally thousands of them!

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Posted on: 24 April 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 2 - Valuation

Valuation is possibly the most contentious aspect of estate agency, and emotions run high when discussing most people’s most valuable asset. It is natural that the vendor of a property will want as much as possible for it, as does the agent.

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What Agents Do - Guide Number 1 - Good Advice

Posted on: 10 April 2015

What Agents Do - Guide Number 1 - Good Advice

Straight-talking sincere advice can be invaluable in a world where too many people would just tell you what you want to hear!

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Posted on: 16 March 2015

Tenants – Help us to help you!

Letting agents love the challenge of helping you find your ideal home. Sometimes however, it can be more of a challenge than need be. So if you are looking to rent a property, here are a few guidelines that will really help us to help you:

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The Right People

Posted on: 06 March 2015

The Right People

Despite the fact that many people regard estate agents as more or less the same in Sunderland, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent.

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Preparing your Garden for Sale

Posted on: 27 February 2015

Preparing your Garden for Sale

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the state of your garden will always make an impact. Not only will prospective buyers be walking around your garden, but it will often make up much of the view from within the property as well.

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Professional?

Posted on: 20 February 2015

Professional?

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of letting agents, or estate agents claiming to provide letting services, since the decline in property sales volumes. However, the industry is largely unregulated.

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Hit The Road

Posted on: 06 February 2015

Hit The Road

“Location, location, location” is the somewhat overused maxim applied by many as a rule of thumb when selecting a property. However, a closer look reveals that a compromise in this principle can produce significant benefits for property purchasers in Sunderland.

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Why Are British Obsessed With Property?

Posted on: 05 February 2015

Why Are British Obsessed With Property?

No dinner party would be complete without talk of property values, gazumping, or someone who has made a killing, or a loss, on their home. We British are obsessed with our bricks and mortar. More of us own our own home than any other European country - although this is decreasing as values have risen to unattainable levels for many.

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OnTheMarket.com opens for business

Posted on: 26 January 2015

OnTheMarket.com opens for business

Today is a big day for us – and for you if you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let property: today sees the launch of a major new national property website: OnTheMarket.com.

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Let it Shine!

Posted on: 23 January 2015

Let it Shine!

As a landlord you’ll want to minimise the time your property is empty between tenancies (what we call the void period) so it is essential that your property is looking its best for showing to new tenants both in terms of condition and cleanliness.

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Buying Old versus New: Part Two

Posted on: 16 January 2015

Buying Old versus New: Part Two

Last week’s article looked at the pros and cons of buying a modern home. Here we consider the older property.

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Buying Old versus New

Posted on: 09 January 2015

Buying Old versus New

Buyers tend to have fixed ideas about the style of home they would prefer to buy. Some would not buy anything but a “character home” whilst others prefer a brand new property. In this two-part article, we look at some advantages and disadvantages of each, starting with modern homes.

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Posted on: 27 November 2014

Viewing Time

Most landlords will recognise the tremendous importance of ensuring that as many prospective tenants as possible see their property. After all, more viewings means more tenant competition thereby maximising your chances of securing the highest rental the market will pay.

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On The Market

Posted on: 26 November 2014

On The Market

OnTheMarket.com will be a new place to view hundreds of thousands of properties to buy or rent all over the UK.

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A Word About Rebecca

Posted on: 20 November 2014

A Word About Rebecca

Sometimes it’s worth reflecting on the value of star performers in our business. One of these is Rebecca Boyd.

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The Case for Letting your Home

Posted on: 13 November 2014

The Case for Letting your Home

The continued difficulties in the mortgage market have created opportunities for vendors who are understandably tempted to consider letting as a lucrative alternative to a sale.

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Parents help first time buyers

Posted on: 06 November 2014

Parents help first time buyers

First-time buyers are increasingly relying on their parents to help them purchase their first home. Around 20% have either borrowed or were given money by family towards the initial deposit, with an average contribution of around £13,000 (source Scottish Widows). According to Santander Bank, some 80% of under 30 year-olds cannot afford to buy without some form of parental or other assistance.

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November Property Checklist

Posted on: 30 August 2014

November Property Checklist

Household emergencies generally occur during the depths of winter, but we recommend that homeowners undertake pre-winter checklists now to prevent unforeseen property headaches in the months to come, specially remembering 2010 and 2011's winter weather!

