News From PSG Cornwall
19/07/2010
Audio Tours - The Online Marketing Revolution Continues
PSG Cornwall recently launched an exciting new product in conjunction with Audio Agent to enhance property marketing. AudioTours are designed to deliver a genuine point of differentiation for estate agents and letting agents in a highly competitive world. They not only significantly enhance your ability to attract buyers and generate quality viewings, but also offer a powerful new listing tool. Vendors and landlords alike simply love them.
AudioTours deliver the visual content in a trusted photographic format allowing viewers to digest the content in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Through the use of professional voiceovers and even background music the result is a hugely powerful interactive presentation tool which has the appeal and impact of a TV or cinema ad – but crucially, at a fraction of the cost.
All the user needs to do is email PSG Cornwall with the relevant web link or brochure. Audio Agent then do the rest, from creating the slide show and writing the script, to recording the voiceover.
Each script is individually crafted to reflect not only the writing style favoured but also the qualities of the property concerned. AudioAgent can also call on the skills of a whole team of professional voiceover artistes – so if required, you can even specify a particular regional accent or even a different language!
The tours can then be uploaded a company website, or any of the major portals, including Rightmove, PropertyFinder and Primelocation. Similarly, given the growing importance of online social networking, they can also be uploaded to sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
Amazingly, a batch of 5 audio tours can be purchased for just £99 + vat or £39.99 + vat per tour.
For further information on Audio Tours contact PSG Cornwall on 01209 204629 or email simon@psgcornwall.co.uk
13/07/2010
How you can add value to your property
A recent survey of over 200 of the UK’s leading estate agents across the UK, carried out by movewithus, has revealed the top 14 ways in which home owners can add value to their property ahead of a sale.
Based on the average house price, as reported by the Land Registry*, adding an extra bedroom could increase the value of the average property by just over £14,500. Less expensive options include a simple installation of an alarm system and new conservative decor, which could increase the value of a property by £2,650 and £6,127 respectively.
Loft conversions remain popular, adding a typical value of 7.1 per cent or £11,757, an extra bathroom could add another £10,101 and a new kitchen presents a return of around £9605 on average. That last figure may not seem quite high enough when you look at the price of a new kitchen, so presale kitchen instalments may need to be carefully considered.
Parking space is another big winner with buyers; so if there is no space currently, it might be worth looking at the front garden – you never sit in it but if you could get access and lay a good hardstanding, it could add an average of £8611!
Robin King, movewithus director, commented, “There are a number of affordable home improvements that can be made to add value to a property, which often results in thousands of pounds more being achieved at the point of sale. Our survey revealed that sellers on a budget can add value to their home with a few low-cost improvements, such as improving the garden or having an alarm system.”
* Average house price of £165,314 – according to the Land Registry, May 2010.
21/05/2010
HIPs Suspended and EPC Regulations Changed
As of Thursday 20th May 2010 the duty for homeowners or agents to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) in place before any marketing of a residential property can take place was suspended (pending their outright abolition by primary legislation). It is no longer a requirement to have a HIP before you market a property.
The Government on 21st May 2010 introduced new legislation - the “Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010” which introduced a number of new requirements relating to the provision of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) including:
- A new duty on the seller to secure that an energy performance certificate (EPC) has been commissioned before marketing of the property commences where no such certificate is already available
- An EPC has been commissioned when a Domestic Energy Assessor has been instructed to prepare the EPC and the EPC has either been paid for or has given a clear undertaking to pay for it
- A new duty on the person acting on behalf of the seller (meaning the estate agent) to be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned before commencing marketing
- A new duty on both the seller and a person acting on their behalf to make reasonable efforts to secure an EPC within 28 days
- The EPC is valid for 10 years
- The EPC ratings must be supplied on any written particulars
- All of the new duties carry fixed penalties where somebody fails in the duty conferred on them by the new regulations as early as possible or at least before you enter a contract for sale or rental.
