SkyFive Properties Blog

Renting property is tricky; apartments, condos, houses, townhouses, or any other rental properties can be very problematic, especially if you are strict in your rooms or a germophobe. 

Since everything on the property is pre-made or installed, you will have no idea how long it has been since the property and the furniture was made or installed and did the last tenant or the landlord cleaned the property, which leads to the questions, “Is it safe in here?” “Are the amenities working properly or even working?” and many more questions. 

You can ask the landlord about these things, but just to be safe, here is a list of five things you need to check before renting a property. 

1.) Check for Pests  

Pests are the first thing you need to check because there are times when pests leave their trails or even show themselves at the entrance or the lobby of the property. It would be best if you were vigilant in looking for signs of pests on the property, especially for cockroaches and bedbugs, because you can bring them with you outside the rented property. 

Take action on finding these pests; an example would be spraying insecticides on gaps around the room or laying sticky traps, and if two or more bugs arise, go straight to the property owner and ask about this pest situation. 

2.) Check the HVAC and Thermostat  

The HVAC system is one of the essential amenities on a property, rented or not, as it handles the ventilation in your room. To check the HVAC system, look for HVAC access doors and panels around the property to thoroughly inspect whether their HVAC is working correctly. 

As for the thermostat, here is a list of how to check if its working or not:  

• Check if there are batteries; if yes, test if they still work.  
• If digital, inspect if the numbers on the digital screen are accurate and easy to read.  
• Change the temperature to ‘hot’ and then to ‘cold’ setting and see if it’s working and if the temperature you wish is accurate.  
• Some thermostats have the “test” function. Should the HVAC unit have one, let it finish the test function and then check the results.  
  

3.) Check the Floor and the Walls for Damages  

Upon entering the rental property, you’ll first notice the floors and the walls surrounding you. Inspect the floor for dents and cracks, as these might lead to flooding and cause someone to trip and fall. While at it, check the floor carpet, too, as it can be a home for ticks and other pests.  

Checking the floor for cracks is also a must, especially in the area where the property had just an earthquake or flood. 

Check the walls for cracks, paint discoloration, or destroyed wallpapers, especially when an earthquake recently hit the property. A wall with a few holes is standard; there is a possibility that it’s just a hook drilled for the previous or the current owner’s pictures or art. But these holes can be a possible nest for pests, so we might as well check for them properly.  

4.) Inspect the Electrical Fixtures  

Inspect the electrical fixtures by just turning them on and off. Also, check if the lightbulbs the landlord adequately installed as they may fall on your head, causing injury. Lighting is essential, especially in areas with little natural light coming into the rented property. 

Since we are talking about electrical machinery, check for safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect if these machines have light blinking and read what that light means. If there is no light or the text on the device is very little, go straight to the landlord about this matter. 

5.) Check the Bathroom Carefully  

Personal hygiene is critical, and you must use a clean and working bathroom to do your cleaning—the faucets, valves, the shower, and especially the toilet as it ensures proper human liquid and excrement disposal.

Final Thoughts 

Checking all of these might look bothersome to others, especially the landlord. Checking for damages and inconveniences is expected; you just want to see if the property you wish to rent is the right one. After you’ve done all these inspections and all of them passed, congratulations! You now have an excellent room to rent that is safe and habitable. 

Selling your home can be a frustrating and exciting time in your life. You want to sell your home fast, but the process can drag on if you’re not doing things right. This is why it’s so crucial to have a good real estate agent on your side. Read on to learn about seven important real estate tips that can help you to sell your home faster.

1. Make Your Yard Look Nice

You want your home to have as much “curb appeal” as possible. It’s easy enough to focus on making your house look nicer from the outside. You can add some flowers to the garden and buy a bit of mulch to ensure that it’ll look as aesthetically pleasing as it can. You might want to make a few other landscaping changes or fix cosmetic issues in the yard as well.

2. Accurate Pricing Matters

It’s important to set an accurate price for your home. You don’t want to list your house at a much higher price than it will go for. Work with professionals to determine a good price that will allow you to get the most out of your home without scaring off buyers. You will get far more interest in your home if the price you set makes sense.

