SkyFive Properties Blog

Rental property owners know that cleanliness is essential. But what about the high quality of service? Maintaining a high level of cleanliness in your rental property will help you provide top-notch service for your tenants, which can lead to increased turnover rates. Below is a guide for keeping up with cleaning, organizing, and even preventing potential pests.

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Manage Pest Infestation

Managing pest infestation is a great way to maintain high cleanliness levels in your rental property. Unfortunately, it is the number one reason for tenant complaints, and it can also damage appliances, walls, and flooring. The type of pest you’re dealing with can help determine the best course of action.  So, if you suspect a pest issue at your property, contact pest control specialists immediately! Do not attempt to deal with the situation yourself.

Hire a Cleaning Company

A thorough cleaning of your rental property is essential for it to keep its appearance and quality. It’ll also improve your property’s value significantly.

Since you cannot be present during the process, hire a company that can guarantee high cleanliness levels and low prices.

Hiring a professional company to clean your property will save you time and money. In addition, their employees are trained in providing the best possible results, which is why they can guarantee high levels of cleanliness.

Do Not Pile Up Trash

If you allow your guests to stack up trash on the property, visitors will associate that behavior with cleanliness standards. Unfortunately, trash is a huge problem when it comes to maintaining high cleanliness levels in rental properties. Visitors may not realize they are leaving behind a mess, but it can cause renters’ poor reviews and turn-over rates if left unchecked.

To maintain high cleanliness levels in your rental property, you need to ensure that guests are not piling up trash. This includes food waste and clothing or linens. Additionally, be sure to check the premises at least once a day for any noticeable piles of trash to prevent it from accumulating over time. This is an essential problem-solving strategy to maintain high cleanliness levels in your rental property.

Impose Cleanliness Rules on Tenants

Maintaining high cleanliness levels is vital for both owners and tenants. Owners need to keep the property at a certain standard, while tenants benefit from living in an aesthetically pleasing environment. One way of achieving this is by imposing rules on how tenants should behave when using shared spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, or bathrooms.

To do this successfully, you need to understand your tenant’s personalities and lifestyles so that you don’t create rules arbitrarily but based on the way they live their lives.

Repair Anything That Is Broken

Update the appliances in your rental property to ensure that they are up-to-date. This is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your tenants are happy.  Updating appliances is a great way to keep the property looking modern and up-to-date without spending too much money on renovations.

Many renters will judge a home by its appearance and how it feels. If something looks old or broken, potential tenants may not bother viewing any more properties.

Conclusion

The key to maintaining high cleanliness levels in your rental property is ensuring that you get the right tenant. The best way to do this is by thoroughly screening applicants and checking their references. Once they move into your home, make sure you set out clear rules and expectations and stick to them. If your property is well kept and maintained as per tenant expectations, they will maintain high cleanliness levels themselves.

Have you put up your house for sale? If so, it might be soon when your first potential buyer arrives to take a look at the home. The first question they’re likely to ask is how many bedrooms. Your answer is as important as a bedroom’s look, feel, and atmosphere.

Staging a bedroom is what every home seller should do. The process involves making the room as presentable as possible. For instance, any personal items should be removed, such as photographs, shoes, clothes, magazines, books, or posters. You want your buyers to picture themselves living in these bedrooms, seeing them as their own.

In addition, bedrooms are notorious for being prone to clutter. Ensure you declutter the room before the staging. Your bedroom shouldn’t feel busy, tiny, or tight with space. Your buyer shouldn’t struggle to walk around in a bedroom or find a comfortable place to sit.

There are other tips to help you stage a bedroom for sale. Here’s precisely how you do it to maximize your chance of selling your home.

Focus on the bed.

Ensure your bed is the first thing seen whenever someone enters the room. It should be given priority, with space on both sides to walk around. Do not line your bed up with the doorway. In feng shui home staging, it’s known as the ‘coffin position’. You still want to ensure it is prominently featured, with a quality headboard, comforter, and tuck.

If there’s space beside your bed and in the bedroom, set up a little reading nook with a comfy chair and floor lamp. Coziness here is critical. Use furniture rental for home staging to fill the bedroom as you don’t want a space feeling too empty. A sitting area is the recommended way to go and is more neutral than assigning a desk or artistic space to a bedroom.

