You probably already have a few group chats with friends, which is perfect for informal and instant messaging. Set this up for the most important people in your life so you can send a quick question, keep each other updated and easily communicate and check in on each other. Having an ongoing dialogue makes keeping in touch natural. Group chats can be made on all sorts of platforms, with Whatsapp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger being the most popular.
Schedule a video call
Having a set time on specific days and times can ensure you’re keeping in touch with those who matter most to you and give you a date to look forward to. As humans, we need face to face communication and video calls mean you can talk to someone as if they’re in the room with you.
If you are home alone for long periods or have a family member who is, set regular dates to video call and make each other’s day. You could arrange for the grandparents to keep the children occupied with a video call and help their relationship grow.
Share photos and videos to private groups
Online apps can allow groups to share online photo albums, without having to post them to social media. Create a group with your family and upload all the latest photos and videos for them to print themselves and enjoy at their leisure.
The Google Photos app or Amazon Photos allow you to upload photos from all devices and can be shared through a private link or with selected users on the platforms.
Private groups on social platforms
There are many ways to share photos and videos with a chosen group of people, without having to post it to everyone on social media. Private groups can bring you closer with your family and social media platforms can make it easy and fun.
Instagram allows you to create a ‘close friends’ list to share Stories with a chosen list of people. On Facebook, anyone can create a closed group for approved members only, where you can share statuses, images, videos, GIFs and more. Snapchat Groups is a tool for groups of up to 16 people to instant message with photos and videos using fun filters or video chat.
Social media platforms for families
It makes sense to have a platform dedicated to communicating with the most important people in your life. Facebook isn’t suitable for children under the age of 18, but family apps have a similar layout and functionality to Facebook, whilst providing additional security and privacy to communicate in a chosen group.
Cocoon is a social network for families, created by former Facebook employees, allowing loved ones to share media, statuses and instant messages. You can find lots of family social media platforms online, find one that works best for you.
Face-to-face social networks
Get involved with face-to-face social networks to feel closer to your friends and family. The app, House Party, allows up to eight users to join a video chat using a phone or desktop, for a virtual party. You can see which friends are online and can choose to video call with a split screen where you can invite multiple people to chat or play games.
Snapchat allows groups of up to 16 people to instant message, send photos and videos with fun filters or video chat with multiple people. Find a video app that can give you precious face time with your friends in a fun way.
Start blogging Blogging about your life can be a great way for long-distance family and friends to catch up with you. You can include topics, such as your latest trips, your favourite recipes and places to go, or your thoughts on various topics. It can be a great way for all your loved ones to feel connected to you in one post.
Website makers, such as Wix or Wordpress, provide hundreds of templates that you can customise, which are ideal for blogs.
Where do you want to live? A tried-and-true method for finding a location to live in is to explore different towns and cities by driving or walking through these neighbourhoods. Discovering the right location will also depend on your work and the daily commutes you will be taking, so compare the differences.
What price are you willing to spend on rent?
Establish a budget and remember to stay within it, as budgeting for rent is one of the most important points to keep in mind. You don’t want to obsess over a property and realise you can’t afford it. You also want to take into account the one-time costs of moving home, such as the deposit, application fees, utility costs, and moving costs.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Identify who you will be sharing your home with, whether it is your family, a partner, or housemates. This can help you see how many bedrooms and bathrooms are required, ensuring you have all the necessary facilities.
Have you consulted with an expert agent?
By contacting and consulting with a local expert agent, they can help you identify properties that suit your criteria. They can provide you with local market insight, offer strategies for finding the right home, or even present you with listings before they hit the market. If you’re not familiar with the rental market or chosen area, hiring a local estate agent can really boost your chances of finding the right home for you. They will know the ins and outs of buying and renting, with plenty of contacts on hand.
Have you asked all your questions and queries? When finding the perfect rental property, you need to make sure it is perfect for you. You don’t want to sign the lease agreement and realise it’s not the home you thought. Is the home pet-friendly? Are the utilities included? Asking questions can reveal a lot about the landlord and how they may interact with you in the future. By using a letting agent to help you discover the right home, they can increase communication and guarantee you a positive renting journey. The more questions you ask, the fewer surprises you will encounter after signing the lease agreement.
Think about what you want from your next home A better garden may be on your priority list, so as you explore the extensive range of properties that summer listings typically offer, create your own list. You may have location, the number of rooms, or property type at the top. Whatever your needs and desires are, it’s important to keep your mind open to fresh ideas, so don’t lock yourself into a preconceived vision of your perfect property, because it might just discover you.
