Log on to www.ramsbottomfestival.com from 10 o’clock today to find out who will be headlining this year, it looks like it will be yet another stellar line up.

In response to the BBC Watchdog program last night (15th May), I just thought I’d write a brief post to confirm, that we here at Pearson Ferrier have been voluntary members of the Ombudsman for Lettings since May 2005..

Your deposits are registered with The Dispute Service and we are also members of NALS and Safe Agent, there are times when we have disputes to resolve, but I would like to think we do our utmost to resolve these, as professionally, courteously and swiftly as possible.

Please browse our selection of rental properties, safe in the knowledge we will do our utmost to act in the best interests of you, but also our landlords.

Not one to think that one swallow makes a summer (fat chance, spring hasn’t really sprung!), but I’m delighted to report one of the busiest months for house sales in the last 5 years.

Our online activity during April was one of the most consistently busy times we have experienced in years, maybe the extended winter/delayed spring has kept you all indoors browsing. Bearing in mind we usually see our busiest times when the weather improves and you are all out driving around and searching, this summer could be a record one!!

So maybe ‘The End is Nigh’…….which I mean in a good way, could it be an end to the permanent doom, gloom and despondency of the media rhetoric, we have had to endure over the last 5 years. We didn’t experience a ‘Triple Dip’ recession, no we bloody well stayed in the first one for a looooong time.

Always one to be wary of reporting something positive, as you usually get your head bitten off, but what the hell, we’d love to know what you think, are you feeling just a little more positive? Are you thinking that maybe buying your own home isn’t as toxic a suggestion as it has been been made out to be? Are you thinking that maybe it’s time to move?

Tell us what you think, we’d love to know, we like to think we have a property for everyone, see if we can help you find yours….

A superbly presented three bedroom cottage situated in the sought after area of Helmshore.

The living space is set over three floor, with the kitchen and lounge on the ground floor, two good sized bedrooms and main bathroom on the first floor, with a further bedroom situated in the large loft conversion. There is also a cellar accessed via the kitchen which provides useful storage. The cottage is in a fantastic quiet location, with views of the local countryside.

12 month minimum letting period. Available to view now. The property is available unfurnished.

After escaping the bitterly cold ‘Spring’ weather on a holiday/training camp chasing the sun in Lanzarote, for my up and coming ride from John O’Groats to Lands End raising money for ‘Bury Hospice’ (shameless plug………. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=JulianFerrier ) , my first full week back in the office has seen some absolutely extraordinary levels of online activity in terms of property searching, with a distinct shift in the number of people looking to buy.

It may be the Arctic-like spring weather is keeping everyone indoors, but these stats are very encouraging and seem to back up the latest reports that there has been an upswing in the housing market in terms of sales. I am not prediciting any kind of boom, far from it, the last thing we want is a sudden unsustainable jump in activity, but with the volume of property completions languishing at 50% of their previous levels for the last 5 years now (according to Land Registry), a modest increase would certainly be a boost for everyone.

As market leaders in the local area, we have one of the best selection of the areas finest properties, if you are looking for a new home, take a look at what we have to offer, we have a property for everyone, and we’d like to help you find yours……….

According to the weather forecast its going to be a beautiful weekend, download the Pearson Ferrier App https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/pearson-ferrier/id529808094?mt=8  and get out there and see what areas you’d like to live in and if we have a property there you’d like to view.

Hopefully spring has sprung and maybe, just maybe we might all have a better year……oh and you can sponsor me online on the home page via Virgin Just Giving……….Just Saying!!!

£800,000

Horncliffe Mansion was once one of the finest houses in the region constructed in 1869. The property was originally built as a private dwelling for Mr Henry Hoyle Hardman, local mill owner and business man.

In recent times the property has been used as a wedding venue and restaurant. The property has become derelict and requires a comprehesive scheme of renovation, however, offers tremendous potential for a residential conversion or commercial uses, subject to planning.

