SkyFive Properties Blog

The allure of investing in real estate is stronger than ever in the United States. About 35% of the population now considers real estate as their most preferred long-term investment option. If you’re among this group, you’ve probably considered owning rental property.

Few types of real estate properties are more lucrative than rental homes. Yearly, American renters pay a colossal $485 billion in rent. Isn’t it time you claimed your piece of the pie?

Sure, there are certain risks involved in this type of real estate business, but the benefits far outweigh them. If you’re still not convinced, here are seven reasons guaranteed to change your mind.

1. You Have a Guaranteed Source of Passive Income

One of the biggest secrets of wealthy people is that they have multiple sources of income—and passive income is one of the best. With rental houses, you can enjoy regular monthly payments without having to do any work.

Of course, you will need to put in some initial effort to get the property rented out and to find good tenants. The good news is that there’ll always be tenants in your area searching online for the “best rentals near me,” so you can always take your pick on who to rent to.

Once you’ve found the ideal tenant, you can sit back and relax while the money rolls in.

2. Tenants Provide More Security to Your Property

Empty homes have a higher risk of being broken into and vandalized. But when you have tenants in your rental property, they will act as a deterrent to criminals.

This is especially the case where you inherited the property, or it’s in an area that you don’t live close by. In these cases, it may make sense to hire a professional property management company to take care of the security of your investment.

But even if you live near your rental property, having tenants offers an increased level of security. And if you have good tenants, they will take care of your property as if it were their own and report any suspicious activity to you right away.

In addition, most tenants are required to have insurance. So, if there’s any damage to the property, their insurance will cover it. That gives you greater peace of mind as a landlord.

3. There’s Lots of Flexibility When It Comes to Selling

The real estate market is always changing, and it’s hard to predict when the perfect time to sell will be.

But with a rental property, you have the flexibility to wait for the perfect moment. You can keep the property as a long-term investment and enjoy the monthly cash flow. Or you can hold onto it until the market conditions are just right and then sell for a handsome profit.

It’s completely up to you. And that flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of owning a rental property.

Another advantage is that you can sell the property in parts. For example, if you have a four-unit apartment complex, you can sell each unit individually. That’s a lot easier than trying to sell a single-family home.

4. You Always Have the Option to Move Back in

There may come a time when you need to move back into your rental property. Maybe you’ve been transferred for work, or you need to downsize because of financial reasons. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to know that you have the option of moving back into your own property if necessary.

And if you do move back in, you can charge yourself rent. That way, you’ll offset some of the costs of owning the property, such as the mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes.

Of course, you need to be careful about this option because it can have tax implications. It’s best to speak with a real estate or tax professional before making the decision to move back into your rental property.

5. Your Reap Property Appreciation Benefits

In most cases, the value of real estate increases over time. So, when you own a rental property, there’s a good chance it will be worth more in the future than it is today.

Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to real estate. The market can go up or down, and you could end up selling the property for less than you paid.

But over the long term, real estate has historically been a good investment. And as a landlord, you can benefit from that appreciation by selling the property when it’s worth more than you paid or by refinancing and getting cash out of the equity.

6. There Are Many Tax Benefits

The tax benefits of owning rental properties are also worth mentioning. For starters, you can deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes you pay from your taxable income. That can help to lower your overall tax bill.

You can also deduct any expenses you incur in the course of operating your rental business, such as repairs and maintenance, insurance, and professional fees.

And if you eventually sell the property, you may be able to take advantage of the capital gains tax exclusion.

7. You Get to Diversify Your Portfolio

Another benefit of owning a rental property is that it can help to diversify your investment portfolio.

If you’re like most people, the majority of your assets are probably in stocks and cash. And while those are both good investments, they’re also subject to market volatility.

Real estate, on the other hand, is much less volatile. So, by investing in a rental property, you can help to balance out your portfolio and reduce your overall risk.

Venture Into the Real Estate Business as a Landlord

Clearly, there are many benefits to owning a rental property. From the potential for income and tax breaks to the ability to diversify your investments, This type of real estate business is a sure way to create wealth.

Did you enjoy this article? Keep visiting our blog for more exciting content.

