SkyFive Properties Blog

Buying your first house can be stressful, exciting and terrifying all at once. It is a huge decision which will impact your life in many ways in the years to come.

Make sure that the impact on your life and that of your family is positive. Do your research and due diligence so that you consider many of the possible financial obligations which will incur and the potential changes which may affect your choice.

Here are five things to consider when buying a new house which will help you focus your search and make the best possible decision.

1. How Long Do You Expect to Stay?

If you are in your twenties, you may be trying out different cities, careers and even partners. You may not yet know where you want to settle down forever.

If you are in your thirties, you may be married with small children and looking for a place to set down roots.

Where you are in your life will dictate your priorities in buying a house. If you are not committed to a long stay, look for a place with good potential for long or short term rentals or resale. If you are looking to stay for ten years or more, school systems and long term market projections will be more important.

2. How Much Do You Have to Spend?

Work out your budget before you buy your first house. Take into account how your income may grow in the coming years, and how much taxes and other expenses will increase.

You may be able to get a bigger home if you go for an older structure, but do you have the money to fix it up over time? Remodeling and restoration can add value to a house if you do it the right way, but if you can’t afford to maintain your home and keep it modern, it can lose value.

3. Whose Home Is it, Anyway?

Unless you live alone, you must take into account the needs of other family members when buying a new home. Look at commute times for both you and your spouse.

Waterfront property is always a good value, but if you have small children you need to consider safety concerns. If you live with an older relative or someone with mobility issues, you need to look at staircases and other potential hazards as your loved one gets older.

If you want to downsize, make sure you consider your family’s belongings. If your wife treasures her grand piano, you will need accommodations which fit this prized possession!

4. What Changes Do You Expect in the Next Ten Years?

If you have not started a family yet, think about how many children you would like. If your kids are growing up, think about your needs once you become an empty nester.

Do you want to retire soon? How much can you afford on your fixed income? Do you want to get away from snow and cold you get older?

Think about your long term plans when you contemplate your new house. Speaking to experts like the people at Wheaton real estate will help you take many possible situations into account as you decide which house is best for you now and in the future.

5. How Is the Market?

Is the market in your target area growing or in a downturn? How is the economy now and what are expectations for the coming years?

No matter how much you love your home, changes may occur which will bring you somewhere else. You want to make sure you can sell or rent your property if your situation changes.

Buying a New House: Do Your Research

When you are buying a new house, imagine your life in the coming years and how you will live in this new space. If you can see your family growing and changing there, and your budget will accommodate continuous maintenance and upgrades, it may be the right house for you.

For professional advice on finding the house of your dreams in the South Florida area, check out our blog.

Did you know that more than 5.5 million homes were sold in the U.S. in 2017?

The number of homes sold in the U.S. changes every year. However, many of the challenges which face people buying and selling houses stay the same.

Let’s go through the common buying and selling house challenges which torment and frustrate people in the real estate business. Here we go!

1. Supply and Demand of Homes

The real estate market is always in flux!

As supply outweighs rises, demand falls. When demand reaches its peak, supply is can be unable to keep up. This affects buyers and sellers in the market in different ways.

For sellers, it’s a challenge to sell your house if the market is already saturated. If there are already plenty of existing houses and new developments underway, it’s a real challenge to attract buyers.

You just have to drop the price of the house to entice buyers or hold out until the market picks up.

Meanwhile, the crowded market allows buyers to buy a house at a discount rate because sellers are so desperate. Plus, with so much choice, buyers enjoy the luxury of selecting from a huge inventory.

By contrast, when demand is high, sellers have the advantage. In these circumstances, sellers can charge higher prices because buyers are willing to pay more for the same property.

2. Renovations and Repairs

Renovations and repairs are a typical part of buying and selling homes.

Many house sellers become frustrated with the number of home improvements required before they can sell the property. This can include minor improvements, such as paintwork and a replacement carpet, to large renovations, such as an extension or gutting of the shabby kitchen.

It can be extremely tempting for many home sellers to put the home on the market at a discount price for a quicker sale.

On the other hand, buyers don’t want to visit a property viewing if the house still requires so much work. Many real estate agents recommend that home improvements are completed before the marketing efforts begin.

Click here to learn more about how to sell a house which has code violations and requires home improvements.

3. Asking Prices

Asking prices are always a problem for both buyers and sellers in real estate. You can spend hours and hours researching online and consulting real estate experts about how much the property is worth.

Sellers need to set the price of the property at approximately the same price as other similar properties in the same location.

Too much lower and you’ll lose money. Too much higher and you’ll struggle to make a sale.

If buyers spot a particularly high asking price, they’re going to dismiss your price as unrealistic. While if the price is too low, buyers are also going to wonder – what’s wrong with the house?

You need to make sure you work with an expert real estate agent to ensure you set the price of your property at a fair price.