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Posted on: 08 August 2014

2014 Summer Market Report

Statistic, statistics! It's so easy to be drawn in by newspaper-selling headlines that compare one house price index with another or one region with another, which can be very confusing! The key is in the realistic interpretation of these differences without agenda! There is not enough space here to explain the market comprehensively but here are some key observations.

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Better Value Out of Catchment?

Posted on: 12 July 2014

Better Value Out of Catchment?

As schools vie for league table position, parents are increasingly selective as to which school their children attend, to the extent that many families move house specifically to live within the catchment area of their preferred school.

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First Impressions

Posted on: 26 June 2014

First Impressions

You only get one chance to make a first impression! When it comes to letting your home, attention to detail could be pivotal in securing an early let at the best possible rent. Most Tenants have a good idea of their preferred location, minimum accommodation needs and ideal style of property. Yet it is often presentation that makes the greatest difference. A well-presented property not only looks more attractive, but also suggests that the landlord cares for it. This in itself can attract a more careful tenant.

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The Key Issue

Posted on: 19 June 2014

The Key Issue

One of our distinctions and indeed our passion is the fact that we are as involved in our clients' move as we are in the sale itself. Certainly, for most people the property into which they are moving is a lot more exciting than the property they are about to leave.

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The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

Posted on: 12 June 2014

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

Our home satisfies our basic human needs such as sleeping, relaxing, washing, recreation, as well as family time, reading, watching TV, Leisure etc.. But it is possibly eating which is the focus of home life. This basic need that punctuates our day provides a social focus for families and couples the world over.

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A Quiet Word About Pets

Posted on: 05 June 2014

A Quiet Word About Pets

Some homeowners spend thousands of pounds improving their property before going to market, yet they can be oblivious to issues that prospective purchases could regards as glaringly off-putting. Sometimes we have to point our some home truths if we are to enhance our client's chances of selling quickly, and for an excellent price!

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Alarming News!

Posted on: 29 May 2014

Alarming News!

Moving into a new home is a good time to consider the simple but important aspect of smoke alarms. Have you got at least one in your home? If so, are you sure it works? They are not expensive and can be purchased for under £10 each.

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How to Interpret a Survey

Posted on: 21 May 2014

How to Interpret a Survey

Buyers clearly need to make informed choices when it comes to deciding which property to buy and at what price, although only about one in five people in England and Wales commissions a survey (source: RICS).

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Touching Up

Posted on: 15 May 2014

Touching Up

When letting your property, you naturally want your property to look its best, but how far should you go in terms of presentation?

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Selling an Unmodernised Property

Posted on: 08 May 2014

Selling an Unmodernised Property

Last week's article focussed on issues to think about when buying an unmodernised property. However, sellers should also be careful when considering the sale of a property in need of renovation.

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Buying an Unmodernised Property

Posted on: 06 May 2014

Buying an Unmodernised Property

There are about a dozen property-related programmes on TV every week. Some of these track the progress of a wreck to a finished home, or at least highlight a property's potential.

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Will the Internet Replace Estate Agents?

Posted on: 25 April 2014

Will the Internet Replace Estate Agents?

There can be nothing better suited to the internet than property, and hits to property websites far outnumber those of any other industry. The ability to be able to search in the comfort of your own home, usually without having to provide any personal details, is certainly attractive and has transformed the way the public begins to look for their new home.

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Location, Location

Posted on: 17 April 2014

Location, Location

Location is clearly the most fundamental aspect of property. But what is it about location that attracts? This is a complex question which means different things to different people, and is usually driven by the motivation for the move, yet it hold the key to why people buy, and where.

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Now We Have a Baby

Posted on: 10 April 2014

Now We Have a Baby

Becoming a family is probably the greatest motivator for a move there is, and the choice of home is usually a fairly accurate reflection of the significant social change that people experience at this time.

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Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale

Posted on: 03 April 2014

Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale

First impressions are not only important when selling your home, they are absolute critical. When people come to view a property for the first time, they are unlikely to be scrutinising the unseen. They are simply trying to get a feel for the property. They will be bombarded with mostly visual impressions, many of which you can manage.

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Getting Personal Through Technology

Posted on: 28 March 2014

Getting Personal Through Technology

The opportunities opened up by technology in the lettings field have been enormous, yet many letting agents simply use their website as a glorified shop window. Like any agency window, the properties displayed need to be regularly updates and presented in a way that inspires tenants to take things further.