There is more to being a real estate agent than most people realize. With the complexity of selling or buying a property, it would be best to get an experienced, licensed professional to assist you.

It may be difficult for the client if the agent is unfamiliar with the area, the price range, or the procedures.  The more experienced and knowledgeable an agent is, the better they would likely perform.

Of course, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a career in real estate, so let’s closely explore some of them:

• Ensure Credentials Are On Par

Buying or selling a property is a massive step for anyone, and there could be significant amounts of money involved, making it a considerable risk for the buyers and sellers.

Because of the risks involved, clients would prefer to work with reputable agents with their RE license above other realtors.

Becoming licensed should thus be the first step towards being a top real estate agent.

• Communicate Professionally And Efficiently

With real estate agents being the middle man between buyers and sellers, there would be a fair amount of communication between all the parties involved.

Communication skills involve more than just verbal or spoken language and include non-verbal aspects. How real estate agents carry themselves, dress, maintain eye contact, and body language could differentiate between selling and losing a client.

A professional image and communication style would provide peace of mind to all parties and instill trust with such significant investments.

• Create Partnerships With Other Agents

Working alone isn’t always a good idea. Other agents in the area may have some contacts or a full load and would gladly have a good working relationship with partners.

A team would be able to share information, skills, and support that would make the process more worthwhile for all.

• Build Networking Connections

Clients who receive good service would be more likely to recommend the realtor’s services to their family, friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.

When receiving referrals, contact them promptly and discuss their needs and wants for a property. After giving them the necessary support or closing the deal, ask them for more referrals who might be interested.

• Open House Events Show Off Skills

Use an open house event for more than the sole purpose of selling it. See the event as an opportunity to showcase knowledge and skills.

Many potential buyers would look around for months before making decisions. While they are looking and deciding, it would be good for the real estate agent to be at the forefront of those considerations.

During the open house, start building the relationship by showing clients why they should trust you with their transactions. Clients would like to know what makes one person stand out, and adding a personal touch during these open house events could make it abundantly clear.

• Create Online And Printed Content

Local newspapers and online platforms could benefit real estate agents who want to get their name out there and be noticed.

Writing articles about the real estate market would demonstrate to clients and competitors that you are knowledgeable about properties. It gives clients a sense of understanding without meeting the realtor in person.

Offering hints and tips for buying properties could have clients line up because it shows that the agent cares more than just about selling something.

• Make Use Of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is one of the areas where most businesses spend too little of their attention. Sending out spot-on communications combined with eye-catching designs could lead clients to pick up the phone.

Automated email marketing is probably the most effortless way of marketing, while other options like scheduling posts on social media platforms could be just as effective.

Regular advertising without spamming clients may deliver outstanding results.

• Follow Up With Clients

Most people nowadays have hectic lifestyles and could easily set aside the idea of buying or selling their property. With other, more critical issues on the agenda, it may be up to the real estate agent to remind clients of their possibilities.

Following up with clients could make them realize that they have forgotten about or pushed aside their investment and may rekindle the excitement of buying or selling.

Concluding The Deal

Real estate agents become an integral part of the buying and selling process. So, their valuable insights and information would assist their clients in making the best decisions. Being professional and trustworthy brings the whole deal together.

With experience comes knowledge and real estate agents know this all too well. The more clients can rely on their real estate agent, the more they will do so again in the future.

All journeys must come to an end, even the ones that are closest to home. By that, we mean your journey with your home itself. The average American moves up to 12 times in their lives, and no matter how much you love your current home, eventually, the time comes when you need to move on.

If you’re thinking of selling your property in South Carolina sometime in the near future, there are a lot of reasons to strike now while the time is right. The real estate market in South Carolina has been hopping for some time, and it’s never been a more fantastic time to be a seller.

What are some convincing reasons to sell your South Carolina property? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.

1. Mortgage Rates are Low

One of the main reasons to sell a home in the current housing market? You’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of a 30-year low when it comes to mortgage rates. The going mortgage rate has been hovering around 3% for the past year, and this is a value that’s rarely been this low over the past few decades.

How does a low mortgage rate impact the sale of your property? If you’re not well-versed in how the housing market operates, it might be hard to make the connection.