Add bedroom accessories

It’s not enough to make your bed. Buy a new comforter. They’re not expensive and give a whole new look to a bedroom. No one wants to see an old blanket when they enter a prospective property for themselves. A fancy comforter communicates the vibe of the room, giving someone a place to relax and unwind. The new blanket or comforter really will make a bedroom look more welcoming.

In addition, adding mirrors can perceptively add space to your bedroom. Consider one or two strategically-placed mirrors to make a room feel not so small. It may seem obvious or like an obvious tactic. However, realtors and home sellers have been using this trick successfully for years.

Make the lighting presentable.

If a potential buyer is coming during daytime hours, open the windows and get a lot of natural light. If it’s in the later hours of the day, find the proper lighting for each bedroom. Don’t go overpowering with your lighting, but you don’t want it dim either. You may want to install a new fixture or a dimmer as these are popular among buyers.

Speaking of windows, we don’t even tend to notice our window treatments. Buyers will, however. Take a look and see if they’re worth updating. The right window treatment can emphasize different aspects of a bedroom, such as using drapes to make the area feel taller. It also allows you to decorate and change the look of a bedroom to make it feel more inviting.

Paint reinvigorates a bedroom.

If you haven’t given your bedrooms a new coat of paint in the last year, do so. Choose a light gray or blue to add calmness or a neutral color that you know buyers will like. Even if your bedrooms look tremendous, a fresh coat of paint adds newness that you won’t otherwise get.

In addition, recognize that people exist from all backgrounds. Don’t paint the bedroom in overtly feminine or masculine colors. Making a space appealing to everyone can be tricky. However, this is the sort of atmosphere a seller wants to create when staging a bedroom for sale.

Stage the whole home.

You don’t want a partially staged home with just the bedrooms done, and the kitchen and bathrooms left undone. If you are arranging your bedrooms for sale, recognize you will need to take a similar approach throughout the rest of your home. If there’s an en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom, this is even more important. You will want to ensure there’s a cohesive level of cleanliness and design

When staging the home, focus on the smell. Every home has a scent. We often grow so desensitized to it that we don’t notice. Before entertaining any showings, use essential oils or a pleasant smell to add a new dynamic to your bedrooms. Use a candle or any scent that you perceive to be warm and welcoming.

Buying a house is a huge decision, both for your family and lifestyle, as well as for the financial burden. That is why when you’re thinking of buying a new home, there are definitely some checks to look at and some warning signs to look out for. Each time you look to buy a home you need to be looking closely at it. You don’t want to commit a lot of money to move to a new home and then face a lot of unexpected and large costs.

The more that you know about buying a home and what to look out for, the better. That being said, there are some initial red flags that don’t need to be a deal-breaker when looking for your new home. For example, as there are things that can be done about them easily, don’t let asbestos or radon be a deal breaker for buying your dream home. There are, however, some red flags that shouldn’t be ignored, as they can be much more costly to fix. Here are some things to look out for.

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Exterior cracks

The inside of a home can look as good as anything, but if you’re not paying attention to the outside of the home it can be costly. If you notice any cracks in the exterior walls or any kind of tilting, it can be an indication of some issues with the foundations of the home. If you do notice any, then getting a survey done and having a structural engineer come to look at the home can be a good idea. They will be able to give you an estimate of the damage if there is any, and what it would cost to sort it all out.

History of ownership

Much like looking at a resume and seeing a new job every year, the same kind of warning sign needs to go to homes that have a high turnover of owners. This is something that can be checked online. With the average length of time someone spends in a home being nine years, anything less than two or three, that happens regularly, shouldn’t be ignored. It could indicate that something is wrong with the house, there are horrible neighbors, or the street gets busy and noisy, so definitely something to think about.

Uneven floors

If you notice some uneven floors, then it can be a big red flag of bigger problems. Some realtors even recommend bringing something like a marble when you look round the house, to see if it stays still or rolls away. There can be big costs associated with uneven floors as you’d need to rip the flooring out and start again. But if the flooring is very uneven, then you could even have to think about the foundation of the home.

While there are a number of things to think about when it comes to buying a new home, these are some big signs to look out for, as they can indicate that something is wrong. They may not be a deal-breaker, but knowing what the repairs would be could influence how much you’re willing to pay for the house.

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The prospect of buying your new home is very exciting indeed but the process of it can be so challenging. There are so many steps and requirements that you need to get a good understanding of, before jumping into the whole process.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of what to do, what to expect, and what questions to ask, you are a first-time home buyer and some advantages come with that. Certain perks like tax breaks, access to state programs, and federally backed loans in a case where you do not have the basic minimum down payment.

