SkyFive Properties Blog

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.

Vancouver is a beautiful and diverse city, teeming with friendly neighborhoods to choose from that best suit the individual lifestyles of its locals. From majestic natural wonders and attractions to vibrant street art scenes and funky urban markets, it has something for everyone!

Whether you’re looking for lots of lifestyle amenities or just want an area that provides easy access to downtown, this guide will provide you with all the information you need when deciding on which neighborhood to call your own in Vancouver. Let’s explore the ultimate guide to discovering where to live in this amazing city!

Kitsilano

Median Home Price: $1,500,000

Median Days on Market: 24

Located in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia is the up-and-coming neighborhood of Kitsilano. Its popularity is growing with people such as young urban professionals and families due to its trendy shops and incredible views of the mountains. Furthermore, it’s seen by locals as a great place to visit due to its huge Kitsilano saltwater pool, Kitsilano beach, Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum — all located within its borders of waterfront to the north, and West 16th to the South. Famous for being nicknamed “Kits” by residents – this hip neighborhood will surely win you over!

West End

Median Home Price: $831,000

Median Days on Market: 21

West End of Vancouver is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Located adjacent to the bustling downtown, this mainly residential community has something for everyone. It boasts a beautiful coastline that is nestled against Stanley Park – its gateway to nature-lovers – and is bordered by English Bay, Granville Street, and Robson Street for city-dwellers. Amongst an exciting mix of family homes, high-rise apartment buildings, beachfront and lush parks lies a microcosm of outdoor adventure and urban excitement. Whether you want to soak up some sun along the beach or explore the parks; from food trucks to art galleries – West End is where it all comes together!

Mount Pleasant

Median Home Price: $996,000

Median Days on Market: 13

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant has much to offer! Known for its array of unique stores, Mount Pleasant is a favorite among first time homebuyers, urban professionals, and families alike. It runs from the Mount Pleasant Shopping District all the way down the slope towards False Creek, but it’s not just shops and homes – there are also heritage buildings that have been around for years and plenty of green spaces like parks and a community center to explore. If you’re looking to find a home in a friendly neighborhood with plenty of things to do nearby, then Mount Pleasant might be just what you’re searching for.

Shaughnessy

Median Home Price: $5,200,000

Median Days on Market: 12

The beautiful neighborhood of Shaughnessy is an idyllic residential community home to an impressive number of heritage properties. Conveniently situated between Arbutus and Queen Elizabeth Park, this lively neighborhood is well connected by several main arteries, which makes it easy to travel both within the area and to other parts of the city. The heart of the neighborhood features the stunning VanDusen Botanical Garden, a fantastic place to reconnect with nature at any time of year. With lush greenery, flower beds, and even a café inside the gardens, it’s no wonder why Shaughnessy is such a popular choice for homeowners!

South Granville

Median Home Price: $3,400,000

Median Days on Market: 47

Located centrally along Granville Street, between 6 to 16th Ave, South Granville is a popular neighborhood for those who love dining, shopping, and entertainment. Established in the early 1900’s, South Granville, sometimes referred to as “Uptown”, is a trendy business district that has become an attractive residential area for its vibrant atmosphere. With a plethora of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, there is something for everyone in this trendy neighborhood. From stylish stores to cool cafes – South Granville has it all!

Grandview-Woodland

Median Home Price: $1,300,000​​

Median Days on Market: 30

Grandview-Woodland is an utterly charming and ethnically diverse neighborhood in the city of Vancouver, BC. One of its most beloved areas is known as ‘The Drive’, an eclectic urban oasis made up of 22 full blocks and over 300 unique, independent merchants. From local produce to treasures from around the world, enjoy exploring the artist boutiques, live music spots, vegan cafes, and ethnic eateries that give The Drive its unmistakable personality. Nestled between Chinatown, Strathcona, and Trout Lake, Grandview-Woodland is renowned for its cultural vibrancy and is sure to captivate anyone who visits.