4. Finding a Good Real Estate Agent

The growth in the number of real estate jobs is expected to continue by 6% by the year 2026. Therefore, buyers and sellers are both competing for the best real estate agents around.

It can make a significant difference to your fortunes if you pick an experienced and skilled agent who knows the market.

5. Delays in the Property Chain

Buyers and sellers are both affected by delays in the property chain.

This is the process in which the seller of the property is buying another property at the same time as selling.

When there are hold-ups in the chain, this can result in huge delays before the home buyer can move into the property.

Usually, the longer the property chain, the more likely there are going to be problems along the way. Plus, sometimes significant delays can cause deals to collapse altogether as buyers or sellers look elsewhere.

6. Cold Feet

Over 25% of American households move once per 5 years.

And yet, for some sellers and buyers moving home is a big deal. After all, for most people, your property is the biggest asset you’ve got.

For buyers who change their minds, it’s called “buyer’s remorse.” This is quite common since you can’t try out a home before you buy like other purchases.

For sellers, this is a cause of deep frustration. Now you’re back at square one and need to go out and look for another buyer willing to make the same offer.

When sellers pull out of the deal, there’s simply nothing the buyer can do. You just have to look elsewhere for another property.

This could be because the seller has accepted your offer but then taken another higher offer from someone else. This is called “gazumped.”

7. Chaos on Completion Day

Just when you think the deal between the two parties is completed, it can still fall in at the final moment.

You’ve already exchanged contracts. The date in which you receive the keys for your new home is known as the completion day.

Even something breaks down in the property chain somewhere, you could have the completion day delayed by quite some time.

Therefore, as you approach the completion day, ensure that you arrange for a plan-B if you temporarily left homeless. This is when your family and friends can save the day.

This can extremely stressful buyers and sellers alike. But, it’s a challenge which can be handled if you prepare for it in advance.

Buying and Selling House Challenges

Now you know the top buying and selling house challenges which await you.

It’s important to know that many of these problems can be handled if you prepare for them in advance. Sometimes, you just need to accept that other things are simply out of your hands.

Are you looking to buy a property? Check out the property listings on our website.

The desire to downsize is on the rise in the U.S.

In one study, 60 percent of those living in homes over 2,000 square feet expressed a desire to downsize.

Homeowners’ reasons for downsizing vary. Some do it because they want smaller mortgages and rent payments. Others dream of living in hip cities where rent remains high.

Still more are drawn by the desire for a minimalist lifestyle and the growing popularity of tiny houses or modular homes.

Whatever the reason, downsizing is never easy. If you’re thinking about moving into a smaller home, keep reading to learn how to downsize your home without losing your mind.

Start Early to Determine What You Don’t Need

One of the best things you can do after you decide that you’re going to be downsizing your home is to get started right away.

Whether the big move is weeks or even months away, the more time you have, the better you’ll be able to determine which items you really don’t need in your new space.

For instance, if your kitchen cabinets are packed with appliances, you’ll likely need to purge at least a few when you move into a smaller home. If you start early, you can easily figure out which appliances you need and which you likely won’t miss.

In the weeks before you move, as you use an appliance, set it aside in a box rather than putting it away. The appliances that remain unused in your cabinets after a few weeks are the ones you can obviously live without.

Set Priorities and Stick to Them

The easiest way to learn how to downsize your home is to be clear about the most important priorities in your life are.

For instance, if you love to read, purging your book collection might be painful. Instead, you might downsize your movie collection or get rid of decorative furniture to make room for more bookshelves.

If you have a lot of outdoor gear that you aren’t willing to part with, you’re going to need to plan to set aside closet space for it. In this case, your clothing might need to be downsized instead.

By being clear about what belongings are most important to you, it will be easier to let go of the stuff that will take up space you could use to keep those priority items.

Everything Needs a Purpose

It can be easy to hold onto items that bring you joy. But while everything you move to your new space should certainly be things that you like, not everything that makes you happy is actually useful.

That footstool might feature a pattern that perfectly aligns with your style. But a storage ottoman would give you some space for extra blankets while also giving you something to rest your feet on.

A small table by your bedside might be your minimalist dream. But a compact nightstand with drawers or shelves will give you a spot to stash socks, jewelry, or other belongings to keep them out of the way but in reach.

Every item that you’re moving to your new, smaller home needs to serve a purpose. This will allow you to make the most of even a tiny space.

Opt for Multi-Purpose Furniture

It’s not just your belongings that should serve a purpose. Furniture that performs multiple duties is also a great way to save space without sacrificing function.

That storage ottoman is one great example. But there are tons of other options out there.

A small dining room table that can fold out for a dinner party will keep from cluttering your space while still giving you room to entertain. Fold-up desks can function as shelf space when upright, and give you a spot to work when folded down.

If your space is really small, you can also use storage ottomans instead of kitchen chairs, murphy beds, and other space-saving furniture to give yourself some more floor space during the day.