3. Make Small Improvements

Making small improvements to your home will help it to be more appealing to potential buyers. There might be some things that you can fix on the house that will make a difference. For instance, you might want to add a new coat of paint to the house, or you could consider installing new gutters. Make sure that there aren’t any glaring cosmetic problems, such as small cracks or blemishes on the walls.

4. Hire an Experienced Agent

Hiring an experienced real estate agent is a great idea because it’ll make every aspect of selling your home easier. An agent can help you show your house, and they can guide you through making changes that will help you to present your house in the best light. While you can try to sell your home without an agent, this would be a lot tougher overall. It’s much easier to work with a respected real estate company in the area and find an agent that will help you out.

5. Hire a Good Real Estate Photographer

You need to hire a real estate photographer as well. This is going to ensure that you’ll get excellent photos of your phone that can be showcased online. People decide whether they want to look at a house based on the quality of the photos that are attached to the listing. While you can take pics with your smartphone, it’s much better to hire a photographer who will take high-quality pics and present your property in the best light.

6. Consider Hosting an Open House

Hosting an open house will allow many people to check out your home at once. This is a good way to drum up interest in the house. You might even get several people to make an offer on your home. Working with an agent to set up an open house event is a good idea that can help to sell your home a lot faster while also ensuring that you’ll attract good potential buyers.

7. Flexible Showing Times Help

It’s hard to sell a home if you’re not flexible when it comes to showing times. Do your best to let the home be shown to potential buyers as often as possible. Try not to restrict showing times to only a few hours during the day. Having such a limited showing time window will make it tougher for buyers to come to check out your property, and no one is going to make an offer on a house that they haven’t truly seen.

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When was the last time you measured your carbon footprint? Of course, there’s never a bad time to measure your carbon-based lifestyle and make tweaks to it, but moving home is the perfect time to make a fresh start.

Why not get off on the right footing by making your home move more green and sustainable? You can do this by choosing the best packing materials and removals service to support a greener lifestyle.

Get started early

If your home move is not efficient and well organized, it makes it less eco-friendly and sustainable; that’s because more trips are required to move your household items, and you might end up sending things to landfills instead of recycling.

Starting the moving process long before the removal team arrives gives you plenty of time to organize and declutter. It is important to keep the air clean as part of the process and to create a healthy environment. Then, with all the pieces in place, you will know exactly what needs to happen when helping you to reduce your carbon footprint.

Eliminate food waste

Using up food items and liquids before a big home move might seem as though it has a limited environmental impact, but even these small things can make a difference. Using up the food in your home means helps capture carbon in various ways.

Additionally, food does not travel well; it can get damaged easily and increase the weight of the removal vehicle, which has a knock-on environmental impact. So, decide on a moving date and start your planning early to eliminate any excesses from your home.

Reduce cardboard use

Paper and cardboard have an adverse effect on the environment because of their manufacture it and their impact on carbon reduction. While some forests are grown sustainably to make cardboard, many aren’t, reducing the possibilities of carbon capture.

There’s good news, cardboard boxes aren’t the only way to transport your items during a home move, and it isn’t the best way either. Many removal companies provide plastic boxes that can be reused indefinitely, but you might have to contact them in advance.

Avoid plastic wrapping

Plastic is cheap to produce, but it’s not always recyclable, and it generates a lot of Co2 in the manufacturing process. Because of this, much of the world’s plastic ends up in landfill sites where it takes many years to decompose.

When you are organizing a home move, it’s natural to choose bubble wrap and plastic wrapping for your fragile items, but this is not eco-friendly or sustainable. Instead, use towels and cloths for wrapping and reduce your environmental impact.

Choose a green service

Finally, choose green moving services if you want to reduce your impact o the environment during your next home move. A green moving service will have a fleet of electric vehicles that keep the air clean and reduce the need for oil production and consumption.

A green moving service will also provide reusable boxes. If you contact them early, they can send them to you to begin your packing process and arrange a schedule that streamlines the process and reduces your overall carbon footprint.

Whether you are looking for an alternative for your lawn or simply interested in how synthetic lawns look, there are many things to consider. From how durable it is to whether it is safe for pets, this article will help you make the right decision.

