INMO Associates

INMO Associates have compiled a guide for all our sellers to help them make the most of their homes.

Make the most of that first impression

They say you can only make one “first impression,” and people usually form their first impression within 30 seconds. With that in mind the front of your house is a good place start. Try planting flowers, trim bushes, weed, pick up leaves and rubbish, repaint your front door, replace tarnished house numbers, get a brand-new neutral doormat, and park your old car somewhere else.

Your home must sparkle!

Spring clean your house from top to bottom before putting it on the market. Having a weekly cleaning service while selling is probably a pretty good investment. Make sure your windows are clean inside and out. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor touch-ups and redecorating. Re grout and bleach any bathroom mould, polish up taps and clean your bathroom for every visit. Always leave the toilet seat down.

Make those Repairs.

Got a dripping tap, faulty door handle or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Get all problems fixed before you put your house on the market. Faulty or broken items will only distract your potential buyer and make them wonder what else is broken!

Eliminate Clutter.

This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter - it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes! Clutter makes rooms seem smaller and disorganized. Organise your store cupboards and drawers as buyers like to see that you have enough storage space and seeing clutter and over filled storage areas show that you don’t have enough space to put all your things.

Neutralise.

Neutral colours sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colours they would never select it will distract them and very few people have the imagination to think how it could look.

De-personalize.

Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.

Pets.

Always keep your pets under control. Try confining them to a specific area. Although you may love your pets, they can be off-putting to other people, and smells can be offensive, so make sure there are no lingering odours on furniture or flooring and clear up any garden mess.

Define each area.

Buyers need to know what each room is for, so that they can decide where they will place their own items. Sell the lifestyle and you’ll sell your house. Bedrooms, never underestimate the importance of bedrooms; it’s the reason 60% of people move home. A bedroom adds more value than a study or storeroom, so make sure every bedroom has a bed. Look at the layout, buyers must be able to walk around the bed, or they will think the room is too small.

Lighting.

Clients like to view bright and airy homes so make sure you have adequate lighting in every room, use subtle mood lighting to create the right atmosphere in each room and check all your bulbs work. If you have a particularly dark room turn the lights on before the agent arrives with the clients.

Accessories.

By using the right accessories, you can enhance your rooms and create a feeling of unity by using harmonious colours. Use mirrors to reflect light and space, and use plants and fresh flowers to bring life to rooms and add a natural fragrance. Display the best towels, mats and shower curtains in the bathrooms.

Getting your home ready for sale is a time consuming task which also has an impact on how you use your home and can inconvenience your day to day life. However, the time and money you commit to making your home look and feel as good as possible will pay off in the end. A note to remember is that potential buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look “with a little work.”

Please feel free to contact us for further info and help on how to stage your home.

So many visitors head out to Spain every year with out any clue of what to do should they find them selves in an emergency. Most don’t even know the emergency services telephone number.

Below I have compiled an easy reference guide to help anyone visiting the area or already living here.

Emergency Situations

The general emergency telephone number for Spain is 112. This is the equivalent of 999 in the UK and is only to be used if you require urgent police attention, ambulance, fire brigade etc. Don’t expect them to speak English so have a phrasebook handy.

If you want to report assault, robbery or an accident to the police call 902 102 112

Emergency Vet 600 266 686 / 608 861 473

Coast Guard Emergency 900 202 202

British Embassy, Alicante. Emergency tel +34 96 521 61 90 or 96 521 60 22

Non Emergencies

Policia Local for the area are on 965 740 946

Guardia Civil are on 965 744 044

Ambulance/Red Cross 965 409 950

24hr Doctor/ Teulada Health Centre 965 740 176

24hr Private Doctor , Clinica Asistel 966495204

Moraira Health Centre 966490204

British Embassy located in Alicante 0034 96 521 60 22

24hr Chemist, there is always a chemist on call should you need one. The local chemists rotate the responsibility and the calendar of dates are published in local press and on the www.teulada-moraira.org web site under Farmacias de guardia.

Farmacia Moraira, C. Inglesia, 2, Moraira. 965744021

Denia Hospital 965579700

Useful numbers

Town hall 965740158

English Dentist, Pemberry 965748576

Clinica Dental Moraira 965744334

Taxi 966491220/660134176

Tourist Info 965745168

Moraira Yacht club 965744319

Aguagest Moraira 966491450

Repsol Butane Gas 965730572

Iberdrola 965730281

SUMA 965740404

Alicante Airport 966919000

Valencia Airport 961598500

Bus (Alsa) 902422242

Bus (Ifach) 965835591

Hope you never need to use the emergency contact numbers but it’s better to have them handy just in case.