Use Your “Good Stuff”

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you’re trying to downsize and declutter is to hang onto things you really don’t use, or at least don’t use often.

That wedding china that you swore you’d use every holiday but rarely leaves the box. Those special towels you keep on hand for guests to use. Numerous sets of linens and blankets for your bed that you slowly rotate through.

Eliminating these duplicate items will clear up closets and cabinets for the belongings that you actually use every day.

But before you toss those beautiful plates or ultra-soft towels, consider getting rid of your current everyday-use items instead. Using these items will help make your first days in your new home feel a little more special, especially as you’re adjusting to having less room.

Focus on the Pros

Rather than letting the fact that you’ll be living in a smaller space or that you need to purge some of your belongings get you down, focus on the pros of your new home.

After all, there’s likely a good reason you’re moving.

Maybe you get to move to a new, exciting city. Or you’re moving to a newer, chic apartment complex with features like a swimming pool or gym.

Perhaps you’ll simply be saving money that you can put towards other expenses like paying down debt or traveling.

Focusing on the benefits you’ll enjoy by moving to your new home will help you look past the lack of space and stay positive during the downsizing process.

This website can help you learn more about community living and smart homes that help you get out of your small apartment or make the most of a tight space.

How to Downsize Your Home

Now that you know how to downsize your home during your move, it’s time to get packing and decluttering.

But if you own your current home, you’ll first need to sell it. Check out these tips for selling your home in a hurry so that you can start enjoying a clutter-free, minimalist lifestyle right away!

Most home renovation projects have the potential to increase your property’s value. Whether your desire is to make small, cosmetic tweaks throughout or to completely re-engineer the flow and feel of a room with a full-blown, “down-to-the-studs” renovation, you’re quite likely to see a return on that investment when it comes time to sell.

Yet not all renovations are alike: the return on investment for some is much greater than for others. What’s more, certain rooms or components of your home renovation can be deal-breakers: they can sell the home for you, so even if the ROI is not as great, the need to renovate is still there. Curb appeal (for example), is hugely important in getting a house sold, even though the ROI is not quite as high as some other projects. So, what’s a home renovation project that’s got the greatest ROI and will get your house sold?

Renovate your bathrooms. The bathroom (like the exterior curb appeal or the kitchen), can make or break a potential sale. Buyers can fall in love with an immaculate master bath, or be forever scarred by an unsightly, dated, dirty bathroom.

Having a clean and inviting bathroom is vital to getting your home sold, and the return on investment is substantial: of all home renovation projects, bathroom remodels offer one of the greatest increases to home value relative to the initial investment.

And what’s great about the bathroom renovation is that it doesn’t have to be wildly expensive: a substantial, worthwhile renovation to a bathroom might cost around $10,000. That alone could get your home sold, and compared to the cost of renovating a kitchen (for example), it’s an absolute steal.

So don’t wait: if your bathrooms are feeling dated and dingy, get to work on updating. Focusing on these few key areas in your bathroom will make all the difference in getting you serious value for your bathroom renovation project. It is better to reach out to a skilled team with tons of experience for such purposes. For instance, bathroom remodeling contractor Perth has spent years helping clients and closely following their results. To wrap this up, if you want to increase your property’s value, you better ally with trustworthy professionals.

Fix Your Floors

This may come as a surprise, but the floor is one of the most important components of a complete bathroom update that will deliver serious value (and serious style). And if you’re selling your home, having an updated bathroom floor is paramount since appraisers consider the quality of floors when determining your home’s value. Dingy, worn floors can seriously hurt your ability to sell your home at a good price point, so it’s absolutely essential that you update them.

This is doubly true for the bathroom: because bathrooms are a smaller space with minimal furnishings (if any), aspects of the room like the floor and the walls get more attention than they do elsewhere. The bathroom floor can pull the room together: it can make a style statement unto itself (a statement that isn’t often made in the bedroom or living room, for example).

And you don’t have to invest a lot of money to have a killer bathroom floor. Choose trendy, modern tiles, or go for a newer wood laminate. Save money by installing your floors yourself: it’s a fairly easy thing to learn and you’d be surprised how quickly you can lay tile or fix laminate planks together once you get going. You can also up the ante by investing in heated flooring. While the cost to install is a bit high, heated bathroom floors are the height of luxury: they’ll make you feel great while you’re in the home using them, and they’ll certainly catch the eye of savvy buyers when listed among your home’s high-end features.

Update the Vanity

We mentioned earlier: there aren’t a ton of furnishings in the average bathroom, so what’s there will certainly get attention and make a statement about the room. Like your floors, your vanity is not going to go unnoticed by potential buyers, and if your vanity is old, dirty, or dated, you’ll have problems.

Do yourself a favor: update your vanity. This may be one of the more expensive aspects of your bathroom renovation but a worthy one. After all, some larger vanities might require you to replace long countertops and several cabinets, which will certainly add more cost than just a new mirror and lights. Choose granite countertops if you’re able (they’re so in right now). And take special care to choose eye-catching fixtures. Brushed nickel, brass, and bronze fixtures can elevate the room with a little glamor.