As you can probably tell by now, Vancouver is filled with a long list of exceptional neighborhoods and communities. From the classic charm of Shaughnessy to the hip vibes of South Granville and Grandview-Woodland, there is truly something for everyone. With its mix of shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment – Vancouver’s neighborhoods offer residents a unique experience that is sure to keep you entertained for years to come!

Whenever affordability becomes challenging, people turn to innovation. However, no matter how everyone wants to leverage the innovation since it’s the only way out, there are legal rules and regulations associated with it.

New York is a big city, meaning numerous living styles are available. And because not all fingers are the same and not everybody is born with a silver spoon, many people can’t live up to their maximum expectations. While the riches can afford the kind of living style they want, it’s a hard task for the less privileged.

To solve this daunting problem, real estate professionals decide to come up with a new idea, which is co-living. You might be familiar with this concept in other states, but is it legal in New York? The answer is yes, but there are some regulations governing the legalization. So let’s explore it in detail.

What is Co-living

Co-living, which is also described as co-housing, house sharing, or communal living apartments, involves two or more strangers living together under the same roof. This popular concept is famous among New Yorkers because it offers a great deal; you will enjoy easy and affordable living without compromising your quality of life. Several management handles these activities, providing a comfortable and convenient lifestyle to their tenants.

What are the advantages of Co-living in New York City

You might think that co-living only involves living with a stranger in a conventional space; this unique concept has more to offer than what the eyes see. Below are some advantages of co-living.

• Most co-living facilities build apartments regularly, meaning you will always find a new building and choose the one that will suit you the best.
• You will find several amenities in co-living apartments, such as Wi-Fi, housekeeping, utilities, etc.
• Finding a co-living apartment is easy, meaning you can efficiently find many shared housing in New York City, and your house management will effectively handle your affairs.
• Sometimes coping with the ways of living in some cities is not easy, especially if it’s your first time there. However, with co-living, you can easily blend into the community; you will access events and even get discounts at their business locally and nationally.
• You will also access many community resources without worrying about housing logistics.
• It’s another fantastic way to meet and interact with new people, get out of your horizon, and experience a new life.

Is Co-living Legal in New York City

If you arrive in New York City and you aren’t sure whether this concept is legal or not, rest assured. Co-living is perfectly legal in New York City. However, before you venture into this new trend, ensure you are familiar with residency rights. Living together with roommates is legal in the city as long as you have your own separate bedroom. Also, note that it’s prohibited to allow a new occupant into your room, whether through renting or subletting.

What are the essential rules you should look at before renting a co-living apartment in New York City

While co-living is legal in New York City, the apartment must meet specific living requirements. Before you rent a space, ensure you are versatile with the law, you won’t want to rent an illegal space to avoid the risk of being thrown out of your apartment unexpectedly by the home inspectors.

Sign an apartment lease

Ensure the lease offered to you is for the apartment, not the room you rent. Additionally, thoroughly read the lease and ensure it has a fire safety plan.

Renew the lease with every new roommate

So, for example, if a roommate leaves without making a payment, will you be responsible for paying the bills? You might think this is a simple and understandable discussion, obviously telling yourself why they think you will be accountable. Well, this can cause more problems than your expectations. To avoid any issue that might arise due to this, ensure in your lease it’s written that every individual will be responsible for their payment, and make sure with every new roommate, you get a renewed lease with all the necessary rules and regulations.

Make sure you are charged accordingly

If you are new in the industry, you should be aware of certain things. As mentioned above, you will be responsible for other utility expenses, including parking space. Be sure the landlord charges you the exact legal rent fee without additional charges.

Is co-living for you?

When you put certain essential aspects such as mental health, relationship, individual, community, and social engagement into concern, Co-living can give you many benefits, especially the ones we listed above. However, it’s essential also to note that this concept of living is not for everyone because it even comes with some downsides.