If you think I’ve missed an important number off please send me an email and I’ll find it out and add it to the list.

Thanks

Jo

Some of the dates haven’t been confirmed but I’ll update you all as they get released from the town hall.

December 08

5^th Local Trade Fair. Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th and Monday 8th December at Parking Les Sorts. Moraira. Trade Fair for local businesses.

Christmas Market held in the square of the Ayuntamiento, in Teulada on Sunday 14th December.

Jan 09

Three Kings Parade held on the 5^th Jan 09. Los Reyes Magos is the Spanish equivalent to Father Christmas, the parade happens on the 5^th but presents are not exchanged until the 6^th.

Sant Antoni Festivity (variable). Weekend after the 17th January. Bonfires and pet blessing. Yes, pet blessing, so don’t forget to bring your goldfish!

Feb 09

The Festival of San Blas Held on February, 3^rd in Teulada, the tasting of the “Dama” (a cake “Pan Quemado” in the shape of male and female silhouettes)

Carnival (dates tbc) : Fancy dress parade, “enfarinada” (flour-game) and “enterro de la sardina” (the “funeral of the sardine”). In Teulada and Moraira

March 09

Las Falles held in Valencia and Denia from 12^th – 19^th March. This fiesta isn’t in Moraira but it is one of the most impressive and its well worth the drive up to Denia or Valencia (Valencia is the biggest) to witness.

April 09

Holy Week. From April 5th to 12th in Moraira. Maundy Thursday Silent Procession. In Teulada, Good Friday, procession of Holy Burrial and Easter Sunday “L’ Encontre” Procession

Local Fiestas of Teulada in honour of Saint Vicente Ferre. From the 16th to the 19th April 2009. Amongst the many functions is the Monday Procession of San Vicente, Spectacular fireworks, on the Monday and Tuesday, the floats on the Sunday as well as bull running.

June 09

Moors and Christians in Moraira from June 12th to 15th 2008. Spectacular night-time landing on the beach of l’Ampolla, Flower offering, firing of blunderbusses and a magnificent procession, the Sunday Gala, at 5 o’clock in the evening.

23rd. Magical night of San Juan. Traditional dancing round bonfires, waiting for the flames to die down for the traditional leaping over the embers…..(In Moraira, at the beach of l’Ampolla and in the Town Hall Square in Teulada). On this same magical night folklore dictates that it is the most propitious time to cleanse the body and spirit by bathing in the sea at midnight, and to reveal the zealously guarded secrets of traditional remedies.

July 09

Fiestas of Font Santa. First weekend July 4th to 8th 2009 in the chapel of the same name. Night time fiesta and bulls running

Local Fiestas of Moraira. The week including 15th and 16th (July 10th to 19th 2008), ” Mare de Deu del Desamparats” and ” Mare de Deu del Carne “, Night time fiestas, processions, culminating in the maritime procession on the 16th, fireworks and “Els Bous a la Mar”

Fiestas of Benimarco The week including the 25th. (24th and 29th).. night time fiesta, bulls running and fireworks.

August 09

Medieval Fiesta and Market. August 6th to the 9th 2009. Handicrafts, traditional products, juggling and theatre, recreating a mediaeval atmosphere in the ancient centre of Teulada.

Sept 09

Fiesta of “Moscatel” - 5th September 2009. A special celebration for the farmers, at the completion of their harvest and the collection of the Moscatel grape which is sent to markets nationwide. Night time fiesta, tasting of the Moscatel. In the Avenida las Palmas.

El Gordo (the fat one) is the common name for the Spanish Christmas lottery. Drawn each year just before Christmas, on the 22nd December, it has the largest prize fund of any lottery in the world!

The Spanish spend more per head on gambling than anywhere else in the world. This is not because they are habitual gamblers but simply because the Christmas lottery is a tradition in which the whole nation partakes!

Unlike many modern lotteries in which you choose numbers and hope to match 3, 4 or 5 numbers, El Gordo is still run along the lines of a traditional raffle in which you buy a ticket with a number already printed. Match the number on the ticket to that drawn and you win 1st prize… sounds simple? Well its not! There are 85,000 different numbers and you don’t buy a ticket you purchase a tenth of a ticket.