Go Big on the Shower

It’s not an overstatement to suggest that a great shower can sell a home. And what luck: shower renovations do not have to be woefully expensive to be effective. What’s popular right now is a large, open walk-in shower. You don’t need to invest in a fancy soaker tub to sell your bathroom, and if space is limiting, then we’d encourage you not to.

As long as your home has one tub remaining somewhere in the house, potential buyers would prefer that you update your bathroom to remove the dated tub and replace it with a light and airy walk-in shower. And wherever possible, forgo barriers. Nothing screams “closed-off and dark” like a shower curtain, so if you’re able, get rid of it. Design a bathroom that instead uses glass walls and doors, or (even better) nothing at all. Barrier-less showers open up what is already a fairly small room, make the flow of the room smoother, and increase light. But what’s more, they’re inclusive: older buyers that might struggle to step over the edge of a tub will thank you for eliminating that obstacle for them.

Speaking of showering your potential buyers with convenience, if you’ve got a fairly large space in which to build your walk-in shower, go ahead and include a custom, built-in shower bench in the design. The added expense and labor is minimal, and it’s a feature that’s always appreciated. Shower benches don’t have to be large: you can build a triangular bench into one corner of a shower if space is at a premium. Yet the value-add will be incredible. For shaving legs or for resting shampoo bottles, the shower bench is a must-have, and your buyers will thank you for it.

It’s All in the Details

Once your shower, vanity, and flooring have gotten their revamp, you can feel confident knowing that you addressed the major components of your bathroom remodel in a way that was efficient and effective, while adding notable value to your home. But if you’ve got just a little bit more money to spare there’s more you can do, and it’ll be easy (and fun).

Update the paint, which is an inexpensive and easy way to improve the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Today, greys are quite popular for the bathroom, but feel free to choose anything that’s soft, neutral, and doesn’t darken the room. And make sure that when you’ve updated your vanity and shower, that you also pay due attention to fixtures.

Fixtures are a great place to have some fun with your style without breaking the bank. Brass fixtures can offer a real splash of color to an otherwise neutral bathroom. Finally, consider changing out your bathroom mirrors. Clean lines and minimal details are a must, so if your current bathroom mirrors involve elaborate frosted designs or beveled edges, it’s time for them to go. This is a cheap and effective way to bring modern design into your bathroom.

All told, with mirrors, fixtures, and paint colors on-trend and vanity, shower, and the floor that are show-stopping and modern, your bathroom will undoubtedly help you sell your home and will add serious value. Just make sure to enjoy it a little bit before you go.

According to recent data, approximately eight percent of homeowners have chosen to sell their home by themselves in the last couple of years.

Are you interested in joining them and taking this approach?

Selling your home on your own can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable. It can also be a good approach if you’re trying to sell your house as quickly as possible.

If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to selling your home yourself, keep reading.

Listed below are some helpful tips that will help you get your house ready to sell and get it sold quickly.

Benefits of Selling Your Home Yourself

There are lots of benefits that come with selling your house on your own. If you choose to do this, some of the greatest perks you’ll experience include:

• Get more money from the sale (no need to pay an agent a commission)
• Maintain total control over pricing, marketing, and all other aspects of the sale
• Devote all your attention to the sale (real estate agents have to split their time between your house and several others)

If you want to enjoy maximum earnings from the sale of your house and want to maintain control over the sale, selling your home by owner is a great option to consider.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly

Do you want to reap the benefits of selling your home yourself? If so, be sure to keep these eight tips in mind. They’ll help you sell your house quickly so you can move on to the next chapter of your life:

1. Renovate Strategically

Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money.

Initially, the idea of paying to renovate your house as you’re getting ready to leave might not make a lot of sense. Keep in mind, though, that certain renovations can increase the value of your home, which means you can get more money for it.

The key is to make the right renovations. The renovations that yield the greatest return on investment include:

• Building a new deck
• Flooring repairs
• Fresh paint
• Increasing the square footage with an extra bedroom or larger family room
• Garage door replacement

Minor kitchen remodels can also pay off. Focus on things like updating the cabinets or countertops or upgrading the appliances.

2. Get Rid of Clutter

Would you be interested in buying a home that was full of junk? Probably not. Why would you expect the people looking at your house to feel differently?

Take some time to clear out as much clutter from your home as possible. Rent a storage unit if necessary.

Getting rid of clutter will help your home to feel more open and spacious, two things every home buyer will appreciate.

3. Stage Your Home

When you’re selling your home yourself, every little thing counts. To make your home more inviting to potential buyers, make an effort to stage it.

Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Making simple changes, though, can have a big impact on buyers’ ability to visualize themselves living in your home.

