SkyFive Properties Blog

Did you know that the estimated monthly living costs of a family for four living in Hong Kong is 3 700 dollars without rent? While a single person will spend on average 1000 dollars each month without rent!

While these prices do seem like a lot, Hong Kong is still 20 percent less expensive to live in than cities like New York! Have you ever dreamed of moving abroad and living in Hong Kong? Read on below for the major benefits of making the move today!

Living In Hong Kong: Expat Community

As you would expect Hong Kong has a vibrant, thriving ex-pat community of people from all over the world. Making new friends will be easy and you are bound to see people from your home state or even city.

Making friends mean more connections, your move will be eased and you never know what can happen.

Public Transport System

Hong Kong is widely known as having one of the public transport systems in the world. Anywhere you need to go is available nearly 24 hours a day, is inexpensive, and you won’t have to wait long for a bus or the metro. You won’t even need to buy a car in Hong Kong and save on your monthly costs.

High Education System

The private education systems in southeast Asia are usually praised as being some of the world’s best. In Hong Kong, this is no different with students at international schools achieving excellent results in a variety of subjects every year. If your children are young enough they can even be put in the public school system, learn a new language and be well looked after.

Culture Diversity

Hong Kong was built off of settlers from all over Asia and this can be found in the wide variety of food and cultural diversity that exists within the city. From packed bars to historic temples, there is something for everyone in Hong Kong.

Even if you prefer hiking or a beach day, you will find some spectacular beaches and national parks scattered all over Hong Kong. If you are interested in checking out Rent prices you can take a look at this page.

One of the Safest Cities

The major benefit of living in Hong Kong and moving your family there is safety. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world and no matter what time you are walking, be it 3 in the morning, you still don’t feel unsafe.

With superb police presence, help isn’t always far away.

Make the Move Today!

Taking your family and living in Hong Kong will be one of the smartest decisions you make today. Not only is it incredibly safe, your children and you will learn so much more about life and what is out there!

Are you looking to move cities? Not sure where to go to find a rental place? Go ahead and take a look at our luxury rentals page and get the best accommodation sorted out before you even arrive!

America needs about 5 million homes to meet buyer demand. That’s one of the reasons why real estate home values are so high.

You could do your part and put your home on the market. In this market, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll make a profit from the sale of your home.

At least it’s easy to think that way on the surface. Home sellers often only think about what they paid for the home and what they can sell it for.

They don’t take into account fees when selling a home. That could leave you disappointed when you get the final check at the end of the home selling process.

Keep reading to learn about the fees to expect when selling a home.

1. Home Inspection

It’s not necessary to get a home inspection before you list your home. It is the smart thing to do, though. This will tell you if there are issues with the home.

Waiting until the buyers make the inspection could cause delays in selling the home.

2. Repairs

Decide which repairs you should make and which ones to put off and notify buyers of the issues. Your decision will impact the sales price of the home.

If you already moved from your home, you may need to work with a contractor from a distance. That could make it difficult to manage the repairs.

3. Real Estate Commission

A real estate agent is a valuable asset when selling a home. They help you prepare the home for sale, make recommendations, advertise the home, and coordinate showings.

You’ll have to pay for their services, which ends up being about 6% of the sales price. Half goes to the seller’s agent, half goes to the buyer’s agent.

4. Home Staging Costs

Home staging is essential if you want to get the most value from the home. Buyers will pay more based on the first impression they get.

Professional photography and home staging make a big difference. Budget about $500 for these services.

5. Closing Costs

Most of the closing costs get paid by buyers. Sellers have some costs to consider as well. Most of these costs are negotiated in the contract.

You’ll get asked to pay title fees, property taxes, and escrow fees.

6. Mortgage Prepayment Fees

Selling a home is exciting, especially when you pay off your mortgage. What sellers usually don’t remember is that they may have prepayment penalties in their loan contracts.

The penalty depends on how long you’ve had the loan and the outstanding balance.

The Many Fees When Selling a Home

When you’re selling a home, you just want to cash out to take advantage of a hot real estate market. If you want to get the maximum amount of profit from the sale of your home, don’t forget about these fees when selling a home.