So…there are 85,000 numbers from 00001 to 85000, each 85,000 numbers are given to 180 “Series”, each “Serie” is divided into 10 “Decimas” and each “decima” costs €20

€20x 10 decimas = 200 x 85,000 numbers = 17,000,000 x 180 series brings in a total El Gordo prize fund of 3,060,000,000€ !

The Spanish government then take 30% which “just” leaves €2.142 Billion for prizes.

A lot of money for prizes but then El Gordo has a lot of prizes… 13,334 different prizes to be exact!

1st Prize - €3,000,000 per “serie” (€300,000 per “decima” applies to all)

2nd Prize - €1,000,000

3rd Prize - €500,000

2 x 4th Prizes - €200,000

8 x 5th Prizes - €50,000

1,774 x 6th prizes of €1,000

That’s the “Principal prizes” out of the way but there are also a whole host of secondary prizes on offer:

2 x €20,000 for the numbers either side of the 1st prize

2 x €12,500 for the numbers either side of the 2nd prize

2 x €9,600 for the numbers either side of the 2nd prize

99 x €1,000 for the numbers with the 1st three numbers that match the 1st prize

99 x €1,000 for the numbers with the 1st three numbers that match the 2nd prize

99 x €1,000 for the numbers with the 1st three numbers that match the 3rd prize

198 x €1,000 for the numbers with the 1st three numbers that match the 4th prizes

849 x €1,000 for the numbers with the last two numbers that match the 1st prize

849 x €1,000 for the numbers with the last two numbers that match the 2nd prize

849 x €1,000 for the numbers with the last two numbers that match the 3rd prize

8499 x €200 for the numbers with the last number that match the 1st prize

On the morning of the 22nd of December each year Spain pretty much comes to a halt and the normal noise and chatter is replaced by the sound of children singing… Why? It is one of the strange traditions that each year children from a junior school are invited to “sing” the numbers as they are drawn.

El Gordo is drawn from two very large spherical cages. In one a ball for each number from 00001 - 85,000 is placed and in the other 1,787 balls representing the prizes. Over the course of the morning prizes and their corresponding numbers are drawn. This means the tension lasts longer as the 1st prize, el gordo, is not necessarily the 1st number drawn!

From around mid September onwards, when the 1st el gordo tickets go on sale, clubs, societies, bars, offices and factories choose a number. This number will be purchased by everyone belonging to that organisation. The reasoning being that everyone can share in the joy or anguish that the 22nd December brings!

With €20 being a large amount, and as a means to raise funds, many organisation produce parts of “decimas”. For example a charitable organisation will sell tickets at €2.50 in which €2 goes to the cost of the “decima” and €0.50 to the charity. Other organisations such as Unions and Bars will sell the tickets at €2.50 and not cover a donation.

I’ve purchased an El Gordo ticket every year since I’ve been in Spain and have never really understood the rules and how many prizes were available. Having now researched it I have a feeling I may of thrown away a winning ticket…..it’s quite possible my ticket to millionaire society girl status has ended up in the office wastepaper bin, doh! Story of my life. Oh well, this time next year!!!!

Transport

From the airport – If you are staying in the city we recommend you take a taxi (approx 20euros) or train from outside the arrivals halls, lines 3 and 5 run straight in to the city but please check.

Parking in the city is available but pricey and hotels will charge per night for the use of their parking facilities.

From Moraira – there are trains direct to Valencia from Gandia, it’s easier if you drive to the train station and leave your car in the car park. Check the RENFE web site for times and prices. http://www.renfe.es/horarios/english/index.html

Shopping

Your high street areas are Calle Jorge Juan by Mercado Colon, Calle Colon, Calle don Juan Austria and the space between them. Jewellery, expensive clothes, shoes, perfumes etc. El Corte Ingles, Spain’s only department store chain, is located on Calle Colon,1.

Eating

Up to €15

La Vintara (19 Plaza de la Reina. Tel 963 924 185)

Sit on high wooden tables inside this ornately tiled tapas bar that’s walking distance to the old town.

Up to €30

El Cordon (15 Gran Via Marques del Turia tel 963 443 404)

Both excellent value lunchtime set menus (starting at €8.99) and a la carte selection feature hints of the owner’s Argentinean homeland, from the Italian style pastas to the imported steaks.

