“Box It Up: How to Nail Your Next Move Without Losing Your Mind”

Sticky Notes and Sanity: Sophie’s Secret to Moving Day Bliss

Hi, I’m Sophie Cartwell—38, mum of three (a lively eight-year-old, an imaginative six-year-old, and a two-year-old who thinks sleep is optional).

Married to Daryl, my co-pilot in the chaos, I’ve become something of an expert in helping busy mums juggle life’s endless challenges. And let me tell you, moving house is a big one.

Here’s the quick fix that saved my sanity:

1. Colour-Code: Assign a colour to each room (blue for the kitchen, green for the bedroom) and stick matching labels on your boxes. Even Daryl couldn’t mess this up!

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3. Be Specific: “Kitchen Stuff” is too vague. Instead, label boxes like “Plates” or “Tupperware (the good lids).” You’ll thank yourself later.

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5. “Open First” Box: Pack a box of essentials—phone chargers, snacks, and yes, nappies—and mark it clearly. It’s a lifesaver when you’re unpacking with kids underfoot.

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These simple tricks meant we were settled and sipping tea while the kids explored their new rooms. Moving doesn’t have to be madness—you’ve got this, Mum! 🎉

“Small Habits to Save Big in 2024”

By Sam “The Saver” Frugalman, Personal Finance Whisperer

If there’s one thing I’ve picked up in 20 years of writing about money, it’s this: saving doesn’t mean turning your life upside-down. Just a few small changes can make all the difference. Here are three top tips to get your finances in shape this year—without breaking a sweat.

1. Cull Those Forgotten Subscriptions
   When was the last time you streamed that must-watch show? Or stepped foot in that gym you joined in January? Exactly. Go through your bank statements, cancel anything you’re not using, and redirect that cash to something better—like a holiday fund or a rainy day stash.
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2. Meal Planning: Save Pounds, Eat Better
We’ve all been there—binning a bag of soggy salad leaves while ordering another cheeky takeaway. Meal planning puts a stop to that. Spend 20 minutes plotting out your weekly meals, stick to your shopping list, and cook in batches. Apps like Mealime or Paprika can help. You’ll waste less, eat healthier, and save a bundle.

3. Automate Your Savings
Want to save without even noticing? Try apps like Plum, Money Dashboard, or Emma. Plum automates savings by rounding up your purchases and setting aside the spare change, while Emma helps you track spending, identify unused subscriptions, and create smart budgets. Money Dashboard offers a clear overview of your finances by connecting all your accounts and categorising your expenses. These apps take the stress out of saving and give you more control over your money.

Saving doesn’t need to be dull or daunting. Small, consistent steps can add up to big wins. After all, as we say in the UK: “Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.”

Start today, and watch your savings grow. ✨

Renting v Buying

• Sophia’s Choice: Sophia rented a cosy flat for years to save for a larger down payment. When the housing market cooled, she bought her dream home for a great price.

• Dan’s Strategy: Dan opted to keep renting because his freelance income wasn’t stable enough to handle a mortgage. Instead, he invested in stocks, which provided strong returns.

When to Rent or Buy

You should rent if:

• You value flexibility and are unsure about long-term plans.
• You don’t have sufficient savings for a down payment.
• Your job or personal life requires frequent relocations.

You should buy if:

• You’re financially stable and ready for a long-term commitment.
• You have enough savings for the down payment and closing costs.
• You plan to stay in one location for several years.

The Bottom Line: Renting isn’t “throwing money away,” and buying isn’t always the smarter choice. Your decision depends on your lifestyle, financial goals, and market conditions.

If you need help calculating the right choice for your situation, contact Petronela at 5 Star Mortgages Corby. Together, we’ll find the path that works for you.

A Secret Little Hack

Utilise cashback apps and websites to earn money back on your purchases. 

Just make sure to do your research and choose a reliable platform with good reviews.

What Not to Do When Buying a Home 🏠

Buying a home is exciting—until it turns into a cautionary tale. Here's a little insight (and humour) about two often-overlooked aspects of homebuying: property surveys. While a basic survey is essential for lenders to protect their investment, a full survey is what you need to protect yourself. Let me tell you a story about Emma and Callum to illustrate.

Emma and the Invisible Fault Lines

Emma was thrilled to buy her first home—a charming Victorian terrace with sash windows and a garden perfect for her dream of sipping tea surrounded by roses. Her lender required a basic valuation survey, and it came back with a glowing "satisfactory." Hooray! Emma signed on the dotted line.

Fast forward six months: Emma noticed cracks appearing in the walls. Not quaint, "this house has character" cracks—no, these were "your house is falling apart" cracks. Turns out, the house sat on a historic mine shaft. The basic survey had only confirmed that the home’s value covered the mortgage; it didn’t dig (pun intended) into structural integrity.

The bill for underpinning? Over £30,000. The feeling of regret? Priceless.

Callum’s Comedy of Avoidance

Callum, on the other hand, thought surveys were a waste of money. “How bad can it be?” he reasoned, waving off his agent’s warnings. He fell head-over-heels for a country cottage straight out of a rom-com. But the reality was less Hugh Grant and more Monty Python.

