By Colm Brady
Moving house is never an easy task to undertake and it is often the case that the magnitude of the task will only become apparent once the process has started. The process is always going to be difficult and stressful, and for many people even one of the most stressful things they will do during their lifetime. The task can be made easier by good planning and forward thinking, but the fact remains, moving house is stressful work.
For many people, the task will be outsourced to a moving company who will move your valuable possessions from A to B. There are several obvious benefits to going down this route, but disadvantages include losing control of your most valued possessions during the move and the possibility of simply ending up with a stack of unorganized boxes in your new home.
The growing trend at the moment is to either move house yourself, or combine some of the advantages of a removal company for moving larger items, and move the remaining items yourself. If you are going to undertake this task yourself, preparation is the key word. There is always going to be a certain expectation of disorder on the far side, but this disorganization can be minimized by following some simple steps including planning for the move four weeks in advance.
No matter what way you look at it, you are going to need lots of boxes, and the earlier you get these into your house the better. Boxes should be clearly numbered with these numbers being recorded on a clip board. Using this clip board you can assign a room destination in your new location for each box, so every box moved gets moved to the correct room in your new house.
As part of this organization, it is important that you pick a date in the future for the move, and everything works up to that point. Book a van rental in advance to avoid disappointment's and having to plan without a van. When loading a van it is best to load heavier items against the font wall of the van and pack items around this. Using this method the heavier items will be placed over the vans center of gravity and the risk of movement during transit will be greatly reduced.
Colm Brady is Director of Business Development for Thrifty Car Rental Ireland and has worked with Thrifty since 2000. Colm is continually developing the companies business through both the traditional and online channels. Among the websites that are currently under the Thrifty Umbrella are: Van Rental Ireland, and Van Rental Ireland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colm_Brady
Tips from a Professional Home Inspector - The "Finishing Steps"
ป้ายกำกับ: Building-a-Home
By Morgan Benson
The Homeowner's Challenging Journey
The new construction homeowner begins the journey excited about the thought of the family moving into a fresh and brand new home. The homeowner dreams about the great meals that will be cooked in the new spacious kitchen; about all the newly acquired space in the big garage; about the sunlight streaming in through that skylight in the laundry room. This new home is going to be the family dream house come true. Then the construction begins and so does the does the decline of the dream. The water meter housing ends up buried in the middle of the driveway; the wrong front door gets installed; the garage becomes a foot and half less in width because the foundation was laid out wrong. After the new homeowner battles a few of the issues it becomes apparent that this is going to be norm throughout the building process. Soon the new construction homeowner realizes that the small issues will have to give way to standing firm on the big issues. So the journey continues until near the end the new homeowner is exhausted with the whole thing and can hardly remember those fantasies of the family dream house.
The Homebuilder's Profit Bottom Line
The new construction homebuilder doesn't intentionally create issues, they happen because of various reasons intrinsic to the new home construction business. It is tough for a homebuilder to survive and make a profit. The cost of subcontractors, the cost of their own workers and the cost of materials are a continuously occurring expenses they try to minimize. Often this struggle can result in poor quality workmanship and materials and the results are often discovered when it is too late. Now add to the mix unpredictable weather and the customer's wants and needs and you have the makings of a journey that will have challenges. Some new construction homebuilders manage and mitigate these challenges better than others and usually know it and charge accordingly. But no matter if it is the well-managed new construction homebuilder or the worst managed, they must balance the customer's satisfaction with their own profit bottom line. At the end of the new home construction building process, the homebuilder is nearly as weary as the homeowner.
The "Finishing Steps"Most often the new construction homeowner nears the end of the home construction building process tired, weary and anxious to move in. Likewise, the new construction homebuilder reaches the end anxious to be done, to finalize the expenses and realize a profit. So you would think that the "Finishing Steps" would be executed with driven intent to be completed correctly. Think again, often this not the case experienced by this inspector (Professional Home Inspector Texas License # 8796). Usually the new homeowner has never been through the new construction building process before and the homebuilder frequently neglects these steps in hot pursuit to get the house completed. So here are the "Finishing Steps" in simple terms.