When mortgage rates are low, buyers can get a better deal on their future homes. They will have to pay less interest and money to the bank in order to get the home loan they need to secure your property.

For this reason, buyers are more eager to hop into the market and sign on the dotted line. Right now, everyone is trying to take advantage of these low rates, which is why your South Carolina home could fly right off the market within a few short weeks of listing.

Not only is it a good time to sell, but this benefit also means it’s a good time to buy. So if you’re selling your home in order to purchase a new one, you’ll be able to take advantage of these low mortgage rates as well.

2. People Are Moving to South Carolina

Demand for homes in the South and away from some of the larger metropolitan areas is way up over the past few years.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many people out of cities for some time, and the rapid adoption of remote working conditions means that many of these individuals don’t actually need to move back.

For this reason, places such as the South Carolina real estate market have gotten a lot of attention. Many people from places like New York and California have decided to pack up and try to find cheaper and more spacious places to live.

Demand within South Carolina has never been this high, and this demand can only mean good things for your sale. There are far more interested buyers than there are homes, after all.

This not only means your home will sell fast, but it also means you’ll likely be able to raise your asking price to meet the demand. There are plenty of buyers who will be interested in paying a higher price just to be able to secure a home during this competitive market.

If you’ve got friends from out of town, prepare yourself to hear them ask: are you selling your house? They might just be interested themselves!

3. Prices Remain High

Prices in a number of industries fell when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the global stage. However, one area that didn’t see any stagnation in price was the housing market.

Despite dropping value elsewhere, the price of homes across the country has remained consistent and high. The inventory for homes has remained low and the demand high, and this has kept the housing market at higher-than-normal numbers for many months now.

That means you’re in a position to get a fantastic price for your home if you are indeed ready to sell. There’s no guarantee that these prices are going to stick around, so it’s best to act fast and act now if you want to take advantage.

4. It’s the Proper Season

The housing market tends to get a bit quieter during the winter months. Across much of the country, people are hibernating somewhat and staying in. No one is looking to make a big move around the holiday season.

As temperatures warm up and spring and summer come on, the housing market comes alive. More buyers tend to flood the market, and competition for homes is increased.

This gives an added boost to all the above benefits that we mentioned. Even more buyers will be looking to make a move in the coming months, so it’s a great time to have your home listed.

As the cooler weather melts away in South Carolina specifically, you’ll see more buyers from out of state interested in the beautiful natural scenery.

If you’re looking to make a move sometime in the near future, it will be hard to beat this current spring and summer cycle in terms of the benefits that could be provided.

Selling Property in South Carolina

If you’ve debated selling your home this year, the above tips might push you over the fence. It’s an amazing time to be selling property in South Carolina, and if you act fast, you can take advantage of all the above opportunities.

Need more housing advice and information? Keep scrolling our blog for more.

When you’re looking to take out a new mortgage on your home, you might be wondering if a second mortgage or refinancing is the right choice for you. While there are key differences between second mortgage vs refinance, both can provide homeowners with the funds they need to improve their property or pay off debts.

Read on to learn more about mortgage refinance and second mortgages.

What Is a Second Mortgage?

A second mortgage is a loan that is taken out in addition to your primary mortgage. This type of loan is generally used to finance home improvements, pay off debt, or cover other large expenses.

Second mortgages usually come with higher interest rates than your primary mortgage, and they also have shorter terms. This means that you will need to repay the loan over a shorter period of time, which can make monthly payments higher.

What Is Refinancing?

Refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to replace your existing mortgage. This is done for a variety of reasons, but most people choose to refinance mortgage loans in order to get a lower interest rate or monthly payment.

When you mortgage refinance your home, you will need to pay closing costs. This can include fees for the loan itself, an appraisal of your home, and other charges. You will also need to provide proof of income and assets, as well as a good credit score.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. However, here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to take out a second mortgage or refinance:

• How much money do you need?

Second mortgages usually provide smaller loans than refinancing. If you need a large sum of money, refinancing may be the better option.

• How long do you need the money for?

Second mortgages typically have shorter terms than refinancing, so if you need the funds for a longer period of time, refinancing is better.

• What is your current interest rate?

