Lawler & Co. celebrate 10 years in business

2024 marks the 10 year anniversary of Lawler and Company Estate
Agents, we have been successfully selling property in the Stockport area
since 2014.
The agency, which was initially set up by Directors Leigh Lawler, Carl and
Adele Bateman in early 2014 with a view to improving the sales process for
local residents. With over 60 years combined property experience and a
passion for excellent customer service we opened our first office in the
leafy suburb of Marple.

           Lawler & Co. Hazel Grove office

Following the branch’s success and the reputation that Lawler and Co
quickly  gained the company proceeded to open our second branch in
Hazel Grove a few months later. Due to the phenomenal success of this
office 3 years later we had to relocate this office into larger premises.
2017 saw the opening of the Poynton Branch which quickly established
itself in the area.
Exceptional service has led us to become multi-award winners for customer
service and leading agent for selling in the areas we cover.

Leigh Lawler FNAEA CPEA Managing Director

Leigh Lawler comments: “When we set up the agency in 2014 I never
thought we would grow so quickly. We have a fantastic team which has
helped us grow the brand and it gives me a lot of pride receiving feedback
from clients on their successful moves”.
Carl and Adele Bateman add “We would also like to take this opportunity to
thank our incredible teams, across all 3 branches. Without their hard work
and passion, the growth of Lawler & Co. Estate Agents wouldn’t have been
possible – here’s to the next decade, keeping our clients moving”.

www.lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Do you want to beat the January rush? Here are our top tips for sellers!

If you are thinking about moving in the New Year once Christmas is over with, then you are not alone.

January is normally a busy time for the sales market, and people will start to look early. So doesn’t this mean you want your property to be one of the first ones they see? Yes! Not only do you want to beat the rush but need your property to stand out.

How do you stand out as a seller? Make sure your price is right from the start and do seek several valuations on your home from several agents. In choosing the right estate agent not only for price advice but ensuring that you have a quality marketing package.

January can be a busy period for the housing market and due to this influx of new buyers and sellers, we will also have those who are already on the market.

So how does a seller beat the January rush? Get your valuation booked in during December. Why? You will want a few different valuations on your property to confirm prices and see what agent suits you for your home. Once you have chosen an agent to start the marketing process, they will then need to book time to come back to your home and arrange for photographs, videos etc and agree a launch date.

Would you like a valuation on your home?  Please contact any of the Lawler & Co offices for more information.

Marple Office

36 Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB

Tel:
 0161 914 7620
marple@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Hazel Grove Office

128 London Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK7 4DJ

Tel: 0161 300 7144
hazelgrove@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Poynton Office

60 Park Lane
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1RE

Tel: 01625 448 001
poynton@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Lawler & Company donate £1,500 to East Cheshire hospice

Back in September, two of our directors Leigh Lawler & Carl Bateman competed in the Rightmove regatta and managed to secure with no previous sailing experience a respectable second place resulting in £1,500 each for two local charities. One of the charities that Lawler & Company were keen to support and donate to was East Cheshire hospice.

Managing Director Leigh Lawler and Sales Negotiator Angela McDermott from our Poynton office with the cheque for East Cheshire Hospice
Managing Director Leigh Lawler and Sales Negotiator Angela McDermott with the cheque for East Cheshire Hospice

Managing Director Leigh Lawler said “Giving back to the community especially the East Cheshire hospice is so important to us. The hospice supports patients, families and carers and is such a vital service for so many”.

Why being market ready is so important

Anyone that is looking at buying a selling a property at the moment knows that the housing market is the busiest that it has been for many years. Every house that comes to the market either won’t let you view unless you are in a position to proceed, already has a block viewing or “open house” going ahead which is fully booked or is sold before it even goes on-line. As a First Time Buyer or someone in rented accommodation, this is difficult enough of a position to be in; but what if you are trying to sell one and buy another? How you do work through trying to find a property and being in that ‘proceedable position’ whilst not feeling the pressure of a buyer who is desperate to move into your home and pushing for you to move out?

At Lawler & Co we understand the pressure that this brings. We understand the difficulties that sellers have in trying to find properties whilst selling their own and we understand how difficult it is to be in line for properties when they become available. We understand this from a personal perspective as we currently have a family member who is going through the process and is having the exact same issues.

Catch 22

Traditionally, when looking at buying and selling, there has been a “catch 22” scenario that always plays through a sellers mind – do you sell first and then try to find somewhere or do you find somewhere and then try to sell? An “All or Nothing” scenario. With the market conditions as they are, this has been somewhat taken out of sellers hands and they are almost ‘forced’ into selling first and being in the best position when a property does become available. However, sellers also know that most properties will sell quickly, with their own being no exception. Here at Lawler & Co, we have come up with an innovate solution that a number of our clients are taking advantage of at the moment.