For example, one of the significant disadvantages of it is that you may find it hard to fit all your belongings inside one place or room. If you must achieve so, maybe you have to compromise some amenities and even spaces. Another disadvantage of this living method is that, even though the apartments you rent are cheap, other necessities might drain your pockets.

For example, you will be the one to fund all your utilities, and sometimes you must also shoulder your parking space fees too. Also, you may share kitchens and toilets with roommates, so conflicts are possible. However, if all these aren’t a problem and you think you can cope, then we can successfully say co-living is the best solution for you.

Final thoughts

Not everyone can afford the kind of living style they desire in this big city. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t successfully find a beautiful place to live. With the co-living style, you rent a room without encountering any problems.

Moreover, co-living has a lot of benefits, such as affordability and amenities, and you will get to meet new and exciting people. However, it still has some downsides, so ensure you are aware of what you are getting yourself into before you dive into it.

A roof plays an important role in any property, especially with rental properties. It protects a building, along with its occupants, from the tough rigors of nature. Yet damage can hamper a roof’s overall performance. In fact, roof replacement is necessary if your rental property’s roof is damaged beyond repair.

Do you need a roof replacement yet have no idea of how to execute this project? Worry not. Here’s a guide to conducting a roof replacement:

Contact A Roof Replacement Professional

A contractor will replace the roof for you. For a functioning and efficient roof, it’s important to choose a professional contractor, preferably one specializing in roofs. The following link showcases an experienced roofer in action:

This roofing contractor should also have experience in such rental property. Besides general expertise, they should have experience installing your chosen roofing material. Different materials require different expertise; shingles and metal roofing installation differ. It’d help to confirm they’ve handled such a project previously; a portfolio will come in handy.

With the portfolio, compare the before and after pictures of their previous projects. The ideal professional is one whose work you like. It increases the chances of them executing your roof replacement project as you desire.

A company like Arrowhead roofing’s expertise should also extend to the project scale. A large roof has more workload than a small one. The contractor should be able to replace your large roof without getting tired and compromising the quality of work. They should also do this within the agreed timeframe, factoring in their resources, specifically workers.

Plus, the ideal contractor should have insurance. It’ll protect you from liabilities that might arise during the project execution. For instance, your property could get damaged, or one of the workers could fall and get injured. General liability and workman’s compensation covers are the best insurance coverage for these incidences.

As you look for an ideal contractor, the process might be lengthy. Time isn’t on your side; a delay could worsen your roof condition. It’d help to seek referrals from friends and family. Your neighbors could also assist you in finding an ideal contractor.

Referrals increase the chances of getting a suitable roofing contractor. You’ll be getting suggestions of contractors known for their good work, reducing the burden of searching the internet for one. But after getting the list of referrals, be sure to do more vetting based on your needs. You want to acknowledge that your friends and family had different roofing needs as they sought the contractor, and so do you. Be sure to choose the contractor best suited for your roof replacement project.

Choose A Suitable Roofing Material

There are many roofing materials from which you can choose. You’ll find tile, asphalt, slate, and metal roofing materials, among others. Various factors should depict your choice: climate, maintenance, cost, and preference.

With climate, it’s advisable to choose a roofing material that will thrive in the climate of your location. For instance, where there’s constant wet weather like rain or snow, wood shingles shouldn’t be your choice. These are likely to rot and wear and tear within a short period.

For maintenance, choose a material you can keep up with the maintenance needs. You don’t want to invest in a roofing material that adds to your daily stress. You’ll likely forget to maintain it as needed, reducing the roof’s lifespan.

Cost is a factor you should always consider when making any purchase. The purchase should be within your budget to avoid future financial strain. In this case, choose a roofing material you can afford at ease.

Lastly, each of the available roofing materials depicts a given style. Some portray a traditional look, others a modern one. They also come in colors, where you’ll choose your preferred color to cover your rental property.

All in all, factor in functionality, finances, and aesthetics when choosing your ideal roofing material.