The home selling process is complicated enough. You don’t want all of these hidden charges to bite you at the end of selling a house.

Hopefully, you just learned some of the fees to think about. If you enjoyed learning about selling a home, you’ll enjoy the other articles on the blog. Check them out today!

Selling a home is complicated. It demands a lot of time and effort to make the process go smoothly and efficiently. Firstly, your home up for sale means you have to be more conscious about your living habits. In other words, you have to be more mindful of every little corner of your house.

The minute you put it up for sale, the likelihood of receiving offers or interest for showings will increase. If you’ve been living in the same house for a long time, it gets even harder to start the process.

You can often feel lost about where to begin, and the emotional attachment doesn’t make it any easier. However, if you have made up your mind to go for it, you are definitely in the right space. Keep reading to learn about the basic steps you have to follow for a hassle-free process of selling your property.

1. Identify Your Needs and Wants

Firstly, ask yourself why you are selling your house. There must be a valid reason behind it. Before even putting it up for sale, think about what you are expecting from this sale.

You can look up some of the listings near you and see how they have been advertised. What are the features and specifications that add more value to listings? Get an idea of the property rates around your area. It’s advised to be as specific as possible so you can sell your house to meet your requirements.

2. Determine Your Expectation

One of the most vital considerations when selling a home is the price, as it determines your overall direction; establish the price before you list it. To come to a realistic idea, compare it with some similar homes in your area. For example, if you live in a certain neighborhood, obviously property rates will be close.

Find houses with the same number of bedrooms and baths to compare. Factor in maintenance, fixtures, and repair costs into the final price. Do a mental calculation of property valuation based on all these factors.

3. The Right Price

If you sell your home at a relatively lower price, chances are it will attract buyers right away. But you could find yourself at a loss, which would be a shame. On the flip side, if you demand an amount that’s higher than the market price, it might deter homebuyers. Anyone who is looking to buy will try to get the best house they can in their price range. In other words, under-selling your house will leave you with lots of guilt and financial stress, and over-selling it will shoo away potential buyers.

Cash Sell Options “As is”

Nowadays, a direct cash offer is a much better option. You may want to start looking for ads or banners that indicate ‘We Buy Houses’ to avoid the hassles of real estate fees, hidden costs, and commissions. Some trustworthy home buyers may be ready to pay cash for your home, allowing you to skip any kind of cleaning and renovation troubles. This is possibly the easiest way for selling your house quickly and within your desired price range.

4. Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent

We strongly suggest not only finding a good realtor but looking for someone who’ll cater to you. Many real estate agents are experts in specific areas such as neighborhoods, types of homes, etc. Get in touch with at least three different real estate agents.

Compare all the facts and numbers to identify your match. Pick the one that understands and respects your expectations. Don’t forget to communicate your schedule to make it work between the two of you. Remember, a good real estate agent is an asset when you are selling—you want the best in the business.

5. Compare with Other Listings

When you begin your hunt to compare prices, you’ll have more perspective. Don’t jump to a conclusion. Take your time to weigh out some of the differences between the listed properties and your home. Find a unique selling proposition (USP). It can help you to set your expectations. However, to ensure that your process is easy, you should get your numbers and facts right.

Keep track of what’s most popular in terms of the number of bedrooms and baths. Accentuate the pros of your house and work on the cons to make it as appealing as possible. If you have any concerns about this, you should talk to your realtor. Communicate your thoughts so that they can guide you in the process too.

6. Think Like a Buyer

If you were in the market looking for properties to buy, what would your concerns or requirements be? What type of house would appeal to you as a buyer? Prepare your house so that it sends a message right away when people express their interest in showings. Make sure your house looks well maintained and clean.

You should also ask yourself what things put you off. Check if your house has any issues that need to be taken care of. Make sure your carpets, upholstery, curtains, and cabinets are all clean. Pay extra attention to the condition of your bathrooms and ventilation. One trick to make your house instantly light up is by changing the lights to warmer tones. If your house has a backyard, make sure you are allocating some time on weekends to mow the grass and make it look nice and clean. Maybe plant some seasonal flowers to give them ideas too.