Set the dining room table with nice placemats, clean dishes, and some fresh flowers. Place new towels in the bathrooms and some comfy throw pillows on the couch. Little touches like this can make all the difference.

4. Time it Right

If you want to sell your house quickly, it’s best to get it on the market during the peak buying season.

Most people want to buy houses in the spring or summer. Putting your house on the market in November or December, when it’s cold and wet outside, is definitely not ideal.

If you can’t wait until summer, try to at least push back the sale until late February, when things start to warm up a little bit.

5. Spring for Professional Photos

This is another area where you don’t want to scrimp. Professional photos can make your home look a lot more inviting to potential buyers.

For a couple hundred dollars, you can get high-quality photos that will show off your house and increase your chances of selling it faster and for the price you want. That seems like a pretty worthwhile investment, doesn’t it?

6. Set the Right Price

In order to sell your house in a hurry, you need to price it properly. If you ask for too much, your house will likely sit on the market longer than you’d like.

Pay attention to what other, similar houses in your neighborhood are being sold for. Depending on the time of year and the number of other houses being sold in your neighborhood, you might need to ask a little less in order to be competitive.

7. Be Flexible and Accommodating

When you sell your house yourself, you are also responsible for handling the showings. Be flexible and accommodating when people want to come and see your home. Remember, the easier you are to reach and the easier it is for them to view your home, the more likely they are to consider buying it.

8. Consider a Cash Buyer

If you find that you don’t have the time or energy to renovate and stage your home, but you still want to get it sold as quickly as possible, considering working with a cash buyer.

There are lots of reputable buyers, like the ones on this website, who will make you an offer quickly and help you get out of your house and on with your life in no time.

Need More Help Selling Your Home?

As you can see, there are a lot of steps you can take to speed things up when selling your home yourself.

Selling a home can definitely be stressful, especially when you’re trying to move in a hurry. If you keep these tips in mind, though, you’ll likely find that the situation is a lot easier to handle.

Do you need more help selling your home? Maybe you’re not sure where you should move once your house is sold.

If you’re looking for a new condo or home in South Florida, check out our listings today. We have a variety of options to fit every preference and price range, so you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs.

So, you’re thinking about choosing a second home to use as your vacation home. Somewhere you can go to relax and enjoy yourself without having to think about the stress of everyday responsibilities. You might think that’s easy but choosing the perfect vacation home is just as complicated as choosing your home. Here are few tips to help you along the way.

Where Do You Want to Be?

Just like any other property, the location is the most important part. When it comes to choosing your vacation property, you need to think about what you want out of it. Do you want to be near to a beach so you can spend long afternoons sunbathing and swimming? Do you want to be nearer to the action- a vibrant city with a great nightlife? Make a list of everything you consider to be important on your vacations and take your search from there.

Bide Your Time

A vacation property isn’t an essential, so you can afford to bide your time and wait for the best deal. There will be certain points in the year where the market is better or worse. Knowing what you want and where you want it in advance will put you in good stead for grabbing a property when it becomes available during a good market season. Getting some advice from professionals, like Hollywood Hills Homes, will help you decide when to pounce and get the best deal possible. This is especially important if you decide to create a second income from vacation home rental.

Your Schedule

Your work and life schedule will have a huge impact on the type of property you want to buy. Buying a vacation property just because you like the idea of it won’t serve you well. If you really plan on making the most of your property, you need to think about the times it will actually be in use. For instance, if you vacation during the Summer, you may want to think about homes in Europe. However, if you get most of your time off during the Winter, you could think about Australia or New Zealand. Knowing when you’re likely to use the property will give you an indication of where you should start looking first.

Learn the Terminology

The terminology used in the selling and buying of vacation properties may be different to what you’re used to with other properties. You may see terms like ‘beachfront’ or ‘oceanfront’ in the descriptions which may sound self-explanatory. However, you may not know that only the latter guarantees that you’ll be near to water. ‘Direct Ski Access’ means you’re only a short distance from the slopes; perhaps a shuttle ride away.

Stay Away from Tourist Areas

The problem is, most people fall in love with tourist areas and then try to purchase properties near them. However, tourist areas have the highest property markups of anywhere. So, if you want something close to those areas but not at the same price, look more towards the outskirts.

Here in Florida, there’s no place most people would rather be than outside. Whether you want to bake in the sun or play with your dog, decks provide the perfect setting.

Why not make this prime hanging out spot even more special?

There are so many awesome ways to take your deck to the next level. Some require a contractor, others you can do yourself on a Saturday afternoon. Make sure it’s customized to your family’s needs and wants.

Not sure where to get started with your deck reno? Keep reading for the best deck design ideas to transform your outdoor space.

1. Size and Shape

Unhappy with your current deck? You don’t have to keep the deck your house was sold to you with. Tear it down and build a new one if you want!

Consider making a layout plan for your backyard. Use exact measurements. This will allow you to see how big you can make it.

You may also want to change the shape of your deck. Some yards suit a rectangular deck, others a square. Some are even curved with rounded walls.

