Selling? Then Pack-up the Ceramic Frog Collection

Declutter your home. Kiss the frog collection goodbye!
Cute? Maybe but best pack the clutter away…

Hondon Villas would advise all property vendors to get their home ready to sell. All parties: you, the agent and the buyer are wanting your property to look its best if it is to have a better chance to sell in this competitive market. You need to do your bit and get motivated and ready to sell.

Here are lots of tips to get you going.

What does that mean? Well our property partner RightMove have written an article on this. Here we have adapted it more to our target market. Please read on…

As we write we are in midst of the Covid-19 crisis and the uncertainty that brings. So the property market is paused right now and may be for a while. And is likely to be both slow to recover and more competitive when we do start up again. But you can at least get your home ready.

First Impressions Count, Twice!

The main thing to remember is that, as a seller, you get two opportunities to make a first impression to potential buyers. Please we cannot emphasise this enough. After all, another property is literally a click or two away if yours is dismissed.

Question: How do you feel about untidy / poorly maintained homes when you are house hunting? Did you dismiss some? So try looking through the buyer’s eyes.

No. 1: Photographs / Videos. Potential house-hunters will mainly see your home online, which means that your property needs to look shipshape for the photographs (and video if applicable). Make sure you are happy with your photographs from the agent. However, YOU have to make sure your home is looking top-notch when the photographer comes around. So clean-up, clear the bathroom toiletries, empty the washing line, tidy away food from the kitchen top, polish mirrors, tidy the garden, clean the pool… yes there is work to be done.

No. 2 : Home Visits. When people eventually come to view your home in real life, they want ‘curb appeal’. That is, as they drive up to and enter your property they want to be impressed. They will judge immediately. You don’t want to give then cause for complaint. We know as we talk to prospective buyers for viewing feedback and sometimes they say that within a few seconds they knew the house was not for them.

In both cases, you’ll want to make sure that your home looks as good as it can. Follow the tips below to ensure that you are ready to go.

Start Getting Ready Now!

So if you’re planning to sell then you can use the in-between time to be get your property ready now. Plan a few minutes a day to get this important step on track. Certain “heavier” tasks may not be possible right now but there are still lots of jobs you could be doing.
(There is list below that will help).

Getting this done now will not only help to present you home better to buyers but save you lots of time when you need to sign over and move out.

Note down all your rooms and garden areas, walk around and LOOK, then look again. Be self-critical. What can you do realistically to make that room or place better? Make notes. You can then plan and prioritise, doing the worst areas first.

Speculate to Accumulate… So you may need to spend Money

As you survey your home, be prepared to do minor repairs: For example: e.g. fix cracked tiles, jet-wash the patio, fix a dripping tap, paint the gate or fence, clean the window frames or clear the rubbish away, etc. Consider getting trade or pro’ help if it needs it.

Fix and Finish Those D.I.Y. Jobs

Now could be the time to tick off all those annoying DIY jobs that you’ve been putting off. This will help make sure you’re not giving prospective buyers a reason to mark your house down because of something that doesn’t take too long to fix. Believe us, in a buyer’s market they will offer less if there are lots of things to fix.

Your garden can be the first thing that a potential buyer will see close up, so make sure that you give them a reason to smile straight away. Unruly gardens and pools can and do put people off.

Here are some smart moves that will make a big difference:

GARDEN / EXTERIOR
Cut the grass / clean the patios / terraces
Prune any overgrown hedges / palm trees
Give the fence panels a new lick of paint
Get rid of the weeds from your patio
Make sure that rickety gate isn’t about to fall off
Clean up any dog mess
Remove debris and rubbish
Clean the windows and doors
Clean the Pool (green water puts people off)
KITCHEN & BATHROOMS
Re-grouting the kitchen / bathroom tiles
Touching up the mastic in the bathroom
Refilling cracks and picture hooks
Taking limescale off the taps
Make it mould-free is a must
Store toiletries away where possible
Clean shower doors
Keep the toilet seat down
Keep worktops tidy
Keep utensils organised and food in cupboards
Put washing up away
Clean the windows
Tidy away any indication of pets being in the house
  as your prospective buyer may not be a pet lover

Makeover, Declutter and Tidy-up your home

c2020 Cactus County

Think “Makeover”… That cluttered kitchen, purple walls or bedroom full of boxes & gym equipment will not help your cause: TO SELL! If house-hunters can visualise living in your property, they are more likely to walk around with keen interest. You want them to think they could live there.