It might interest you to know that even if this isn’t your first rodeo, according to the HUD (U.S Department of housing and urban development) you qualify as a first-time home buyer if you are:

• Someone who did not hold ownership in a principal residence for a space of three years that ends on the date of purchase.
• A single parent who only owned a home before getting separated from their spouse.
• A displaced homemaker who only owned a home with an estranged spouse.
• Someone who only owned a principal residence not rooted to a permanent foundation per applicable regulations.
• Someone who owned a property that fell short of state, local, or model building codes and cannot be brought into abidance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.

Here are some useful tips to not only get you started but also settled in as a new homeowner:

Have Extensive Savings

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You need to make sure you have enough money for expenses like

• • Down payment: This will depend on the type of mortgage you get. With a good credit score, you might get as low as a 3% down payment. But, even with this, you need to save well because 3% of the purchase price (usually 5-6 figures) is a lot of money. The more money you save up for down payment, the less you’ll have to borrow and the more equity you’ll begin with.

• Closing costs: These are fees, usually 2% to 5% of the loan amount, you pay to finalize your mortgage.

• Move-in costs: After buying the house comes expenses in the form of home repairs, furnishings, and upgrades.

Ensure You Have Good Credit

Whether you get a mortgage at all and the interest rate it will attract depends on your credit score. Here are a few tips to help strengthen your credit score:

• Get reports on your credit so you’ll know what you are working with and how to get to where you want. Also to check and dispute any errors on the report. Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax are credit bureaus you could get free reports from.
• Pay bills as at when due, and keep low credit card balances.
• A DTI (debt to income ratio) of 43%.

Choosing a Low or No Down Payment Mortgage Option

Good for you if you’re looking to get mortgage loans nowadays because the mortgage rate is at a historical low. The average 30-year mortgage rate for 2020 was 3.11%.

There is an array of mortgage options available with variations in eligibility requirements. Some require a sizable down payment. There are also mortgage options with no down payment for qualified buyers:

Mortgages that Require a Down Payment

• Conventional mortgages are not backed by the government. First-time buyers could get as little as 3% down.

• FHA loans are loans from the Federal Housing Administration and they give out loans for down payments as low as 3.5%
• Native American Homebuyers: can take advantage of a section 184 loan. With this, they get a loan upfront guarantee fee of 1.5%, down payment of 2.25% on loans above 50 000 dollars.

Mortgages that Do Not Require a Down Payment

• USDA loans are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are targeted at rural home buyers and are not required to pay down payments.
• VA loans are from the Department of Agriculture. They are targeted at veterans and current military serving and are not required to pay down payments.

Get a Pre-approval letter

The pre-approval can only come after the lender must have verified all your financial information ( credit score, employment details, DTI, etc.). The lender pre-approving a certain amount for you is important because it shows real estate agents and homeowners that you’re a serious buyer.

It is important to note that a lender can rescind a pre-approval if you happen to damage your credit score after it’s been issued.

Choosing a Good Real Estate Agent

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In a 2018 survey, 86% of home buyers employed the services of an agent while searching for a home in the U.S. Getting a good real estate agent could really make a difference in your house-buying experience. A good agent will search for homes that meet your needs, help you decide on an offer, and follow through with the negotiations and closings.

Enquire from other new homeowners about their own experiences with agents, interview a few and settle for the one most suitable for you.

Have the Home Inspected

Home sellers are only humans and might want to cover up a few flaws in the home just to drive up the price. Therefore, it is essential to get a professional home inspector to give an overall assessment of the structure and mechanical systems of your potential new home.

This way you’re sure you won’t get stuck with a money pit or go through the trouble of doing a lot of unexpected repairs. On the other hand, if issues are found you could ask the seller for a discount or simply rescind your offer and get your deposit back.

Get Proper Home Insurance

You’ll be required to get homeowner’s insurance before closing on your loan. Just like you did with the mortgage and real estate agent, take your time to find an agency that suits your needs. Home insurance should cover repairs and replacement of the damaged home structure and property. You should also consider the new area in terms of what your insurance should cover.

It’s easy to let your finances get out of hand, but it doesn’t have to be that way! If you find yourself in a financial bind, there are many things you can do to get back on track.