Talk to a local property market expert agent The UK property market is a fragmented collection of markets that can vary from street to street. Local knowledge is key to making a successful move. The market you are moving from will be different from the market you are moving to. Your needs are as unique as the rich tapestry of properties that comprise the UK market. Spending time with a local property expert to tell them what you are looking for is an important step to finding your perfect property.
Book the best home valuation you can In order to plan your moving budget and open the door to what's possible, it’s imperative that you book a home valuation. Your home’s value may have increased more than you think, opening windows of opportunity to better properties. It’s also important to get a thorough face-to-face valuation that places the true value of your home without pricing at an unrealistic level. This can have an adverse effect on your home sale.
Take a look at recently sold prices You don’t just have to rely on your agent to gain insights into the locations you are moving to or leaving behind. As you peruse previous sold property prices or the selling prices of similar properties, you will naturally become more attuned to the market. This summer spells out stability, and if you are moving, you are in a fortunate position. This is because you have the advantage of good equity growth when you are selling and reasonable pricing if you are buying.
Use longer warmer days to enjoy more viewings There is a fresh summer breeze of properties on the market so it’s worth booking as many viewings as possible. With quieter roads during school holidays and better weather, you may be able to have more time for viewings. This, with a good agent to accompany you, will help you find the features and that special ‘I’m home feeling’ that only your perfect property can give you.
What is your budget? When renting in the city, it can become a costly experience as you dream to be at the heart of everyone and everything. Living in the city is always going to be costly, so it’s important to plan your income, discover a budget, and identify what properties are available for you. According to a well-known rental guideline, you should spend approximately 30% of your gross income (before tax) on rent. With so many activities and restaurants to enjoy, it can become hard to sacrifice the city lifestyle, so to prevent this, it’s important to plan and budget.
Where do you want to rent, and why? When choosing which city suits you, it can be a difficult decision with many factors to consider, as finding the right location in a city can be a daunting. All types of suburbs suit different personalities, and many factors can impact deciding where to live: your work location, the availability of amenities, and transport links. Living just outside of the city can bump your monthly outgoing costs on transportation, so sometimes it’s better to pay that slight bit extra in rent. Before committing to the big move, it’s important to visit your chosen area and truly find out if it is right for you.
What type of property? Choosing the right type of property is dependent on what lifestyle you plan to lead. There are plenty of options for different types of properties in a city, from a cosy flat with unlimited amenities to an elegant house that offers a hidden garden retreat. Choosing a furnished or unfurnished option can also be a big decider on the type of property that is right for you. When moving in a city, it’s easier to have a furnished choice, as this creates ease when moving from property to property.
When is it right to move? There is no best time to move into a property as the market continues to succeed throughout the entire duration of the year. Summer is an ideal season to relocate because of the weather making it an easy move. The city rental market will become busiest around summer as people get ready to begin the academic year. It is also important to get to know your surroundings before moving, allowing you to make a smooth and successful move. Have you consulted with a property professional? If you're moving to a city and are confused about what to do when renting, get in touch with your local Guild Member, who can help guide you through the ups and downs of the city rental market.
About Us: Property People is an estate agents that deal with a variety of sales and lettings and short term lettings. We are seeking a highly organized and efficient Admin Coordinator to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our administrative functions.
Job Overview: The Admin Coordinator will be responsible for managing day-to-day administrative tasks, coordinating office activities, and providing support to various departments. The role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Administrative Support:
Perform general administrative duties, including answering phones, managing emails, and handling correspondence. Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for staff. Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant documents. Office Coordination:
Manage office supplies and inventory, ensuring that all necessary items are stocked and available. Coordinate with vendors and service providers to maintain office equipment and facilities. Oversee office layout, cleanliness, and organization. Data Management:
Maintain accurate records and files, both electronic and physical. Update and manage databases, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and other documentation as needed. Communication and Correspondence:
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications. Draft, edit, and proofread letters, emails, and other communications. Ensure timely and professional responses to inquiries and requests. Project Coordination:
Assist in planning and coordinating company events, meetings, and projects. Provide support to project teams and follow up on action items. Human Resources Support:
Assist with HR-related tasks such as onboarding new employees, maintaining employee records, and coordinating training sessions. Support the recruitment process by scheduling interviews and managing candidate communications. Financial Administration:
Process invoices, expense reports, and purchase orders. Assist in budget tracking and financial reporting. Liaise with the finance department to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments. Customer Service:
Provide excellent customer service to clients, visitors, and staff. Address and resolve any issues or concerns promptly and professionally. Assist in maintaining a welcoming and efficient office environment.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
Proven experience as an Admin Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, or similar role. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of office management systems and procedures. High level of discretion and confidentiality. What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative work environment. Opportunities for professional development and growth. Competitive salary and benefits package. The chance to be a key contributor to the success of our company. How to Apply: Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to ciara@propertypeopleni.com by 11/7/24.
