Let’s Be Honest – The Waiting Game is Frustrating You've cleaned the house from top to bottom.  You’ve moved the kids' toys, baked the bread, lit the candles, and had the photos taken.  Your house is now on the market and… crickets.... No offers. Fewer viewings than you expected.  The email inbox is looking pretty quiet.So how long do you wait before doing something about it? There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer – But Doing Nothing Is Rarely the Right Call In our experience at SA Property, the market speaks quickly. If you’ve had little to no interest within the first 2–4 weeks, that’s already a sign. The first few weeks are your golden window.  That’s when your property is pushed out to the most serious buyers who are actively looking and ready to go. If it doesn’t turn heads then, it’s unlikely to suddenly do so in week eight. So what do you do? Step 1: Re-Evaluate Your Asking Price Let’s get the awkward one out of the way. If you’re overpriced, the best marketing in the world won’t save the sale. Buyers are savvy. They’re watching property portals daily and know what similar homes are going for in your area. That doesn’t mean you have to slash the price. But a realistic review of where your home sits in the market is crucial. Ask yourself: Are you priced to compete with similar homes? Are your buyers comparing your home to larger or better-presented ones in the same bracket? A price adjustment (even a small one) can push you into a new bracket of buyers and revive interest. Step 2: Check Your Marketing Photos, floorplans, description, video tours – all of it matters. At SA Property, we often take over listings from other agents and refresh everything: New photography (especially if the seasons have changed) Snappier, more targeted descriptions Boosted social media promotion Proper focus on features that sell (like gardens, parking, kitchens, school catchments) If your agent hasn’t talked about marketing tweaks – ask why. Step 3: Review the Feedback (or Lack of It) Have people been viewing and just not biting? Or are viewings barely happening? If you’ve had viewings, listen to the feedback — even if it stings. Is it always “the third bedroom feels small” or “the kitchen needs updating”? If you haven’t had viewings, that’s usually a sign of price or presentation problems. Don’t take it personally. Use it to adjust. Buyers don’t want perfect — they want value for money. Step 4: Consider Minor Improvements Sometimes, a lick of paint, better lighting, or a de-cluttered room makes all the difference. We’re not talking full renovations — just things that make your photos and in-person viewings pop. A fresh look can re-engage previously uninterested buyers. Step 5: Talk to Your Agent – Or Switch An honest, proactive agent will already be doing all of the above. If yours hasn’t mentioned any of it and is just saying “be patient,” it might be time for a new approach. At SA Property, we believe the market gives you clues — and your agent should be reading them. If your agent isn’t pushing for adjustments, or is ghosting you between updates, it could be time for a refresh. The Bottom Line Don’t just wait and hope. The longer a home sits unsold, the more likely buyers assume something’s wrong. It becomes “stale” in the market’s eyes. If it’s been 3–4 weeks without meaningful action, it’s time to do something — whether that’s price, photos, presentation, or people. Need a Second Opinion? We’re happy to take a look at your listing, give honest feedback, and tell you if it’s the price, the marketing, or something else. No pressure. No jargon. Just proper advice from local experts who sell homes every day in Swansea. Contact us for a free marketing review: 01792 893000 info@saproperty.co.uk

When the Phones Go Dead: A Lesson in Customer Service At SA Property, we pride ourselves on excellent communication — so you can imagine our panic when our phones and internet suddenly stopped working today. No warning. No heads-up. Just silence. This isn't a cautionary tale from a client — it's our own experience. A number of years ago, we signed a 7-year contract with a telephone and broadband provider, sold on promises of technological advancement and cost savings. In hindsight? It was neither. The costs crept up year after year (buried in the small print, of course), and the tech issues became increasingly frustrating. Fast-forward to 2024 — with our contract due to end in August 2025 — we decided enough was enough. We found a new provider, one offering the same services (broadband, phones, multiple lines) for £30 + VAT per month, compared to the £500+ VAT we were currently paying. A no-brainer, really. We gave the correct notice. We had written confirmation from our existing provider that our contract would end on 21st August 2025. The new provider confirmed they'd take over on 22nd August. Perfect, right? Well… On 18th July, we received a new email from our outgoing provider stating our broadband would be transferring on 24th July. A full month early. We immediately queried this — surely it was a mistake? We were assured that the transfer only applied to the broadband and not the phone lines. Still, it didn’t sit right. And today, our worst fears were confirmed — no internet. No phones. No communication. Each company is blaming the other. One says, “They requested it.” The other says, “We don’t know what happened.” Meanwhile, we’re left in the dark — literally and figuratively. Yes, it’s hopefully just a day of disruption. Yes, we’re saving over £470 a month from August onwards. But this is a sharp reminder of why we left our old provider — lack of communication, poor handling, no accountability — and also a cautious note on the importance of making sure transitions are watertight when switching services. So, what’s the takeaway? Read the small print. Choose short-term contracts wherever possible. Don’t wait until you’re frustrated — start the switch early. Test your new provider thoroughly — even when it’s cheaper. And finally, never underestimate the value of a company that actually cares about its clients and their ability to stay connected. We’ll keep you posted — and in the meantime, thanks for bearing with us if you’ve tried to get in touch today and couldn’t. SIDE NOTE: if you want to know which company to avoid whilst looking for telephone and broadband deals, just let me know