Think neutral as by far, untidy clutter, bad decor or crowded rooms, puts people off as they cannot see “space” or potential.

It’s important to take some of your personality away from your property. So, as nice as you like it now, it may not be your prospective buyer’s ideal. So it is better to think the house has to go and right now attracting a new buyer is more important that your collection of ceramic frogs, crystal glass or garden gnomes.

So please, take the advice, to minimise and re-organise each room so it looks light, airy and spacious… and inviting. Make a room that can be used and enjoyed. If you don’t use that room. Why? Fix it for your potential buyers.

According to Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, this job is hugely important and should not be underestimated. Decluttering your home creates the illusion of roomier spaces and also means that you will be showing buyers around a clean and tidy home.

Also, try upcycling tired or worn-out furniture if you have some free time during lockdown. You could add new cushions, “throw-overs” or paint wood furniture (Shabby-Chic is still a quick and cheap way to go)

> Hondon Villas list their properties on RightMove Overseas

Show each room as a purpose

To be honest you will not fool a vendor to part with €100Ks if they don’t see what you claim. So, if you’ve marketed your home as having three-bedrooms, do your best to make sure there are three bedrooms, rather than two bedrooms and a study, gym or playroom.

Again, it comes back to visualisation and making it as easy as possible for buyers to imagine living in your home.

Darker rooms generally look smaller than lighter ones, and this can be a big turn off for potential buyers. So we’d suggest making sure that blinds are open, and curtains are apart, to flood your home with light.

Pay a lot of attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms. These two rooms are the most expensive for a buyer to upgrade. So show them at their best. They should at least look & smell clean, be bright and de-cluttered. Turn on lights (make sure bulbs work) to brighten up the room if needs be. Use candles or scents to make the house smell nice.

If you’ve made an effort to clean and declutter them, you’ll be giving potential buyers another reason to be positive about your home.

Having the Right Documents

It is very important in Spain to have all your property and personal documents up-to-date. It can cost you if not.

Your estate agent and solicitor will ask for various bits of paperwork throughout the selling process, so if you can gather together all the relevant documents ahead of time, you should avoid delays further down the line. Ask the agent what you need in advance, don’t wait until an offer comes in. At Hondon Villas a few house sales have been severly delayed or even fell through because the vendor’s paperwork was not up-to-date or incorrect.

A quick check for documentation / paperwork to consider rounding up:

Make a fixtures and fittings inventory
Passports, ID, Birth Certs, Marriage Certs
NIE, Suma (Community tax) Bills, Utility Contracts
Currency Exchange / Bank Details
Land Registry Title Deeds
Gas/Electric/Water checks completed by a registered engineer
Energy Efficiency Certification
Planning permissions / plans, like pools or annex buildings
Building regulation completion certificates
New build guarantee certificates for alterations or additions
Damp guarantees/warranties
Party wall agreements / Land (if relevant)
*Note: Some of the above may not be applicable and is not an exhaustive list. Ask your Lawyer.

OK, so what are you waiting for?

As you can see there is plenty to be getting on with. Alas we know many people leave it all to chance. This could affect your saleability, time on the market, the selling process and undue stress as time passes.

So try to do some of the tips on a regular basis so you keep on top of it all. You’ll be thankful you did.