Getting started

Getting started with artificial grass is a fairly simple process. However, it does require you to understand how it works and how to install it. With proper installation, weeds will not be able to grow through the turf. This will make the surface look more natural.

Before getting started with synthetic turfs, you should first gather all the materials you need. You may want to have a weed suppressant to help the new outdoor surface last longer. You can use a flattening tool to help you get the perfect finish. This will help give your new outdoor surface the smoothest surface possible.

You may also want to install rodent cables to keep rodents out of your new turf. You can also install a geotextile fabric barrier to stop soil worms from digging through the artificial outdoor surface. One of the best parts of getting started with artificial lawns is the minimal maintenance. You can also save money in the short term by laying an outdoor surface on top of your current turf.

One of the most important steps to getting started with synthetic lawns is leveling the surface. A leveling rake will help you remove large debris. You can also use a shovel to make sure the ground is even. To get the best result, you will want to use the correct tools for the job. You should also measure the area you’re working in to ensure you’re getting the most out of your effort.

Pile height

Choosing the right pile height for an artificial lawn can be tricky. It depends on your needs and how you intend to use it. For example, if you want to create a more natural-looking outdoor surface, then you should consider a shorter pile height. Alternatively, if you want a high-traffic area, then a high pile height might be the best option.

The main factors to consider when choosing the right pile height of synthetic outdoor surfaces are the weight and the number of stitches per square meter. A higher pile density will create a luxuriously cushioned feel. But a higher pile weight will make the grass appear heavier and also make it softer if you land on it hard.

Durability

Depending on the quality of the materials used, artificial grass can last for a few years. However, the longevity of synthetic lawns also depends on the amount of use it gets.

To keep your artificial turf looking nice, you will need to perform regular maintenance. This means cutting, raking, and washing. You should also take care to remove all foreign objects like organic produce, pet waste, and chemicals.

The best quality artificial lawn will have a UV inhibitor, which helps it to retain its color for up to 15 years. The thickness of the fiber also plays a role in durability. If you are considering going with Biltright Turfs on your patio or deck, you should know that the durability of artificial turf is not as durable as concrete. It is, however, under a warranty if you so choose.

Eco-friendliness

The biggest drawback to natural grass is the chemicals that are used to keep it green. These chemicals can seep into underground water supplies and eventually make their way to streams and rivers. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to children and pets.

Another drawback to natural grass is that it requires a lot of water. According to this link, in a year, a natural grass lawn can consume 4.5 billion gallons of water. Natural grass also requires fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can also seep into groundwater and eventually make their way into rivers and streams. These chemicals can also contaminate the oceans.

Pet-friendliness

Having synthetic lawns in your yard is great for many reasons. It is safe, easy to maintain, and can save you a ton of time. It also helps keep your dog from digging in the grass and damaging your turf. Artificial grass is also eco-friendly. It’s made from plastic that is biodegradable and doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air or water.

One of the best features of synthetic turfs is that it’s a good deterrent to weeds and insects. It is also easy to clean. You can simply sweep it up with a broom or soft cloth. The benefits of artificial grass for pets cannot be overstated. If you have a dog, he will love to play on it. Whether you have a dog or not, you should get pet-friendly synthetic lawns to protect your investment.

Are you building a speculative home and wondering if it’s a smart investment?

You might be able to earn some profits if you can sell the house for more than it costs to build it. Selling the home for more than it cost to build it is referred to as a “quick flip.” However, there are many risks, too.

For instance, what if you can’t sell the house for much more than the cost to build it? How much can you truly gain from building a speculative house?

Let’s explore what a speculative home is and if it’s a smart investment.

Advantages of Building a Spec Home

Speculative home building is a smart investment for a number of reasons. First and foremost, building a speculative home allows for greater control over the process from start to finish. This includes the selection of the building site, floor plans, materials, and fixtures used in the home’s construction.

An additional advantage is that the finished product can be more desirable for potential buyers than an existing home. The ability to tailor the home to personal tastes gives buyers more incentive to purchase the home.

The cost of construction may be lower due to the builder’s ability to purchase materials in bulk. Finally, building a speculative home also allows the builder to determine the sale price, as they are not bound to pre-existing appraised values. All of these advantages make building a speculative home a smart investment.