- Get the kitchen appliances installed (dishwasher, cooking range and range hood) and turned on - Get the natural gas meter installed and turned on (electricity and water are installed earlier and used throughout the building process)
- Get the water heater and furnace turned on (they are usually installed earlier in the building process by the plumber subcontractor)
- Execute the "Walk Through Inspection" with the homebuilder (the above mentioned must be done first so that the homeowner knows if these systems pass the "Walk Though Inspection") - DO NOT allowed the above mentioned to happen after the "Walk Through Inspection"
- Execute an independent thorough "Licensed Home Inspection" (the above mentioned must be done first so that the Licensed Home Inspector can execute a complete inspection of all of the house systems) - DO NOT allowed the above mentioned to happen after the "Licensed Home Inspection"
- Make the homebuilder fix all that is found in need of repair from the "Walk Through Inspection" and the "Licensed Home Inspection"
- Once the new construction homeowner is satisfied with the repairs and fixes made by the homebuilder, the homeowner signs the final closing documents and takes possession of the house (the dream house as it were).
The Best Licensed Home Inspectors
The "Finishing Steps" as described above rarely occurs in the proper order and Licensed Home Inspectors often arrive at incomplete houses not ready to be inspected. However, some Licensed Home Inspectors will go ahead with the inspection and turn an easy inspection (quick bucks). The best Home Inspectors will always advise the new construction homeowner of the above mentioned "Finishing Steps" and offer to return when the appliance are installed and the gas is turned on. It is one of these Licensed Home Inspectors that you want hire.
The Professional Home Inspector's Tips
- New Construction Homeowners, know that the new construction homebuilding process is going to be a Challenging Journey. But battle fearlessly.
- New Construction Homeowners, know that new construction homebuilders must balance the customer's satisfaction with their own profit bottom line. But battle fearlessly.
- New Construction Homeowners, learn the "Finishing Steps" to the new construction homebuilding process so that your Licensed Home Inspector can do you the best job possible. Battle to make this happen.
- New Construction Homeowners, hire the best Licensed Home Inspector available so that that you get the best Home Inspection and know what the homebuilder needs to fix prior to your house closing. Battle to make them fix them all."
- Good Luck and stayed tuned for more "Tips from a Professional Home Inspector"
Written by Morgan Benson Licensed Professional Home InspectorACE INSPECTORSEl Paso, Texas - TREC License # 8796
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Benson
The Homeowner's Challenging Journey
The new construction homeowner begins the journey excited about the thought of the family moving into a fresh and brand new home. The homeowner dreams about the great meals that will be cooked in the new spacious kitchen; about all the newly acquired space in the big garage; about the sunlight streaming in through that skylight in the laundry room. This new home is going to be the family dream house come true. Then the construction begins and so does the does the decline of the dream. The water meter housing ends up buried in the middle of the driveway; the wrong front door gets installed; the garage becomes a foot and half less in width because the foundation was laid out wrong. After the new homeowner battles a few of the issues it becomes apparent that this is going to be norm throughout the building process. Soon the new construction homeowner realizes that the small issues will have to give way to standing firm on the big issues. So the journey continues until near the end the new homeowner is exhausted with the whole thing and can hardly remember those fantasies of the family dream house.
The Homebuilder's Profit Bottom Line
The new construction homebuilder doesn't intentionally create issues, they happen because of various reasons intrinsic to the new home construction business. It is tough for a homebuilder to survive and make a profit. The cost of subcontractors, the cost of their own workers and the cost of materials are a continuously occurring expenses they try to minimize. Often this struggle can result in poor quality workmanship and materials and the results are often discovered when it is too late. Now add to the mix unpredictable weather and the customer's wants and needs and you have the makings of a journey that will have challenges. Some new construction homebuilders manage and mitigate these challenges better than others and usually know it and charge accordingly. But no matter if it is the well-managed new construction homebuilder or the worst managed, they must balance the customer's satisfaction with their own profit bottom line. At the end of the new home construction building process, the homebuilder is nearly as weary as the homeowner.
The "Finishing Steps"Most often the new construction homeowner nears the end of the home construction building process tired, weary and anxious to move in. Likewise, the new construction homebuilder reaches the end anxious to be done, to finalize the expenses and realize a profit. So you would think that the "Finishing Steps" would be executed with driven intent to be completed correctly. Think again, often this not the case experienced by this inspector (Professional Home Inspector Texas License # 8796). Usually the new homeowner has never been through the new construction building process before and the homebuilder frequently neglects these steps in hot pursuit to get the house completed. So here are the "Finishing Steps" in simple terms.