If you don’t want to tear down the current deck, consider expanding it. You could create a lower level that’s a step down from your current deck. Or, it could be a step up to a higher level.

To buy the new wood panels and fasteners for your deck, this website has lots of options. Do your research on which materials are most durable.

Some deck designs have two patios separated by a path. This gives you two areas for activities. One could have lounge chairs, the other a dining set.

2. Get Shady

While the sun feels amazing on the skin, there’s nothing like cooling off in the shade. Every deck needs some shade for the comfort of you and your guests.

There are many options for creating shade. If your yard is lacking greenery, consider planting a tree. Florida Maple trees are some of the best shade trees because they’re durable and full of leaves.

Another option is to build a shade structure on your deck. Pergolas are great because they create partial shade without fully blocking the sun. If you have plants that need indirect light, they’ll do well under a pergola.

You could also invest in a deck awning or patio umbrellas. Awnings are nice because many of them can be closed when you don’t need them. Patio umbrellas are often mobile so they can move to wherever you need them.

3. Lounging Around

If the seating on your deck isn’t comfortable, what’s the point? You need seating that makes people feel welcome and at home.

Depending on the size, you could incorporate a variety of seating options. Loungers are popular for patios. They’re great for reading a book, sunbathing, and watching the stars.

Ensure your outdoor furniture is weather-proof with products that make sense as defined here https://www.globosurfer.com/best-outdoor-patio-furniture/. The cushions should be water-proof in case it rains. You may want to consider rust-proofing any metal furniture pieces.

For a funky design, consider installing an egg-swing from the pergola beams. Swings add a childlike feature to your patio, even during an adult dinner party. You could also string a hammock between pillars for prime relaxation.

4. Culinary Oasis

Why do hamburgers taste better outside? There’s just something about a hot grill, the summer breeze, and your friends and family nearby.

For your new deck design, consider incorporating a culinary oasis for the cook of your house.

You could start by designating an area for the barbecue. Counter space is also helpful for plating food and laying out condiments. If you’re going to build a counter, place some bar stools under it for extra seating.

Another amazing way of cooking outdoors is over the fire. In most cities, it’s legal to have a fire pit in your backyard. Make sure it’s far enough away from the house and trees.

5. Fun for the Kids

Young families will love these kid-friendly ideas. If you asked your child what would make your deck perfect, what would they say?

They might suggest a built-in slide that takes them down to the lawn. If you have a backyard pool, you could have a slide that goes from the deck to the water.

Another feature kids will appreciate in a deck is child-sized furniture. Like smaller lawn chairs to go beside the fire. Or, their own mini patio table with an umbrella.

6. DIY Improvements

Many of the ideas above can be costly if you’re on a budget. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the deck of your dreams. Small home improvements are often affordable.

One easy update is changing the color of your deck wood. Choose a new wood stain at the hardware store. Make sure you clean the wood before staining it.

Adding plants is another easy way to transform your deck. If was empty and barren before, plants can make it feel like your own personal jungle. Consider also planting vegetables and herbs for cooking.

Second-hand stores can be jackpots for outdoor furniture. If you go in the spring or early summer, you’ll find pieces that other homeowners aren’t using anymore. Often, there’s nothing wrong with the pieces and they’re still in style.

Sometimes, a simple cleaning of your deck and backyard can make all the difference. Consider renting a power washer to deep clean the wood. You can also hire a landscaping service to do this for you.

Want More Deck Design Ideas?

The world is your oyster when it comes to designing your dream deck. This is a space for you and your family to spend lots of time in. It deserves to be comfortable, fun, and safe.

Mix and match the deck design ideas above to create a paradise in your own backyard.

Is your current backyard space unsuitable for your dream deck? There are tons of amazing properties out there that will meet your deck dreams. Check out these homes for sale with Sky Five Properties.

Putting up a new fence around a residential or commercial property will require a sizeable investment on your part. On average, Americans spend approximately $2,750 on fence replacement, though that number can swell dramatically depending on the size of the fence and the fencing materials that are used.

There are, however, many instances in which you simply cannot ignore the need for fence replacement. If you put it off for too long, it can compromise everything from the security of your home or business to the privacy of your property.

Here are 7 major signs that’ll let you know it’s time to do fence replacement.

1. Your Fence Is an Eyesore

When people drive by your home or business, is the ugly fence that surrounds your property the first thing they see? This is obviously a big problem, as it means your fence could be impacting your curb appeal.

If you have a wooden fence, you can consider painting or staining it to bring it back to life. You might be surprised by how much different your fence looks when you provide it with a little TLC.

But more often than not, fences that have turned into eyesores will need to be replaced rather than painted or stained. Otherwise, you could run the risk of your fence dragging your curb appeal down for years to come.