Disadvantages of Building a speculative Home

One major disadvantage of building a speculative home is the cost associated with it. Building a home from scratch can be more expensive than buying an existing property. Although there may be cost savings associated with buying materials in bulk, this needs to be carefully weighed against the costs of labor and hiring contractors.

Another disadvantage is that it can take much longer to build a new home than to purchase one with an existing structure. This can tie up capital for a potentially long period of time, as well as add stress to the homeowner. Finally, if the market changes and the home cannot be sold quickly or at a competitive price, the homeowner may be faced with a financial loss.

Financing Requirements of a Speculative Home

To finance a spec home, banks typically require a borrower to come up with at least 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment, and the remaining balance must be met through a loan product, like spec loans. The down payment for a spec home is typically larger than for a single-family home.

Moreover, lenders will also look at the borrower’s creditworthiness, debt-to-income ratio, and income level to determine eligibility. Building a spec home can be attractive for savvy investors as it enables them to get an attractive rate of return on the home, assuming it’s sold for more than what it was purchased for.

A Spec Home a Smart Investment

Building a spec home can be a smart investment for an experienced builder. It can provide a nice return if the market is in a good place and the builder does their homework.

Overall, building a spec home is a great option for home builders looking for a long-term return. If you’re ready to start investing, contact a real estate professional to get the ball rolling.

Keep reading our blog for more construction tips to start building your dream home today.

Painting or updating one’s walls is no small task as all the furniture and belongings need to be removed and if you are attempting the job without professional input, you will still want it done properly. Here are some interior painting tips for a flawless, professional finish so you can have gorgeous new walls in just a few coats.

1. Pre-Planning And Preparation

Before you start painting your walls, you need to do the necessary preparation to make sure you have a clean base. Remove expensive or valuable items and cover furniture or fabrics in the area, make a route to go back and forth and lay down plastic on the flooring. Choose an outfit you don’t care about and remember to clean the wall itself and scrape it down with a metal scraper to get any dust or other residue off it. The smoother and more even your wall is after it is scraped, the easier it will be to put even coats of paint on it.

You can also use a lint remover or a piece of cloth with some oily beeswax or other substance on it and give your walls a good wipe-down so that any residue stuck on them comes off. Make sure you sand down any nail holes or other hooks that may have been used for hanging art or floating shelves. Once you have achieved that smooth base, you can proceed to mix the paint emulsion preferably in a 50:50 ratio with water and apply very thin coats with a brush appropriate for the job. For thinner strips such as next to windows or radiators, you might want to use a thin brush for fine strokes.

If you have to touch up the ceiling of a room or add contrast with a statement wall that has a different color of paint, have ladders and other equipment set up beforehand so you can minimize mess and get an effective job carried out.

2. Use Plenty Of Painter’s Tape

Painter’s tape is used in canvases as it doesn’t damage the surface it is put on and is commonly used by professionals like house painters Washington DC. Make use of this tape to mark out clean corners before you start laying down the paint. It can also be used to cover power outlets or the outlines of windows. This professional trick can ensure a professional look to the painting job once it is finished. While painting it is smart to keep a separate cloth or sponge to wipe away any mistakes or drips.

3. Don’t Skimp On Primer

Primer is an extra step and not all walls require it but it goes a long way in creating and ensuring that flawless, smooth-painted look. Invest in a good quality primer for a preliminary layer and it can even be cost-effective if you are doing the project yourself or only painting certain walls in your house. For walls that were previously painted in very bright or bold colors, you might need to sand them down quite a bit and add a primer to neutralize the shade before painting them a lighter color. Generally, to neutralize very strong colors, multiple layers are needed and each must be dried before the other is applied, even for thicker semi-plastic emulsion paints.

4. The Layering Technique 

Novice painters often make the mistake of incorrectly mixing the paint with water or thinner and applying very thick coats of paint. This can lead to blotchiness and an uneven texture and for an inexperienced painter it can have a bad result that can be very costly and difficult to fix once it has dried. Apply as thin a coat as you can and let each coat dry before applying the other one. It might take longer this way but the layering technique will ensure a smoother, more even coverage along with better color payoff.