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What Do We Have To Do To Sell?

Posted on: 20 March 2014

What Do We Have To Do To Sell?

In an increasingly competitive market place, we know that as long as your property is priced attractively, it will sell. However, many people spend a fortune on improving their homes expecting at least the cost of the improvements to be returned to them via an increased sale price. This can be a mistake, as 90% of a property's value can usually be attributed to its location and size - the two things you can't change!

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Smarter Ways of Getting Your Price

Posted on: 13 March 2014

Smarter Ways of Getting Your Price

One of estate agency's fundamental tasks is to secure the highest price that an able purchaser will pay for your property in a given market. In an ideal world, we would have a hot-line to Camelot who would feed us with a regular supply of lottery winner prepared to pay ridiculous prices for modest properties. Unlikely, but we're working on it!

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Enter the Spring

Posted on: 06 March 2014

Enter the Spring

Spring is traditionally a time of change. Brighter and longer daylight hours make house-hunting easier for working people, and sellers naturally want their property to look its best. Job-hunters, who wanted to secure their Christmas bonus before seeking employment elsewhere, have by now settled into their new positions and feel confident about upgrading their home.

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Removal Planning

Posted on: 27 February 2014

Removal Planning

Despite the effort that goes into preparing a property for sale, many people overlook the impact of good removal planning, and often leave the packing to the last moment. Here are a few suggestions that we hope will help you avoid some of the anxieties many people experience during this exciting but sometimes stressful time:

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Should I Make an Offer?

Posted on: 13 February 2014

Should I Make an Offer?

As a buyer you are in a powerful position, both in terms of the effect your buying decision will have on your own life, and on that of the person from whom you buy. If buying a property was some form of commodity like petrol or milk, then you would simply buy the cheapest stock available. However, buying a home is much less mercenary, and emotions run high.

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Who's Choosing Your Property?

Posted on: 07 February 2014

Who's Choosing Your Property?

An Englishman's home may be his castle - but it is usually a woman who chooses it! 94% of lettings agents polled in a recent survey confirmed that it is usually the woman who has the last word in choosing which home they rent!

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Bargain Hunt?

Posted on: 31 January 2014

Bargain Hunt?

There has been much speculation suggesting a potential decline in property prices and many buyers have been waiting to snap up a bargain. However our experience suggests that they will either have to make a move now, or just have to keep waiting! Bargains usually only occur in one of two scenarios; firstly, when the market is flooded with an oversupply of properties for sale. This means that in order to compete, vendors vie to make their property the best value available - in other words a bargain.

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Posted on: 29 January 2014

Be Secure When Moving Home

One aspect of moving is often underestimated is the need to be vigilant over security. Competent estate agents are trained to qualify and vet prospective purchasers, avoid unsuitable unaccompanied viewings, and ensure that transactions do not fall foul of the anti-money-laundering regulations. However there are other, less-obvious, aspects of the moving process that require attention as well. For example, recent research has shown that around 24% of homeowners leave themselves open to some form of identity theft when they move, simply by failing to redirect their post promptly.

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Agents' Skills in Demand!

Posted on: 16 January 2014

Agents' Skills in Demand!

As property prices rose through the past decades it became alsmost a foregone conclusion that whichever agent you chose to sell your property, a buyer would be found within a few days. So vendors became less discerning over their choice of agent and were understandably tempted to appoint the agent who charged the lowest commission percentage. However, in this market, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy, as the different between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant.

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What is a Covenant?

Posted on: 10 January 2014

What is a Covenant?

Covenants are a form of legal obligation that is binding on the owner of a property and passes from owner to owner whenever the property is sold. They form part of the deeds of a property and are recorded at HM Land Registry.

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Ask an Expert!

Posted on: 03 January 2014

Ask an Expert!

As you look through the pages of the Sunderland Echo and property magazines, you are likely to come across one survey or another that seeks to prove how various property improvements add a certain percentage to the value of a property. There has recently been a marked increase in the number of people undertaking improvements whose motivation is to specifically to increase the value of their property prior to a sale. If you are considering such improvements, you should approach such surveys with caution.

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Why Use An Estate Agent At All?

Posted on: 20 December 2013

Why Use An Estate Agent At All?