It has been clear from the feedback we have received since the suspension of HIPs that although they had weaknesses in their legislated form, HIPs did help to provide more transparency in the house-buying and selling process. Furthermore in Cornwall where standards of quality and accuracy were maintained many solicitors and estate agents valued their inclusion in the conveyancing process. As a result, PSG Cornwall is working with estate agents, solicitors and other interested parties to develop a cheaper, more local home selling pack on a voluntary basis. If you would care to be involved in this please do not hesitate to contact us on 01209 204629.
15/05/2010
Management Changes in PSG Cornwall
PSG Cornwall has re-structured in order to provide maternity cover for Karen Wright, our Operations Manager, and to recognise the achievements of two members of the team, Andy Nicholas and Sally Murfin who will be changing roles within PSG Cornwall to this end. Andy was previously a Research Consultant who has detailed knowledge of our local search product and has been instrumental in efficiency improvements in the office.
He will now be our new Team Manager looking after the smooth running of the office and our team. Sally, who previously was PSG Cornwall’s Client Liaison Officer, has spent almost four years with PSG and has undertaken most roles within the company building a great rapport with our clients. She will now be our Customer Manager, expanding her role to be the first point of contact for customer enquiries and marketing and will support Andy as Team Manager. We would like to pass on our congratulations to them both.
24/03/2010
Employment Opportunities at PSG Cornwall
PSG Cornwall is re-structuring to provide maternity cover for Karen Wright our operations manager.
This opens two opportunities within PSG:
Team Manager:
You will be responsible for the smooth running of the office and managing our excellent team to deliver a quality service to our valued customers. Already a strong people manager with good operational experience, you will have a customer focused approach and excellent coordination skills. Legal property and HR experience would be advantageous.
If you fit the bill, are a highly motivated, proactive team leader and excited at the prospect of inspiring our team, please email karen@psgcornwall.co.uk for the chance to be considered.
Closing date: Friday 30th April
Salary: dependent on experience
Administrative Apprentice:
You will be fulfilling a key role in a busy team undertaking general administration duties including monitoring the telephone, inputting new orders onto databases and scanning documents.
If you fit the bill, please email karen@psgcornwall.co.uk for the chance to be considered.
Temporary - Permanent Position
Closing date: Thursday 15th April
Salary: dependent on experience
01/02/2010
Win a luxury break with PSG!
PSG Cornwall are offering an amazing opportunity to win a stunning pampering package at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate. The lucky winner will receive
- Overnight accommodation for 2 people in a deluxe room to include breakfast (http://www.thecornwall.com/hotel/the-white-house.aspx)
- Massage for 2 people in The Clearing Spa and use of the spa facilities (http://www.thecornwall.com/spa/spa.aspx)
- Dinner for 2 people in the fine dining restaurant The Arboretum (http://www.thecornwall.com/hotel/restaurants.aspx)
All you need to do to enter the draw for this amazing prize is to order a PSG Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or a Home Information Pack (HIP) with a PSG EPC during the month of February. With prices from £45 plus VAT for an EPC and from £225 plus VAT for a full HIP including EPC, most Cornish property professionals now turn to PSG.
Every participating HIP or EPC order placed will be automatically entered into the prize draw to take place on the 1st March so that our lucky winner can be amongst the first to experience the luxurious surroundings at this new jewel in the Cornish countryside.
Please note:
- All drinks and extra’s will be chargeable
- Accommodation dates will be subject to availability
If you need any assistance in placing your HIP or EPC order please contact our friendly team on 01209 204629 or by emailing sally@psgcornwall.co.uk.
29/01/2010
Will the current house price rises be sustained?
Data released by the Halifax indicates that three Cornish towns are included in the top five of UK areas with the highest house price rises in the past decade. The report, discussed in the Financial Times, can be found by clicking here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/2d8d4966-0d0c-11df-a2dc-00144feabdc0.html
Such price rises are unlikely to be sustained, as discussed in the Worldwide Financial Planning's latest Finance Update. To view the full article, click on the following link:
http://www.wwfp.net/weekly-articles/mortgage--housing/29-january-2010.htm
09/11/2009
Landlords to be targeted in Trading Standards swoop
Landlords who have ignored recent changes in the law are about to be targeted in a swoop by Cornwall Trading Standards.