5. No Improvisation On Tools

The right tools are imperative for a flawless paint finish so invest in some good quality tools like a roller cover, and synthetic brushes in at least 3 sizes (for those hard-to-reach corners). Inexpensive rollers or brushes may break or leave residue marks on the walls so it is not worth saving money on tools.

Rollers come in different heights as well so that you can reach the top of the walls and the ceiling and some have extendable rods. A professional painter’s trick is to paint nooks and crannies and window outlines first as they need a thicker coat and there can be some trickling down of paint which can look uneven when dried.

Buying a home is a milestone that has the focus of many generations. It is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make as an individual, no matter your age. Gone are the days when planning to buy a home is relegated to after you have settled in your marital home.

Many young adults now see the benefits of early planning regarding their life’s most significant financial investment. Nothing can compare to the safety and security of owning a home, especially when there are global crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, owning a home, especially as a youngster, takes a lot of planning and commitment. To ensure you make the right choices regarding your dream home, here are six incredibly smart tips for buying your dream home at a young age.

Tips For Buying A Home At A Young Age

Buying a house at a young age is easier than you might think, and it occurs every day worldwide. While there’s nothing wrong with renting a house or apartment, a certain sense of pride comes with owning your own home. Don’t fret because you’re young and don’t have much money. Below are some smart tips to make owning your dream home a reality.

Start Saving Early

Once you have decided to buy a house, begin saving immediately. Set up a savings plan to help you achieve your goal. The more money you have, the better options you get. Saving up for your dream home can seem daunting, but you can achieve it with discipline and planning.

The first step in your savings plan is to make a budget. Look at your monthly income and expenses, then decide how much you’ll need to save monthly towards your home purchase. You could also invest in a good savings account to help you develop your money. Select an account that has a competitive interest rate and no fees.

Once you’ve started saving, you can meet with your bank to automate your savings, so you won’t be tempted to spend your savings. Cut back on expenses that are not a priority so you can save more. Remember, tiny drops can make an ocean, so even a little extra saving here and there can make a huge difference.

Finally, discipline yourself. You might be tempted to cut into your savings due to unforeseen circumstances, but endeavor to resist the urge. When you stick to your savings plan without touching the money, you achieve your dream of buying a home faster.

Do Adequate Research On Your Dream Home

Everyone dreams of buying a home. But most people don’t think about the details that accompany home purchases. Do you want a condo, penthouse, or apartment? Do you plan on purchasing a home in the city, suburbs, or country? What amenities can you afford? How many bedrooms do you want in your home?

The above questions must be answered during your home purchase planning and determine how much your dream home will cost you. For example, houses in the city are generally more expensive than those in the suburbs and come with more amenities. Answering these questions will also help you decide how much you’ll need to save or if you need to take a mortgage loan.

Enhance Your Credit Score

Your credit score is essential when hunting for a home to purchase. A good credit score of 750 or above entitles you to a mortgage loan if you choose to take one, and it also means you’re eligible for lower interest rates. Thus, you need to assess your credit score and see if it needs to be improved before you go house hunting.

If you need more money to purchase your dream home outright, a mortgage can help achieve this. However, it can be difficult if you have a low credit score. Thus, you need to settle any outstanding payments and refrain from taking out too many credits for a short period.

Know Your House Must-Have Essentials

As a first-time homebuyer, you must know your home’s nice-to-haves and must-haves. Your home must-haves are the essentials your home needs, like the type of kitchen or number of bedrooms. Your home nice- to haves are things you’d like to see, such as a pool. However, these things are optional. So you can do without them when purchasing your home.

It would be best if you distinguished between the essentials your home needs and what you’d like to own in your home. Doing this will help you better decide what home to purchase and prevent you from allocating funds to unnecessary things you can forfeit in your home.

Prepare For Other Costs

Aside from the down payment for the house, there are other costs you’ll need to budget for. The stamp duty, charges on the memorandum of title deed, water supply, registration cost, and electricity connection are all costs you’ll need to factor into your savings for your home purchase.