There is something for everyone, from cutting unnecessary expenses and reducing debt payments to getting more money coming in through side hustles or starting a business.

Here are some tips on managing your money to work for you instead of the other way around!

Create a budget

Start by creating a budget that includes all your expenses such as groceries, utility bills, entertainment costs, etc.

Then look at where your money is going each month to see if there are any ways to cut back without cutting out the things you enjoy doing or need for daily life.

This can be anything from taking public transportation instead of driving everywhere to canceling expensive cable packages in favor of free online streaming services like Netflix.

As much as possible, try reducing unnecessary spending until you’re living within your means!

One way to keep yourself accountable when saving money (or breaking bad habits) is by setting up text notifications with an app like Acorns.

You’ll receive alerts every time you make a purchase, and you can set the app to round up your purchases (i.e., if you spend $32.23 on groceries, Acorns will convert that amount into 35 cents and put it in an investment account).

If this seems like too much work for you, make sure not to carry around more cash than necessary and keep track of every cent that comes out of your wallet!

Find the best interest rates on loans, credit cards, and savings accounts to save more

If you’re paying more than the minimum payment on any of your loans, credit cards, or debts to friends and family, it’s time to negotiate a better interest rate.

Look into refinancing and consolidate all your different bills into one account with a lower interest rate if possible (or enroll in autopay).

Not only will this help reduce how much money goes towards repaying debt each month, but putting away even $50 per month can add up over time! Check out NerdWallet for information on where you should be saving your money.

High-interest savings accounts could earn you hundreds every year just by keeping cash at hand rather than letting it sit idly in checking accounts or spending irresponsibly.

Sell anything in your house that isn’t necessary

If you’re looking to save money, it only makes sense that the first place you should start is by getting rid of extra stuff.

Clothes and accessories can be donated or sold on websites like Poshmark, books can go back to the library where they belong, and kitchen appliances can take up precious space in your cupboards (or make a pretty penny if you sell them!).

By downsizing everything around us, we not only free ourselves from having too many unnecessary possessions but also create more room for what’s essential: traveling, spending time with family and friends.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make cash fast, one of the best ways is by selling some of your extra belongings!

You can sell electronics like cell phones and laptops to old books, furniture, clothing (especially winter coats), and even kitchen appliances.

Start making small investments

If you’re looking to save more money and grow your income, it’s time to invest! And not just in the sense of putting cash into savings accounts or buying stocks through ETrade — though these are both great options for saving too!

Start by making sure that you pay off all your expenses month-to-month, so there isn’t any risk of using extra money to make even more.

Then consider opening up an investment account (like one through Betterment) where you can deposit some of the extra cash that comes into your wallet each month.

Find ways to make more money by doing side jobs

These days, there are so many ways to make money on the side! If you’re motivated and feel like working for it (especially when times get tough), consider signing up for an app that will allow you to deliver food or do odd jobs.

If your schedule allows, you can also sign up with TaskRabbit; find tasks around town that fit into your timeline based on cleaning out basements to helping people move out of their homes!

The possibilities are endless here, but remember: never stop looking until you successfully land a gig that fits all your requirements.

Limit credit cards use

If you’re struggling to get out of debt, it might be time to limit your credit card use altogether. If this sounds a bit extreme for you, don’t worry!

The trick is not spending any money on them unless necessary and paying off the balance each month.

Not only can these fees add up quickly if you go over your limit or fail to pay your bill on time, but having multiple accounts with different companies also makes it much harder when applying for other loans such as car financing.

There are some options of credit cards for no credit, but keep in mind that credit cards are usually for emergencies, and it can lead you to a worse situation, so you might have to stick to cash or debit cards when purchasing items.

Always shop around for the best deals on food, clothes, and other necessities.

Instead of running straight to the grocery store every time you need something, why not take some time beforehand to look at flyers or online ads?

You might find that certain items are cheaper if purchased from another retailer! If it’s true that time is money, then maybe consider spending a little extra time each day looking into different prices so your wallet can benefit in the long run.

Similarly, when shopping for clothes or anything else that requires an upfront investment (like furniture), always try negotiating with businesses before signing any papers.

Conclusion

There are many ways to get back on track with your finances, but the most important thing is that you’re taking action! When times get tough, don’t give up and keep looking for new opportunities.

While it’s always possible to bounce back from a bad financial situation, it’s essential to always have a plan in place so that your money is working for you and not the other way around!