- Get the kitchen appliances installed (dishwasher, cooking range and range hood) and turned on - Get the natural gas meter installed and turned on (electricity and water are installed earlier and used throughout the building process)
- Get the water heater and furnace turned on (they are usually installed earlier in the building process by the plumber subcontractor)
- Execute the "Walk Through Inspection" with the homebuilder (the above mentioned must be done first so that the homeowner knows if these systems pass the "Walk Though Inspection") - DO NOT allowed the above mentioned to happen after the "Walk Through Inspection"
- Execute an independent thorough "Licensed Home Inspection" (the above mentioned must be done first so that the Licensed Home Inspector can execute a complete inspection of all of the house systems) - DO NOT allowed the above mentioned to happen after the "Licensed Home Inspection"
- Make the homebuilder fix all that is found in need of repair from the "Walk Through Inspection" and the "Licensed Home Inspection"
- Once the new construction homeowner is satisfied with the repairs and fixes made by the homebuilder, the homeowner signs the final closing documents and takes possession of the house (the dream house as it were).
The Best Licensed Home Inspectors
The "Finishing Steps" as described above rarely occurs in the proper order and Licensed Home Inspectors often arrive at incomplete houses not ready to be inspected. However, some Licensed Home Inspectors will go ahead with the inspection and turn an easy inspection (quick bucks). The best Home Inspectors will always advise the new construction homeowner of the above mentioned "Finishing Steps" and offer to return when the appliance are installed and the gas is turned on. It is one of these Licensed Home Inspectors that you want hire.
The Professional Home Inspector's Tips
- New Construction Homeowners, know that the new construction homebuilding process is going to be a Challenging Journey. But battle fearlessly.
- New Construction Homeowners, know that new construction homebuilders must balance the customer's satisfaction with their own profit bottom line. But battle fearlessly.
- New Construction Homeowners, learn the "Finishing Steps" to the new construction homebuilding process so that your Licensed Home Inspector can do you the best job possible. Battle to make this happen.
- New Construction Homeowners, hire the best Licensed Home Inspector available so that that you get the best Home Inspection and know what the homebuilder needs to fix prior to your house closing. Battle to make them fix them all."
- Good Luck and stayed tuned for more "Tips from a Professional Home Inspector"
Written by Morgan Benson Licensed Professional Home InspectorACE INSPECTORSEl Paso, Texas - TREC License # 8796
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Benson
Villas in Cyprus - Always Ready To Enthrall You All The Way
ป้ายกำกับ: Leasing-Renting
By David Peters
Tired of your hectic work schedules? Bored of your everyday routine? Wish to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul? Well, if your answer is "yes" to any of them, vacationing is the need of hour for you then. Needless to say, Cyprus would be an ideal option to choose from. To stay there just like your home, you can find many Villas in Cyprus, which are always ready to enthrall you all the way.
Cyprus is a beautiful country where you are greeted by contrasting landscapes and cultures at each move that you make. Ancient customs and modern ideas exist hand in hand with each other. You can never get enough of the aromatic mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees, citrus groves and rocky old stone villages.
You can spend your vacation enjoying a wide range of experiences and places such as the enthralling beaches, scenic landscapes, water sports, skiing and many more. On top of the visual treat, Villas in Cyprus make the experience of living in Cyprus even more action-packed and fun-filled.
Villas in Cyprus can be found just about everywhere, ranging from the beach area in the Polis Chrysochous area in Argaka village (which is believed to be one of the most attractive regions in the entire Cyprus island) to the scenic landscapes of northern Cyprus, from the luxury villas found in the rural location of the Coral Bay / Sea Caves area of Peyia ( Pegeia ) Village to the sea view villas of Paphos which is a quaint harbor surrounded by an array of fish restaurants, taverns and the Archaeological Park with some of the world's most famous mosaics.
Unquestionably, various groups according to their location and services offered usually categorize Villas in Cyprus. They generally have 2-10 bedrooms, properly furnished lounges having armchairs and couches, kitchen with all the required facilities for those interested in cooking for themselves. Ironing services and washing machine may also be provided, as and when required. The people living around the villas are also generally found to be helpful and friendly. English is almost familiar to almost everyone, so language is not a big issue.
Let's see some most popular villas in Cyprus:
Wedding Villas: They are basically holiday villas primarily constructed keeping the newly wedded couples in mind. You can also arrange for a spectacular wedding in these villas, if that's what you desire. These villas are properly laid out, airy and built to a very high standard. A typical configuration of a wedding villa would be:
· Upper floor consisting of a master double bedroom en suite bathroom, separate double room or twin room and a balcony overlooking the pool.