It may be challenging to factor in the exact amount for the extra charges accurately. Try to have an estimate so you can work within your budget and plan accordingly.

Choose a Good Real Estate Agent

our choice of a real estate agent can determine how smooth or stressful your home-buying process will go. Trusted real estate agents are responsible for finding homes that fit your needs and budget. They negotiate for better prices on your behalf and draw up your contracts.

Some real estate agents are locals, so they know where to find houses in perfect locations. Ask your family and friends for recommendations, and read reviews online before making your choice. Feel free to research as many real estate agents or agencies as possible because they play a critical role in how stressful or smooth your home-buying process will be.

Summary

Buying a home means you’re taking steps toward building your wealth. It also means you’re free from the woes of renting a home. There’s no age limit to owning your home, so you can start planning to get your house from a young age.

Practice patience during your home-buying process. This will help you stop spending your savings and allow you to make a larger down payment for your dream home. Since home buying is one of the most critical financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, it’s essential to consider how this decision can impact your life and future.

Follow the smart tips given in this article to help guide your home-buying planning process.

Cleanliness is a buying point for most prospective buyers. These tips go hand in hand if you are planning to sell your house.

• Declutter: Donate and Dispose.

Go to some rooms that have clutter; some furniture or items are best when thrown or donated. It is up to you. A good rule of thumb: if it does not make you happy, let it go.

• Deep Clean House.

It is natural for homes to become dirty and messy. You can have a deep clean schedule once a week. Clean the corners, ceiling, and other locations that are out of reach. A spotless home is much easier to maintain.

• Be organized.

Every item and furniture in the house has its rightful place. Do not let items lie around counters. It is best to give them a place, so the items become no longer shuffled around.

• Follow Daily Routine.

Having a daily routine excuses you from having long hours of cleaning and organizing. Micromanaging household chores is better at this point. It helps make everything look clean and ready for unexpected showings.

• End-of-Week Retouch.

You have been diligently cleaning throughout the week; you do not have to break your back cleaning on Friday for the jam-packed showing schedule for the weekend. Do a walkthrough around the house to ensure you did not miss anything. Do some retouch if there are spaces you missed on cleaning or organizing.

• Clean Out Closets and Cabinets.

These places have the most clutter. Organize the things that have value and throw away those that are not used. Some store some things in the closets and cabinets to make the rooms look bigger.

• Sort and Donate Wardrobe.

Lessen your wardrobe to make moving out and transferring easier. Sort out your wardrobe and choose the ones that you want to donate. Make sure to read the donation guidelines of each charity. Do not forget to wash the clothes you are about to donate. If you are busy enough to wash at home, delegate the task to a laundry service.

• Do Laundry.

Laundry is no one’s favorite household chore, but you do not want to have a mountain of laundry lying around while strangers go to see your house. Put away the laundry so no one can see it. Call a laundry pickup and delivery service if it is already enough for one load.

• Clean While Cooking.

It might be overwhelming for some to cook and clean. However, it is nice to sit down and go down to your meal knowing that your kitchen and countertop are all clean. You only have the dishes to wash. You would not have to worry if someone wants to see your house with last-minute notice.

• Light a Diffuser.

Houses that are kept clean and organized smell nice, but you want to light a diffuser to ensure your house smells great before any showings. Make your house welcoming and cozy; buyers will definitely remember your house.

There’s no denying that the fast-paced digital transformation experienced in the past decade has opened more opportunities than we could ever imagine. Thanks to the emergence of such technologies as the 5G network, AI, IoT, machine learning, and a strong wifi connection, people are interconnected through devices, apps, and websites, making the world nothing short of a global village.

But you know what they say about progress – in every seed of good, there is always a piece of evil. In our case, these tremendous tech advancements have opened loopholes for cyber threat actions (CTAs). For instance, the property development sector poses a vulnerable target for cybercriminals with the emergence of smart homes.

Good news: by employing the right cybersecurity measures in smart homes, homeowners can successfully eliminate or minimize CTAs. This blog explains why cybersecurity is an issue for smart homes, top devices that are a target for CTAs, and actionable tips on how to keep your smart home/IoT devices safe.

Why are Smart Homes Vulnerable?