The accommodation totals approximately 10,000 sq ft (930 sq m) over three floors plus cellars and outbuildings. There is also a detached gatehouse adjacent to the entrance gates and extensive grounds.

£199,995

A modern detached property situated on a cul-de-sac with open views to the front across The River Roch and open land. This is quite a unique location, there is little or no passing traffic!

The property was constructed approximately 8 years ago and the current owners have improved the accommodation with a good eye for detail. With solid oak flooring to the majority of the main living rooms, a beautiful conservatory and landscaped gardens to the rear, we would suggest that a viewing is necessary to appreciate the high standard of work throughout.

With gas central heating and upvc double glazing the accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, access to garage, utility room, lounge through dining room, large kitchen diner with access to the conservatory, first floor landing, four bedrooms (the master has ensuite shower room and twin built in wardrobes) and a main family bathroom.

To the outside there is parking for 3 cars to the front, access to the garage and gardens to the front and rear.

There are still several mixed messages surrounding the state of the housing market, in some ways the positive outweigh the negative for once, but as always it seems to be a lot of loud voices, shouting the loudest to be heard.

Mortgage approvals up to a record high, prices beginning to rise (albeit by a negligible amount!), and general activity and interest is returning to the housing market.

However, this seems to be contradicted by the latest information provided by Land Registry, a source who purely quote facts and numbers, without any spin. The North West saw the biggest drop in property values in the last 12 months of -4.2%, the last main quarter of 2012 saw an average of over 2600 completions a month less at the end of 2012 compared to 2011.

source: http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/34706/HPI-Report-Jan-2013.pdf

What to make of all this data when you factor in the spin is anyones guess, but a great post we have repeated uses a video from Coldwell Banker, one of the United States most prolific and successful agents, what price is a home? Only you can decide that, but with the rental market remaining as busy as ever, is buying a home a thing of the past?

I don’t think so, renting is a great option and the quality of some of our property has risen dramatically over the last 10 years, and it offers fantastic flexibility to be able to move freely. But the peace of mind and security of owning your home is highly valuable, how valuable is down to you.

If you would like some straight forward, no nonsense advice in either buying or renting a home contact the office and arrange to sit down and come in for a chat, we keep saying we have a property for everyone and I firmly believe we do, call and see….

£950pcm

A superbly presented four bedroom detached located in this small cul-de-sac located within walking distance of the town centre and a short drive to the motorway network.

The property is double glazed and warmed by gas fired central heating and the accommodation over 3 floors comprises; entrance hall with wc/cloaks and access to the garage, living room with decked balcony, lower ground floor, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and utility room, first floor, four bedrooms (master with ensuite), family bathroom.

Outside there is a sweeping driveway and integral garage and enclosed rear gardens.

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An excellent modern aircraft hangar with reception area, kitchen, bar, offices and self-contained apartment.  The hangar measures 45.5m x 37.5m (1,706 m” / 18,360 ft”) and has 8m high x 31.5m wide three section doors.  The hangar is perfect for aircraft maintenance, flight training, charter operators and rotary operators / maintenance.

The reception area is accessed directly from the car park and features a bar and kitchen.  There is also an outdoor seating area and direct access to the apron.

There are first floor offices overlooking the hangar entrance and with views over the airfield.  There is also a self-contained apartment with a balcony overlooking the airfield.  The apartment could also be used as additional offices if necessary.

Hangar 8 has the potential to be one of the best flight training centres in the country. Blackpool Airport has excellent facilities and an ideal location for flight training. There is wide open uncontrolled airspace to the north of the airport for general handling exercises and easy to navigate routes for PPL students. There is an NDB and an ILS for CPL and instrument ratings. A tower provides a controlled environment and maintains an orderly flow of air traffic. A radar service is also provided. There is a need for a professional integrated ATPL school in the north of England. What better place? A low airfield elevation helps VFR flying in the British climate, all facilities on site, an abundance of cheap accommodation nearby, 20 minutes from the M6 at Preston and briefing rooms already set up. The airport is friendly to general aviation and not busy with commercial traffic.