If you have a high interest rate on your primary mortgage, you may be able to save money by refinancing. However, if you have a low interest rate, it may not be worth it to switch.

• How much are the closing costs?

Refinancing typically has higher closing costs than taking out a second mortgage. If you can’t afford to pay these costs upfront, a second mortgage may be the way to go.

• What is your credit score?

In order to qualify for refinancing, you will need a good credit score. If your credit score is low, you may not be able to get a lower interest rate and could end up paying more in the long run.

If you’re in the market for a reliable mortgage refinance company, check out the highlighted link.

Second Mortgage vs Refinance: Understanding the Differences

So, what’s the verdict? Should you get a second mortgage or refinance your home? The answer really depends on your unique financial situation.

If you’re interested in reading more content like this, check out our website. Thanks for reading this blog post regarding second mortgage vs refinance. Enjoy your day!

Over the last few years, more and more people have been branching out into the real estate industry in the hopes of making a profit. There are a number of ways you can make money from the real estate industry, but the main two are via renting the property out or flipping it. Both options are viable ways to make some extra cash, but it is important to remember that building a successful real estate portfolio takes a lot of time. So, if you want to dip your toes into the world of real estate or just want to improve your current portfolio, follow this article for our top tips.

Do Your Research

One of the most important things you need to do when attempting to build a successful portfolio is to do the proper research beforehand. There is a lot that goes into buying, renting, and selling houses so you need to be equipped with the knowledge to deal with any problems that may occur. While you can definitely find out a lot of information online, it could also be useful to push your knowledge further by completing an online certificate course about real estate economics. A course on real estate will be able to provide you with a much deeper understanding of the industry which can certainly give you an upper hand when you eventually start buying. Learning from experts is an effective way to gain valuable insight into the industry that you won’t be able to get from a quick online search. If you are serious about real estate and building your portfolio, then completing a course will be the best thing to do.

Work Within A Budget

This is an important factor when it comes to building a real estate portfolio. Of course, spending lots of money and buying lots of houses will build your portfolio, it won’t necessarily build a successful one. You will be much better off if you take your time to create a healthy budget before you jump straight into your first purchase. If you are working within one particular area, then make sure to do your research into the housing prices of that area so you can establish an accurate budget. If you are intending to flip a house, it is essential to remember to have that budget with you throughout the whole process. Your budget does not just apply for the original purchase; you need to also have a secure and realistic budget when revamping the property.

Set Yourself Goals

By setting yourself goals, you give yourself a structure to work with as you make your way through the real estate industry. If you are just starting off in real estate, it is good to make your goals realistic as there is always potential you may not succeed the first time around. When identifying your goals, it could be useful to set both short-term and long-term goals to reach. Short-term goals can be more minor, personal achievements that may be easier to reach, and your long-term goals should represent where you want to be in a few years’ time. Both will help you build and improve your real estate portfolio as you will have a vision of what you need to do to achieve your goals.

Look After Your Tenants

If your intention for entering the real estate industry is to rent out the properties eventually, then you need to be considerate of your tenants. While it may just be a source of income for you, you need to remember that for your tenants it is their home, and they are putting their trust in you to provide them with a safe and secure place to live. When renting out a property, you have the choice of either operating solely through an estate agent, or you can be in contact with the tenants yourself. Using an estate agent works for some landlords by taking away the pressure of organisation and communication with the tenants. However, if you want to be a landlord with direct contact with tenants, you need to make sure you are approachable and reachable when they need you. Ensuring you have an effective line of communication will be a good way to build trust with your tenants.

Summary

Building a successful real estate portfolio takes time and is not something that should be rushed. A successful portfolio is not going to happen overnight, so you need to be prepared and willing to wait for your portfolio to build and return profits. There are many ways to help you improve your portfolio, and you will likely find that you learn what methods work for you over time. However, if you need some advice and guidance, this article will hopefully lend a helping hand.

In recent months, the travel industry underwent a revival. More and more people have a renewed and stronger desire to unwind and travel around the world. These include early retirees, who want to reap their hard work and families, who want to go on the biggest adventure of their lives and take their children on memorable and tangible learning experiences. With a residential ship, you can take your family as you travel around the world without leaving your home.