On the surface it might seem reasonable to consider selling your house yourself, yet only the smallest minority of people attempt to do so, often with disappointing results. Yes, you could put a home­made board up in your front garden or write your own ad and put it in the local paper or on some private sellers’ website. But apart from the problem of appearing “cheapskate” to prospective buyers who might assume that you have also skimped on the home maintenance as well, there are some serious flaws to the idea of going it alone.

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Should We Extend?

Posted on: 13 December 2013

Should We Extend?

We are often invited to advise Sunderland homeowners on the expected “uplift” in the value of their property if they make certain alterations. On the surface, it is logical to assume that an extension will add significant value to your property, and this is often the case. However, we would urge caution when justifying the cost of improvements versus the expected increase in value.

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New Regulations Say Don’t Switch!

Posted on: 06 December 2013

New Regulations Say Don’t Switch!

Good lighting and plenty of power points can transform a property, and most of us have at one time or another undertaken minor electrical work in the home and lived to tell the tale. However new regulations have recently come into force whereby DIY enthusiasts should question the type of work involved, as it may require certification from a “competent person”.

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Showing Buyers Around - Part 2

Posted on: 29 November 2013

Showing Buyers Around - Part 2

Some people feel that houses should be able to "sell themselves" and do not need to be "shown" by estate agents. Whilst this may be true of certain exceptional homes, or where achieving the optimum price is not an issue, most properties require the skills of a well-trained estate agent if they are to sell for the best price within a reasonable period timescale.

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Showing Buyers Around

Posted on: 22 November 2013

Showing Buyers Around

Some estate agents claim that the seller is the best person to show a property to prospective purchasers. However, apart from the inevitable awkwardness of inviting strangers into your home, there are sound reasons why good estate agents prefer to accompany buyers around.

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A Feeling of Space

Posted on: 15 November 2013

A Feeling of Space

Unlike their continental counterparts, British tenants do not generally take account of the square footage of a house or flat when renting their next home. Nevertheless, spaciousness is often a priority and invariably comes at a premium. So if you are letting your property in Sunderland, it's worth making sue you create a feeling of as much space as possible in order to attract a tenant, especially if your property is relatively small to begin with.

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Beware of the Giants!

Posted on: 01 November 2013

Beware of the Giants!

When choosing an estate agent to represent your best interests in your sale you have a variety of agency styles from which to choose. However, the greatest differentiator is whether you employ an independent agency or one that is a member of a national "corporate" chain.

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The Case for Letting Your Home

Posted on: 25 October 2013

The Case for Letting Your Home

The continued difficulties in the mortgage market have created opportunities for vendors who are understandably tempted to consider letting as a lucrative alternative to a sale. The continued dearth of mortgage availability has meant that fewer would-be purchasers are able to actually buy. They are therefore forced to rent if they cannot secure the mortgage they require. This in turn has driven up demand for rental properties and rents have consequently risen to record levels, delivering excellent returns for landlords.

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Clutter Costs!

Posted on: 21 October 2013

Clutter Costs!

In the current market it is more important than ever to ensure that your property is a highly saleable proposition, rather than one that makes another house look good by comparison.

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Move by Christmas??

Posted on: 11 October 2013

Move by Christmas??

With Christmas already in sight, if you’re serious about selling it would be worth your while to do something about it now, rather than waiting until the Spring. For many, Christmas is a time for home making and buyers currently thinking of moving tell us they would love to be in by mid-December – and this is by no means unrealistic. Indeed, sellers can take advantage of this sense of buyer urgency and expect to conclude a satisfactory sale when both marketing and price combine to attract the right buyers.

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Might Sell, Might Not

Posted on: 03 October 2013

Might Sell, Might Not

Despite what you might read in the press, the current market is as near a "normal" market as experienced estate agents have known for years in terms of the balance between properties available for sale and the number of registered buyers.

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Help to Buy Scheme

Posted on: 02 October 2013

Help to Buy Scheme

From 7th October it will be easier for existing home owners and first-time buyers to move to a resale or new build property with as little as a 5% deposit as part of the new ‘Mortgage Guarantee’ Help to Buy scheme.

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What Property Ladder?

Posted on: 27 September 2013

What Property Ladder?

During the boom years, if you were minded to move house you simply got on and did so! Any delay in moving up in a rising market could prove expensive as the property you were buying would inevitably have appreciated more in cash terms that the one you were selling. Moving up the property ladder was all the rage as speculation, aspiration and wealth creation prompted a culture of expected property inflation, supported by “generous” lending by the banks.