Market Ready

This position we have called “Being Market Ready” or “Low Key Marketing”.

This is for those clients who have decided that Lawler & Co are the Estate Agent that they know will do the best for them, but you are slightly more cautious about putting their property fully live on the internet because they know it will sell quickly. For these clients we will position them in “Low Key Marketing”.

This means the client will sign contracts and will instruct Lawler & Co to be their Agent of choice. We will take all of the photographs, complete the 360⁰ virtual tour, we will complete the floorplan and write the description in readiness. We will ask you to approve it all and then we wait. If the client would like us to contact certain, specific buyers then we will; we won’t if they don’t. If the client would like to accept viewings from buyers in specific positions, then we will organise for them to be done; if they don’t, then we won’t. Then we will wait and we will help the client to find their next home.

Whilst a client is on “Low Key Marketing”, they are, absolutely, on the market.

What are the advantages to the client?

There are many advantages to the client that allow the buying and selling process to run a little more at their pace. These include:

· One of the first clients to be informed when a new property comes to the market that would meet their purchasing criteria

· Finding a middle ground between the “All or Nothing Catch 22” scenario that we discussed earlier

· Allowing the client to pick and choose who views the property and when, or not having anyone view in the first instance

· Putting the client into a strong position to view properties where agents won’t allow viewings from buyers who are not on the market

· Ensuring that when the client DOES find a property that they like, and DOES want to start fully marketing and DOES want to go live on the internet; then with the flick of a switch and the press of a button, all of that can happen within an instance and their home will be launched through the websites and onto property portals saving valuable time and putting them in the strongest position to purchase the house of their dreams.

It works!

“Low Key Marketing” or “Being Market Ready” has worked incredibly well for a number of our clients who we have been successful in selling their own home quickly and to the right buyers, finding them their dream home and taking out some of the pressure that comes with the whole buying and selling process.

For more information on how this process could work for you, please contact any of the Lawler & Co offices

Marple Office

36 Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB

Tel:
 0161 914 7620
marple@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Hazel Grove Office

128 London Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK7 4DJ

Tel: 0161 300 7144
hazelgrove@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Poynton Office

60 Park Lane
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1RE

Tel: 01625 448 001
poynton@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Stamp duty tax: what’s changing July 2021

With the extend stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland coming to an end on 30th June, what happens next?

Almost a year since this temporary reduction and it has meant no stamp duty tax to pay for first time buyers and home movers purchasing properties below £500,000 before end of June 2021.

From 1st July, a staggered return will be introduced to previous stamp duty rates. The nil – rate band will be lowered from £500,00 to £250,000 until 30th September. From 1st October 2021 it will return to £125,000.

The rate will also depend on if you’re a first-time buyer. From 1 July, first-time buyers will pay no stamp duty on properties worth up to £300,000, and a discounted rate on properties up to £500,000.

With the stamp duty tax thresholds on property purchases set to change, if you’re thinking of moving soon you can use the stamp duty calculator on rightmove to work out how much you’ll pay.

Thinking of selling your property and have questions that need answering about selling your property? Simply contact one of our branches for help.

 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 – Reduce the stress of moving house

This week from May 10th – 16th May 2021 is Mental Health Awareness Week. In the UK approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year. This week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help.

Moving home as well as exciting can also be an extremely stressful time, with two thirds of people citing it as one of the most stressful times.

At Lawler & Co, we like offer advice and listen to our customers and relieve the stress and troubles that come with moving and here we give some tips on how to help take some of the stress away from the big move.

Organisation

Start preparing for the move as soon as you can. Declutter and pack as you go. Organise possessions that you will be taking and items that you can give to charity or are no longer needed. This will help you see how much stuff you have to take to your new home. Clothing that is not needed for current season can be packed and stored away ready for moving day. Don’t leave it for the final week.

Administration

Contact your utility companies to advise them of the move and your forwarding address. Internet and TV provider set up and ready to install for when you are in your new home. There is nothing worse than no Wifi for a week! If you have to relocate to a new GP and dentist, get registered in advance. Contact Royal Mail with at least a week’s notice to advise of you change of address and if you need to redirect your mail. Book in the removal company if you need assistance on the day! Try to book well in advance. If you aren’t changing your child’s school be sure to inform them of the change of address.

Time off

If you can, book annual leave from work before and after moving day so it’s not all crammed into one day or a weekend. The day of moving is so busy, leave it clear for you able to concentrate and not stress. Allow a couple of days after to settle in and give yourself time to sort out any little errands. Give yourself time to relax a little and enjoy your new surroundings. If you have little ones, ask a friend or loved one if they can help with childcare or petcare.

