Barry murphy real estate

After a few red-hot years for home sellers, rising mortgage and interest rates along with widespread economic uncertainty have cooled the market, leaving many buyers out in the cold and forcing sellers to reevaluate their pricing strategies. In recent months, we started to see rates drop — for example in January 2023, they were at their lowest in four months (then in February, rates crept up again ).

But keep in mind that mortgage rates hit a 20-year high (subscription required) in late 2022 at more than 7%, so we’re still better positioned than we were last year. In fact, I’ve noticed that offer activity seems to be resuming as buyers return to the table with pent-up demand; this should help balance out higher interest rates.

Regardless of market conditions, the decision to sell your home is generally based on personal circumstances like stage of life, financial situation, family changes or career moves. Some homeowners can wait until the market starts trending up again, while others will have to sell despite market conditions.

The more homeowners know about their selling options, the better equipped they are to take control of their sale and come out ahead, even in a slower market. Assuming a relocation is in your future this spring, here’s what you need to know.

The Factors Driving Home Selling Success: Exposure and Price

The more buyers you reach, the more offers you’re likely to get. One of the easiest ways to widen exposure is by listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service ( MLS ). This can be done either through a real estate broker or a licensed online home selling platform (but it’s not available to “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sellers). When your home is on the MLS, it will automatically appear on the biggest real estate search sites (e.g., Zillow, Redfin, Trulia and Realtor.com) — and hopefully capture the attention of buyers nationwide.

Marketing your home through the MLS is only one key step; equally important is setting the sale price. Educate yourself about what homes are selling for in your neighborhood, how your home compares to current inventory (known as “comps”) and how long comparable homes are generally on the market. Over-pricing a home usually means it languishes — and the longer a house is on the market, the more it seems stale or even undesirable to prospective buyers. Finding the sweet spot (sometimes even slightly under-pricing the property) could lead to the coveted bidding war.

By considering these factors in advance, you can maximize your chances of success.

Budget for Pre-inspections, Repairs and Staging

Before you dive into the home selling process, make sure you budget for repairs and staging.

First, determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed before listing—this is known as a pre-inspection. Consider hiring a certified home inspector to conduct a pre-inspection, evaluating factors like the HVAC, furnace, windows, water heater, plumbing, appliances, toilets and even kitchen cabinets. It’s smart to invest in large repairs up front, rather than waiting for issues to be discovered during the buyer’s inspection. More deals fall apart during that phase than any other, and it’s usually due to buyers learning the home needs a significant amount of unforeseen work.

Next, budgeting for staging, which includes painting in neutral tones and upping curb appeal through yard work and minor landscaping, can go a long way in making a strong first impression. You can also consider making small improvements if they fit in your budget, like adding smart thermostats or energy-efficient appliances.

But not everything about prepping your home costs money. It’s key to disconnect yourself from the personal character of your home. Buyers want to picture it as theirs, not yours — and you can achieve this for free. Family photos, knickknacks and kids’ trophies detract from this illusion, so declutter and depersonalize as much as possible. Make sure every countertop and surface is bare and bookcases are minimally but tastefully styled. And color code your closets so they look neater, better organized and bigger; buyers care about storage space.

Choose the Best Selling Approach for Your Situation

As I wrote recently, there’s more than one way to sell your home. Options include working with an agent, FSBO or online selling platforms — and it’s up to you to figure out which best meets your individual needs.

Working with a real estate professional is still the most popular option, but it comes at a steep price (usually 6% commission). For some, the full-service offering real estate agents provide justifies the price; others may prefer a route that allows them to preserve more equity and control.

For example, a number of technology platforms are helping to democratize a market that estate agents once had a monopoly over. (Full disclosure: My company is one such platform.) They generally charge a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sales price. These tools can help home sellers streamline and automate the selling process and retain more control throughout. But not all platforms offer the same value; look for those that are easy to use, harness advanced technology and include guidance from licensed real estate professionals.

Finally, you can sell your home yourself and avoid paying commission, but keep in mind that FSBO homes can sell for up to 26% less than assisted real estate transactions. However, FSBO may make sense if you already have a potential buyer in mind.

Of course, you need to account for seller closing costs, which will be deducted from your equity payout. Generally, closing costs for a seller can amount to roughly 6% to 10% of the sale price , including agent commissions, transfer taxes and fees.

Final Thoughts

Sellers looking to capitalize on the spring market should start planning now. Take the time to carefully think through every aspect, from pricing and listing all the way to fixing creaky cabinets and dusting behind the furniture. The more ownership you take of the process early on, the better positioned you will be for long-term success.

A 67-year-old Auckland real estate agent has been sentenced to five years and eight months imprisonment for multiple sexual offences against two pre-teen girls who considered him their grandfather.

Both girls were between the ages of 11 and 12 when they were indecently assaulted. He attempted to rape one of the girls as well.

He previously pleaded guilty to charges including indecent assault, attempted rape and unlawful sexual connection.

Judge Evangelos Thomas said the offences were an “outrageous betrayal” which would have a significant impact on the two girls through their lives.