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Waiting in Hope?

Posted on: 19 September 2013

Waiting in Hope?

If your rental property is currently on the market awaiting a tenant, it may be tempting to assume that your agent is in full control of the situation, and that sooner or later a tenant will materialise. But don't be so sure! Sometimes an agent will take the same view and simply sit in hope, having apparently exhausted their own marketing options.

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Why overpricing may leave you out of pocket

Posted on: 15 September 2013

Why overpricing may leave you out of pocket

As a seller, it is tempting to accept the highest estate agent’s valuation you receive. However, there are sound reasons why you should avoid overpricing your home initially, as overpriced homes in Sunderland often end up selling for less than they otherwise might have.

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Autumn's All Go!

Posted on: 10 September 2013

Autumn's All Go!

With the summer now firmly behind us, the market is active once again, and we actually find that we currently have the opposite of many estate agents – we have far more buyers than we do stock, but predict that there will be a run of properties coming onto the market in the run up to Christmas. Those who enter the market ahead of this rush are likely to be the winners, as they will be competing with old stock!

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A Proactive Approach

Posted on: 05 September 2013

A Proactive Approach

Estate Agents are generally an up beat type. Selling property, to the right buyer, quickly and at an impressive price requires a "can do, will do" approach that is unlikely to be found in a pessimist.

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Estate Agent Track Day!

Posted on: 13 August 2013

Estate Agent Track Day!

Our 2nd blog post for the week and this one’s all about what we get up to on Twitter with other Estate Agents.

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We're on Facebook & Twitter!

Posted on: 07 August 2013

We're on Facebook & Twitter!

Are you on Facebook or Twitter? If you are then pop along to our Facebook & Twitter Pages and 'Like & Follow' us for updated information on all of our services to see how we can help you.

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WE DID IT!!

Posted on: 24 May 2013

WE DID IT!!

Thanks to everyone who supported us and you can continue to donate at

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RACE FOR LIFE 2013

Posted on: 30 April 2013

RACE FOR LIFE 2013

Unfortunately at Peter Heron more of us have been affected in someway by Cancer than we would like. Being mainly women at both our offices we have decided this would be a brilliant way to show our support so the Heron Hot Shots have been formed and on the 19th of May we are taking part in the Sunderland 5k Race For Life.

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EASTER OPENING HOURS

Posted on: 28 March 2013

EASTER OPENING HOURS

This Bank Holiday weekend we are open on the following days:

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Sell Your House For Free!

Posted on: 16 February 2013

Sell Your House For Free!

How would you like to sell your home and pay no estate agent fees at all? We are offering one lucky person the chance to do just that once we hit 1000 likes on our Facebook page

The prize includes a free energy performance certificate and our sales fee but does not include solicitors & legal disbursements costs in the sale. You can even enter the competition if you are already one of our clients.

All you have to do, is search our website for the house pictured, then pop over to Facebook, like our page and fill in the form on the competitions tab. Once we reach 1000 likes then the winner will be selected from the correct answers.

Good luck!

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Help Us Make A Wish Come True

Posted on: 29 January 2013

Help Us Make A Wish Come True

Did you know that we’re the areas local expert for relocation as part of the Relocation Agent Network. This is a free service that helps you to move home nationally by providing information about where you’re moving to and identifying suitable properties for you.

The Relocation Agent Network is launching under a new name on Wednesday 30th January 2013 under their new name (they used to be called Home Sale Network) and to celebrate they are trying to raise £5,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK and need YOUR help.

All you have to do is click on this link http://www.relocation-agent-network.co.uk/ on the day and the Relocation Agent Network will donate 50p on your behalf.

The charity grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening medical conditions. You don't need a magic wand to make a difference, just one click will do!

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EARLY CLOSING 18/1/13

Posted on: 18 January 2013

EARLY CLOSING 18/1/13

Due to adverse weather conditions we are closing our offices from 4.30pm today.

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SEA ROAD OFFICE NOW COMPLETE!!!

Posted on: 01 November 2012

SEA ROAD OFFICE NOW COMPLETE!!!

After a long wait we are pleased to annouce that the refurbishment of our Sea Road Office is now finally finished!

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SEA ROAD BUILDING WORK NEARLY COMPLETE

Posted on: 15 August 2012

SEA ROAD BUILDING WORK NEARLY COMPLETE

Thank you all for your patience during our Sea Road renovations, we are nearly there!