Home Comforts

Ensure to have any medications and must haves close to hand, packed in a easy accessible and safe place. Pack a few home favourites that will allow you to feel more settled in your new home and not have to dig to the back of the boxes piled high in the lounge. Favourites such as a cushion, throw, book, blanket. Anything that makes you feel at home. Don’t forget the kettle,teabags, milk and mugs!

Ask for help

Moving is a big job! Be sure to ask friends and loved ones if you are struggling on your own. It’s time consuming and they will be more than happy to help! Helping pack, load boxes, childcare or making refreshments are all great ways they can help.

Moving Budget

Moving house is a big expense and often unexpected expenses can arise. Be prepared for purchases and costs that you may inccur. Don’t forget the take away on the first day!

Familiarise

Take time to familiarise yourself in your new surroundings. Go out and see what local attractions there are on your doorstep. Here in the North West we are lucky to have some amazing National Trust parks, beautiful walks, canals. Get involved in any local community social media groups to see of any upcoming events. See what recreational facilities are available.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness week is all about Nature and how important it is is for our mental health.

Go out and explore, experience nature and #ConnectWithNature.

#mentalhealthweek2021 #estateagentsuk #movinghouse

 

 

 

 

Local or Online Estate Agent? Who do you choose?

Reasons why you should use a local agent to sell property

Ready to put your home on the market but choosing the right estate agent is getting too overwhelming. What about an online agent? Should you pay for an upfront fee?Or do you approach a high street agent with an established physical presence in their local community, years of experience and unparalleled sales knowledge?

We’ve put together some reasons why Lawler and Co think a local high street estate agent is best, and in many cases provides better value for money than other offerings.

Getting the best Price!

Ever heard the saying you get what you pay for? Well, when it comes to estate agents, the same principle applies. In fact, plumping for the cheapest upfront option might be a false economy because it may cost you money in the long run.

Why? With the right tools and unrivalled street-by-street knowledge of an area, nothing beats an established local agent. We don’t just sit back and let the sale take care of itself because we’ve already been paid, as is sometimes the case with DIY or very low-cost agents. We use our expertise and in depth local knowledge to achieve the highest possible sales amount for your property.

We have an up-to-date database of local buyers who are looking for specifics such as proximity to the local schools, transport links and leisure facilities. When a well-matched property is on our books, we’ll proactively approach people who we think would be interested in viewing it. Having access to this sort of local data can make all the difference when it comes to selling a property for the right price. Some one popping into one of our offices and having a chat can also offer this opportunity!

Viewings are a must!

Viewings are one of the most crucial aspects of selling a property and while some people are comfortable in showing would-be buyers around their home, others have neither the time nor the inclination. True, some online estate agents do offer accompanied viewings but you’ll typically have to pay extra for the privilege. With all things currently restricted due to Covid19, we are now happy to provide 360 virtual tours of properties.

Check that your online agent is prepared to negotiate on your behalf: many don’t and will leave it up to you. You’ll have to decide if you’re absolutely comfortable in squeezing your buyer for the asking price you want or handling any last-minute paperwork problems.

Think Local

Choosing to market your property through a local estate agent opens up a network of trusted community contacts and services – from builders and tradespeople to conveyancers and independent mortgage advisers, all of whom will be happy to meet you face-to-face. It also means you won’t have to hand over one of the most important decisions of your life to someone on the other side of a computer.

Those hidden extras

Upfront fees may seem tempting at first glance but check very carefully to see if there aren’t any hidden extras, all of which can soon mount up. Some agents charging extra for photography, ‘for sale’ boards and, as mentioned previously, viewings.

An unbeatable combination

It’s said that not having a physical shop front and operating purely online is the future of estate agency. With over 20 years of experience in selling homes in Hazel Grove, Marple, Poynton and surrounding areas we know that having an accessible office that’s bright, welcoming and modern attracts footfall. We’re happy to be a focal point in our local community and having a physical location where people can drop by, chat to the team and find out what’s new on our books is incredibly important.

That doesn’t mean that we neglect our online presence, however. We advertise on many online platforms and like to also use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The difference is that, unlike a purely online estate agent, we don’t solely rely on these property portals to achieve sales. We like to think we offer the best of all worlds.

Our local knowledge together with our professional, dedicated sales team and marketing expertise means that our clients can feel confident and assured, you have chosen the correct estate agent to give you detailed accurate market advise on preparing your property for sale or rent for the best price

If you would like to speak to a member of our team and find out what your home is worth, please contact one of the offices below

Marple Office

36 Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB

Tel: 0161 914 7620
marple@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Hazel Grove Office

128 London Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK7 4DJ

Tel: 0161 300 7144
hazelgrove@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Poynton Office

60 Park Lane
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1RE

Tel: 01625 448 001
poynton@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Stamp Duty Holiday – What does it mean for you?