Since you have already decided to put up your house for sale, you need to wait it out. Don’t start to move out before your house is sold. Patience is key. Your agent may be talking you into buying another property. But please wait for your house to be sold first; don’t give in. This way, you won’t have to stress about finances. Plus, your furniture will only be in one house at a time. Once you finalize a deal with the buyer, only then think of relocating.

7. Expert Advice

Following this last tip just before you close a deal about selling your home will spare you the hassles of going through a lot of mistakes, tedious tasks, compromises, and stress. It can be a prolonged job. Selling a home does not end with shaking hands with the buyer. The decision to sell your property can be stretched longer than expected on your financial status and in many other ways.

You must factor in tax implications, consequences, and paperwork and their impact on estate planning. Your deal, payment terms, and buyers’ payment options will all have to be aligned to make it a successful sale. Therefore, we highly recommend you to get expert advice on all the aftermath of signing the deal. All you have to do is turn to the right people for guidance. In this way, you will no longer be worried about the hidden charges and formalities.

8. Prepare Your Home for Sale

Declutter is the word. Display your home in a way so that the best features speak for themselves. Potential buyers should be able to walk in and look inside all the rooms. Clean windows, let the natural light accentuate the beauty of your house.

Get rid of belongings that you have been hoarding and make more space to add more value to your property. Make sure your driveway is also clean, as first impressions are very important.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have now gained more perspective about your moves. We also suggest you do further research based on your area, beyond the list we have provided. Do whatever is needed to wrap your head around how it all works—especially if you are a first-time seller. Just make sure that you are aware of how competitive today’s real estate market can be. So to stand out, you have to make it a good value for both parties.

If you opt to sell your property all by yourself without the help of a real estate agent, then consider the extra costs you will encounter. Then, there will be no room for disputes about the ownership transfers. Lastly, go through these tips thoroughly to be on top of your game. Happy selling!

If you’re like most people, your basement is just a dark place where you store stuff you don’t use often. But what if I tell you that your basement could be so much more? What if I tell you that your basement could be turned into a reptile terrarium? Interested? Well, keep reading! I’m going to show you how to turn your boring basement into a fun and exciting reptile habitat!

Photo by Alexander Kuzmin on Unsplash

Transforming Your Basement Into a Terrarium

With a little woodworking skill, and the necessary equipment and tools, you can forgo buying a terrarium and make a customized cage for your reptile. You can even make this part of your renovation project and hire a contractor to help you build an exceptional reptile terrarium. Plus, if you have a huge reptile, then it needs more room, and the basement is the best place for your pet. To transform your basement, you should do the following:

1)   Clean and Sanitize Your Basement

Just because they are known to spread bacteria and germs, it doesn’t mean that they have to sleep in a dirty basement that has not been sanitized. Pets are living things, and when exposed to dirt and germs when in captivity, they can become ill.

Therefore, if you keep its environment clean, you won’t have to worry about your pet spreading illnesses to everyone in the house. The first thing you should do is remove all the things stored in the basement and put them in the garage.

Clean the basement, making sure that it is dust-free and spotless before sanitizing it and killing all the germs. But make sure you use the right disinfectant that won’t harm your reptile pet.

2)   Pick the Reptile Pet You Want to Adopt

Every reptile has its own unique requirements; therefore, the pet that you pick will determine how you’ll design the terrarium and the amount of space needed in the basement. This will also determine the kind of modifications you will have to do to make the basement comfortable for your pet.

For example, if you’re a first-time reptile pet owner, you can go for a crested gecko, which is quite easy to keep. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t have some work to do every day. Gecko life expectancy can be affected by their environment when in captivity. They may be able to live for over 15 years, but mistreatment, malnourishment, and illnesses can shorten their lifespan.

Therefore, the size of your space, finances and amount of time you have to take care of it can play a key role in the pet you pick. But most importantly, you need a huge space for your new cage since you wouldn’t want to let your reptile walk freely in the basement.

3)   Construct the Cage

If you own a huge pet, you should start by picking a simple design and building one. Very few options exist for huge captive reptiles. So you can either repurpose a closet or build its structure from scratch using glass, plastic, wood, or screen.