2. It’s Missing More Than a Few Pieces

If your fence has one or two pieces that have fallen off over the years for one reason or another, it’s easy enough to replace them. You can buy new fence pieces and put them into place without paying much money at all to do it.

But if your fence is missing tons of pieces, that’s a much different story. It could cost you almost as much to go around and replace those pieces as it would to simply put a new fence into place!

You should get into the habit of keeping a close eye on your fence and doing what you can to prevent pieces from falling off in the first place. But even if you’re diligent about caring for your fence, there will likely come a time when it’ll be too hard to keep up with all the pieces that fall off of it.

At that point, fence replacement will be your only viable option.

3. It’s on the Verge of Falling Over

Maybe a portion of your fence started to blow over during a recent storm. Or maybe you’ve had something leaning up against your fence for so long now that the fence itself is starting to lean, too.

Whatever the case, you should not stand by and allow a fence to fall over without taking action. At the very least, you should have a fence that’s on the verge of falling over shored up so that it doesn’t fall unexpectedly.

But that’s a quick fix for a larger problem that needs to be addressed. If your fence looks like it could fall over at any second, you should think about replacing it as fast as you can.

4. It Was Damaged During an Accident

If you live or work on a busy street, there’s a chance that your fence could be damaged during an automobile accident. Someone could drive right through your fence and do damage to a large portion of it.

The good news in this kind of scenario is that your home or business insurance company could very well cover fence replacement. This will allow you to put a new fence up without digging into your own pockets to do it.

But even if your insurance company doesn’t offer to pay for you to replace your fence, you should still do it in the aftermath of an accident. Repairing a fence in this instance is usually out of the question since an accident can lead to questions about the overall integrity of a fence.

5. It’s Starting to Splinter

Those with wooden fences will often find that their fencing boards will begin to splinter over time. This could make your fence very dangerous both for you and for anyone who might come into contact with your fence on a regular basis.

A few splinters here and there can be sanded down without a problem. But if you have dozens or even hundreds of splinters popping up out of your fence, you’ll need to do fence replacement sooner than later.

You should think about replacing your wooden fence with a vinyl one, too, since vinyl fences don’t force home and business owners to worry about splinters. Learn more information about why a vinyl fence might be your best option before investing in one.

6. It’s Affecting Your Privacy

One of the many reasons why people put up fences around their homes and businesses is to keep their privacy intact. But your privacy could be affected if your fence is ever damaged or if it ever starts to lean over and allow people to get a better view of your property.

If you don’t feel comfortable walking around on your property anymore because of privacy issues, fence replacement can solve this problem. A new fence, especially one made out of the aforementioned vinyl, will make your privacy concerns a thing of the past.

7. It Needs to Be Repaired All the Time

A one-time fence repair isn’t a huge deal. Even though fence repairs cost about $500 on average, that’s a lot less than a new fence will cost.

But if you find that you’re fixing your fence every six months to a year, you’re going to end up paying what you would pay for a new fence before long. Stop repairing your fence constantly and put up a new fence that won’t require as much maintenance.

Schedule Fence Replacement Today

The fence around your home or business is arguably one of the most important parts of it. It protects your property and also prevents the prying eyes of your neighbors from seeing into your home or business.

If your old fence just isn’t cutting it anymore, have fence replacement done today. It’ll make your property safer and more private, and in some cases, it can even increase the value of your home or business as a whole.

Read our blog to see some of the other projects you can do to increase your property value.

It’s time for a change and you’re thinking about selling your home and starting an exciting adventure in a new location.

More than 6 million homes will be sold in the US this year and if you want yours to be one of them then keep reading.

There’s so much to do and it can seem overwhelming but we’ve got some pro tips to make your life easier and help you sell your home faster.

Do Research When Thinking About Selling Your Home

One of the best ways you can successfully sell your home and be happy with the transition is to be an informed homeowner. There are some things you should research:

What’s The Going Price?

It’s good to know what other houses in your area are being sold for. Check local real estate listing and see what people are asking for their homes.

Take a virtual tour or attend an open house to get a feel for the price of houses with similar features and layouts as yours.

Who Can Help?

Researching the most effective ways of selling a house in your area will save you frustration. It is worth taking the time to make informed decisions on who can help you when you’re thinking about selling your home.

You may benefit from a realtor, an organizer, or a home staging expert to help you sell your home faster. Find out more about the main reasons homes end up not selling right away.

Knowing what pitfalls to avoid and the best help to have will give you an advantage and give you peace of mind as you go through the process.

Declutter, Store, and Purge

The sooner you start this process, the easier it will be when your house is up for sale. Prospective buyers want to envision their own family there and they don’t want to feel claustrophobic. The more space you can show them, the better.

Liven up your decor by creating a comfortable and inviting space so people can envision their family making memories in it.

This is a great time to declutter and purge the things you don’t use or your family has outgrown. Why pack and move it when you don’t really need it?

You may want to consider getting a storage unit to hide the clutter you do keep so that it’s out of sight and will be easier to move when you find your dream home.