On the 8th July 2020, the government has today (8th July) unveiled a new stamp duty holiday that will run until 31st March next year. Read here for more details.

The impact has been striking but what does this mean for you?

Previously, stamp duty would have to be paid on homes sold for at least £125,000, or if a first-time buyer, on properties sold for more than £300,000.

Rishi Sunak has now raised this threshold to £500,000. Benefiting nine out of ten homebuyers paying no stamp duty at all, the average stamp duty bill falling by £4,500 and to help reinvigorate the post pandemic housing market.

Because the tax is paid after the sale of the home is finalised, even people who are midway through the process of buying a property will benefit from these changes. Buy-to-let investors and people in the market for a second home will also experience some relief due to the tax holiday, seeing a reduction to the stamp duty liability they would have otherwise have paid.

Not having to pay stamp duty means that all buyers will have more spare cash to help in the moving process, secure deposits and make renovations. Balancing a mortgage and decorating your dream home just got a little bit easier, making now the best time to dive into the property market.

With the team all now back at Lawler and Co, we are ready and waiting to answer all your queries, and help you find your perfect home.

 

allAgents Awards 2019 – Lawler and Co. win again!

Lawler and Co. win allAgents Awards 2019 in the Stockport area! Going above and beyond for their customers!

After the team being recognised in the allAgents Awards 2019 for their great customer service, we thought we would tell you all just how much we LOVE selling houses, and WHY!?

At Lawler & Co, we LOVE our jobs, we really do. We love to sell houses, we love to make our vendors happy and we love to find our buyers their dream homes.

We genuinely listen to our customers to understand their needs, whether they are selling or buying.

Looking after each sale and purchase personally, communication is key – you need to feel that you are in safe hands, and we want you to be happy!

Accompanying all viewings is standard, because we know sales. We know that potential buyers feel more comfortable asking questions with an agent, rather than a home owner. We know it works.

Taking absolute pride in marketing your property in the best possible way, with fantastic photographs and prominent branches throughout Stockport.

Our teams are all experienced and with a wealth of local knowledge can advise on anything from what day the bin collection is to what are the best local schools.

As a bespoke independent estate agency with prominent branches in Hazel Grove, Marple and Poynton we don’t believe in call centres to answer your calls. We want to offer the best personal experience from beginning to end.

Above all, we all thrive on doing a good job. When we see happy customers, we know we have done our job properly!

www.lawlerandcompany.co.uk

How much is your property worth? Is the price right?

How do you know what the right price is to put your house on the market for? Is the valuation correct? The ups and downs of the property market over the past decade makes assessing a suitable asking price a bit more difficult. It involves not only the state of the market, but also factors including the property’s condition, the level of demand, and – of course – location.

Some vendors want to try their luck at getting the highest price but overvaluing a property is the most common mistake to make and can cost a vendor dear, sitting on the market for longer than necessary and comparable homes looking to appear to be bargains when they are just priced correctly. Overpricing your property may not sell yours but may sell your neighbours!

There are ways to make sure your home goes on sale at just the right price. Here are some tips to help:

Sales prices in the area
Study the sales prices in your street and its immediate surroundings, concentrating on the last six months. The information is freely available on property websites and will give you a reasonably up to date idea of the state of the local market. Rather than look at the asking prices concentrate on the actual selling price.

Price differentials – Be aware
No two houses are the same so don’t assume you will get as much for your home as your neighbours got for theirs only last month. It is perfectly feasible for homes that sit side by side to be worth significantly different amounts.

Location Location Location
Homes close to excellent schools or transport links will sell at a premium, If they are also in good condition, with a high specification – eg with sash windows and/or engineered wood floors – they might also top local ceiling prices.

Square Footage rather than number of rooms
Estate agents base their valuations on the square footage of a property rather than the number of rooms. If your one-bedroom apartment is larger than average, buyers will pay more for it. On the downside, if it is a bit poky, a bit run down, or suffers from a blight such as being on a busy road or near the railway tracks, you’re going to have to trim your expectations.

Invest in your property
If you’ve invested in your property you can expect to get some of your money back, especially if you have added floor space. It goes without saying that a property that has enlarged or had several home improvements will achieve more than a basic like for like nieghbouring property. However be mindful that not all improvements equal an increase in price. Improvements that are too tailored to your likes could people off the increase in price.

Shop around for your Valuation.
Get valuations from at least three agents. Ask them to provide examples of what similar properties have sold for – they will have even more up to date information than the online portals.

Highest Valuation isn’t always best!
Don’t necessarily go with the highest valuation you receive. If a valuation seems too good to be true, it probably is. The first six to eight weeks are the optimum selling time.

If you are considering a move please call into one of our friendly offices or telephone your local branch and we can arrange for one of our valuers to visit your home and provide a free no obligation valuation. Click here for more information.