Investing in your own property is an important thing to do during your time as a homeowner. The chances are as you go through life you will upgrade homes several times going from a small two up two down to a perfect family home.

As such, the cost of each home you buy will likely increase over time and you need to make sure you are in a position to afford it. Today we want to talk about some of the ways you can add some value to your home this year to help you increase your return and go towards your next purchase.

These simple ideas will add value by aesthetic and structure and can be a huge selling point for the home.

Invest in a new curb

The curb in front of your home is a place that will fire an impression of you even before someone has stepped foot inside your home. The curb will be the first thing people see when they visit your home for a viewing and as such, investing in a new concrete curb is a great way to add a little value as well as not put people off visiting. This is a small job but can make a huge difference to the first impression people have of you and your home.

Create a welcoming front door

It is so important when you are investing in the perfect family home to create a welcoming entranceway that lets people know your home is well kept and tidy. The front door of your home can say a lot about you, so replace that old scuffed PVC door and instead get yourself a stunning wooden frame and paint the door a beautiful color. Red, blue, and green are all popular choices for a front door and with well-placed hanging baskets beside the door, you can create a home that looks stunning from the street.

Add a walk-in wardrobe

One of the features many people will look for in a house is storage. A walk-in wardrobe in particular is a feature that not many houses have, and as a result, you can stand out from the crowd if you create one for your home. Got a spare room that is going to waste? Buy some shelving and hanging racks from IKEA and build a stunning wardrobe room that is ideal for anyone who loves fashion. You can also go one step further and have a floor-to-ceiling mirror on one of the walls so that people who purchase your home can use the room as a dressing room.

Open it up

Most older homes will not have an open plan living space, and if you are early on the property ladder it is likely that you have one of these homes. To ensure that you can maximize living space and get more interest in your home when selling, consider knocking down a couple of walls to create a more open plan living area for your family. This adds space and light to the house both of which are massive selling points on the market.

Install a cinema room

For those of you who have a little money to spend before you sell, why not transform a spare room of your home into a cinema room? All you will need is a comfy sofa or chairs, some soundproof panels, LED spotlights, and a projector. Creating a cinema room can be easier and cheaper than you think but the value it can add to your home when selling can be huge.

International moving can be stressful. If you want to make your international moving experience smooth and easy, you need to follow this guide. Before your international move, the most important decision to make is to hire the right moving company. If you don’t do that, things will mess up and get out of control.

When moving abroad, you need to find a trustable moving company. Ensure that the mover has experience with such moves. You can make wrong decisions due to excitement. Therefore, it’s essential to read this guide till the end.

5 Tips for a Successful International Move

So, follow the below-given tips to avoid mess and disaster during your international move.

• Understand the Regulations 

When you move locally or within the state, you don’t have to deal with this step. But in case of an international move, you have to comply with the regulations. You must be aware of the shipment and customs before your move. Moreover, you must get all the permits you need to move your belongings.

If you want to avoid taxes, you must have certain documentation. You also need to check the list of items that you can’t carry with you. If you have your relatives or friends who moved in the past, you can seek their help with other state documentation and policies. If you don’t have anyone who can guide you, you can seek the help of brokers.

• Take Pictures Before Cargo

If you’re hiring an international moving company or you want to cargo your belongings, you need to take pictures. They’ll be handy if something is lost or damaged during the move. It can help you file a claim.

• Pack and Secure Your Items 

You can be flexible and relax when packing items for a local move. But you can’t do this for an international move. During cargo, your items can be under massive weight. Moreover, they’re prone to damage during loading and unloading.

Pack multiple boxes and secure them with bubble wrap and packing tape. Use blankets and other clothes to protect items from colliding. This practice can provide you with peace of mind.

• Starts Early 

When it comes to an international move, you need to start preparing yourself early. You can begin the process at least a few weeks before your moving day. When you start to move quickly and pack things in a rush, you create a mess. Starting early will prevent unnecessary delays and damage.

• Check Health and Education Opportunities

Health and education are the two most basic necessities. Ensure that you find the best educational opportunities for your kids before you get there. Moreover, get all your medical records from your doctors before your move. After reaching your new location, find a reputable doctor. If you’re bringing pets with you, then find a vet as well.

So, these are the essential tips for moving internationally.

5 Questions to Ask from International Moving Companies

As mentioned earlier, you can compromise and ignore a few things when you move locally. But you can’t do this for an international move. So, ask the following questions from your international movers.