If you need help or have any questions on the above article please contact Hondon Villas. Here are the contact points: email, phone and social media)

TELEPHONES:
OFFICE +34 622 314 244
property @ hondonvillas.net
WEBSITE www.hondonvillas.net

Ethnographic Museum coming to Hondón Nieves

Hondón de las Nieves completes the remodelling works of its Ethnographic Museum
C2020 Article : https://www.diarioinformacion.com/

The local town hall has invested 400,000 euros in the project between the acquisition of the property and the subsequent adaptation of the facilities to showcase local culture and customs. No completion date is given as yet.
reports Èlia Armero 02/15/2020 | 22:26

c2020 Image c/o Diario Información

Acquisition and Costs: The historian Ramón Santonja who is supervising the projecy says the reformed building will house the new cultural space of the area and was acquired by the Hondón de las Nieves Council a few years ago for an amount of about 200,000 euros. Along with the purchase of the main property, an exterior space annexed to the building was also obtained. In total, the budget dedicated to this project, between the purchase and the renovation works, amounts to more than 400,000 euros.

This large estate is located on Calle San José, in the Rabal area, and is dated from the 1950s. It was an old winery and oil mill that had been closed for many years. With regard to the terraces attached to the building, it should be noted that “it has been used to carry out various events, such as the Fondó Verd, an ecological fair and a children’s cinema. Also, part of that space is already being used as an urban garden.

Work in Progress: The restoration work of this future Museum began “by cleaning the interior and maintaining the original parts of the winery and the oil mill that was inside and that, to this day, remain.” The intention is “to reuse the maximum architectural elements of the original construction,” says Santonja, thus retaining some of it’s original character.

Also, “the roof has been changed and the upper part of the walls have also been reinforced because they were badly deteriorated, as well as the wooden beams, which have all been changed”, so the roof “is completely new.” However, “there are still a few months of work” and, at the moment, there is no date for its inauguration yet A building that will house the history, archaeology, historical and anthropological heritage related to Hondón de las Nieves.

Ethnographic: adjective: ethnographic, ethnographical
Relating to the scientific description of local peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.

Eating Out in Hondón…

Here is a list of restaurants and bars in the Nieves and Frailes area of the Hondón Valley… If you know of any more, please us know. By all means email us if you want to add your venue. :-)

Hondón de las Nieves:

La Finca, restaurant – Urb. La Montanósa
Solo Hazlo Bar- Nieves Plaza
Bocadito Bar & Restaurant Nieves Plaza
Bar Central, restaurant & bar – Nieves Plaza
Bodegas Cerda, wine merchant – A845 near police station
La Font, restaurant- Nieves Plaza
Vambú Bar/ Cafe, snacks and bar, off Plaza
Cafe Yeito – Plaza Nieves
Bombay Indian Restaurant, Plaza Nieves
Meson el Moreno, off the Nieves Plaza
Don Apetito, Roast Chicken (limited opening times)
Restaurante Monte Alto, Industrial Area, Nieves
Restaurante Polideportivo, Leisure Centre, Nieves

Hondón de los Frailes

Vienta Ocho (28), restaurant & bar – Frailes main Plaza
La Buena Vida (opening soon), restaurant – Frailes main Plaza
Fogon del Frailes, restaurant – A845  main road out of Frailes
Bar Peppin, restaurant & bar – Main road through Frailes
Caramels Bar – Main road through Frailes
Tipsy Terrace – Frailes Main Street
El Romero Restaurant & Bar – Barbarroja, 5 mins from Frailes, off the A845 towards Murcia
Hondón Hub, Casas Galliana, A845 – bar, restaurant, functions
Bar Gines, Church, Frailes

Nearby

Las Palmeras, Crevillente. Camp site, hotel, restaurant and large pool and functions. Excellent large dining area. Lunch and dinner.

If you know of any more – please us us know using the comments link.

A Quick Guide to Albatera

Albatera (see Google Map), an historic Spanish City and municipality located close to the Vega Baja del Segura. It is in the province of Alicante, part of the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca South, Spain. Albatera comes from the words “Alba”, meaning Spanish and “Terra”, meaning land. Albatera basically means “Spanish Land”.

Albatera Town Hall: The Albatera Ayuntimiento have more information online:
» More about Albatera here: Albatera Tourist Information or try here.