Unfortunately, smart homes and IoT devices are the weak links that cybercriminals leverage to stage their malicious attacks. By targeting just one device, a hacker can gain access to your security network and alter crucial details like Wi-Fi credentials.

Utilizing public WIFI can often put your phone at risk for hacking by cybercriminals. Third parties may access your data without any visual red flags

When compromised, smart devices like thermostats can help hackers wreak havoc in your home by informing them when you’ll be away. From the moment your connected home network gets accessed by an unauthorized individual, your private data may be in for an ill-intended threat.

What are the Top Five Smart Devices Most Targeted by Cybercriminals?

Smart TVs

Smart TVs are everyday electronics in most homes today, thanks to users’ par-level convenience. In any case, who wouldn’t love controlling their favorite shows with their voices or by clicking a button without moving a toe? But here comes the dark side; vulnerability to cyber threat actions. If you’re using the same Wi-Fi, a cybercriminal could easily access your device by planting malware into your network.

Cell Phones

A hacker accessing your personal information available on your cell phone is a piece of cake. How so? We use our devices every day to complete various activities like communicating, checking/responding to emails, accessing financial accounts, etc. Cybercriminals can access and compromise your sensitive data by:

• Hacking your phone, especially when using a public Wi-Fi
• Planting a bug
• Infecting your device with malware by sending you a dangerous link via email or browser
• Leveraging a defect in your device’s operating system

Connected Baby Monitors

With a child comes the responsibility of protecting it at all costs. And that may involve acquiring a connected baby monitor. Unfortunately, such a device can become a weak link that cybercriminals use to gain access to your smart home without your suspicion.

Connected Cars

Modern cars have connected computer network systems that inform users about critical information like location, speed, weather, etc. These may include GPS systems, video screens, Wi-Fi networks, and backup cameras. These are cool advancements that make the riding experience incredibly efficient and memorable. However, they also provide leeway for staging attacks.

For instance, cybercriminals can access and compromise your car’s operation by implanting tiny devices which grant them control via a mobile phone. This can lead to dangerous hacks such as disabling breaks, cutting off the transmission, interfering with the GPS, cranking up the radio, and more.

Voice Controlled Assistants

Voice-controlled assistants act as a smart home’s listening ears, and if hacked, a cybercriminal could gain access to tons of information about your home. A voice-controlled assistant is usually used as a central command spot for controlling other devices like CCTV cameras, smart bulbs, refrigerators, smart speakers, and smart locks. Some people even go to the extent of connecting accounts like food delivery, shopping lists, or driver services, posing more profound risks to personal data when a CTA occurs.

How Do You Keep Your Smart Home and IoT Devices Safe from Cyber Threats?

Here are the top ten actionable tips for outsmarting cybercriminals and keeping your home safe:

1. DO NOT use default passwords or usernames for any smart home device. Change them to unique passwords, and make it a routine to remain spontaneous.
2. DO NOT buy a device unless it’s protected.
3. If possible, avoid using shared/community Wi-Fi networks.
4. Solidify security further by setting up two-factor authentication.
5. Ensure your software systems are up-to-date.
6. Restrain from managing your smart home devices using public Wi-Fi.
7. Disable all unneeded features.
8. Biometric authentication, e.g., fingerprints or facial identifiers, are always the best.
9. Enhance network security further by installing a firewall.
10. Make a habit of renaming and rebooting your router often.

Over to You!

More than ever, we need to start prioritizing smart home devices’ security just like we do for laptops and mobile phones. But there’s one small catch; these devices are not quite user-friendly, and it may take lots of time and effort to customize security settings, especially if you’re a greenhorn.

However, that’s not an issue if you invest in the best smart home system. Making such a move helps you optimize your smart home technology with the latest inventions that help boost cybersecurity. If you’d like to discover how we can leverage our property development expertise and accessories to enhance smart home cybersecurity, contact us at (305) 357-0635 today.

Where in the US are home prices increasing the slowest? When we think about major cities, we always think about extended home prices and high living costs. Not always! In this review, we’ll share seven major cities in the US where you can buy at a low price. In this review, you can get an overall idea of the average home price, median living cost, and reasons why this city is on the most affordable city list.