Since April 2008, all properties now require an energy performance certificate (EPC) before going on the market for rent or sale. The EPC documents the energy efficiency of a building, focusing on the amount of carbon dioxide estimated to be released from the building during its normal use. It shows CO2 ratings in bandings, from A to G, with A being the least polluting. The property’s performance is benchmarked against current building standards and cost-effective improvements are recommended. The certificate gives potential buyers or tenants the opportunity to calculate their energy and environmental costs prior to signing a contract so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their decision to buy or occupy that building.
The legislation applies to both residential and commercial landlords, however Cornwall Trading Standards officers have suspected some landlords have been flouting the law by letting or selling buildings without the required certificates. Following a ‘desktop survey’, officers from the local authority have compiled a list of 120 commercial properties without a commercial EPC, that are being marketed through the local press in the county – and they are about to take action.
Landlords who do not comply with the rules face a fine of upto £5,000 based on the rateable value of the building, however Trading Standards officers intend to contact landlords and sellers who are marketing without an EPC with a 28-day warning first.
Cornwall Trading Standards officer, John Tutchier, said: “There appears to be a trend for delaying the provision of an EPC until the last possible opportunity or, in some cases, for not providing one at all. Not having an EPC and marketing a property for sale or rent is against regulations and landlords who do so may be served with a penalty charge notice.
“Commercial landlords should already be aware of the requirement for an EPC. There has been extensive publicity and a wealth of resources exists to advise and inform as to the requirements. Trading Standards will answer any query relating to enforcement and compliance that people wish to raise.
“Landlords of residential properties range from individuals with single homes to large operators with multiple homes for rent. For residential properties, the legal obligations are the same whether you own one or many properties. They simply have to obtain an EPC at the earliest opportunity for any property they are going to offer for rent.
“From an enforcement perspective, the situation is clear: If a property is marketed, then an EPC must be provided at the earliest opportunity”.
Simon Gill, partner in PSG Cornwall, one of the county’s largest suppliers of commercial EPCs, said: “Much effort from both the private and public sector has gone into explaining the new legislation to landlords and property agents but some people still seem to be unclear of their responsibilities.”
“Our role as a supplier of EPCs is to ensure we can help landlords meet their responsibilities and remain within the law – but they have to come to us first. We will endeavour to ensure that anyone who approaches us with a 28-day warning letter from Trading Standards will have a certificate in time to avoid any fine.”
06/11/2009
PSG Joins the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign
PSG Cornwall are proud members of the Know Your Flood Risk campaign - a campaign set-up by Landmark and the National Flood Forum with a mission to help raise awareness of the issue of flood, and encourage practical guidance and support to help protect homeowners, and property professionals against the risks. By signing up to the campaign, PSG Cornwall have joined a community of organisations whose goal is to raise awareness of flood information and the potential risks.
For more information please call PSG Cornwall on 01209 204629.
13/10/2009
Enforcement of HIP/EPC Regulations in Cornwall
PSG Cornwall today attended the Estate Agency Seminar run by Cornwall Trading Standards. This event was extremely well attended by estate agents, solicitors, energy assessors and other property professionals some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to listen to the keynote speakers at this event, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The morning session was an overview of the current legislation relating to Estate Agents. The speaker was Roger Young, Manager of Estate Agents Enforcement at The Office of Fair Trading. He covered the current legislation and gave the practical implications of failing to comply with the current law from the point of view of The Office of Fair Trading.
The afternoon session was split between Denis Purshouse and Mark Cousens who are both Policy Advisors with the Communities and Local Government Office.
Denis Purshouse spoke regarding Home Information Packs. He explained the law around them, what they must contain and the exceptional occasions when one was not required. He went through some common questions that arise around Home information Packs and he finished off by outlining the enforcement action that can be taken if a property is marketed without a Home Information Pack.