Geography: Albatera has an area of 66.5 km2 and according to the last census 2005, has an approx’ population of 12,000 inhabitants. It is near to the towns of Crevillente, Orihuela, San Isidro (Train Station), Catral and Cox.

The closest airport to Albatera is Alicante (L’Altet) at around 38 kilometres (35 minutes drive), although San Javier Airport (Murcia) is also easily drivable. The postcode for Albatera is 03340. Road access to Albatera is usually the E-15 (A-7) and N-340 roads.

Weather and Economy: The climate is typical Mediterranean, with an average annual temperature of 19ºC, reaching 30+ in the summer with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The economy of Albatera is mainly based on trading “confección costura” (Clothing Manufacture) and farming/agriculture. You cannot fail to spot the acre upon acre of crops such as lemons, oranges, figs and olives… and they are delicious!

Culture and Events: The population are mostly Castilian speakers, although there is a push to speak the Valencian language now. The main town hosts mainly Spanish, Hispanics and North Africans. However, the surrounding “Campo” has many homes of retired northern Europeans such as the British and Dutch who own either holiday villas or have migrated for the “Spanish Dream”.

Catholic Church:The most important and central monument in the city is the baroque Catholic church built in 1727 which is the centre piece of the main Plaza. Also important is the Sanctuary of the Patroness of the Virgen del Rosario or Aurora, who is celebrated on the first Sunday of October by the “Brotherhood of Our Lady”. Albatera has a long history of cultural tradition such as traditional music, with two local bands, a choir and parish choirs.

Fiestas: Albatera, like many Spanish cities/towns, offer a week of Fiestas for the community (the whole family can join in). The main and colourful parade event being the “Moors and Christians”, which are spectacular, a “must see”. The Semana Santa (Easter) is also a very religious and a busy time for the city. The festivities in honour of the town’s patron St. James, are usually held the week of July 25th. Albatera is still developing with the construction in recent years of the House of Culture in the “Parque de la Huerta” (30,000 m2), the House of Music and more sports facilities (including a new public outdoor pool).

Nature: As Albatera is surrounded by mountains and natural parks (Parque de Montana) it boasts excellent outdoor activities such as walking/hiking such as the “Rambla de la Sal”, cycling and shooting sports. They have also recently built an outdoor communal swimming pool.

Come visit the Hondon Valley… with beautiful mountain views, the vineyards and 300+ Days of glorious Spanish sunshine per year!

Brought to you by Hondon Villas. Voted “Business of the Year” in the Pride of Spain Awards. Buy or Sell property. We have 10 Years in Spanish Real Estate. We are the #1 local Real Estate Agent in the Hondon Valley areas covering Hondon Valley, Albatera, La Romana, Macisvenda, Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes for property sales, homes and real estate services.

COPYRIGHT MATERIAL ©2020 | DMCA.com Protection Status

The Local Hub: Hondón’s Saturday Market

Watch the video to see the popular and typical Saturday morning (market day) in Hondón de las Nieves’ main plaza.

SEE IT ON YOUTUBE » | Hondon Villas For Sale

One of the nicest days to visit the Hondon Valley is on Market Day, every Saturday in the lovely Hondon de las Nieves…. You can shop for fresh produce or clothes, meet with friends for drinks or just enjoy the tranquil ambience over a brandy, coffee or a tostada or a selection of tapas. Hondon Villas wish you The Good Life!

The main two villages of Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes nest in the beautiful Hondon Valley. For decades they have grown an abundance of agricultural delights such as Grapes, Almonds and Olives (the main economy). Hondon is surrounded by an expanse of stunning mountain views and traditional arid Spanish countryside. These excellent vistas are a delight in all seasons!

Healthy Meditterraen Diet

Take a walk or drive through the country roads and you will just marvel at the changing light, shadows and picturesque skies. The Hondon Valley is well known for its mild climate and pleasant summer breezes, which is very welcoming in those hot summer months when temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees.