Chosen the Wrong Estate?  – What to Do Next Expert advice from SA Property on how to take back control and get your move back on track. Let’s be honest—moving home is stressful enough without feeling let down by the very people meant to be helping you.  You chose an estate agent to guide you, support your sale or let, and bring you the right buyer or tenant.  But what happens when weeks go by, and you’re left feeling forgotten, frustrated, and stuck? You’re not alone. We hear it often: “I wish I’d chosen differently.” “I feel like I’m doing all the chasing.” “They promised the world, but nothing’s happening.” If this sounds familiar, this blog is for you. Let’s walk you through your options—calmly, clearly, and with expert insight. 1. Spotting the Red Flags – Is Your Agent Underperforming? Not every property sells or rents overnight, but poor service shouldn’t be part of the journey. Look out for these signs: You're not getting regular updates or feedback Viewings are few and far between (or badly handled) Your listing looks poor (bad photos, vague description, no floorplan, where it's needed) The property was overpriced to win your instruction—but now sits unsold. Believe it or not, this is very common and for reasons that you wont believe!! Your concerns are being brushed off or ignored Top Tip: Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 2. Know Your Rights – What Does the Contract Say? Before making any big decisions, check the agreement you signed. Most estate agency contracts will include: A tie-in period (you may be locked in for 8, 12, or even 16+ weeks) A notice period (how much time you need to give to terminate the agreement) Clauses about commission or fees if the property sells soon after leaving that agent Not sure what you’re looking at? Don’t worry—we’re happy to glance over it with you, no obligation. 3. What to Do If Things Aren’t Working Communication is key.  Start by raising your concerns directly with the agent—they may genuinely be trying but haven’t communicated well. Give them the chance to improve. But if the relationship feels broken or your trust is gone, you don’t have to sit back and wait. Top Tip: Keep a record of conversations and any promises made—it helps if you decide to escalate later. 4. Switching Estate Agents – What You Need to Know You can change agents—but you must follow the right steps to avoid unnecessary costs or disputes. Here's how: Check your current contract – Understand any restrictions or notice periods. Give formal notice in writing – Stay professional, even if you’re frustrated. Choose your next agent wisely – More on that in a moment… Refresh your marketing – New photos, fresh listing copy, maybe even a relaunch to hit the market with impact. Top Tip: A switched-on agent will help you navigate the transition smoothly—including re-listing with minimal downtime. 5. Choosing Better – What to Look For in Your Next Agent Once bitten, twice shy. This time, make sure you ask the right questions: What’s their marketing strategy beyond just listing on the portals? How often will they update you—and how? What are their recent results in your area? Can they provide testimonials or reviews from clients? Are they honest about pricing—or telling you what you want to hear? Top Tip: At SA Property, we believe in transparency, great marketing, and real results. Our contracts have no long tie-in, and we’re always happy to offer a second opinion—no pressure. Final Thought: You’re Not Stuck!! If your move isn’t moving, or you’ve lost faith in your agent, it’s okay to pause, review, and take action. A fresh start can make all the difference. Thinking of switching? Let’s talk. We offer a free, honest consultation—and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you that too. We can provide a FREE property healthcare check so you can see how your property listing stacks up or you can book a marketing appraisal. REMEMBER: If you don't change something, then you can't really expect anything to change, can you?!?!

Is Now a Good Time to Move? Here’s What the July 2025 Property Market Really Looks Like If you've been wondering whether now’s the right time to sell or rent out your property, you're not alone. The media is full of mixed messages — interest rates, inflation, rental reform, buyer demand going up… or down… depending on which article you read. And yes, July often brings a seasonal summer slow-down, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to make a move. I’ve been in this industry for 25 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: There’s no “perfect” time to move — only the right strategy for your situation. So, let’s look at what’s actually happening right now in the local property market and what it means for you. The Sales Market: Less Noise, More Serious Buyers We’re seeing fewer homes coming onto the market — and that means less competition for those who do decide to sell. Well-presented, realistically priced homes are still attracting viewings and offers. It’s not the mad rush of 2021/22, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is a more balanced market — where serious buyers are looking for the right property, not just any property. And if you’re thinking of upsizing? Now might be your moment. While prices aren’t surging, they’re stable — and that gives you more certainty and control in your move. The Rental Market: A Shift in Momentum There’s been a subtle change in the rental market too. Tenants are more cautious. Affordability is tighter, and we’re seeing longer decision times — especially at the higher end of the rental spectrum. But good properties that are well-presented and priced fairly? They’re still letting — often quickly. If you’re a landlord, now’s the time to make sure your property stands out. That means clear marketing, modern photos, and honest pricing. And if you’re struggling to find tenants, don’t panic — it might just be a few tweaks away from getting noticed. Our Advice: Strategy Over Timing Trying to “time the market” is like trying to catch a falling leaf — it’s unpredictable. What does make a difference is: ✔ Great marketing ✔ Accurate pricing ✔ Presentation that pops ✔ An experienced agent who can guide you through the ups and downs At SA Property, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter strategies. We believe in getting to know you, your goals, and your property — then building a plan that works. Thinking of Making a Move? Whether you're a seller who's stuck on the market, a landlord wondering why enquiries are quiet, or you're just unsure whether now’s the right time to act — let's talk. No pressure. No pushy sales chat. Just honest advice, backed by 25 years of local experience.