The type of material you pick will also be determined by the pet you plan to adopt. Some creatures like Jackson’s chameleons require abundant airflow, so they won’t thrive in a solid-walled cage. If you’re planning on getting a huge reptile pet, your terrarium should have a frame and a hinged or sliding door. Now with your structure ready, you have to solve the following concerns:

Light

Most basements don’t have windows, while others have very small windows that can’t let too much light into the room. You may have to leave the light on all day long and at night, which can be quite costly, so you may have to find an efficient solution like solar power to keep the lights on and your electricity bill low.

Heat

Since the basement is below ground level, it can get really cold down there, especially in winter. So you will have to protect your pet from the cold—even in summer when it gets cold. Luckily, a heater can help you keep your pet warm during the cold months.

You can install an AC with a reliable thermostat to help you control the basement’s temperature. However, you should note that if you leave the cage heater on for an extended period, the cage may dry out.

Humidity

If your basement gets damp at times, you may need to find a solution for it, which means using warm air to keep the room dry.

4)   Build a Terrarium’s Habitat

As aforementioned, each reptile has its own habitat; therefore, your main goal should be to make it as natural as possible as a pet owner.

Once the cage is ready, you will need to get the best substrate for your reptile. This is a way to replicate the natural habitat of your pet, and it won’t be good for your pet to crawl or walk on the floor. To add, you need something to help absorb the moisture while improving the room’s aeration. The best substrate for amphibians and reptiles should be a natural dirt substrate.

If your pet loves sunning, you will have to add some stones when it can bask while trying to warm its body. If you get a chameleon or a reptile that loves climbing, you may need to add some plants in the cage. Don’t forget to create some hiding spots for your pet as reptiles do get scared when they meet something new.

Photo by Hexandcube on Unsplash

5)   Close All Escape Routes

Reptiles are very cunning creatures that love exploring their environment, so they will use it if they find an escape route. And considering how costly these pets are, it can be really disappointing for your pet to escape. Therefore, you should look for all the possible escape routes and close them.

Final Verdict

So, whether you’re a first-time herpetoculturist or an experienced keeper looking for a new project, transforming your basement into a reptile terrarium is definitely the way to go. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead so that everything goes as smoothly as possible. With ample planning, you can enjoy years of watching your scaly friends thrive in their new home. Good luck with your project!

Prefab homes have come a long way since the old trailer park dwellings of yesteryears. Modular homes are the way of the future it seems. No longer are these small homes just an economic option.

Modular housing is a creative option being opted for by even top-tier individuals who are seeking a more minimal life with less stress. However, there are some luxuries you give up when making the switch to this new way of living.

Let’s take a look at what doors open up when you downsize your life, the pros and cons of modular homes and what challenges you may face when minimally dwelling, and what you can do to overcome some of these factors!

What is Modular?

Today, modular homes come in shapes and sizes that are as limitless as the imagination. However, they need to conform to a set standard to be considered modular.

Though specifics of the codes vary state to state, the concept of the modular or prefab home is that it is designed and built off-site and brought onto the property and easily put together.

This process is often done with CAD software and, with today’s tech, often utilizes innovating building styles like 3D printing. Modular homes are often small, as they must be shipped and assembled easily.

Unlike tiny homes that must reside on a mobile trailer platform, modular homes are fixed to the property they reside on. This also makes them great for resale! in fact, you can finance a modular home on a property through a bank as you would a home.

Pros and Cons of Modular Homes

Modular homes are often quite smaller than a traditional home. While this may have some drawbacks we will discuss later on, the benefits are astounding.

You see, because of the nature in which these homes are built, new and innovative ideas have been discovered to better design the living spaces.

Storage is often found hidden within all aspects of the home. Combination items that transform are key to modern modular constructions. Teamwork makes the dream work, as creative minds work alongside structural engineers to craft beautiful living apparatuses for every type of person.

Today, traditional, Victorian, modern, and artistic styles have been chosen or combined to make the most out of these relatively small spaces. Recycling old materials and incorporating them, (up to code of course) into these homes have changed the way we view a home.