The region enjoys sunshine in excess of 310 days per year, where the air is very clean and the pace of life slow. Hondon offers a very peaceful and stress free life.

So please, come take a look at the Valley of the Vines, drink the local wine under the bluest of skies and feel the warmth of the Spanish sun on your face … and you’re hooked! We were! We love it! :-)

INTERESTED? CONTACT HONDON VILLAS: Email: property @ hondonvillas.net
Tel: OFFICE: (0034) 965 075 357

Fincas & Villas in the Hondon Valley, Costa Blanca South

We are your Local Agent with 30+ years experience in selling property and real estate. We were voted “Business of the Year” in the Pride of Spain Awards 2015. We have an office in Hondón de los Frailes plaza. Choose us as your Real Estate Agent in the Hondon Valley.

Luxury Cave House in La Romana

Spanish Property in the Hondon Valley: Hondon Villas are the most experienced Real Estate and Property Agent in the Hondon De las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes areas. We are local and know the area well after all our staff have lived in the area for years!

Our core business is to sell houses & apartments. Our website is often #1 Google ranked for key searches such as “Hondon Villas for Sale”. We specialise in selling villas, fincas, casas, houses and apartments inland / countryside / campo. This includes country homes and irustic authentic property. If you are looking for a Hondon Property or Spanish property inland around the Albatera, La Romana, Fortuna and Hondon regions we can help. We also specialise in Villas for La Montanosa Urb.

At Hondon Villas we promote and sell luxury Spanish villas and homes in the beautiful, quiet inland areas of the rural Albatera, Aspe, Pinoso, Abanilla, Crevillente and of course the Hondon Mountains, Costa Blanca South in Spain. Call us or visit or real estate office in the Frailes Plaza and let us help you search for your dream villa or apartment.

Hondon Villas on the road.

Are You Selling? Contact Us
If you wish to sell or advertise your villa for sale, contact us for a free valuation. Our AIPP registered office is in the main Plaza of Hondon de los Frailes. We are looking for villas and apartmenta in Nieves, Frailes, Aspe, Canalosa, La Romana and Albatera.

“The Hondons” are two typical Spanish villages located in the Vinolopo area in the province of Alicante, Valencia in Spain. Tripadviser.co.uk lists the best of the Hondon holiday villas and bed and breakfast establishments.

Brits Wanting to Live in Spain… Be Ready!

Approx’ 1 million Brits are living in Spain. We love it! Which means it is very doable and most of the headaches or hurdles have been conquered by those that have taken the plunge already. Good news indeed for new foreign workers and overseas home owners to this lovely part of Europe.

AIPP Badge 5 Years for Hondo Villas, Spain

Hondon Villas can help of course and we have good connections and contacts who will assist you with legal paperwork, language, lifestyle, utilities, moving in and beyond. Let us know… 100% well be able to guide you for our geographical area. Our AIPP membership makes us duty bound to give you good, well meaning and honest info’ .

Get the Knowledge First:
Of course there is lots to know and learn about the differences from one country to another. Spain has many, especially around property, work, legalities and culture. So, if you are thinking of coming here, then the more preparation and research you do before hand will help relieve the stress of your important life changing decision. Indeed, good knowledge will save you valuable time and possible minimise the costs you’ll incur to be here. Get wise and read up.

Speaking Spanish:
Of course knowing the language is going to help a lot. It’ll speed things up and you’ll feel more in control. Having said that most foreigners in our area DO NOT speak Spanish so well and rely on interpreters but most lawyers and agents communicate in English in this area, such is the demand. You’ll get by but learning Spanish will help you integrate more.