What is a residential cruise ship?

A residential cruise ship condominium is a collection of home units that are built on a residential cruise ship. There, you can have a place to call home while traveling the world.

The difference between a traditional cruise ship and a residential ship is that a residential cruise ship allows you a longer period of time on board and the future of living aboard for a long time. A residential cruise ship also has public spaces that are more akin to a luxury resort such as wine and juice bars, yoga studios, pop-up restaurants, cooking facilities, a library, and a theater. A residential cruise ship has resident lounges onboard the ship. These are private spaces where residents can relax and work. These spaces feature a hot tub, bar service, and even cabanas.

Why Should You Invest in a Residential Cruise Ship Condo:

1. You’ll have access to several amenities onboard

Not unlike residential condominiums located on land, residential cruise ship condos have several wonderful amenities. There are pools and a wide range of restaurants and cafes that are available onboard. Some luxury residential cruise ship condominiums include a theater and a vast library. With plenty of great amenities, you won’t easily get bored onboard.

2. It’s a major investment

Investing in a residential cruise ship condo will be worth it because of its payoffs. With your residential cruise ship condo, you will have access to great amenities such as theaters, pools, restaurants, cafes and in addition, you’ll be traveling around the world in style and comfort.

3. You can travel the world without really leaving the comfort of your home

With your residential cruise ship condo, you have a new home that is constant and on the move. You’ll explore new places and learn about new cultures on every port from where your cruise lands. You won’t suffer homesickness, because your home is your constant.

4. Traveling the world can give you (and your family) a more practical educational experience

Parents nowadays desire their children to have more interactive and tangible learning experiences that take place outside their rooms. Other families have turned to world schooling so that they can balance their love of travel and need for tangible learning experiences.  Learning in-person is beneficial for children as it leads to better skill training and the ability to discuss, practice, and collaborate “live” with other people.

World schooling is an educational movement based on the belief that the best education a child can have is through interacting and experiencing with the world around them. Families who take part in world schooling usually have a desire for travel and wish to introduce children to the wider world around them.

Lastly, travel abroad gives people a better understanding of other cultures and this leads to a stronger sense of empathy.

5. Meet people who are like you

Condominiums on land have clubs and associations to form a community. It also applies to residential cruise condominiums. Abroad your cruise condominium, you will meet a community of diverse people who are bonded by their love of travel. Meeting like-minded people is a surefire way to make a friend and become part of a warm community!

6. You can work flexibly even while you travel the world!

Working conditions have greatly changed and evolved over the recent years. People can now work flexible hours online, as long as they have access to a good internet connection. Luxury residential cruise ships are also equipped with reliable internet connections so in case you need to work, it won’t be a problem at all!

7. You can rent out your residential cruise condo unit – when it’s not in use

The practice of renting out condominium units has become a business and a way for unit owners to earn money. If you’re busy and prefer using another apartment for your home, you can opt to rent your residential cruise condo unit as a way to earn money. In recent year, demand for unique accommodation on Airbnb and similar sites rose. With a floating home, your residential cruise condo unit is as unique as it can get due to its mobility, access to amenities, and reliable internet connection!

With changing times and along with it, attitudes towards traveling and working, investing in a residential cruise condo has become very viable. For cruise condo owners who are not able to use their units, it can be an additional source of income.

Owning a cruise ship condo while experiencing travel around the world is a truly priceless experience. There, you can make more memories with your family, learn new things, improve your mental health, and overall, become a better person.
Live happily and in luxury with Storylines! Start your journey now!

The old adage that ‘not every house is a home’ rings true even more in the modern world as we need our homes to be a place of contentment and relaxation far away from the stresses of daily life. When thinking about the décor of your home, you need to look into incorporating elements that will give a comforting and relaxing vibe to anyone who walks in the door. Here are a few ways to make your home seem welcoming, full of life, and an oasis of peaceful vibes.

1. Perfect The Opening Act

The entrance of your house, apartment, or living unit needs to be as inviting and beautiful as possible because first impressions are very important. You don’t have to spend a fortune but making sure your entryway is clean and has a few well-placed items can make all the difference. Your entryway should be well-lit, have a welcome mat, and if possible use flower pots or even artificial foliage to give a refreshing aura.