The truly beautiful thing about these homes is that nearly anyone can make their own, or have a tailored, designer living space. How do you ask? Well the concept itself is a platform for savings.

Modular for the Budget

These homes are crafted using some of the highest quality and most desired materials. That’s something most people only dream of doing with a house. But it’s much more attainable than you might think.

Because prefab homes are relatively small, your budget opens up to possibilities never thought imaginable with the construction of a full-size stick-built home.

Modern steel beams, live edge shelving, and uniquely distinct lighting structures can make up the main part of the house. When you live small, you can dream big!

Another savings benefit one receives with these homes is found in their bill. Heating and cooling a smaller home is much more energy-efficient, and it’s easier to afford great insulation.

This also opens the door to easily powering your life with solar, and can make choosing green and eco-friendly tips and options easy!

Surround Yourself With What Matters

A small home needs to be a space you actually enjoy being in. It must align with your style and personality. But what makes modular such a great experience is what is left out.

You find yourself living amongst only your necessities. Cleanliness takes on a whole new meaning, and you crave outings much more.

Conveniently, these homes can be placed in many locations others cannot. Bring on new environments and retreat into the natural nooks of the world. You’ll be glad you did, as you will find peace and happiness being outdoors often more than indoors!

Space Challenge

Modular homes offer a lot, but there are challenges. Space is not what these homes have a lot of. You may find yourself needing to downsize far more than you would like.

There are ways around this challenge though! Storage sheds and carports are easy installments that let you keep your goods safe and accessible from your property.

But don’t be fooled, there are modular homes that do take the size of a full-size stick built. These can incorporate garages and multiple stories. Though shipping these kinds of homes can be quite expensive.

Location is Everything

When you’ve lived your fair share of city life and the mountains call, moving your modular home is quite simple.

Once you find and purchase a new plot of land, your task is to hire a truck and trailer that can fit your home. Eiter as a solid unit, or in pieces. Many modular homes are meant to be easily disassembled and reassembled.

This can be a couple of days of work, but it’s all quite simple. Once you remove and store all the furniture and accessories, fasten down any breakable items. You can then hire someone to come disconnect utilities from your home.

What’s left is the disassembly and loading of your prefab onto the truck. Repeat these steps on your new site and your life has changed. Sell your city property and profit!

Not for Everyone, Possible for Anyone

More and more folks are finding hope in living the life of their dreams in a modular home.

No matter what the pros and cons of modular homes are, one thing has been proven certain: Modulars offers a beautiful and refreshing place to raise a family, enjoy lands you never dreamed of living in, and can be a great start in the housing market.

There are many beautiful properties out there. Check out our list of homes available in a location near you, and compare the idea of a modular home against the home of your dreams, your decision may surprise you!

Are you thinking of renovating your home in 2022?  A lot of people choose to renovate their homes every few years in order to keep them up-to-date and comfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most popular renovation trends for 2022. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right contractor and get the most out of your renovation project. So whether you’re just starting to plan your renovation or you’re already in the thick of things, read on for some valuable advice!

In this Digital Age, it’s normal to have technology all around your homes. From smart TV to electric cars, from Siri and Alexa to automated homes security, homes of 2022 are a far cry from the whitewashed rustic All-American houses our grandparents used to live in.

All these amazing technologies, of course, make our lives easier, yet there are a few things to consider when renovating your home with these devices in mind.

Things to Consider for Home Renovation this 2022

• First, if you’re planning on having any new wiring done in your house (for example, installing surround sound or upgrading to smart light bulbs), it’s important to factor in where all of your tech will go. Though contractors may be familiar with how to run wires for these devices discreetly, there are still plenty of ways they can be done.

Would you like them hidden through pipes or would you want them stapled instead?  Would you rather have all the wiring centralized in the basement or would you rather have individual switches in each room?  This is why it’s best to plan ahead and let them know what you want before they start work.

• Second, always keep in mind how WiFi signals will travel in your home. If you’re planning on installing a lot of new techs, make sure to place your router in a central location and test the signal strength in each room. You don’t want to have dead zones where you can’t use your devices!