Major Budget-Friendly US City List

Living in a major city does not have to be costly if you move to one of these cities.

• Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the cheapest cities in the US. It’s about 15.76% cheaper than Seattle (without rent) and 6% less than the national average. Not only that, it is almost 17% less expensive when it comes to housing expenses compared to the national average, a clear reason why various individuals are moving to Ohio.

Mobility is also cheaper here. Transportation costs and gas prices are 5% less than the national average. When you compare the utility expenses, know that you will have to pay about 4% less than the average national expense. In November 2022, the average home price was around $120,000. It’s one of the least affected cities by the 2020 pandemic and current inflation.

• Tulsa, Oklahoma

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the typical home price is around $210,000, whereas the national average is around $354,649, making it one of the cheapest cities for homebuyers. According to October 2022 data, the cost of living here is about 17% below the US average, which makes it more convenient to move in without compromising affordability.

Tulsa is extremely budget-friendly for new homebuyers. The huge developable flat lands make contributions to the lower price here in Tulsa. Besides the affordable housing options, the diverse industries offer available jobs for newcomers. In November 2022, the average listing price was around $229,900, with a price per square foot price of only $132.

• Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas is a great place to call home for academics and professionals. Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, this friendly city offers a wide range of amenities and attractions that make it an ideal spot for people looking to relocate. From excellent education opportunities at world-renowned Texas Christian University to its vibrant housing market, Fort Worth has something for everyone. 

The city’s strong economy ensures that residents have plenty of job security and access to quality housing. Whether you’re looking for an affordable apartment or a luxurious mansion, there are plenty of options available throughout Fort Worth. In addition, the city is home to many parks and green spaces as well as cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries that provide endless entertainment opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

The housing cost is 14%, transportation cost is 10%, grocery cost is 6%, and healthcare is 9% lower than the national average here in Fort Worth. Overall, you’ll have to spend 5% less if you move to Fort Worth.

Also, all sorts of houses are available in this neighborhood, from modern condos to single-family homes, with a price range between $185,000 to over $1.6 million. If you have a larger budget, you can go for the Tudor style or Spanish-inspired homes in Park Hill that have an average price of $900,000.

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is a major city in Wisconsin on the western shore of Lake Michigan, where people are fleeing to escape the high living cost in Chicago. Chicago is only over 90 miles south of Milwaukee, and currently, as of December 2022, house prices are skyrocketing there. Where in Milwaukee, a median home price is around $185,000, which is almost half the price in Chicago, around $325,000.

This city of nearly 600,000 residents is also the home to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. So, for college students, it can be a great housing option. It’s also cheaper for renting compared to the national average of $1,727, monthly only $1,355 for a 1-bed apartment.

• Springfield, Missouri

Living in Springfield, Missouri, is a great way to cut your housing cost. The housing cost is about 25% lower than the national average. Also, the cost of living is 13% lower, groceries are 3% lower, and utility costs are 13% less.

The average listing price in November 2022 was $224,900. Springfield also has Affordable Housing Programs that attract many internal migrants in the friendly neighborhoods. It’s a great opportunity to live in southwestern Missouri in an affordable way.

• Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, a city in northeastern Indiana, is another affordable city with the facilities of a major city. Living cost in Fort Wayne is 12% cheaper, and housing is one of the cheapest, about 30% less than the national average.

In November 2022, the median home price was $195K. Utilities and groceries are also cheap. The median rent is only $758, an ideal city for any looking affordable housing option.

• Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, Michigan, you can avail a good quality home even within a minimalist budget. House prices are kind of the cheapest compared to other cities in the US. The median house price is around $105,000. The average real estate tax is about 1,268, and state income tax is only 4.25% of the yearly income.

If you are a median salary earning person, you may only have to spend 6% of the monthly income on the mortgage. Apart from that, there are plenty of job opportunities in major industries.

Everywhere house prices are spiking. Despite that, the midwest and northeast still have some pocket-friendly housing options for homebuyers. If you are really looking for affordable homes, do check these cities because, even though they are not as shiny as the big cities, they do offer budget-friendly homeownership and friendly neighborhoods.