One of the girls was the man’s step granddaughter, while the other considered him her grandfather, Judge Thomas said.

“It’s not the touching so much that causes the harm, but the depths of that betrayal, a 12 or 13-year-old doesn’t understand that.”

Judge Thomas granted the man permanent name suppression to protect the identity of his victims, and noted the man had never sought suppression for himself.

The offending occurred three years ago and continued for “an extended period of time” until the man handed himself in to police.

Defence lawyer Paul Borich KC said his client was sorry for what he had done to the children.

“The complainants should have expected loving support from him, and instead they got the opposite,” for which he expressed “profound remorse”, Borich said.

But he said despite the man being of good character for much of his life, he had offended against the two girls, Judge Thomas said.

“This didn’t happen once, it wasn’t a brain implosion… it was part of a pattern of conduct that extended over a period of time.”

The man was given a 40% discount on the starting point of nine and a half years imprisonment in consideration of his early guilty plea and his remorse.

Where to get help

• Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines.

• Victim Support 0800 842 846.

• Safetalk text 4334, phone 0800 044 334 webchat safetotalk.nz or email [email protected]

• The Harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.

• Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843

• Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only).

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

• If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, click the Shielded icon at the bottom of this website to contact Women’s Refuge in a safe and anonymous way without it being traced in your browser history. If you’re in our app, visit the mobile website here to access Shielded.

A Poundland up in an exclusive London suburb and replacing a Foxtons estate agents has been blasted a “disaster”.

The arrival of the budget shop has sparked a row with some worried that it will bring down house prices , while it has also been described as a sign of the times in the cost of living crisis.

“Not everyone who lives in Dulwich is loaded and doesn’t have to worry about bills or heating their homes,” said one.

The shop in upmarket Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, is due to open this weekend – part of an expansion that includes 50 new stores.

The average house price in the area is just over £1m, ironically according to Foxtons.

Bosses at Poundland have said the store is part of a huge rollout – while admitting its arrival in East Dulwich has caused something of a “hoo-ha.”

They even put up special hoarding taunting angry locals, with signs saying: “Reverse gentrification? Here’s a few Poundland facts to help stop the hand-wringing.”

It will be sandwiched between foodie pubs, artisan bakeries, sushi restaurants and independent stores and will create 12 new jobs.

Poundland is known for its cheap deals, selling everything from food and drink to kitchen goods.

Streets nearby can see houses going for several million and Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie chose to make their first home together in nearby Camberwell – just a couple of minutes down the road. Tom Cruise is also said to own a house nearby while fashion model Erin O’Connor is a local.

Resident, the comedian Jenny Eclair, posted about the shop on Twitter , saying: “Does anything sum up the economic climate more than Foxtons in East Dulwich downsizing and relinquishing their former premises to Poundland?”

A follower replied: “A Poundland that’s £50,000 off the value of your house if you live in Dulwich…could an artisan croissant shop not have been found to take the lease?” to which Jenny replied: “There are already 719 of those.”

Steph Taylor dubbed the new arrival “a disaster” on Facebook – and her post gathered more than 600 angry replies.

She told the Southwark News: “I’m not pleased to be honest. When we look at the world of throwaway culture, Poundland is full of poorly made plastic.

“It brings down the value of the street and we are heading towards more and more chains. I’m so disappointed that this is arriving. I would have preferred nothing over Poundland. It is just the worst news.”

But others said posh people needed to get with the times.

“What is the problem or the issue with the new Poundland being on Lordship Lane??” one said. “My family have lived in East Dulwich/ Peckham since 1968 and have seen many changes.

“I myself have seen the many changes. Dulwich is awash with coffee shops and independent shops which is good. Some of us can’t afford the independent shop prices. Not all of us have a house on a hill. This is about balance!”

Another said: “I personally think it is good news that Poundland is coming to East Dulwich. Let’s pray an Aldi or Lidl comes to Lordship Lane as well.”

“The sheer indignity of having to see a shop serving budget-conscious customers in an area containing some expensive houses,” another replied to Steph. “Sending thoughts and prayers to Steph Taylor at what must be an incredibly difficult time for her.”

A person added sarcastically: “Oh no what a disaster I was hoping for another lousy coffee shop to buy my macchiato.”

And one said: “Rather have a Poundland than a Foxtons. At least it’s a practical service for the community at large.”

Another mentioned the economic climate, adding: “Things must be getting tough out there. East Dulwich Foxtons being reborn as Poundland.”

And a further joked: “East Dulwich life has become quite volatile and scary in response to the imminent arrival of Poundland on Lordship Lane. The snobs are getting lairy.”

Meanwhile a Twitter user added: “Wow! Well done @Poundland actively recognising plight of hungry+struggling £LivingWage loc res+doing ‘Reverse-Gentrification’ in East-Dulwich SE22!”

Barry Williams, Poundland managing director, said: “We know how customers appreciate the effort we’ve made in the last few years to transform our offer, offering them more of what they want to buy, week-in, week-out.

“That transformation means we have to step up our search for the best locations to bring the best of Poundland to customers across the UK and that’s precisely what we’ll do in 2023.