Complete a deep home clean With summer around the corner, it calls for a big home clean. Grab that mop and bucket, blast your favourite summertime songs, and get cleaning. When home cleaning, you want to ensure it is completed efficiently. We suggest starting at the highest level of each room and working your way down, allowing all the dust to fall and not be missed, creating an efficient and effective clean. By completing this big home clean, you’ll be able to inspect your property closer for potential winter-related damage or damp. As the seasons shift, the weather drastically changes and affects your home more than you think. It is common for mould to thrive in increased temperatures and humidity, so to prevent this from occurring, keep your home well-ventilated with windows open and fresh air circulating. Houseplants are also a great way to reduce moisture in rooms, as most of them absorb dampness in the air through their leaves. Having indoor plants creates a fresh, summery feel throughout rooms.
Summer finishes When preparing your home for summer, it's important to match your décor to the current season. With just a few tweaks, you can easily change the seasonal mood within your home and bring summer indoors. The colour palette of summer is full of light, soft, pastel shades that bring a refreshed feel to any room. Produce these colours throughout your home by simply swapping out cushion covers, throws, rugs, or even artwork, replacing the moodier, darker colours. As we creep out of the cooler months and it begins to get warmer, it's time to pack away the winter duvets and swap them out for thin linen sheets and pillows, creating a cooler, easier sleep at night.
Transform your garden into a summer oasis Us Brits spend as much of our time outside in the sun as we can, so it’s always best to ensure you have prepared your garden for the company it will receive. The main focus of any garden is the grass, so let’s perfect it. You can’t host social barbeques and family game days on terrible grass. An easy route to getting luscious green grass is by sprinkling grass seed all over your lawn. This makes your grass appear full, fresh, and green. Once your lawn starts growing, it’s good to keep on top of the rapid growth with a weekly trim. Planting beautiful flowers will bring character and colour to your garden, guaranteeing compliments from family and friends. If you're not much of a gardener but would still like to hear these praises, don't worry; just toss some wildflower seed mix into your flower beds. Keep them watered every day, and you will have a beautiful, blooming garden.
Update your walls with memories Walls are not just for painting and creating privacy. Mirrors will add space and light and can make your rooms appear much larger than they are. If you are tired of looking at the four walls in any of your home’s rooms, add some new prints, pictures, or photographs. A memory wall full of small pictures that frame your holidays and adventures, or artistic paintings or photography that inspire you, are well worth taking your time over.
Brighten your rooms up and create space With summer here, a good place to start is by clearing out the clutter you don’t need. Throw your throws in the wardrobe or somewhere out of sight. Clear your spaces and allow more light and air to flood in. Less is more and by undertaking this decluttering process, you will have an enlightened vision for your makeover plans.
Better storage and inspiring furniture Better storage can add form with functionality. Getting your stuff stored properly will free up floor space. It will also reduce stress levels and maybe stop you from rummaging through piles of items. But it’s not all about coat racks and sideboards. It's what you do with them that counts. Painted and restored furniture is in vogue. Whether you like weathered, rustic-looking furniture or brightly painted wood, makeover your home your own way.
The emotional power of paint Never underestimate the power of paint to transform a room. Different colour palettes evoke different emotions and feelings. Whether you are creating a feeling of warmth and space, or are simply in love with a certain shade that you know will develop a scheme that makes you happy, painting is mood-altering because paint can be room-altering. You don't have to confine it to walls and ceilings. Painting furniture such as cabinets or the kitchen table can have a huge impact.
Add some greenery Don't let the fact that you don’t have a garden stop you. Indoor gardens can be created near a window or underneath a skylight. If your home has a balcony, consider a vertical wall garden or if you have a lawn, add new lighting. Some flickering solar lanterns are very reasonably priced in local hardware stores. Or if you would prefer something more upmarket, a good garden centre will offer endless inspiration and furnishing ideas. If none of these are possibilities, simply add some flowers and scented candles.
When should you sell your home? There are plenty of myths that come to light when deciding whether or not to sell your home, but it’s important that you recognise the correct time for you, making sure your property always feels like your home. The decision to sell your home should be based on a combination of financial considerations, market conditions, and personal feelings.
By completing research on the value of your current property and identifying the percentage of equity you own, you can determine whether you’re ready to sell and the significant equity you've built up can help buy your next property.