Using a welcome sign or banner and having a diffuser in the corner is just about as good as it gets when someone walks into the door. Furthermore, use some convenient items like a key rack, a coat rack, a shoe cabinet, or a small table with items like sanitizers on it just to make yourself and any visitors more comfortable.

2. Navigation Matters

Many homeowners or apartment owners make common décor mistakes such as making the main living area difficult to navigate. Guests will never be comfortable in a space if they are colliding with furniture or if items like couches or tables are placed in a manner that they get in the way of someone walking through the room. If you are working with a smaller space, use principles of minimalism and keep only items that you cannot do without.

Installing shelving and using vertical space can also be a great way to make the most of any room. When buying pillows, rugs, chairs, or small tables, never crowd them all together into a single room because it can cause tripping, accidents, and a feeling of claustrophobia. Strike the right balance between cozy and convenient.

3. Use Fabric 

Fabric-related décor like gorgeous plush pillows and couch blankets, rugs, and tapestries add that extra homely touch. It can also have the added effect of making any guest feel cozier and more at ease. One of the main differences between the sitting area of a home and a more formal space is really additions like blankets!

4. Customize It 

In your home, you need to selectively add décor items that showcase your passions and interests in life such as movies, sports, animals, books, and so on. There is such a thing as going overboard however so keep the customizations within reason to make your guests appreciate your interests while not being overpowered by them in your home. A great example is a custom home painting that captures the essence of home for you and is a brilliant conversation starter when guests come over.

5. Cut The Clutter

To add a comfort element to a home it cannot have an abundance of stressors such as paperwork or items strewn about. Invest in sensible organization and storage solutions depending on the layout and size of your space. This will eliminate clutter and make your space appear cleaner, larger, and less stressful. Organizers for desk items, clothes, etc are very helpful in letting you utilize spaces better and actually be more productive in your daily life. Storage solutions such as drawers under the bed are great for daily items that need to be put away and still remain accessible such as your beloved pet’s leather dog collar and leash set.

6. Aroma Creates The Mood 

Whether you admit it or not one of the first things anyone notices when entering a home or an apartment is how it smells. Odors are also a sign of neglect of deteriorating mental health or work-life balance. Keep your house smelling great using herbs, flowers, potpourri, essential oil burners and diffusers, and even an air filtration system if you want to invest in the quality of air available to you.

Research has shown that aroma affects both mood and mental health and even your ability to concentrate! If you work from home or simply need your space to help you unwind, choose scents and essential oils according to the effect they are believed to have. Citrus oils help rejuvenation and lavender for example can help with relaxation and detoxification.

One’s outdoor space is a glorious extension to your indoor living space and should be decorated as such. Achieving a well-designed balance between aesthetics and utility should be the aim when you are decorating and organizing your outdoor spaces whether large or small. Here are a few ways to make the most of your outdoor spaces.

1. Buy Practical Outdoor Furniture 

You may be keen on buying very beautiful lawn furniture that can weather poorly in a short time. If you plan on using your outdoor space, especially for gathering buy modern, contemporary, and practical furniture pieces. Never fill your outdoor area with furniture and come up with sensible options such as benches or convertible options to make sure there is adequate seating along with optimal utilization of the available space. Invest in some sturdy basics such as a few seating options and a good table and work your way up from there.

2. Continue The Style

Evaluate the style you have predominately opted for in your main house décor. Try to have your outdoor area be an extension of that style whether it’s farmhouse chic, contemporary modern, vintage or Scandinavian. This enhances the illusion that the indoor is flowing into the outdoor area and there isn’t a sharp contrast. In many houses sliding or French windows mean the space can open up and in essence be combined with the sitting area indoors.

3. Let Purpose Guide You

Your outdoor space should ideally be designed and organized according to zones. You can have an area with a grill and some furniture, a separate zone for the vegetable garden, a shed for gardening tools, or even a spot under some foliage for meditation. It all depends on your personal requirements but designing by zone and purpose is a great idea if you are confused about where to start. Having a shed as mentioned above for example may be helpful for keeping lawn mowing equipment such as a commercial robotic lawn mower safe from rain and other natural elements.