Up to €50

Sagardi (6 Sant Vicente Martir. Tel 902 520 522)

Specialises in authentic Basque cuisine. Eat tapas in the bar or head up stairs for an elegant sit down meal.

Exclusive

La Pitanza (5 Carrer de Quart, Barrio del Carmen. Tel 963 910 927)

Sourcing it’s ingredients from the nearby Mercado Central, this smartly styled restaurant co-ordinates it’s fine-dining menu according to seasonal availability.

Night Life

Valencia has an exciting night life to suit all tastes. With bars restaurants, night clubs wander the Old Quarter for a good mix of vibrant bars and restaurants

Must see´s

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, to check what’s going on visit www.cac.es With art gallery’s, botanical gardens, IMAX theatre, workshops and the fantastic LÓceanografico which is full day activity on it’s own the area is a must see for anyone visiting the city.

Wander Valencia’s Old Quarter for true Valencian history and character with its thriving restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. Visit the Santa Catalina Church and Tower (Plaza de Santa Catalina) and La Seu/Catedral (Cathedral of Valencia in Plaza de la Reina)

Fiesta Las Falles, is held every year from 15 - 19 March in the city of Valencia. It’s a huge international event when the entire city erupts for four days. Huge wooden cardboard and papier-mâché figures (known as fallas), are erected all over the city. At midnight on 18th March called Nit del Foc (Night of Fire) the firework display culminates in the burning of the Fallas.

Must Try

Agua de Valencia – very alcoholic cava, vodka and orange cocktail.

Tapas in a traditional Spanish bar.

Paella Valenciana is the traditional paella of Valencia, eaten by all Valencianos for lunch, never dinner and has chicken and pork or rabbit as well as the normal ingredients

International Events

Motogp final race held every year in October at the Circuit Valencia approx 20km from the city.

Formula 1 Grand Prix street race on the new track around the city. The race is set to be held in Valencia for at least seven years every August.

Americas Cup 2009 to be held in Valencia again.

For more info see for following useful sites

http://www.comunitatvalenciana.com/

http://www.circuitvalencia.com

http://www.turisvalencia.es/

http://www.valenciavalencia.com/

Spain on Monday said it would provide up to €100bn of guarantees for new debt issued by commercial banks in 2008 and an unspecified further amount next year as part of a eurozone plan to restore confidence in the financial system.

The Spanish Prime Minister said the cabinet had also approved a measure allowing the government to buy bank shares, although ministers say they do not see the need at this stage to inject capital into Spanish financial institutions.

The government says its priority is to keep credit flowing so that the economy can function normally.

The fund is designed to complement the liquidity facilities of the European Central Bank by providing money for continued bank lending to Spanish businesses and individuals.

Conservative regulation by the Bank of Spain helped to save Spanish banks from the direct effects of the subprime loan crisis in the US, although several of the unlisted Spanish cajas - savings and loans institutions – face a growing problem of bad loans to property developers and to individual mortgage borrowers.

Santander, the biggest bank in the eurozone, was in talks on Monday to buy the whole of Sovereign Bancorp of the US .

For full story –

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1d1019e0-991f-11dd-9d48-000077b07658.html

By Victor Mallet in Madrid

Published: October 13 2008 13:52 | Last updated: October 13 2008 13:52

If you are new to our site, welcome, if you are a returning visitor you will notice we have changed our image and added a lot more features.

We wanted to improve our web site and our aim was to update our image and provide an informative, informal, helpful and fun site for all to visit.

We have included a new web cam feature so for those not in sunny Spain you can click in to the Moraira or Javea web cams and bring a little sun shine to your day.

We’ve added a 5 day weather post, hopefully always reporting sun shine, plus many other features including new pages for Bespoke Villas, Ask Inmo, the services we offer and a whole host of beautiful photographs of the area.

Also added to the site is our News/Web Blog section which is updated regularly and will cover all manor of topics ranging from local fiestas to property market comments, tax issues to restaurant guides and legal topics to days out. If you have any ideas or topics you wish us to cover please contact us and we will be happy to research and report on the subject.

We hope you like the new site, find it easy to navigate and useful. We’d love you to add us to your “favourite sites” and we welcome your ideas for adding features, news blogs, spotting spelling mistakes (I’m sure there’s a few!) and any general suggestions.
Hope to see you soon.

From all at Inmo.