“We will continue to work hard to find the right locations that suit the range of Poundland formats we now offer – from small neighbourhood convenience stores to our large destination stores.”

Speaking of the furore, Poundland’s director of retail, Darren Kay, added : “While our impending arrival on Lordship Lane has caused a bit of a hoo-ha, we can’t wait to open our doors and show Lordship Lane what we’re offering.

“What’s more we think our promise to deliver amazing value is as important to the residents of East Dulwich as it is to customers in East Kilbride and East Grinstead. We look forward to helping all Southwark residents save money on the grocery items they need.”

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Ending a bitter family dispute, two siblings have won an appeal alleging that their aunt had undue influence over their grandmother, saying she was “bullied” to change her will, so that the aunt’s family would receive 93.75% of a million dollar estate, and cutting the sibling’s share to just 6.25%.

Joan Gorringe, a sheep and cattle farmer, spent the final years of her life in a Mount Maunganui rest home, until she died in October 2019, aged 101, a Court of Appeal ruling published this month says.

She’d had two children, Peter Gorringe, a Hamilton barrister, and Judith Pointon.

Her original will, made in 2011, left her estate to be divided equally between Judith and Peter, with the proviso that should either them die before her, then their own children will be entitled equally to their parent’s share as if that parent had been living at Joan’s death.

When Peter Gorringe, who had been managing his mother’s financial affairs, died suddenly in 2015 of an aneurysm, Joan Gorringe made a sudden and significant change to her will shortly after her son’s death, and again four months later.

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Peter’s children, Romiley and Ashley, saw that the changes made in the 2015 and 2016 wills inexplicably favoured the Pointon side of the family.

The 2015 will altered the original intention of the 2011 will, that in the event one of Joan’s children died – as Peter had – then Peter’s half should go to his children.

The new 2015 will left the bulk of the estate to Judith, with just $50,000 each for Romiley and Ashley, along with Judith’s three children. The further amendment in 2016 will added another provision, that if Judith should also die before Joan, the bulk of the estate would pass to Judith’s husband, not the grandchildren.

After Joan’s death, Romiley and Ashley challenged Joan’s testamentary capacity, alleging undue influence by Judith concerning the 2015 and 2016 wills. Their claims were dismissed in March 2022.

On an appeal this month, Justice Brown agreed with the siblings that their grandmother had in fact been unduly influenced by their aunt Judith Pointon, in making the 2015 and 2016 wills which clearly favoured the Pointon family.

The Court of Appeal had considered evidence in an affidavit from Ashley and Romiley recounting what happened when they visited their grandmother two days after their father Peter Gorringe’s funeral.

“While we were there, she told us that she had been bullied by Judith into changing her will two days after finding out dad had died.

“We have since learned that it was Judith who made the call to arrange for the will to be changed. I recall very clearly that grandma said words to the effect that:

“‘I’ve changed my will, Judy made me do it two days after your father died. I didn’t think that I had a choice because I was scared if I didn’t do what she wanted she would stop helping me, and I’m completely dependent on her now with your father gone and you two living overseas. It is now divided between the five grandchildren and Judy’”

The revelation shocked the siblings, said Romiley.

“Ashley and I were speechless and in shock. Ashley got up and walked out of the room. I just said, oh, and grandma continued: ‘Judy bullied me to do it. It is not what your grandfather and I wanted at all’.

“I didn’t know what to say as it was such a shock on top of so much shock and loss already. I didn’t want her to feel bad because she was clearly upset, so I changed the subject and then found Ashley, and we left, stunned.”

The pair did not know what to do, but asked advice from two legal friends of their father.

The Court of Appeal judge noted that there had been no reason to change the 2011 will because as far as that will was concerned, it was clear that when Joan died, half should then go to Romiley and Ashley, because Peter had already died.

The judge considered Judith’s involvement in the later wills, and wondered if Joan actually read them at all, as there was a big misspelling of one of the grandchildren’s names.

The judge also noted Judith’s several discussions with Joan concerning wills, that she was involved in arranging the instructions for the 2015 will, and that Joan didn’t receive any proper legal advice for the 2016 will, as although her solicitor had said it would be an unusual change to make Judith’s husband a beneficiary, the solicitor believed Joan would come to her office and sign the amended wills which would have given her a chance to talk to her.

Instead, Judith Pointon took the amended will to Joan, watched her sign it, with two rest home staff as witnesses, and then Judith returned it to the lawyers.

Having considered again all the circumstances, the Judge ruled in favour of the siblings’ allegation of undue influence on Judith’s part.

Both the 2015 and 2016 wills were declared invalid as they were “procured by undue influence”.

The judge also ordered independent executors and trustees of Joan’s estate and granted probate of the 2011 will.

The judge reserved his decision of the allocation of costs for a later date, asking both parties to make submissions on whether costs should be reimbursed from Joan’s estate.

CORRECTION : Peter Gorringe’s children, Romiley and Ashley, are female and male, respectively. An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Ashley was female (Amended March 23, 2023, 2.23pm).