When Callum moved in, he discovered the roof leaked—badly. Every time it rained, the living room became a paddling pool. Worse, the quaint fireplace he’d admired? It was a deathtrap, with a chimney so clogged it risked carbon monoxide poisoning.

His survey-free gamble? It cost him not just money but also a lot of sleepless, soggy nights.

Why It Matters

• For Mortgage Lenders: A basic survey, or valuation, ensures the property is worth the loan amount. It’s their way of confirming they’re not financing a lemon.

• For Buyers: A full structural survey checks the property for hidden issues like subsidence, damp, or faulty wiring. It's your peace of mind.

Lesson Learned

When buying a home, think of surveys as insurance for your future happiness. Because while love may be blind, the damp patch in your new living room shouldn't be.

Proverb: "A stitch in time saves nine—and a survey saves your sanity."

As of November 2024, the housing market in Corby, Northamptonshire, exhibits the following trends:

Average Prices: The overall average house price in Corby over the past year is £227,718.

Property Types:

• • Semi-Detached: Average price of £216,533.
  • Terraced: Average price of £193,815.
  • Detached: Average price of £318,896.

• Price Trends: These figures represent a 7% decrease compared to the previous year but a 2% increase from the 2021 peak of £223,078

New Developments:

• Priors Hall Park: This expansive development offers a range of 1-5 bedroom homes from builders such as Taylor Wimpey, Davidsons, Barratt, David Wilson, Bovis, Francis Jackson, Lodge Park, and Jelson. The community features 25.5 acres of open space and sports pitches, providing ample recreational opportunities.

  Priors Hall Park

   

• Weldon Manor: Located in Priors Hall Zone 2, this development by Taylor Wimpey offers homes priced from £258,000 to £427,000. The project includes a mix of property types, catering to various buyer needs.

  Taylor Wimpey

   

These developments contribute to Corby's ongoing growth, providing modern housing options and enhancing the local community infrastructure.

Note: Property prices and market conditions are subject to change. For the most current information, consult local estate agent listings and professional advisors.

Why Corby is the Perfect Place to Call Home Fun Events Happening In Our Area 

Corby Christmas Market & Tree Light Switch-On
Kick off the festive season with Corby's annual Christmas Market and Tree Light Switch-On. Enjoy a variety of stalls, local crafts, and festive treats as the town illuminates its Christmas tree. Date: November 29, 2024.

Yuletide! A Tudor Christmas with PIVA
Experience a Tudor-style Christmas with PIVA, performing seasonal music and songs from the 16th century. This event offers a unique glimpse into historical festive celebrations. Date: December 14, 2024, at Gretton Village Hall.

Over 30s Daytime Disco XMAS Special
Dance the afternoon away at this festive disco tailored for the over-30s crowd. Enjoy classic hits and a lively atmosphere to celebrate the holiday season. Date: December 21, 2024, at Junction The Event Venue

Local Corby Businesses In The News 

Corby’s Axil Integrated Services Wins Top Sustainability Award

Fantastic news for Corby! Local firm Axil Integrated Services has been named Sustainable Business of the Year at the 2024 Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.

Axil, a waste management company founded in 2019, is transforming the industry with eco-friendly solutions that reduce landfill use and increase recycling. Their tailored programmes help clients save money while doing their bit for the environment—a win-win all round!

This prestigious accolade doesn’t just highlight Axil’s success; it also puts Corby on the map as a hub for innovation and sustainability. Proof that businesses from our town can punch well above their weight.

Let’s celebrate this local achievement and continue supporting the brilliant businesses making Corby proud!

Q&A with First-Time Buyers: Your Top Questions Answered

1. What should I do before applying for a mortgage?

Ellie from Northampton asks: "I’m starting to look at houses, but I’ve no idea what to do first when it comes to a mortgage. Any tips?"

Answer: Great question, Ellie! Before applying, make sure your finances are in good shape. Check your credit score—tools like Experian or ClearScore can help—and avoid taking on any new debts. Save as much as you can for a deposit; a bigger deposit often means better mortgage rates. Lastly, gather all the paperwork you’ll need, such as proof of income, bank statements, and ID, to make the process smoother.

2. How do I choose the right mortgage for me?

James from Corby wonders: "With so many mortgage options out there, how do I know which one’s best for me?"

Answer: Excellent question, James! It all depends on your circumstances. Fixed-rate mortgages are great if you want predictable monthly payments, while variable-rate mortgages might be better if you’re comfortable with payments that could go up or down. Speaking with a mortgage adviser is invaluable—they’ll help you compare deals and find one that suits your budget and long-term plans.

3. What extra costs should I budget for?

Sophie from Kettering asks: "I’ve got my deposit sorted, but what other costs should I be aware of when buying my first home?"

Answer: Good thinking, Sophie—buying a home involves more than just the deposit. Don’t forget about stamp duty (if applicable), solicitor fees, a surveyor’s report, and moving costs. You’ll also need to budget for home insurance and any immediate repairs or furnishings for your new place. Having a little extra set aside for unexpected costs can save you a lot of stress.

Got more questions? Send them our way, and we’ll help you get closer to your dream home! 🏡✨

This Weeks Interesting Money Facts

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