Spruce Up and Freshen

When your house smells amazing and looks clean and fresh it’s not only good for your family but makes your house more enticing for prospective buyers.

A fresh coat of paint, new linen, and an organized garage may do more for you than putting money into renovations before selling.

Still Thinking About Selling Your Home?

If you’re thinking about selling your home there are a lot of things to consider before making the final decision but we’re here to help when the time is right.

Check out our available condos, houses and commercial properties today or connect with us to learn more about our developer services.

Around 1,000 people a day move to the state of Florida. If you’re one of those people who is considering making a move to the Sunshine State, you might not be sure where to start your journey.

Relocating to Florida and purchasing a house doesn’t have to be a complicated process.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a house in Florida.

Find the Right Florida Real Estate Agent

Finding the right realtor for your specific needs is incredibly important.

A good realtor will be able to help and guide you through every step of the home buying process from the initial search to closing the deal. They should be able to answer any of your concerns and questions and provide helpful tips on how to proceed.

This will take this possibly tricky and confusing process and make it smooth and understandable.

It’s best to find an agent who specializes and who is an expert in your local real estate market like this helpful realtor. This way, they’ll better understand and have knowledge of the local market and be able to find you the perfect home for you and our family.

Florida is a large state with many different areas and communities, so this finding a local real estate agent is crucial to find precisely what you’re looking for.

Financing Your Mortgage

Before you start working with your agent to find potential homes in Florida for you, consider getting a mortgage pre-approval if you aren’t paying in full with cash.

Having a pre-approval for your mortgage will increase your chances of actually being a valid contender for the home you want. Without approval, the seller will have no way of knowing if you can afford the house and go through with the sale.

An approval happens when your lender goes through and analyzes your financial situation thoroughly. This means they’ll look at your debt-to-income ratio and will check your credit score.

You also have the chance to get a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification is different than a pre-approval because the pre-qualification is an estimation of the amount of house you can afford based off of your family’s income and other possible financial commitments.

This will help you get a better idea of which areas and communities in Florida will work best for you.

Consider a Deed Protected Community

Florida is a state that has many deed protected communities. These communities are run by an active homeowner’s association that creates rules and regulations for the properties within.

This might be the perfect fit for you and your family. You’ll find that these communities usually have amenities like dog parks, community centers, pools, and planned community activities.

Some communities even offer security like gates, call boxes, or security guards.

Most homeowner’s associations will require a monthly fee. This will most likely go to help fund things like maintenance for all community areas.

Deciding if this type of living is for you will help you narrow down your home search.

Your Home Search

Your real estate agent will have access to all the MLS listings in your area. MLS stands for the Multiple Listings Service.

The MLS will have all active listings for the area you’re looking to move to.

Sit down with your real estate agent and compile a list of criteria with the specific wants and needs for your new home. This can be things like having a large backyard, a pool, proximity to the beach, or being in the school district that you want.

Make sure to note any lifestyle preferences that could affect the type of house your real estate agent might show you. This way, you aren’t wasting time viewing homes that don’t work for you and your family.

Another aspect of your search when moving houses will be your budget. You’ll find that maybe the dream neighborhood that you want to live in might not exactly fit within your budget.

This is when it’s best to listen to your realtor’s expertise of your area. They’ll be able to help you find an alternative location for you to look in.

Your agent will be able to set up showings by coordinating with the listing agent. You can also opt to go to public open houses of houses you would like to see.

If there isn’t any way that you can make it physically to the state of Florida to make showings, don’t worry. Here’s when having a knowledgeable and trustworthy real estate agent is extremely helpful.

Talk to your agent about going through the homes themselves and reporting back to you with all the relevant information and specs on the house. You can work with them to decide which house works best for you that way.

Your realtor will also be able to help you negotiating an offer, writing up the contracts, and closing on the home.

Think About Insurance When Buying a House in Florida

Florida is a state where there’s a chance you might experience different natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding while living here.

You’ll need to take into account these things when going to purchase a home in Florida. The house should be strong enough to endure the hurricane force winds that come with the storm.

The age of the home will often determine how up-to-code the build was.

You can also prepare in advance of any storms by investing in quality insurance monthly. Make sure to factor in the amount of money you’ll need every month for your mortgage and decide how much you can afford for disaster insurance.

One tip is to get in contact with a local insurance provider in your area. They’ll be able to help you get a better understanding of what each of your perspective homes will need as far as insurance coverage goes.

You can then compare the homes and make the best decision for you.

A Unique Market

As you can see, there are a few unique aspects when it comes to buying a house in Florida. You now know that finding the right local realtor with a good level of knowledge and expertise from the beginning of your search will help you navigate any of your concerns as they arise.

Sky Five Properties specializes in providing real estate services to those who are looking to live in the glamorous communities of the South Florida area and beyond.

Continue reading through our blog for more real estate ideas, tips, and information.