Make The Necessary Preparations

If you’re going to pursue a roof replacement project in your rental property, you need to make s number of preparations. They generally encompass the following:

• Tenants

Inform your tenants of the roof replacement project the soonest. Take a step further and advise them on how best to protect their belongings. If your rental property operates as an accommodation facility like a short-term rental, inform your clients of closure for the project duration.

• Permits

As part of the preparations, you should get the necessary permits in relation to the roof replacement. This depends from state to state.

Before starting the project, inquire about any regulations you must adhere to. A visit to your municipal council or other regulating body offices will come in handy. Alternatively, your chosen roofing contractor can help you find this information. Some will take a step further and get the permits for you as part of their contract services.

It’s also important to inquire if there are any codes to adhere to in your neighborhood. Some will require a given roofing material and color for uniformity. It’s important to adhere to such guidelines to prevent attracting fines and penalties.

• Roof

Prior to the roof replacement project, it’s crucial to prepare the roof.

The first thing to do is to clean the area around the roof. Cut away any tree branches that hang over the roof. Eliminating these parts increases the lifespan of your new roof. Pull away the overhangs if cutting isn’t an option. Doing so gives the contractor adequate room to work on your roof without any distractions.

Cleaning your roof involves removing any attachments to it too, such as satellite dishes and others.

Monitor The Project

Monitoring the roof replacement is important. You want to make sure that everything goes according to your plan. It’d help to monitor the process: right from the removal of the old roof down to the inspection of the decking and underlayment.

Ensure the contractor removes the old roof in a manner that doesn’t interfere with the installation of the new roof. A roof’s decking is its foundation; hence, plays an important role. It seals your home, protecting it from external weather. The roof’s deck can be made of wood, concrete, or even steel. During its inspection, look out for cracks if it’s made of concrete, softness or rot if it’s made of wood, and rust if it’s steel. Should you find any of these aspects, repair them before installing your roof.

The roof’s underlayment prevents water from leaking into your home. Before installing the new roof, ensure it’s in a good state. Its inspection involves checking the metal flashing, which keeps water away from your roof. Ensure the flashing is well positioned against the fascia without any space in between.

With the roof components in check, proceed with the roof installation. The technique the contractor will use depends on your chosen roofing material.

Suppose you prefer shingles. The contractor will lay and nail down the starter shingles at the edges of your roof. They’ll follow this with laying the first row of shingles, ensuring they hang over your roof’s edge. Follow this row with subsequent ones, ensuring the shingle pieces overlap each other. As the contractor does this, it’s important to ensure they cover the nails they’ll use for jointing. After laying and nailing a shingle, they should lay the next shingle ensuring it covers the nails. Doing so prevents possible leaks in the future.

It’ll be an added advantage to learn about the roof replacement project beforehand. It’s the only way to know if the contractor is executing the project correctly. Further, it ensures proper project monitoring.

Carry Out The Final Inspection

After the installation, it’s important to inspect the finished roof. Nonetheless, be sure to start this process by cleaning the roof. Remove any debris, nails, and other materials on your roof that’d interfere with the inspection.

You and the contractor should inspect the work, square footage per square footage. The aim is to ensure the installation is up to par and there are no errors. If there are any holes that could lead to unwanted leaks, the contractor will rectify them before handing over the project to you. The contractor will ensure that your roof adheres to any standard to prevent legal consequences as well.

Suppose your state requires you to adhere to certain codes and standards when replacing your roof. You should request an inspection from the necessary officials after doing your internal inspection. These officials approving your roof means you can proceed to use your rental property as you did before without fearing being on the wrong side of the law. Should these officials identify aspects not adhering to a given code, rectify them as soon as possible to avoid hitches.

Conclusion

Roof replacement might have seemed daunting, but the notion is more or less gone, thanks to the post above. It has shown how easy the process is. All you must do is prepare the surface before the roof and install the roof according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This complete guide is one you should consider adopting in your project. Doing so makes the process faster and more manageable.