• Can You Describe Your Service in Detail?

You can ask about the estimated price, transit time, and other essential things in this question. When the international movers tell you about their service, it will help you calculate the exact price. When they describe their service, you can ask questions about customs and other required things for a move.

• What Will I Have to Do Before Move?

Most international moving companies do everything on their own because they’re full-service movers. Moreover, in case of a partial DIY move, they can assist you with some basic tasks.

• What Factors Can Disrupt My Move?

When you hire an expert moving company, they understand everything that can create problems for you during your move. For example, there might be holidays in the country you want to move to. Moreover, they can guide you about the customs and tax issues in advance so that you can be mentally prepared for all the situations.

• How Long Will It Take to Deliver My Belongings? 

Moving internationally will be a time-consuming process. When you book a flight, you might get there early, but what about your belongings? Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of when your belongings will arrive at your new destination.

• How Can You Assist Me in the Destination Country?

Almost all the international moving companies have their branches in other countries. Ask them who will deliver your belongings and how will they assist you in clearing customs and taxes.

Therefore, it’s crucial to hire a trusted and well-reputed moving company for international moves. Otherwise, you’ll not only waste money, but you’ll also regret it for the rest of your life.

Even if you don’t own your home, it’s important to make sure your stuff is safe and protected from all kinds of serious disasters.

Whether you live in an apartment, townhome, or condo, renters insurance coverage is absolutely essential. Anything from a building fire to a break-in can cost you potentially thousands of lost dollars.

Just because your landlord owns the building you live in doesn’t mean your personal property is covered under their insurance. Read on to discover seven tips to help you find reliable coverage.

1. Find Out What’s Covered

Take a close look at potential policies and what they cover. Most renters insurance will cover the basics like your personal belongings, however, high-end jewelry or artwork may require you to pay extra on your premium.

In addition to the actual items that are covered, make sure the insurance will protect you in a variety of situations. For example, if your friend comes over and hurts themselves in your apartment, your policy might cover their medical expenses.

Another bonus to many renters insurance plans is that they’ll provide you with temporary housing in the event that your apartment gets damaged due to things like flooding or fire.

2. Determine How Much Renters Insurance Coverage You Need

Even if you don’t have an original Van Gogh painting hanging in your apartment, you still want to make sure your stuff is covered. Make a list of the things you own and write down the estimated cost to replace each one.

Add up your newly-created home inventory and this should give you a good idea of how much insurance coverage you should opt for. Many plans will allow you to combine your personal belongings with your spouse or roommates.

Talk to you an insurance agent who can walk you through the coverage limits, including liability.

3. A Floater Might Float Your Boat

If you happen to have some serious valuables in your apartment, you might need to add what’s called a floater. This addendum to your insurance policy is designed to cover high-end goods.

From your grandmother’s wedding ring to precious artwork or family heirlooms, anything of extra value will probably need additional coverage. This can also apply to items like collectibles, fur coats, and even musical instruments.

Remember that if your place catches on fire or you’re hit with a burglary, precious heirlooms and other items can never be replaced, but at least your insurance will be able to repay you for the estimated cost or value.

4. Shop Around

It probably goes without saying that you’ll need to do a little bit of rate comparison before making your decision. Most renters insurance charges a monthly premium, or you may opt to pay a years’ worth at once.

Check for new insurance companies that give you a low-cost option like lemonade renters insurance. They have a simple app, easy to understand coverage, and reasonable monthly rates.

Alternatively, if you already have car insurance, your company may be able to bundle the car and renters insurance together to give you a discounted rate. Do your homework and a little side-by-side comparison to ensure you’re getting the best coverage and the best rates possible.

5. Your Landlord Has Responsibilities, Too

While renters insurance covers your belongings, protects you from most forms of liability, and provides you with temporary housing, your landlord has their own insurance responsibility.

If the apartment building you live in catches fire, for example, their insurance will cover the structure itself. It should also cover major appliances, fixtures, and the basic pieces that make up an inhabitable apartment or condominium.

Keep in mind that if you need to move out for a while until your landlord can make the necessary repairs, you’ll need to file a claim so you will have a place to stay until you can return.

6. Natural Disasters May Not be Covered

Floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can happen almost anywhere and at any time. The majority of renters insurance policies do not cover lost or damaged belongings as a result of a natural disaster or things like termite damage.