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Sea Road Temporary Power Failure

Posted on: 08 August 2012

Sea Road Temporary Power Failure

We have unfortunately encountered power failure at our Sea Road branch and will be closing for the remainder of the day. All phone calls and enquiries will be directed to our Fawcett Street Branch.

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Sea Road Office Temporarily Closed

Posted on: 26 June 2012

Sea Road Office Temporarily Closed

Unfortunately due to construction noise the Sea Road office will be closed on Tuesday 26th June.

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Building Work At Sea Road

Posted on: 14 June 2012

Building Work At Sea Road

We are currently having some building work carried out above the Sea Road office over the next few months.

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PHONE LINES ARE DOWN

Posted on: 28 May 2012

PHONE LINES ARE DOWN

Unfortunately we are having technical problems this morning and cannot receive or make any phone calls.

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Easter Opening Hours

Posted on: 03 April 2012

Easter Opening Hours

Good Friday – Closed
Saturday – 9am til 1pm
Sunday – Closed
Bank Holiday Monday – Closed

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Staff Training

Posted on: 14 March 2012

Staff Training

This office will be closed Wednesday 14th March at 4.30pm due to Staff Training.  Sorry for the inconvience.

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Staff Training

Posted on: 13 January 2012

Staff Training

Our offices will be opening at the later time of 10am on Monday 16th January 2012 due to staff training.

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Christmas Opening Hours

Posted on: 16 December 2011

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas opening hours: Please note our offices will be closed Saturday 24th December 2011 and will re-open Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

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COMPUTER SYSTEMS DOWN

Posted on: 13 December 2011

COMPUTER SYSTEMS DOWN

Due to bad weather conditions we have had a power cut which has unfortunately brought down all our computer systems including email. Our IT team are doing everything they can to rectify this as quickly as possible but in the meantime if you have any urgent queries please call us on 0191 5103323 and we will do our best to help!

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Valuation Versus Value

Posted on: 09 December 2011

Valuation Versus Value

Estate agents’ market valuations are usually free, and because of this, it is very tempting for prospective sellers to invite a number of agents to comment and then select the agent that suggests the highest likely sale price for the property.

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NOW RECRUITING!

Posted on: 02 December 2011

NOW RECRUITING!

We are currently looking to employ 2 accompanied viewers on a part time basis to show prospective buyers and tenants round our available properties. The applicant must be dynamic, enthusiastic, motivated and have a strong sales attitude as well as knowledge of the Sunderland area. A clean full UK driving license is essential. Please submit all applications in writing to [email protected] by no later than 15th December 2011.

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The New Landlord

Posted on: 25 November 2011

The New Landlord

As the property market tightens further, many would-be sellers are simply not prepared to sell their home for what they regard as too low a figure. It may be that the realistic current price of their property falls below their mortgaged amount, putting them into a negative equity situation. Perhaps, they want to downsize, but the fall in the value of their own home has outpaced the fall in value of their new purchase in cash terms. Or maybe there is simply the feeling that it would be mad to sell such a large investment at what might be regarded as the bottom of the market.

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Financial Clout

Posted on: 18 November 2011

Financial Clout

One of the greatest frustrations in selling a property is delay. Delay not only causes anxiety, but also provides more time in which the buyer or seller can reconsider their position and withdraw from a purchase or sale.  

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Let-to-buy

Posted on: 11 November 2011

Let-to-buy

When the time comes to sell, there is usually a need for speed. Isn’t it always the case that the minute you start to think about selling, you see the ideal property you want to buy?! The problem is that the chances of getting a chain-free sale on your own property to coincide with your dream purchase can sometimes be slim.

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The UK Housing Market: Boys Vs. Girls

Posted on: 04 November 2011

The UK Housing Market: Boys Vs. Girls

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, how do they ever buy property together without falling out? Well according to a recent survey conducted by Home Sale Network amongst its Network members– quite amicably actually!

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PETER HERON ESTATE AGENTS COUNTDOWN TO NATIONAL ESTATE AGENCY CONFERENCE!

Posted on: 04 November 2011

PETER HERON ESTATE AGENTS COUNTDOWN TO NATIONAL ESTATE AGENCY CONFERENCE!