If you live in an area that’s prone to drought conditions, you’re probably no stranger to strict water usage laws. While these laws are often easy to abide by, they can make caring for your lawn seem like an uphill battle.

Fortunately, keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant amidst a drought doesn’t have to be an arduous undertaking. Well-kept grass is crucial to a presentable exterior, so homeowners looking to accentuate a house’s outward appearance should stay on top of lawn care — even if they hail from drought-prone climes. With a little bit of ingenuity and outside-the-box thinking, you can ensure that your lawn continues to thrive throughout your area’s next drought.

Alter Your Mowing Schedule

For some lawn care enthusiasts, weekly mowing is a no-brainer or they can even build their own water restoration franchise to perfectly provide their lawn.. These individuals prefer to keep their grass at a very specific height and can’t stand to see it grow beyond that point. While short, meticulously mowed grass does look good, it can be difficult to care for, especially during droughts. Sure, many golf courses and businesses sport consistently short grass, but these lawns receive a level of care that most homeowners are unable to provide.

Furthermore, keeping your lawn short isn’t going to do it any favors during a drought. The shorter the grass, the less equipped it is to retain moisture. Since moisture retention is essential to your lawn’s survival, a drought is the perfect impetus to rethink your mowing schedule. In addition to being bad for your grass, weekly mowing is downright unnecessary in drought conditions.

Slowed growth eliminates the need for weekly trims, so no matter how much you relish mowing day, you’ll need to put it on hold. For best results, mow no more than once every other week and amend your desired height by 25 percent. This will ensure that your grass is well-equipped to soak up and retain moisture.

Rethink Your Watering Practices

In an effort to keep their lawns nourished, many homeowners inadvertently overwater them. Not only are most lawns overwatered, they’re watered far too frequently, and many lawn care enthusiasts have fallen into the trap of watering daily for 15 minutes.

Instead of making your lawn more resilient, this can ultimately weaken it and render it unable to weather drought conditions. If a lawn dies immediately after a drought has begun, it’s a safe bet that overwatering played a role.

To strengthen your grass and make it more amenable to droughts, you’ll need to rethink your watering practices. For starters, instead of watering daily, do it weekly. Additionally, instead of watering for 15 minutes, do so for an hour — or until your grass has received 1 to 1.5 inches of water.

Watering deeply but infrequently will toughen up your lawn and help break its dependency on daily feedings. This will also help curb the formation of weeds and increase your lawn’s chances of survival in a drought. If you live in an area where droughts are regular occurrences, such prep work is essential.

Invest in Water-saving Tools

It’s easy to take certain resources for granted when living in a developed country. In many parts of the world, ready access to fresh water is far from a given. As such, watching people thoughtlessly waste water on their lawns can be frustrating for conservationists and eco-minded individuals.

Even more vexing is the fact that many lawn sprinklers are horribly inefficient and wind up spraying more water onto streets and sidewalks than onto the actual grass. Both your lawn and the environment deserve better.

While they’re often pricier than run-of-the-mill sprinklers, automatic irrigation systems are also far more efficient watering tools. These systems provide lawns with a set amount of water at specified dates and times and seldom spray outside of their respective ranges.

Adding to their convenience, the timers on many irrigation systems are able to recognize an array of grass species, climate conditions and soil types, ensuring that wasted water is kept to a bare minimum. Additionally, annual lawn aeration plays an important role in helping your lawn make the most of the water it’s given.

Consider Drought-resistant Grasses

The strictness of an area’s water usage laws generally depends on the severity of the drought. Although many areas will allow residents to use a set amount of water for lawn care purposes, this isn’t always the case. For example, it isn’t unusual for an area suffering a prolonged drought to forbid lawn watering until such time as conditions improve.

While this can be a hard pill for lawn care enthusiasts to swallow, it’s often a necessary measure for conserving water. After all, as much as you may value your lawn, healthy grass is hardly a necessity. Continuing to water your lawn in violation of these laws is likely to draw the ire of your neighbors, earn you hefty fines and land you in hot water with local law enforcement.