Having a home renovation project from time to time will help increase your property’s value and help you sell the house easier when the time comes. People always want a house that is not just functional, but also well taken care of and in good condition.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to some of the most popular renovation trends for 2022.

Home Renovation Trends in 2022

‘Normalizing’ Energy Efficiency

One of the most popular renovation trends for 2022 is energy-efficient upgrades. With the cost of energy rising, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. Energy-efficient windows, insulation, and heating and cooling systems can all help to lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, kitchen and bathroom renovations are always a good investment. These are two of the most important rooms in any home, and they can often be the deciding factor when it comes to whether or not a buyer makes an offer. If you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, though, don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on these rooms – just a few simple upgrades can make a big difference.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations may produce some waste and debris, so be sure to dispose of them properly. A good idea is to rent a dumpster for a convenient and safe clean-up. RedBox+ Jacksonville offers only the best dumpsters in the market, which will surely make your project a better experience!

Home Automation

With home automation, you can control all of your home’s functions – from the lights to the thermostat – with just a few clicks on your computer or smartphone. This is a great option for people who are always on the go, or for anyone who wants to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

Home automation is also a great way to add security to your home; you can set it up so that only certain people have access to certain areas, and you can even receive alerts if someone tries to break in 一 even when you’re halfway across the world!

Those are some of the most common home renovations in 2022. Now that you know about those projects, here are some tips on how to choose the right contractor for your renovation project:

How to choose the right contractor

• Get at least three quotes from different contractors before making a decision.
• Check references and read online reviews to get an idea of the quality of work that each contractor does.
• Make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed and insured.
• Get everything in writing, including a detailed contract, before work begins.

Those are some of the most popular renovation trends for 2022! Keep these in mind as you plan your own renovation project, and be sure to consult with a contractor before making any decisions. They can help you to choose the right upgrades and ensure that your renovation goes as smoothly as possible.

It’s not uncommon for landlords to eventually start thinking about hiring a property manager. After all, managing a rental property can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you have multiple properties. But how do you know if you really need a property manager? Here are seven indicators that suggest it might be time to start looking for a property management company.

1. You’re Spending Too Much Time on Maintenance and Repairs

If you find yourself spending more time than you’d like on maintenance and repairs, it might be time to hire a property manager. A good property manager will have a network of reliable vendors who can take care of most maintenance and repair issues quickly and efficiently. This will free up time so that you can focus on other things.

2. You have difficulty Screening Tenants

Screening tenants is one of the most important aspects of being a landlord, but it can also be very time-consuming. If you’re having trouble finding good tenants or you’re spending too much time screening applicants, a property manager can help. A good property manager will have a system in place for quickly and efficiently screening tenants.

3. You’re Not Collecting Rent on Time

If you find that rent is frequently late or not being paid at all, it’s time to consider hiring a property manager. A property manager can help by implementing stricter late payment policies and enforcing them more effectively. This will ensure that you get the rent money you’re owed on time.

4. You have Trouble Managing Tenants

If you’re finding it difficult to deal with tenant disputes or other issues, a property manager can help. A good property manager will have extensive experience dealing with tenants and will be able to handle any situation that arises.

5. You’re Not Making Enough Money from Rentals

If you’re not making as much money as you’d like from your rentals, a property manager might be the solution. A good property manager can help by finding better tenants, negotiating better rents, and taking care of all the day-to-day management tasks. This will allow you to focus on increasing your rental income.

6. The Property is Taking Up Too Much of Your Time

If the property is taking up more of your time than you’d like, a property manager can help. A good property manager will take care of all the day-to-day management tasks, allowing you to focus on other things like visiting Prio Wealth to discuss wealth management options.

7. You’re Not Familiar with the Local Rental Market

If you’re not familiar with the local rental market, a property manager can be a huge help. A good property manager will know what properties are renting for in your area and will be able to recommend the right rent price for your property. This will help you get the most out of your rentals.

In Closing

If any of these indicators sound like they might apply to you, it might be time to start looking for a property management company. A good property manager can make your life as a landlord a lot easier and can help you maximize your rental income.