Peter Heron Estate Agents will soon be travelling to London to attend Home Sale Network’s Annual Conference. Taking place on Friday 18 November at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, the event is a national conference of Home Sale Network members who are all independent estate agents based across England, Scotland and Wales.

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The Weakest Link?

Posted on: 28 October 2011

The Weakest Link?

Many property transactions form part of a chain of related sales. Of course a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and, as a national statistic, unfortunately one in every three chains will fall apart, often at the eleventh hour. This happens for a variety of reasons from one party’s mortgage glitch to an unpleasant surprise in another’s survey or title enquiries.

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The Importance of Referencing

Posted on: 21 October 2011

The Importance of Referencing

In an ideal world, once a tenant has been found, it would be good to think that the landlord can simply sit back and watch his/her investment deliver the anticipated return on investment without further involvement. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why some letting agents only offer a tenant finding service. Simple really – or is it?

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Making Moving Easier

Posted on: 14 October 2011

Making Moving Easier

Moving day can be stressful enough, but a bit of forethought can go a long way.

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Sunderland's Housing Market Springs To Life

Posted on: 06 October 2011

Sunderland's Housing Market Springs To Life

Ashley O’Carroll, Managing Director at Peter Heron residential sales and lettings is noticing a significant increase in activity in Sunderland’s housing market in spite of the negative media reports surrounding an ailing global economy.

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Viewing Feedback

Posted on: 30 September 2011

Viewing Feedback

Sellers often approach us after an unsatisfactory experience with another agent, particularly in relation to poor levels of feedback following property viewings.

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A Qualified Agent?

Posted on: 23 September 2011

A Qualified Agent?

It seems amazing to us that almost anyone can open up an estate agency and commence trading without any training, qualifications, proof of minimum standards, or certificate of competency.

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Make it Shine!

Posted on: 16 September 2011

Make it Shine!

As a Sunderland landlord you’ll want to minimise the time your property is empty between tenancies (what we call the void period) so it is essential that your property is looking its best for showing to new tenants both in terms of condition and cleanliness.

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Are You Getting Enough Coverage?

Posted on: 09 September 2011

Are You Getting Enough Coverage?

A recent survey by home.co.uk of 14,660 estate agencies reported that 7% of agents don’t use any portals at all, and just over 20% only use just one portal – mostly Rightmove. Yet further analysis shows that the agents that advertise most widely have by far the lowest typical time-on-market figures. Hence, just being on one portal simply isn’t good enough.

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Relative Values

Posted on: 02 September 2011

Relative Values

In any market, the conversation often revolves around the likely future of house prices. Will they go up, will they go down, will they remain stable?

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Advertising for Results

Posted on: 26 August 2011

Advertising for Results

As estate agents, our job is to sell property. Sounds obvious really! However, some people judge an agent’s ability to do the job on the amount of advertising undertaken on behalf of each client, rather than on the strategy behind their advertising policy.

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Early Closing 1st September

Posted on: 26 August 2011

Early Closing 1st September

Due to staff training both branches will be closing early at 4pm on Thursday 1st September and will re-open on Friday 2nd September at 9am, we will deal with all enquiries on our return.

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Summer Selling

Posted on: 28 July 2011

Summer Selling

A recent survey conducted by Home Sale Network amongst its members reports that 97% of Network respondents achieved an average 93% of a property’s asking price in June 2011 – demonstrating the calibre of estate agent we have on our Network.

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NOW RECRUITING!!

Posted on: 21 July 2011

NOW RECRUITING!!

Peter Heron are a family run estate agency that have been well established in Sunderland for the last 20 years. We are currently seeking an exceptional individual to join us and fill the role of Property Valuer at both our City Centre and Fulwell branch. We are a busy, motivated team that pride ourselves on being The Number One estate agent in the Sunderland area and are looking for someone that can continue along this line of success with us.

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Letting to Students

Posted on: 14 July 2011

Letting to Students

Students are an excellent prospect for landlords wishing to maximise their return on investment. They are in ample supply, meaning an almost certain let, a greater choice of tenant and fewer void periods. Reliable student loans and parental guarantees mean that students are also less likely to default than they were in the past.

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A Sign of Success

Posted on: 07 July 2011

A Sign of Success

If you are looking to sell or rent your property then you could well benefit from having a heron in your garden. The real thing may not be a welcome sight if your garden has a fish pond, but it certainly brings benefits when it comes to property sales and lettings.

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