A fire that starts in your building or your individual apartment or floods due to leaky plumbing are situations where your policy will cover everything. Check with your local insurance agency to find out if you can supplement your coverage to protect you in the event of a natural disaster.

If you live in a flood zone, it’s especially important to get supplemental flood coverage. The odds of losing your belongings in these areas is much higher than in places not considered to be a flood zone.

7. Read Everything Thoroughly

Take a very close look at your renter’s insurance policy and read it through line-by-line. If you find that you have questions, contact your agent who should be more than happy to clear things up.

It’s also a good idea to revisit your policy every year or two just to make sure your coverage limits are at a good level. As life goes on, we tend to accumulate more and more things, so your coverage limits might need to rise to accommodate your growing personal belongings.

As long as you do your homework and read through your policy carefully, you should have peace of mind while renting.

Once you’ve signed up for a renter’s insurance policy, you should be able to transfer the policy with you whenever you move with a simple address change request.

Choosing a Great Policy Is Simple

If you understand what you own and its value, finding excellent renters insurance coverage should be an easy process. Make sure you do your homework, shop around for rates, and find out exactly what will be covered.

You work hard for the things you own, so it’s important that you can replace them in the event of a fire, water damage, or a break-in. Talk to an insurance agent to make sure you get the coverage you will need.

For more information about home maintenance, property, or DIY home projects, be sure to check our blog.

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Are you thinking of investing in real estate? If yes, then it’s a sound decision.

Real estate is one of the easiest ways to build wealth and generate passive income. Done correctly, it can make you quite comfortable financially.

But you have to do it right or run the risk of having your money tied down for a really long time or worse, losing your investments as many people have in the past.

If you’d like to know how to protect your real estate investments and avoid the common mistakes that newbie investors often make, read on.

Investing in High Population Cities Without Adequate Market Knowledge

Real estate in densely populated cities is always in high demand.

However, for new investors with limited budgets, these properties can be quite expensive to purchase and own –even with mortgages and financing options.

Plus, there are often government regulations, zoning laws, permit issues, and many tripwires that you can easily miss because you do not know the market.

However, if you prefer these markets, by all means, go after them.

Just know that they will be tough to break into and you might need to consult with real estate experts to avoid losing a ton of money.

Not Checking Out Market Trends

What kinds of properties are people more interested in buying or renting these days? Which cities have the highest influx of new residents? If you don’t, then you need to go research what’s in demand.

It’s not enough to assume that apartment complexes in city centers, for example, are still in high demand –they’re not.

The same applies to traditional retail or strip malls with a couple of anchor malls.

For residential properties, for instance, single-family and multifamily homes in the suburbs or city outskirts are in high demand because people are working from home.

Some real estate developers know this, which is why they’re investing in these properties. And it’s been profitable for many of them.

But many of them had to pay attention to the trends before spotting these opportunities. A good example of this is Urban Trends’ latest property development.

According to Paul Ognibene, CEO of Urban Spaces, he noticed that there was a demand for properties in the suburbs and outskirts of his city.

This led to the construction of a successful multifamily condominium that had sold 90 percent of its units even before completion.

This proved that the idea of a lovely home in the suburbs was a hit for residents of the city who wanted to move out.

Underestimating the Cost Implications

In fix and flip projects, there’s something called the 70 percent rule.

This means that whatever you do, keep all property development costs and expenses at a max of 70 percent of the intended selling price.

For example, if you intend to sell a property you’re looking to acquire for $200,000, spend no more than $140,000 on the entire project, including property purchase.

If a project will cost you more than 70 percent of the selling price, just walk away until you find a good deal.

Glass shower doors and bathroom doors can be difficult to shop. These are deciding factors of the overall look and feel of your bathroom. So, you need to know that you’re making the right choice when investing in renovating your shower. In addition to that, you also want to get your money’s worth in pros and advantages.

Namely, the time you spend cleaning your shower enclosure and how cumbersome that could be. If you want to minimize that stress without breaking the bank, then read along. We’ve compiled all the information on low-cost alternatives to a bathroom daily wash to make it dirt-proof all the time.

Frosted Glass Bathroom door with airtight metal frame

Frosted glass bathroom doors can be an incredible feature to add to your shower room. Their sleek design and airtight metal frame will truly transform your morning or night shower routine. These shower doors come in a variety of styles and can complement any interior no matter the design scheme. So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these shower doors!

