Autumn’s the perfect season for change. Maybe it comes from our school days: autumn was always the time for new shoes, new stationery and a new start. As the leaves turn gold and the evenings draw in, the property market wakes up from summer’s lull, with buyers eager to find their new home before Christmas.
So, now’s the perfect time to decide what truly matters to you in your next home. Here at Bacon and Company, your non-negotiables are our starting point – never an afterthought.
Jim’s story: Why non-negotiables matter
When Jim sat down with us to discuss what he was looking for, he didn’t say ‘three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a south-facing garden’. No, he told us exactly what would make a house feel like his:
- ‘A garage big enough for a car and my golf clubs’
For Jim, a proper garage isn’t just a place to put the car. It’s integral to his lifestyle: it’s where the school run starts from during the week, and it’s where weekends on the golf course begin. As well as room for the family car, Jim needed space for his clubs, sports gear and ideally a workbench too, for those DIY jobs when the weather keeps him off the fairway. - ‘A fireplace so the cat has a toasty spot for a snooze’
A blazing hearth, crackling logs, a soft rug and Rosie curled up in the warm glow of the fire – that’s Jim’s vision of home. It’s where the quiet moments happen: relaxing on the sofa with a book, or spending time together as a family. And yes, the cat’s comfort is non-negotiable too.
- ‘Close to the station so I make it home for the bedtime story’
This is Jim’s number one non-negotiable. He wants to be home in time for those precious moments: tucking the kids into bed, hearing about their day and reading a story (doing the voices, of course). The station can’t be far away; reliable transport links on his doorstep are essential. Everything else flows from that.
We understand that these non-negotiables are deeply personal, perhaps even a little quirky. But that’s exactly why they matter; they’re the practical and emotional threads of his daily life – the things that turn a house into home. We go beyond generic property checklists to find you a home you’ll actually want to live in.
How we make it happen for you
Here’s what makes our approach different:
- We start with you, not the market
Your first conversation with us starts with a simple question: ‘What do you need to feel at home?’ We don’t show you what’s already available and ask you to compromise; we want to know your non-negotiables before we start our search. So, tell us what makes it ‘home’ for you: a big garage, an open fireplace, a station within walking distance. Then let us take it from there.
- We filter intelligently
We don’t inundate you with irrelevant listings. We screen properties based on what matters to you, matching your desired features, location and layout, to save you time and make your search as easy as possible - We don’t settle; we persist
Sometimes your non-negotiables can narrow the field. And that’s OK – we’ll widen our search, tap our network, access off-market listings, and alert you the moment something suitable appears. We don’t stop until your essential criteria are met. - We support you through the emotional side too
Moving house is far more than a transaction. It’s upheaval; it’s the prospect of leaving somewhere you may have known and loved for years and stepping into somewhere you hope will feel like home. We’re here with property market insights and expertise, yes, but more than that: we’re here to advise, reassure and support you as you make your move.
Make your autumn move on your own terms
As autumn activity picks up and the market comes alive, start planning your move now.
Whatever your non-negotiables are – a reading nook for the family bookworm, cobblestone curb appeal, and a downstairs shower – we believe it’s those things that should drive your search. They’re what make a house feel like home, so they shouldn’t be mere afterthoughts.
Tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll let you know what your property is worth so you can start the search for your next dream home, without compromise. Get in touch for your free valuation today.