4. Make Allowance For Temperature Changes

You may have been recommended to sit outside in the sun or get some fresh air at least for 40 mins in a day, but what if the temperature is really hot or really cold? You need to make allowance for different temperature changes so make sure you have a canopy or lawn umbrella for the summers with furniture that doesn’t absorb heat and is light-colored. A small portable fan for example would be very welcome on a hot summer day. Many people also have a designated area with a mini-fridge for cool drinks!

For winters you can have a space heater or any outdoor heater as well as a sitting area designed around a cooking pit or BBQ grill. Make sure there are plenty of cushions, rugs, and throw blankets to make your outdoor sitting area cozy and warm! Depending on your budget it might also be worthwhile to enclose a part of your lawn or garden just to prevent rain, snow, or hail from getting into it.

5. Don’t Forget The Lights 

Lighting is majorly instrumental for the ambiance so if you have beautiful light fixtures, string lights, and fairy lights with sublime warm bulbs, you will enjoy sitting outside with a cup of tea or reading a book. Not to mention gatherings, parties and BBQs will be a lot more fun. If you prefer nightclub lighting or neon signs you can also use them to create a certain mood. It is all about the ambiance that personally gives you joy.

Be sure to have spotlights on areas of your garden you wish to highlight to guests even in the evening such as a particular vegetable patch, the pool area, or a hammock. Light fixtures depending on their quality can come in either satin nickel or brushed nickel finishes and when doing a comparison between the two you will find out that nickel plating helps the steel in the fixture resist rust, corrosion, and discoloration. 

6. Décor Elements, Night Scented Flowers, Ornaments 

An outdoor space should have customized décor elements that strike your fancy such as framed wall art, hanging tapestries, painted flower pots, rugs, or even a water fountain! Plant night-scented flowers like Petunia or Star Jasmine to further enhance the ambiance for evening get-togethers at your place. Your outdoor space is just like any other area in your home, it deserves to have elements that display your interests and hobbies.

Our home radiators are essential for us to stay warm during cold winters. However, that doesn’t mean you should take them for granted. Radiators could be cared for and kept in the best conditions possible if you want them to last longer, run smoothly, and give you a good return on the investment you made on your heating system.

In this article, we will provide you with our top ten tips for getting the very best performance from your radiators.

Bleed your radiators

It is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your radiator performance. Bleeding a radiator gets rid of air that has collected at the top of the radiator, preventing your radiator from heating up properly.

If bleeding your radiators sounds like something you can’t do yourself, you can always call in a local heating engineer who will be able to help you.

Insulate the pipes

It is simple to do and will make a difference in how effectively the radiator is heating your room.

The pipe should be completely covered and insulated before you attach the radiator. The insulation should wrap around the lines, with no gaps where the heat could escape. Try to buy enough to go all around each pipe, and then you can cut it to size once you’ve wrapped it around the pipe.

Programmable Thermostats

A timer thermostat can be installed on most radiators and will control the heat output, making sure that they only heat when necessary. It’s important to remember that this is not the same as a room thermostat, which controls the central heating system rather than individual radiators.

Positioning a radiator strategically

Radiators are often positioned against the coldest wall, directly under a window or door. It is far from ideal as it can cause the heat to escape through the window and outside. Instead, position your radiator away from the wall to allow air to flow through easily and heat the room.

The best place for your radiator is on an external wall, allowing it to transfer heat more efficiently. If you have an internal wall, place the radiator as close as possible to the exterior wall.

Check and clean the radiators

Clean the radiator from time to time. Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust and dirt that may have accumulated on its surface.

Check for signs of rust or corrosion on your pipes and valves. Use steel wool or wire brush to remove them if you see any. You can also use sandpaper to get rid of the rust stains and smooth out rough edges on metal surfaces.

Make sure there are no loose parts inside the machine that could cause problems later. For example, if you hear rattling sounds coming from inside your radiator when turning on your heater, something might be wrong with its fan belt. Try replacing this part before going through a significant repair job yourself!

Insulate Your Windows

Insulating your windows is a simple way to improve things by reducing the amount of heat loss through them. It is essential if you have old single-pane windows, though it’s still worth doing even if you have double-glazing (or even triple-glazing).