How do you know when the time is right? It can occasionally be challenging to pinpoint just one reason for moving, particularly if you form an emotional bond to your home and get too comfortable. So, it's important to acknowledge certain motives that could mean it’s the right time to move.
You may have experienced a change in your life, such as starting a family, which would lead to needing more space, or potentially receiving a salary increase, allowing you to expand your mortgage budget and upgrade to your dream home with your dream features.
A thriving property market is another great reason to place your property on the market as it gives you the opportunity to take advantage of increased market activity to maximise the value of your home and sell your property quickly and seamlessly. Sometimes you can lose the excitement of returning to your home at the end of the day, or you just fancy relocating to a new area with new opportunity.
All of these are valid enough reasons to believe that it is the right time to make the big jump and sell your home. Discover your local Guild Member and allow them to support you in the process of placing your property on the market.
Which season should you sell your home? The time of year can sometimes influence whether you place your home on the market or not, but it shouldn’t. When selling your property, different seasons bring different benefits.
Spring creates full-blooming gardens and gathers a market of eager buyers, so it is historically known as the ideal time to sell. The summer season once again displays houses in the beautiful sunshine, attracting a bustling number of buyers who are ready to move before the start of the academic year.
Autumn offers buyers a great opportunity to move and settle before Christmas arrives, making it a good season to sell with a beautiful autumnal appearance. Christmas isn't the most popular time for the property market, as people want to stay at home, but the market perks up in January when buyers want to start the new year with a new home.
Making your garden look good will attract buyers A well-maintained garden is the easiest way to maintain your home’s value. The more appealing and loved it appears, the more desirable it will be. Keeping the lawns nourished and well-trimmed, weeding, and painting fences all help to keep your garden in its best condition. Well-presented patio areas and well-kept hedges will add to a sense of order and show that the property is loved - this will help buyers fall for it, too.
Inspiring garden spaces with purpose add value Whether you want to create an inspired entertaining space, an outdoor kitchen, or a garden room, it’s important to plan carefully. Comfort is often an important central theme, so when you create your outdoor spaces, think about the details. From the cushions on your outdoor furniture to candles and lighting, every detail will help create a great atmosphere. Shelter from the elements in the form of a garden room, outdoor living room, or portable gazebo is like adding another room, perfect for entertaining.
Buyers will pay a premium for privacy in your garden If privacy is lacking in your garden, create it with fences, trees, or consider a pergola if your budget allows. There are more than likely areas or a corner of your garden that will lend itself to promoting privacy. This is where you should build your patio or decking to create a place where you can truly relax without feeling overlooked.
Set the garden scene for your buyers Staging your garden will reinforce its purpose and make your home appealing to buyers. If you decide to extend your patio, arrange seating by the fire pit, or add freshly picked flowers or tableware to alfresco dining areas. Your garden should naturally look its best at this time of year, making your home appear radiant and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Displaying this potential will allow potential buyers to easily see themselves enjoying the garden and emotionally connect with your home.
Security and practicality Home is a place where you feel safe, and your garden should offer this feeling in spades. Secure and well-lit at night and safe places for children and pets to play in during the day are important elements of creating a safer outdoor garden space. And hand in hand with this are all those practical features to make this easier. A good garden shed or outbuilding with secure locks can be stylish and effective storage solutions for bikes, bins, and unsightly paraphernalia that is better stowed away. Log stores add real character to your garden and are a great way to keep your logs dry, keeping your fire going on wintry nights.
Utilise seasonal colours Each season has a different colour palette that complements the time of year. To symbolise the seasons, summer should be light, breezy, and fresh, whereas winter should be counterbalanced by darker, more warm tones. When it comes to decorating for a new season, a lick of paint goes a long way. Give your outdated summer garden furniture a new colour for an updated appearance.
Transform space with a statement piece Just by investing in one large statement piece, you can make a big difference and transform a space. Whether it's a giant potted plant generating a fresh, homely atmosphere or an elegant, crystal chandelier, they soon make a difference. Once again, you can find these items second-hand, which instil a sense of comfort when you see the price, so by only having to buy one bold item, you are already protecting your wallet.
Lower your budget with second-hand décor There are many charity shops and car boot sales that sell lots of unique and affordable décor to spruce up your home. This enables you to achieve your desired seasonal looks without exceeding your budget. You can purchase lampshades, framed prints, throws, and cushion covers to suit your desired seasonal palette.