Of course, this isn’t to say that people who reside in drought-prone areas should simply give up on having lawns. There are many different species of grass, and a fair number of them can weather droughts with little to no assistance. While you’ll find an abundance of options from which to choose, buffalo grass, fescues and certain varieties of bluegrass are among the most popular choices for homeowners in areas affected by drought.

As the name suggests, drought-resistant grasses often require less water than other types of grass and can go long periods without water. To determine which species of drought resistant grass is right for you, speak with an expert at your local garden center or conduct some research online.

As droughts become increasingly common, it’s important for homeowners to do their part when it comes to conserving water. However, this doesn’t have to mean abandoning your lawn. Although it will require a little bit of effort on your part, keeping your lawn healthy during a drought is entirely possible.

Caring for a lawn in a drought-stricken area is neither difficult nor time-consuming, so if lawn maintenance is among your foremost passions, don’t let drought conditions slow you down. With the help of the previously discussed pointers, you can keep your lawn looking its best while remaining in complete compliance with your area’s water usage laws.

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Now is a great time to purchase a duplex and live in it with your tenants as an owner-occupier. There are so many upsides to it and it is slightly different than just being a property owner. If this is something you’ve considered, take a look at his list so you can have an idea of how many benefits buying your own duplex actually has. Here’s a list of 8 things to consider before you invest in a duplex.

Money, Money, Money

One of the most obvious upsides to living on your own property is that you are able to save any money you would normally be spending on your rent or mortgage. When you’re purchasing a rental property you will also qualify for different loans and rates from your bank based on the fact that you will be living on the site so make sure to mention it to any mortgage broker and your bank. The loan will likely have the same structure and rates as a personal loan but it will allow you to invest in your property so you should make sure to ask your bank if you qualify.

Easy On Me

If this is your first investment property then you’ve made a great choice. The return on multi-family homes is often much higher than buying a few single-family homes and it’s sometimes easier to find them. Your bank is also much likely to give you a loan if you are living on the property because it shows that you are less likely to let it fall into disrepair and default if you are doing equity finances. A multi-family home is one of the easiest investments to make for your peace of mind and your wallet.

Fix it up

Another great plus of living in your rental property is the ability to fix it up much easier. Any repairs or upgrades you want to make to the building, the landscaping, or the unit you’re living in will be much easier if you are there. You can see for yourself what you want to be done and maybe even save yourself some money by taking a DIY approach instead of contracting it out.

Manage It All

If you plan on buying many different multi-family homes for investment properties then you need to get a feel for what building managers’ duties will be. A building manager will commonly do small repairs (or hire someone to do them if they’re unable to), collect rent and keep the property in the best shape possible, sometimes in exchange for their rent if they live on site. If you can get a grip on doing these duties yourself then you will have a better idea of what to expect from any building managers you hire or contract in the future.

Flip It

Some areas have different laws and different rules from your bank as far as occupying but you usually need to live on your rental property for at least a year (while also legally making it your primary residence) to move out and rent the unit you just vacated. Make sure you check with the laws in your area and your bank before you move in and out because there are major fines and legal issues that come into play if you try and turn it over too quickly.

via:pixabay

You will also need to look into the rental laws in your area to see when you can raise the rent of your rental units. It’s great to keep upgrading them as you go but if you are unable to reap the benefits of your investment for another few years then it might not be worth it.

Tax Time Help

You may also qualify for more deductions than you previously qualified for if you’re an owner-occupier. You will be filing your taxes as both a homeowner and a building owner so if this is your first year, it’s good to get a professional who specializes in property ownership. If there are any expenses that you happen to share with your tenants (dumpster fee, snow removal, or landscaping for example) you may be able to split these costs on your tax return.