· Lower floor that consists of attractive furniture, a kitchen, a dining and barbecue area, built in bar, sauna room and doors to a large pool terrace.
Sea View Villas: They give a panoramic view of the bay with its turquoise clear waters and breathtaking sunsets. Some of the most spectacular sea view Villas in Cyprus are found near the Akamas peninsula, which is an area of outstanding beauty. These villas offer spectacular pool facilities. On a hot day after visiting some of the local attractions nearby, such as the local wineries, sites, beaches etc., there is nothing better than to lounge by the pool, sipping your favorite drink, while listening to some music and relaxing.
Secluded Villas: For those who have come to Cyprus to find peace, Secluded Villas can be their ultimate choice. Polis offers some really good secluded villas. Though the place is secluded from the hustle of the cities, important facilities like few coffee shops and taxi services are easily available. All in all, this place is mostly favored by couples seeking privacy.
Self-Catering Villas: Are built for those who believe in self-cooking. A kitchen with all the facilities that includes oven, refrigerator, utensils, microwave, tea and coffee maker and toaster, is provided with these villas. These villas are rated by 3 categories: A, B and C, unlike hotels, which are rated by Stars. The maximum period of renting these villas is 70 days or a maximum of 14 weeks. Some good self-catering villas are found in Pissouri, Larnaca, Polis, Latchi, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos and Protaras areas of Cyprus.
As you move around this wonderful country, even better sights are always waiting to embrace you. You just cannot get enough of this magical country. So, what are you waiting for? Go packing for your holiday today.
Villas in Cyprus - Grab All The Latest News And Updates For Anyone Who Is Looking For A Holiday, Rent A Villa Or Live In Cyprus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Peters
Tired of your hectic work schedules? Bored of your everyday routine? Wish to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul? Well, if your answer is "yes" to any of them, vacationing is the need of hour for you then. Needless to say, Cyprus would be an ideal option to choose from. To stay there just like your home, you can find many Villas in Cyprus, which are always ready to enthrall you all the way.
Cyprus is a beautiful country where you are greeted by contrasting landscapes and cultures at each move that you make. Ancient customs and modern ideas exist hand in hand with each other. You can never get enough of the aromatic mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees, citrus groves and rocky old stone villages.
You can spend your vacation enjoying a wide range of experiences and places such as the enthralling beaches, scenic landscapes, water sports, skiing and many more. On top of the visual treat, Villas in Cyprus make the experience of living in Cyprus even more action-packed and fun-filled.
Villas in Cyprus can be found just about everywhere, ranging from the beach area in the Polis Chrysochous area in Argaka village (which is believed to be one of the most attractive regions in the entire Cyprus island) to the scenic landscapes of northern Cyprus, from the luxury villas found in the rural location of the Coral Bay / Sea Caves area of Peyia ( Pegeia ) Village to the sea view villas of Paphos which is a quaint harbor surrounded by an array of fish restaurants, taverns and the Archaeological Park with some of the world's most famous mosaics.
Unquestionably, various groups according to their location and services offered usually categorize Villas in Cyprus. They generally have 2-10 bedrooms, properly furnished lounges having armchairs and couches, kitchen with all the required facilities for those interested in cooking for themselves. Ironing services and washing machine may also be provided, as and when required. The people living around the villas are also generally found to be helpful and friendly. English is almost familiar to almost everyone, so language is not a big issue.
Let's see some most popular villas in Cyprus:
Wedding Villas: They are basically holiday villas primarily constructed keeping the newly wedded couples in mind. You can also arrange for a spectacular wedding in these villas, if that's what you desire. These villas are properly laid out, airy and built to a very high standard. A typical configuration of a wedding villa would be:
· Upper floor consisting of a master double bedroom en suite bathroom, separate double room or twin room and a balcony overlooking the pool.
· Lower floor that consists of attractive furniture, a kitchen, a dining and barbecue area, built in bar, sauna room and doors to a large pool terrace.
Sea View Villas: They give a panoramic view of the bay with its turquoise clear waters and breathtaking sunsets. Some of the most spectacular sea view Villas in Cyprus are found near the Akamas peninsula, which is an area of outstanding beauty. These villas offer spectacular pool facilities. On a hot day after visiting some of the local attractions nearby, such as the local wineries, sites, beaches etc., there is nothing better than to lounge by the pool, sipping your favorite drink, while listening to some music and relaxing.