The real estate market is a market just as the name suggests. To this end, the intent is to have properties sold and purchased. However, it is not as simple as this, especially for some sellers in the market.

They have done all within their power to sell their property but it seems impossible. Various reasons could be given to explain why this is the case. One of the common reasons is location.

Location is very important as some properties become unattractive to prospective buyers because of where they are situated. For more on the importance of location in the real estate market, you can read this article.

However, the fact is that every property regardless of its location has a target customer. So, it is not always about location. And just so you know, selling some properties even in the right location can seem very difficult.

Another reason for not being able to sell or sell at the right price is the state of the property itself. So, what is the solution? How do you go from being unable to sell to having many interested parties bidding for the property?

The answer lies in home staging. Ensure that you keep reading so that you can learn the benefits that home staging offers sellers in the real estate market.

What Is Home Staging?

This is about making sure a property in the real estate market is in the right state and shape to make it attractive to prospective buyers. By doing this, interest in the property will be triggered to a point that prospective clients would be willing to pay top dollar.

For the record, this important process is known by several names. So, you should not get confused if you do not hear it called home staging.

We have gathered that what it is called largely depends on the location. In the UK for instance, it is often called property – styling or presentation. If you would like to know what it is called in several locations, you can visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

There are a couple of benefits you can already identify from the definition here. However, we will reel out some of them in the next part. So, you should keep reading.

Benefits of Home Staging

Some of the benefits of home staging include the following:

Appeal

More often than not, people do not buy in the real estate market out of sentiment. They are not going to buy because they understand your property has stayed too long in the market and they want to put you out of your misery. No, this is not how things work in the market.

People buy because they love what they see and believe they can work with it. The good news is that home staging makes your home attractive to your prospective buyers.

More Interest

You would understand the power of numbers if you have ever been to an auction. The way it works is that the item is sold to the highest bidder. The irony is that the item might end up being sold for more than the seller(s) anticipated. This only happens because of massive interest in the item and how people are willing to do so much to get it.

Well, home staging can be this way. It can put your property in a state where you have massive interest from prospective buyers and you get the highest possible price from the sale.

Quick Sales

If you have never been in the shoes, you would not understand how frustrating it is not to sell your property on time. Some properties stay too long unsold and this becomes a huge concern to the seller(s).

This is especially as the proceeds expected from their sale are not forthcoming. Well, you can save yourself all this trouble by making the most of a home staging service. Many people in this country and beyond that have taken advantage of a good home staging service are glad that they did.

This is because of the eventual positive results experienced. We advised that you join the long line of happy sellers who took advantage of home staging services.

Conclusion

You are advised to make the most of home staging services as a result of the benefits that you stand to gain. We have gone through a few of the very important ones. We hope that you see reason with us and make the most of this service when the need arises.

While spring is just around the corner, the weather is still freezing cold in many places, especially in the northeast. There are certain precautions that the best plumbers in Boston agree will help protect your plumbing system when the temperature drops below freezing. If you don’t want to pay a small fortune in repairs once the weather warms up, be sure to heed the following cold weather plumbing tips.

Fix Plumbing Leaks Immediately

This piece of advice applies to all seasons, regardless of the temperature. But in the winter, it can be more challenging to notice a leak, especially if the water keeps freezing. Leaky plumbing causes all sorts of more expensive issues, including damage to walls, flooring, and furnishings. What’s more is that not all homeowners’ insurance policies cover leaks. You can probably get a sudden, unexpected water leak covered, but if you have a slow leak that causes damage over time, you may be out of luck.

Let Your Faucet Drip

Whenever the temperature outside is expected to drop below freezing, be sure to let your faucet drip until the temperature rises, especially for pipes that are inside walls that are exposed to the outside. The reason behind this logic is that you want to keep the water flowing through the pipes because flowing water is less likely to freeze. When the water just sits in the pipes, it’s going to freeze and your pipes could burst from the pressure building up behind the ice blockage.