Raid your storage When decorating your home for a season on a budget, it's common to already have plentiful items that would make a large impact on your home. By looking through your storage and cupboards, you can discover pieces you didn’t even know you had. You can transform your bedroom simply by changing the bedsheets or using a colourful, cosy throw in the winter.
Do-it-yourself décor Creating your own décor is a great way to stick to a low budget. You can display your creative flare and take pride in making something yourself. You can easily duplicate many expensive pieces of furniture and décor with a little do-it-yourself work. This project is exciting and gives you a chance to showcase your efforts. Whether it's painting a mural or knitting a custom throw, you can simply improve your house with homemade décor on a tight budget. Create seasonal scents Opening a window to let fresh air circulate or placing a plant or cacti in a room can make it feel drastically different, allowing the outdoors in. Bringing herb gardens or plants inside can change the ambience and release wonderful, clean scents. Every scent has the power to alter a room's atmosphere; it's critical to rotate your candle smells according to the season and the mood.
Lawn upkeep The main focus in your garden will be your lawn, so let’s perfect it. An easy route to getting luscious grass is by sprinkling grass seed all over your lawn in the spring. This allows plenty of time for the grass to grow and appear fuller, fresher, and greener by the time summer arrives. Once that grass starts growing, it is good to keep on top of the growth by giving your lawn a weekly haircut with a mower.
Blooming flowers Just by planting some beautiful flowers, you can add character to your garden, guaranteeing compliments from family and friends. If you're not much of a gardener, just toss some wildflower seed mix into your flower beds or pots. Just by watering them every day, you will have a beautiful, blooming garden. This will guarantee your garden an incredible look with minimal effort.
A fresh lick of paint If you are wanting to create a new and improved look in your garden, an easy way to achieve this at minimal cost is by adding a fresh lick of paint to old garden furniture, plant pots, or fences. You could even use wood stain for tired fences and furniture, creating a fresher appearance.
Summer furniture Extend your spring cleaning to your outdoor spaces by sweeping your driveway, and cleaning any furniture you want to feature in your garden this summer. Having garden furniture placed on your patio or lawn elevates your garden to a more summery, elegant look. Whether that is a beautiful, vintage table and chair set or brand-new sun loungers, let’s make the most of your summer in your garden.
Patio and driveway Weeds can grow in between the concrete slabs of your patio and driveway, but they can be defeated using something as cheap and simple as soda crystals. By mixing hot water and soda crystals, you’ll create a solution that kills the weeds, leaving a long-lasting, weed-free patio and driveway. The best method is to get an old sweeping brush and thoroughly brush the solution onto the weeds.
Set the scene Your home isn’t just a place to rest your head, it should be your retreat from the stresses of the outside world. Choose your most comfortable room or a cosy nook to set the scene. Consider spaces with ample lighting and ventilation, as these elements will contribute significantly to your sense of calm.
Simplify your living spaces A clutter-free home is a peaceful home, so take a minimalist approach when designing a wellness space. Decluttering and simplifying could be as easy as removing a few unnecessary items in favour of pieces that contribute to the soothing atmosphere you’re trying to create. A balanced, thoughtfully designed space is perfect for meditation and quiet reflection as it minimises distractions.
Create a habitat for hobbies A key element in health and well-being is having time to invest in your hobbies and interests. Whatever your niche, dedicate a room or a workspace to it so that you can focus your full attention on the things you love. This space should feel separate from the distractions of the rest of the house, so choose a spare bedroom, an office corner or even a spot in the garage or shed.
Choose a mindful colour palette Colours have a profound impact on our mood, so opt for a calming colour palette that resonates with you. Whatever your favourite colour, find it in a soft shade and pair it with neutrals to create a serene backdrop for your wellness space.
Tap into your senses Engage your senses with elements that go beyond the visual. Find spots around your home for candles, essential oils, and speakers for soothing music to create a multi-sensory experience. You should also focus on touch by layering on top of smooth, shiny surfaces with plush cushions and soft materials.
Add personal touches Infuse your wellness space with personal touches that hold significance for you, as the sense of familiarity will be comforting. Display your favourite artwork, photographs, or cherished trinkets that hold happy memories. Surrounding yourself with meaningful items can heighten your sense of belonging, promoting a welcoming and homely atmosphere.
Create a room for rest Occasional naps have plenty of health benefits, especially if you work long hours in the week and often find yourself in need of a reset. Create a space dedicated to restful, rejuvenating sleep by utilising black-out blinds, memory foam pillows and mattresses, and a shelf of easy-read books. Try to strip back on technology in this area, as television, tablets and other blue-light emitting devices can have a detrimental impact on our quality of sleep.
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