• The Pros of Frosted Glass Bathroom Doors
• Privacy and functionality. If you’re worried about sharing your bathroom with others within your household, frosted glass is perfect for that. Frosted glass is ideal for people who enjoy their privacy without necessarily blocking the light out. Not only will it provide you with the privacy and intimacy you need but it’s also a highly functional option. Since it blurs objects and people into vague shapes, you never have to worry about your privacy being invaded again.
• Energy efficiency. This can be especially valuable in a shower room. When you’re taking a shower, you want to keep all the steam inside rather than leaking outside. This is particularly important when the climate is cooler outside. So maintaining an ideal indoor temperature is essential. Ultimately, using glass with an airtight metal frame is the perfect combination to preserve heat and steam.
• Low maintenance. For those who like to keep a clean home, you’d be thrilled to know how low-maintenance frosted glass can be. Glass is very easy to clean in general. However, with frosted glass, there’s no need to get flustered over your washcloth leaving streaks. No soap stains, nor streaks will show up on the surface due to the textured nature of frosted glass. All you need to keep the glass polished is a casual swipe with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning agent.

Frameless Glass Shower Door for easy maintenance and cleaning

Frameless shower doors are the latest trend, especially in modern and contemporary homes. Thanks to their smooth and polished design, these glass doors can transform any bathroom from bland to fabulous.

Installing frameless shower doors can make your bathroom appear much larger and brighter. In addition to promoting natural flow of light, they also make the space much more open and inviting. Not only that but the winning point might be just how easy to clean and maintain these doors are. In fact, many people dread that one chore on their to-do list, and that’s cleaning the shower.

Water stains and soap scum can be incredibly stubborn to remove, especially from the tracks. However, since these doors have no frame or underneath seals, there are fewer chances for mold and dirt to accumulate.

Since frameless glass bathroom doors don’t have these high-risk areas, they’re the easiest enclosures to clean. Moreover, there’s no place for water and soap to gather, which virtually translates as no build-up.

All you need to do for maintaining their sleek look is a squeegee and some vinegar or distilled water solution. You don’t even have to scrub the glass. A simple swipe will do and your glass will go back to looking crystal clear in an instant.

Strong and sturdy glass: Tempered or Acrylic

The debate on choosing between tempered glass or acrylic for your shower doors is divisive, to say the least. So, to help you make an informed decision, here are a few considerations to make.

• Style

Tempered glass shower doors give that classic look and feel to your bathroom. In addition to that, they also add to the overall appeal and value of your home interior. Tempered glass is definitely a worthy investment when it comes to preserving a neat and clean look. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more intricate patterns and textures, acrylic offers a large range of designs.

• Durability and upkeep

Tempered glass is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials. It’s highly impact-resistant and it can survive extreme temperature fluctuations -which is definitely a must-have feature in a shower. Once installed, it’s completely hassle-free regarding upkeep. Acrylic, however, is much lighter than glass and tends to get discolored over time. It also scratches easily and is prone to damage when in contact with strong acids.

• Safety

Both acrylic and tempered glass will serve the intended purpose of keeping water in. On the safety front, the most damaged acrylic sheets can be through bending or denting. They won’t shatter in the event of an impact or incident. Tempered glass can also hold its weight in this department. It’s 5 times stronger than regular glass and it’s safe to use especially in a household with children or pets. Tempered glass, on the rare occasion that it breaks, will shatter into small round pieces instead of hazardous shards.

Is it too much of a costly investment?

Glass shower doors are definitely an investment to make, especially if you opt for a frameless design. Of course, the type of glass you choose also plays a major part in the overall cost. Tempered glass, being much stronger and sturdier than its counterparts, will definitely raise the bill. With that said, you want to invest in a good shower door system that won’t break as easily. You should also consider how much time you want to spend cleaning your shower enclosure. Ultimately, always go for the safest and most durable solution, since it will pay for itself in future benefits.

Where to Buy?

When shopping for glass bathroom and shower doors, you need to be able to trust the manufacturer and the quality. This is no small investment on your part, so you need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. Thankfully, at Fab Glass and Mirror, we’re here to satiate all of your glass needs.

We offer quite a range of shower doors, all in different styles, designs, shapes, and sizes. Whatever materials you need for your next bathroom improvement project, you will be able to find browsing our selection. So choose your preferred glass, customize it to your liking, and build the shower of your dreams!