Burst pipes are a nightmare and a problem that must be fixed immediately. Fortunately, letting your faucet drip on the coldest of nights can prevent this all-too-common plumbing issue from happening. Not only will you have to pay to get your pipes repaired, but just as with a leak, you’ll have to pay for any damages that the water from the burst pipe causes (or your insurance company will, anyway).

Open Your Cabinets

Another way to help prevent frozen pipes is to open your cabinet doors to the spaces beneath your sinks, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. Open cabinets allow heat to flow to the pipes, keeping them much warmer than they would otherwise be, particularly if they run along an exterior wall. This simple trick may save you a major plumbing headache.

Turn Off Exterior Spigots

You probably won’t be doing much lawn maintenance during the winter, so you also won’t need running water outside your house very often either. Before the temperature drops too low, turn off the water to any outdoor spigots to keep the water from standing in exterior pipes over the winter. Additionally, disconnect any hoses that run to these outside spigots to make sure residual water doesn’t freeze and ruin the rubber. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a leaky hose in the summer.

Insulate Your Pipes

Exposed plumbing pipes can be instantly warmed by insulating them with pipe insulation. Insulation tubes made from polyethylene or fiberglass wrap around the pipes, providing them a barrier between them and freezing temperatures. It’s an inexpensive method for protecting plumbing pipes that are exposed in your basement or run along the exterior walls of your home. All unheated areas in your home that contain plumbing pipes should have insulation around the pipes.

Seal Your Crawl Space

In the winter, a ventilated crawl space only serves to further chill your plumbing pipes. The cold air blows into the crawl space, cooling the pipes above and around it. Any crawl space vents and the access to the space should be sealed with cardboard and duct tape. If you have a basement instead of a crawl space, your windows should be tightly sealed to ensure no cold air is coming into your house and causing your pipes to freeze.

Conclusion

Winter is no time to mess around with your plumbing. Use these tips to make sure you make it to spring without frozen or burst pipes.

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A lot of new landlords and property investors don’t know this, but evicting your tenants is actually a legal process. An eviction is when you get a court order to expel the tenants from your property. There are many reasons you might do this, but the most obvious one is when a tenant doesn’t pay rent. They keep missing their payments and refuse to leave, so you start an eviction lawsuit to get them out.

It is generally seen as a good move to evict bad tenants. Why? Because you get them out of your hair and can bring someone new in who will actually pay the rent on time. However, there is a downside to evicting tenants that’s not always spoken about…

Wastes time and money

The main issue with eviction is that it takes a toll on your finances and your time. You have to pay for all the legal fees involved, which can rack up pretty quickly. Not to mention that eviction isn’t something that happens overnight. There’s a whole case involved where both parties present their arguments – it can take a very long time to get someone evicted. All the while, they’re sat in your property meaning you can’t get someone else in to replace them.

But, you might read all of this and think that it’s irrelevant. Surely, it’s worth the money and time to get rid of a bad tenant? After all, what else can you do?

The alternatives to eviction

You can ‘evict’ a tenant without going to court. It’s not technically an eviction, but you are still getting them out of your property. A lot of the time, talking to your tenants and explaining the situation is all that’s needed for them to leave. If they are good tenants – and you need them out because you’re selling the property – just explain this. They might be upset, but they will know the situation and will likely move out as soon as they can.

With bad tenants, you can try a tactic called cash for keys. Effectively, you pay them to hand over the keys and leave. You could even pay for some truck rentals to help them move their stuff. It’s a bit of an investment on your behalf, but it will still be cheaper than the court fees – not to mention you get them out of your hair ASAP.

Remember, you need to have a good reason to get rid of a tenant. Not only that, but you need to give them some prior warning. If a tenant hasn’t paid rent, give them a warning and say they need to pay what they owe by this date or they’ll have to leave. If they still don’t pay you, tell them it’s time to go before you get the courts involved. If this doesn’t scare them and they’re unwilling to budget, compromise by offering cash for keys to get things done without all the legal issues. They’ll likely accept this deal, but if they don’t, that’s when eviction is the last resort.
Ideally, you want to avoid eviction at all costs because it will be expensive and time-consuming – as well as very stressful. In truth, you can avoid all of this with a better tenant vetting strategy when looking for renters!