Secluded Villas: For those who have come to Cyprus to find peace, Secluded Villas can be their ultimate choice. Polis offers some really good secluded villas. Though the place is secluded from the hustle of the cities, important facilities like few coffee shops and taxi services are easily available. All in all, this place is mostly favored by couples seeking privacy.
Self-Catering Villas: Are built for those who believe in self-cooking. A kitchen with all the facilities that includes oven, refrigerator, utensils, microwave, tea and coffee maker and toaster, is provided with these villas. These villas are rated by 3 categories: A, B and C, unlike hotels, which are rated by Stars. The maximum period of renting these villas is 70 days or a maximum of 14 weeks. Some good self-catering villas are found in Pissouri, Larnaca, Polis, Latchi, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos and Protaras areas of Cyprus.
As you move around this wonderful country, even better sights are always waiting to embrace you. You just cannot get enough of this magical country. So, what are you waiting for? Go packing for your holiday today.
Villas in Cyprus - Grab All The Latest News And Updates For Anyone Who Is Looking For A Holiday, Rent A Villa Or Live In Cyprus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Peters
5 Tips for Buyers to Determine the Quality of a Condo
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Jeff Hammerberg
Even if you aren't technically trained, there are easy ways to judge the quality of condo construction. Book an appointment to view the property and bring along a flashlight, a "night light", and a golf ball. Then follow these five simple tips:
#1 Test the Major Appliances and Heating/AC Units
When you arrive at the condo, begin by testing the heating and air conditioning systems. Turn on the oven and the heat. If you're viewing the property in winter, you may prefer to turn off the heat and crank up the air conditioning. As you tour the condo, these systems will have time to boot-up and prove their worth, and if they aren't functioning properly you'll be able to detect it within 10 or 15 minutes. Make sure that heat or air conditioning is delivered to every part of the condo, and that the oven heats up in a timely manner. Just be sure to turn everything off or back to the original settings before you leave.
#2 Check the Plumbing and Electrical Systems
As you walk from room to room, check the plumbing by briefly turning on the various taps and watching to see if the water pressure is sufficient and if drainage is fast. Slow drains may just need cleaning to remove clogs, but lack of pressure in any building - or sluggishness in a brand new condo - may mean that the plumbing system is inadequate.
Turn on lights in every room, and use the "night light" you brought to test the wall outlets. If you plug it in and it doesn't light up, the outlet is probably dead. Any outlet near water - such as in the kitchen and bathrooms - should be the special kind that interrupts the flow of electricity in the event of a power surge. If the condo does not have them it needs upgrading. Three-prong outlets are important for rooms where you will operate computers and small appliances, so survey the condo to determine if those are present in sufficient numbers.
#3 Check the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Examine the ceilings and walls, using your flashlight, and look for spots where there may have been leaks or patch repairs. Study the areas around door and window frames and in the corners of the room for splits, cracks, or gaps. If the walls appear bowed or the lines where the walls and floor or walls and ceiling meet seem off-kilter, that may be a sign of warping or sloppy framing. Put the golf ball you brought in the middle of a bare floor. If it rolls to the other side of the room, the floor is tilted. Test the doors to see if they automatically open or close all by themselves, which is another confirmation that the construction is askew. If, on the other hand, your golf ball or door stays where you left it, the room is probably level and balanced.
#4 Read the Property Offering, Disclosures, or Minutes of the Condo Association Meetings
Read the descriptions in the property offering for new condos, or the minutes of association meetings for existing properties. The amenities itemized in the offering should match what you see in the condo, and this includes the brands of appliances as well as the quality of any features such as flooring or counter tops.
If the condo is an older one, then study the minutes of the condo association meetings and look for mentions of repairs or service calls to the property. Repeated repairs may be a red flag, or it could simply indicate a responsive and responsible association, but you will need to investigate further to find out for yourself.
Study any official disclosures, and beware of buying a condo that has had previous problems with flooding, fire, environmental hazards, or other catastrophic scenarios.
#5 Do Some Fact Checking of Your Own
To find out what kind of quality you are getting for your money, make a few phone calls. If the builder touts a particular brand of insulated windows or hardwood flooring planks, for example, call the local distributors and find out how much they sell those particular items for, and then tally up how much you're paying versus how much the builder is delivering. You might discover that so-called top-of-the-line products used in the construction of the condo are actually cheap and inferior. Or you could be pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting excellent materials for a discounted price because your builder has more buying power than you do and negotiated a good deal for your benefit.