The easiest option for insulating your windows is window insulation film. This thin plastic film is held in place with double-sided tape that allows light through while blocking drafts and protecting against heat loss.

Maximize Sunlight Exposure

Maximize the energy of radiator energy-saving potential by ensuring they’re exposed to direct sunlight. During the winter, heat naturally rises to the home’s upper level, which means that the lower floors will be cooler than the top floor.

To help compensate for this temperature difference, open blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight during the day. It allows the sun’s rays to hit radiators and heat rooms more efficiently.

Use radiator booster fans

The way that a radiator booster fan works is straightforward. It sits on top of your radiator and draws in cool air from the surrounding area, and it then pushes this air over the radiator element forcing the warm air out into the room faster than would otherwise happen.

As a result, you will feel more warmth from the radiator, and your room will become warmer much more quickly. It means that you will be able to turn off your central heating sooner, save money on your energy bills, and stay toastier on colder days!

Install radiator reflectors

Another simple way to improve the efficiency of your radiators is to install radiator reflector panels behind them. These panels help to reflect heat into the room instead of allowing it to escape through walls and windows, meaning that less energy is needed for heating your home.

It also means that you don’t need your heating system turned up so high to keep warm, which can help bring down your energy bills!

Paint your radiators

One way to improve the performance of your radiators is to paint them. Painting your radiators may seem like a strange thing to do, but it can make a significant difference in their efficiency.

Unpainted metal radiators are not very efficient. They lose about half of their heat through the metal and into the air around them. Painting them with special paint that reflects heat can improve the efficiency of your radiators by over 60%.

The paint you need for this job is called insulating pain, and it acts both as a heat reflector and an insulator to prevent heat loss through the metal surface of your radiators.

Spend some time looking at lists of real estate side hustles and you’ll see flipping houses turn up on a lot of them. If the term isn’t familiar, the idea is pretty straightforward.

You look for properties that are basically sound but need some renovations. You buy the property, fix it up, and sell as fast as possible or flip it. If all goes well, your fix and flip lets you pocket some profit.

Of course, those lists often gloss over the very important element of fix and flip financing. They almost never get into the kinds of rates you can expect.

If you’re considering fix and flip as your side hustle, keep reading and learn more about loan financing for those projects.

What Are Fix and Flip Loans?

The exact description that lenders apply to these types of loans varies, but they are typically hard money mortgages. Hang in there for a little bit because there is a lot to unpack around the term “hard money mortgage.”

These loans rarely come from a traditional bank or credit union. Those lenders see fix-and-flip as too high-risk to make for good investments. Instead, the money comes from private lenders.

The loans are always short-term. They range from as little as three months up to around 36 months. For comparison, your standard mortgage ranges from 15 years to 30 years.

The property itself serves as collateral, so failure to pay means you lose the property.

Benefits

Fix and flip loans may not sound great, but they do offer some important benefits. For buying fixer-uppers, these are often both the only and best loans you can get.

Regular banks generally won’t or can’t finance them. They must meet certain requirements in terms of the properties they let you buy with the money they lend you. Fixer-uppers often can’t meet those requirements because only the renovations you’ll do will get them up to the appropriate standard.

Securing a loan typically depends less on your credit score than a traditional loan.

Rates and Requirements

Traditional mortgages often call for a down payment. The average is around 7 percent, give or take. With fix and flip loans, the average down payment is usually around 20 percent.

You also see much higher interests rates. For standard mortgages, rates have ranged between approximately 3 percent to around 5 percent in recent years. Fix and flip interest rates typically start around 6 percent and can go over 15 percent.

The exact rate will depend on the lender and the specifics of the loan.

Fix and Flip Financing and You

If you’re looking at flipping as a side hustle or even a full-time job, you’ll likely need fix and flip financing at some point. It’s a different animal than traditional mortgages.

The length is shorter, the interest is higher, and you usually need a much bigger down payment. On the upside, the project typically matters more than your credit score in getting approval. It’s also a way to finance a purchase regular lenders won’t usually touch.

Looking for more real estate insights? Check out some of the other posts in our Blog section.