Mark Cousens spoke on Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s). He explained that as part of a European Directive EPC’s are required. They inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.
The seminar was concluded by a question and answer session during which local Trading Standards Officer, John Tutchier, stated that Cornwall Trading Standards were currently carrying out a desktop survey to ascertain which commercial properties were being marketed in the County without having a valid EPC in place. Mr Tutchier went on to say that once the survey had been completed the intention was then for Trading Standards Officers to go into estate agencies to audit them on non-compliance.
Delegates left the seminar with the up to date position on current legislation, Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates from Government Offices. They also heard first hand how seriously local Trading Standards are taking non-compliance with the home buying and selling requirements.
Should you require any further information on Home Information Packs or Energy Performance Certificates (Domestic or Commercial) please do not hesitate to contact us.
25/09/2009
New manager and growth plan for PSG:
PSG Cornwall have appointed a new operations manager – and moved to bigger offices – as we continue to grow. We have risen rapidly to become the county’s biggest provider of Hips, EPCs and searches following changes in the laws on house-buying during the last three years.
Our firm is now strengthened by the addition of Karen Wright, a solicitor with 15 years’ conveyancing experience who brings with her a wealth of leadership experience, having been part of the management team that grew Welsh law firm John Collins and Partners from 30 to 150 staff.
Bringing the PSG Cornwall team up to eleven, Karen will work with partners Simon Gill and Uzma Bozai to oversee and streamline our systems.
Uzma, PSG’s operational partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Karen to the team. Her legal skills will be a huge asset in overseeing the day-to-day production of Hips and property searches.”
Karen’s appointment coincides with our move to new larger offices on Cornwall’s Cardrew Business Park with further scope for expansion and meeting rooms.
The key to our growth has been monitoring and forecasting the way the market would react to government legislation that was introduced piecemeal during 2007, 2008 and 2009. While this year’s crisis in the housing market slowed business, the market is now starting to recover and growth plans are back on track.
“I’m thrilled to be joining PSG Cornwall,” said Karen, “it’s a company that benefits from a good base of staff who really know what they’re doing and are keen to embrace change to continue to improve the high quality of service that our customers have come to expect.”
We have continued our proactive approach to informing the county on property issues through the recent launch of www.propertysalesguidecornwall.co.uk, our website that informs people of their responsibilities when buying and selling property and offers advice throughout the process.
Simon Gill, managing partner of PSG Cornwall, said: “It has been a difficult year for everybody in the property sales sector. The marketplace we are in now is quite different from the one we were in a year ago.
“Thankfully, our business model has always been about focusing on what’s going on around us – and what’s about to happen – and reacting quickly, so that has set us in good stead.
“We are very pleased to have Karen as our new operations manager and we’re very excited about the possibilities presented by our office move.
“Karen’s background in conveyancing means she understands the importance of the work we do and how our products have to satisfy the needs of solicitors and estate agents in order to help people move house as quickly and seamlessly as possible.”
20/06/2009
PSG is recruiting:
We are looking for a Operations Manager responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the office and managing our excellent team.
With a significant demand for property services supplied by a local, knowledgeable team, PSG Cornwall is growing. We would like to welcome Natasha Dowling to the team as Customer Services Administrator and now we are looking for a Operations Manager responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the office and managing our excellent team to deliver a quality service to our valued customers. If you would like further information, please email uzma.cornwall@propertysearchgroup.co.uk for the chance to be considered for this great career opportunity.
18/06/2009
PSG at the Royal Cornwall Show:
At this year's Royal Cornwall Show PSG Cornwall are providing an "Ask the Experts" service.
There will be representatives from PSG, local estate agents, NAEA, local solicitors (the Fastmove Initiative) and Landmark Information Group. This will be your chance to come and see who we are, what we are all about , pick up some information or just come along for a cup of tea! We will be launching our new leaflet "Guide to buying and selling in Cornwall" and providing a Flood Check service so come and see us on Stand 344 right next to the main ring.