Before buying any home, you should always hire a licensed and qualified inspector to provide you with a full professional report on the condition of the property. But the above tips will save you time while you do your preliminary shopping to narrow down your condo selection.
During the 1990s, Jeff Hammerberg worked in residential real estate, and observed first hand the "quiet homophobia" that pervaded the industry and silently but effectively hampered the lives of LGBT consumers nationwide by placing barriers between them and home ownership. By 1997, with little more than foresight, a strategy, and zealous fortitude, Hammerberg broke away from the traditional real estate community to create the first virtual real estate marketplace for LGBT clients.
Beginning with homelounge.com, an Internet company dedicated to assisting home buyers and sellers in the USA, Hammerberg gradually added services and sites, while adhering to a strict personal commitment to donate proceeds from his businesses directly into the LGBT community.
Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, contact the professionals at http://www.GayMortgageLoans.com and http://www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll-free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The entire network is comprised of experts dedicated to the GLBT community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Hammerberg
Even if you aren't technically trained, there are easy ways to judge the quality of condo construction. Book an appointment to view the property and bring along a flashlight, a "night light", and a golf ball. Then follow these five simple tips:
#1 Test the Major Appliances and Heating/AC Units
When you arrive at the condo, begin by testing the heating and air conditioning systems. Turn on the oven and the heat. If you're viewing the property in winter, you may prefer to turn off the heat and crank up the air conditioning. As you tour the condo, these systems will have time to boot-up and prove their worth, and if they aren't functioning properly you'll be able to detect it within 10 or 15 minutes. Make sure that heat or air conditioning is delivered to every part of the condo, and that the oven heats up in a timely manner. Just be sure to turn everything off or back to the original settings before you leave.
#2 Check the Plumbing and Electrical Systems
As you walk from room to room, check the plumbing by briefly turning on the various taps and watching to see if the water pressure is sufficient and if drainage is fast. Slow drains may just need cleaning to remove clogs, but lack of pressure in any building - or sluggishness in a brand new condo - may mean that the plumbing system is inadequate.
Turn on lights in every room, and use the "night light" you brought to test the wall outlets. If you plug it in and it doesn't light up, the outlet is probably dead. Any outlet near water - such as in the kitchen and bathrooms - should be the special kind that interrupts the flow of electricity in the event of a power surge. If the condo does not have them it needs upgrading. Three-prong outlets are important for rooms where you will operate computers and small appliances, so survey the condo to determine if those are present in sufficient numbers.
#3 Check the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Examine the ceilings and walls, using your flashlight, and look for spots where there may have been leaks or patch repairs. Study the areas around door and window frames and in the corners of the room for splits, cracks, or gaps. If the walls appear bowed or the lines where the walls and floor or walls and ceiling meet seem off-kilter, that may be a sign of warping or sloppy framing. Put the golf ball you brought in the middle of a bare floor. If it rolls to the other side of the room, the floor is tilted. Test the doors to see if they automatically open or close all by themselves, which is another confirmation that the construction is askew. If, on the other hand, your golf ball or door stays where you left it, the room is probably level and balanced.
#4 Read the Property Offering, Disclosures, or Minutes of the Condo Association Meetings
Read the descriptions in the property offering for new condos, or the minutes of association meetings for existing properties. The amenities itemized in the offering should match what you see in the condo, and this includes the brands of appliances as well as the quality of any features such as flooring or counter tops.
If the condo is an older one, then study the minutes of the condo association meetings and look for mentions of repairs or service calls to the property. Repeated repairs may be a red flag, or it could simply indicate a responsive and responsible association, but you will need to investigate further to find out for yourself.
Study any official disclosures, and beware of buying a condo that has had previous problems with flooding, fire, environmental hazards, or other catastrophic scenarios.
#5 Do Some Fact Checking of Your Own
To find out what kind of quality you are getting for your money, make a few phone calls. If the builder touts a particular brand of insulated windows or hardwood flooring planks, for example, call the local distributors and find out how much they sell those particular items for, and then tally up how much you're paying versus how much the builder is delivering. You might discover that so-called top-of-the-line products used in the construction of the condo are actually cheap and inferior. Or you could be pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting excellent materials for a discounted price because your builder has more buying power than you do and negotiated a good deal for your benefit.
