THE VIEW
the process of moving. I was 30 when we bought our first home and we saved and we were fortunate to be given some money from the family.We bought a two bedroom maisonette. Eventually we needed more space and moved during the pandemic as we wanted to take advantage of the cut in Stamp Duty. Stamp Duty adds so much on to the costs of buying and this is money that you would like to use for maybe buying furniture or other costs, especially if you are a first time buyer. We got a bargain as it needed new heating and a few things doing to it but we have been here four years and it’s time to move on. I am a Rightmove addict and we knew this place was not our forever home but I think it’s important to keep an eye on the area you are interested in and watch the prices. “We were so lucky as the house had only been on the market for 24 hours when we got an offer and we actually sold it in 48 hours. We even managed to get a little over the asking price as there were two people interested who were both renting and had been looking for a while and both fell in love with it. This has enabled us to have some extra money to do things in the new home.” So what advice has Sophie for first time buyers? “Be patient – viewings are like buying a wedding dress as you think you know what you want but often that can change when you look at a property. Photographs never really give the whole picture so I advise people to look around and visit homes you thought would not be for you as you can often be surprised. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, ask as many questions as you can. Do your research, as buying a home is such a huge commitment and you need to get value for money. Don’t be afraid to walk away, and be solid and confident in your decisions.” I was intrigued to know what clothes Sophie enjoys folding the most and she said, “I love folding all clothes but particularly jeans and denim and, of course, baby clothes. I just adore the act of folding and it’s very therapeutic as usually my brain is all over the place. Everyone has a different system of organisation but I really believe we should all work together, to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.” At the end of our chat I was inspired to take everything out of my cupboards and organise it all, with not quite but nearly, neatly folded clothes – simply amazing! Instagram: @thefoldinglady TikTok: @thefoldinglady YouTube: @thefoldinglady Book: amazon.co.uk/Folding-Lady-Tools- tricks-space/dp/1529385261
"WE WERE SO LUCKY AS THE HOUSE HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE MARKET FOR 24 HOURS WHEN WE GOT AN OFFER AND WE ACTUALLY SOLD IT IN 48 HOURS"
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 21
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