THE ESTATE AGENT
I am looking to buy my first property, in West Sussex, and am a bit confused about asking prices in today's market. I would like to make an offer on a house, on the market for "offers in excess of" £450,000. Is there any point my offering less? I also like another house, for sale for "offers in the region of" £525,000. Given the stamp-duty threshold of £500,000, can I take this to mean that the sellers are really expecting to get less?
Divya Patel, by email
When a property comes onto the market at "offers in excess of" £450,000, the agent and vendor will expect just that. But the balance of power between buyers and sellers can change quickly. If the property is still on the market at the same price in two months' time, then make an lower offer. With recent house-price rises, it is less of a buyer's market than it was a year ago, so you cannot automatically expect to secure a property at below asking price.
As for the house on at £525,000, in some cases what you say will be true, but if demand for the property is strong enough, then it could sell for £525,000 or even more. If you really want it, it's best not to presume too much, and to give them your best offer.
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David Smith is the senior partner at Carter Jonas
THE TECH CONSULTANT
The electricity bills for our four-bedroom house are astronomical. Are there some simple ways we can reduce them by changing the technology we have in our home?
L Hodgkinson, by email
Absolutely. The best place to start is with your lighting. For starters, swap your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent ones that use about 10% of the energy. There are some really good ones around: halogen GU10 bulbs, for example, are now dimmable and have good light rendition. Philips has a good range (lighting.philips.com).
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Smart appliances can also dramatically reduce energy bills. The Bye Bye Standby Starter Kit (about £30) is a remote device that turns off computers, televisions, hi-fi systems and so on at the mains, cutting out standby costs. For has more information and stockists, visit byebyestandby.com.
Malcolm Stewart is co-founder of the custom installation company Kensington Home Technology (www.k-ht.co.uk)
Do you need help from one of our experts? Email your questions to propertyexperts@sunday-times.co.uk. Advice is given without responsibility