And our survey said !
It seems every day there’s a new survey telling us what we can and can’t do, what’s good for us and what’s not and what we like and don’t like ! The media, newspapers, TV and the internet bombard us with information, statistics and percentages about every aspect of our lives. Only this morning I woke to the rather cheery news on breakfast TV that if I have a sausage or a rasher of bacon every day, I am 20% more likely to get a form of cancer. Clearly there is some evidence behind the claim, and common sense says that whilst we all like a fry up, having one every day is not going to be good for us (even if you are a builder).
My point is that we seem to be overloaded with this type of propoganda, and how do we keep up. One day we’re told it’s good to eat cheese, six months later it’s not.
Yes it’s good to have a glass of red wine every day, but its also recommended to have two alcohol free days a week – who and what do you believe !
When it comes to the property market, we are also subject to sometimes conflicting information, the worst offender being average sale prices. Last weeks headline “Property prices on the up”, is normally swiftly followed by another research group telling us “UK property values set to tumble.” No wonder they say don’t believe everything you read in the papers. So as a bit of fun, here’s ten property related survey headlines, some true, some made up, but can you tell which is which ?
- Properties with red doors bring good luck so are therefore 20% more likely to sell.
- 90% of people now start their property search online.
- The smell of freshly baked bread will enhance your chances of selling.
- You are 30% less likely to sell a house with the door number 13.
- The average age of today’s first time buyers is 35, or is it 41 ?
- Scottish first time buyers are on average 5 years younger than those in England & Wales.
- Men with beards achieve quicker sales than those who are clean shaven.
- The average sale price at the end of 2011 was just over £160000.
- Blonde women sell their property for 10% more than brunettes.
- Property prices will either increase, decrease or stay the same in 2012.
Whatever happens to the market in 2012, one thing is for sure that there will be comment and discussion in the media. Some will be positive, some negative, some true and some false, and you will have your own opinion. If you are contemplating a move in 2012, make sure you get a good agent to help you and good luck.
Now I am off to have a bacon sandwich !