Location, location, location

Duplexes are often older homes that have been split into two units at some point by the previous owners which usually means they’re in great areas and gorgeous neighborhoods. You can offer a higher rent for duplex units that are close to amenities, shopping and especially schools which means you’re able to capitalize on the location. It will be very easy to find good renters if your property is in a location that’s great for everyone.

Final Considerations

Before you invest in a multi-family unit you need to consider whether or not you’re up to the work it will entail. Ask yourself a few questions before you make your final decision.

• Am I looking to make or save money?
• Am I looking for a property to turn over quickly?
• Am I looking for a property to keep in my investment portfolio for a long time?
• Am I able to take on the responsibilities of repairs and maintenance?
• Am I able to keep great records of expenses and rental income for my bank?
• Am I willing to live with my tenants close by?
• Do I want a property I can improve or one that’s already in good shape?

There are many things to consider before you decide to invest so make sure you cover all your bases before you take the plunge. If you’re still interested in investing then look for a property that suits your wants and needs. If you make the right choice, you end up with a property that will give you a great return while giving you a great place to live at the same time.

From seeking greener pastures to reuniting with family, pursuing education, exploring new business opportunities, or retiring, there’s a wide range of reasons why anyone would want to consider moving to a different state. Millions of Americans do it each year!

But as much as moving to a new location can be a thrilling experience, there are several crucial things to consider before you make the move.

To make your move easier and much more rewarding, here are 6 overly important considerations to keep in mind when deciding to relocate.

1. How Complex and Expensive Will Your House Move Be?

More often than not, moving to a new state isn’t a cheap undertaking. The move can sometimes be rather complex, and overly expensive depending on the state you’re moving to, alongside factors such as distance, and the moving service you choose to enlist.

With this in mind, the cheapest way to move between states is to compare local and non-distance movers near you to find the most affordable. An experienced, reputable, and well-equipped mover will help navigate any complexities and make your relocation smooth. It also helps to create a budget and plan for the costs associated with relocating, such as moving costs, housing, and cost of living.

2. How’s the Housing Market?

Of course, finding a home is one of the first and most important things to do before executing a move to a different place. Whether you intend to live in a rental home or you’d prefer your own home, it’s important to research the housing market in your destination state.

Go ahead and find out the types of homes available, their prices, and the neighborhoods in which they are located. Online real estate listing sites can be a good place to find this information.

3. The New State’s Cost of Living

The cost of living in different states can vary significantly from the cost of living in your current state. Besides housing, it’s important to research and compare costs for groceries, utilities, healthcare, taxes, and other expenses to determine if the new location is affordable for you.

Overall, the cost of living in states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri can be much more affordable compared to the likes of California, New York, Oregon, and Hawaii, just to name a few. With a rough idea of what the cost of living is going to be like in your new state, it can be easier to plan your budget and adjust accordingly, that’s if you still decide to move!

4. Job Opportunities

The job market is another crucial area to look into before making a move to a new state. Of course, this might be the least of your concerns if you are relocating to the new state for employment. But if otherwise, it helps to ensure that you can find employment that matches your skills and experience.

Consider asking yourself questions like:

• Are there enough job opportunities in my field?
• Will I be able to make enough money to support myself and my family?
• What job alternatives can I find in the new state?

5. Quality of Life

Quality of life factors, such as access to culture, restaurants, parks, and other amenities, can have a major impact on your happiness in a new location.

What’s the crime rate? What kind of recreational activities are available? How is the school system? What’s the climate like? Asking yourself questions like these can help determine if you’ll indeed feel at home, comfortable, and happy in your destination state.

6. Social Life: Family and Friends

Also, relocating to a different state can mean leaving family and friends behind. Consider how difficult it will be to stay in touch and how often you will be able to visit them. Oftentimes, it will also mean starting from scratch when it comes to making friends in a new state. Research the local meet-up groups and activities near your new home to find ways to connect with people.

Relocating to a different state can be a great opportunity, but it’s important to consider all the factors that go into a successful move. By taking the time to research and plan ahead, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home.