Government Help:
Both the Spanish and UK Governments have online help, official channels, consulates and experts in various fields to help along your journey. You’ll need to know how to change residency and register for health services or tax. The good news is, in Spain for a relatively small charge there are Gestors / Lawyers and Accountants that can help with all this.
> UK Gov “Living Abroad”
> UK Gov “Living In Spain”
> Citizen Advice Bureau, Spain

Property Buyer’s Guides:
Many real estate agents and well-known portals, like A Place in the Sun have property buyer’s guides that can be downloaded and read online. The AIPP/AIPO have your interests at heart and provide a list of approved agents and many useful downloads on property overseas. They also offer some FREE legal Advice.
> AIPO Website
> A Place in The Sun website (Buying, currency, legal, mortgages, viewing trips, tax)
> Righmove Overseas Buyer’s Guide

Property Exhibitions:
If you prefer to talk face-to-face, then before you buy or even come over to Spain, you could attend Property Shows and Trade Exhibitions, etc to meet experts and advisors. The large UK venues like Olympia, NEC, ExCel, etc are a good place to start. There are still some UK agents offering Inspection Tours (3~5 day trips to look at areas and houses).

Check you local press or search online for these exhibitions near you, they can really help fire you up to an overseas move and put your mind at rest that there is lots of help out there. You’ll be able to get specific advice rather than generic help online, by emailing or calling your questions to agents, lawyers, tax experts, employment agencies, etc. So make a list of concerns or questions pertaining to your circumstances and then find the expert you need to get answers.

Interact with Online Blogs, Groups and Social Media:
Up-to-date information is key as Spain does tend to change rules and laws around property and its related topics. There are lots of social media groups to ask Expats or experts about the areas you are interested in. We run the “Hondon What’s On” page, our own Hondón property Facebook page and have a Hondon Villas Blog. But find one that suits you where you can interact with people already living in the area. It’s worth the time and effort.

Jasmine - A Place in the Sun

Read Books and Magazines:
There are also plenty of paperback books on life in Spain, buying or investing in Spanish Property available on Amazon or other eBook formats. Book stores will have some or can order them for you. Make sure they are up-to-date though.

One of the most popular monthly magazines on overseas property is the A Place in the Sun magazine. Well worth it for buying tips, hot properties and locational info’. You can buy this in newsagents or order online to be delivered to your door.
> Amazon UK : Books on Buying Property In Spain

If you need to ask us a question or are concerned about buying property in the Hondon Valley area, in any way here are the main points of contact.
WEBSITE: WWW.HONDONVILLAS.NET
OFFICE: +34 622 314 244
EMAIL: agent@hondonvillas.net
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/hondonvillas/

Help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Spain

CAB Spain is wonderful online resource for all things living in Spain. They are a minefield of information. They write, publish and answer Expat’s question of laws, lifestyle and cultural aspects when living here in Spain. And it is run by a team of awesome dedicated people as volunteers. if they don’t know the answer to your questions they have the connections to find out.

Citizens Advice Bureau Spain helping the Spanish Community

Anyone can join ( this to include visitors, expatriates and Spaniards alike ) their service or read their blogs and social media channels (Facebook page). If you find their advice and services useful then you can make a donation (small or large) to help with their website running costs. DONATE HERE

Here’s what they say about their services:

We [ CAB Spain ] are confident that you will find the website both informative and useful. The site will assist you with all aspects relating to living, visiting, owning a holiday home or investing in Spain.

Our aim is to provide independent advice, information and support for all interested citizens in Spain, this to include visitors, expatriates and Spaniards alike. We cover all regions of Spain, the Balearic’s and Canary Islands. We believe that such an organisation is imperative, especially for hundreds of thousands of non-Spanish residents, who often struggle to understand their rights in a complex bureaucracy with the existing and ever changing laws and rules.

We are an apolitical concern but with our growing membership intend to become a strong enough force to be able to lobby for our rights here where we are habitual residents. We are also aware that Spain also needs a functional and serious consumer protection agency.

The services we provide are free via emails phone calls, legal clinics, social media but we accept donations to keep us afloat. There is also a private section “Ask for Advice” for donating members. Citizens Advice Bureau Spain is a registered charity, a Spanish Non-Profit/NPO/ONG organisation (Registration nº 11253).

We are quite convinced that we can make a difference and that we are stronger together!

Help us to help you by donating. Please do not leave this to others.

Thank you for caring and visiting us today.
Myra Cecilia Azzopardi, Founder.