Before buying any home, you should always hire a licensed and qualified inspector to provide you with a full professional report on the condition of the property. But the above tips will save you time while you do your preliminary shopping to narrow down your condo selection.
During the 1990s, Jeff Hammerberg worked in residential real estate, and observed first hand the "quiet homophobia" that pervaded the industry and silently but effectively hampered the lives of LGBT consumers nationwide by placing barriers between them and home ownership. By 1997, with little more than foresight, a strategy, and zealous fortitude, Hammerberg broke away from the traditional real estate community to create the first virtual real estate marketplace for LGBT clients.
Beginning with homelounge.com, an Internet company dedicated to assisting home buyers and sellers in the USA, Hammerberg gradually added services and sites, while adhering to a strict personal commitment to donate proceeds from his businesses directly into the LGBT community.
Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, contact the professionals at http://www.GayMortgageLoans.com and http://www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll-free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The entire network is comprised of experts dedicated to the GLBT community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Hammerberg
Vancouver Lofts And Condos - Buying Guide
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Jay Banks
Condominiums are the most sought after properties in downtown areas of any city. Vancouver is no exception - the region is enclosed by water, mountains and it is close to the United States border. These factors have driven the land prices high enough to put the ownership of other types of living properties out of question for most people. Moreover, living downtown is very attractive due to easy transportation, the atmosphere of this city and the proximity of all the amenities.
Living in a condominium is good for those who want to focus on other things and don't want to worry about exterior repairs. It can also offer other significant advantages such as a fitness center, swimming pools and stores located inside the same building. On the other hand, you will be giving off some privacy as you only own the property inside and you will need to share the common areas, along with the respective maintenance fees.
There are two main types of condominiums in Vancouver: lofts and apartments.
Loft style apartments in Vancouver are not amongst the easiest to find. With the exception of Gastown and Yaletown there are not many warehouses and historical buildings that could be turned to lofts, although there is an emerging trend of new buildings being developed that feature high ceilings and floor plans that resemble these.
As far as apartments go, concrete condos are amongst the most popular ones in Vancouver. If we could generalise, highrise condominiums are built from this material in the downtown area. Frame construction is common in the residential areas where you can find a mix between traditional condos and single family housing. In most cases, there is a plenty of parking space underground as well.
It's very common that there's a monthly maintenance fee to cover the costs of keeping the common areas clean. The good news is that due to little snow or salt damage these charges are significantly lower than they would be in Toronto for the same type of accomodation, in comparison.
There is a specific law which applies for condominiums in British Columbia. The Strata Property Act came in effect more than 7 years ago and specifies the responsibilities of developers, unit owners, elected property managers or a management company.
The Strata Property Act addresses issues that developed from building inappropriately for the wet West Coast Marine climate in the last decade of the past century. The government offered financial programs for rehabilitation and almost every building in Vancouver and Richmond has benefited from it, making everything even better than new!
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Vancouver BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
Condominiums are the most sought after properties in downtown areas of any city. Vancouver is no exception - the region is enclosed by water, mountains and it is close to the United States border. These factors have driven the land prices high enough to put the ownership of other types of living properties out of question for most people. Moreover, living downtown is very attractive due to easy transportation, the atmosphere of this city and the proximity of all the amenities.
Living in a condominium is good for those who want to focus on other things and don't want to worry about exterior repairs. It can also offer other significant advantages such as a fitness center, swimming pools and stores located inside the same building. On the other hand, you will be giving off some privacy as you only own the property inside and you will need to share the common areas, along with the respective maintenance fees.
There are two main types of condominiums in Vancouver: lofts and apartments.
Loft style apartments in Vancouver are not amongst the easiest to find. With the exception of Gastown and Yaletown there are not many warehouses and historical buildings that could be turned to lofts, although there is an emerging trend of new buildings being developed that feature high ceilings and floor plans that resemble these.
As far as apartments go, concrete condos are amongst the most popular ones in Vancouver. If we could generalise, highrise condominiums are built from this material in the downtown area. Frame construction is common in the residential areas where you can find a mix between traditional condos and single family housing. In most cases, there is a plenty of parking space underground as well.
It's very common that there's a monthly maintenance fee to cover the costs of keeping the common areas clean. The good news is that due to little snow or salt damage these charges are significantly lower than they would be in Toronto for the same type of accomodation, in comparison.
There is a specific law which applies for condominiums in British Columbia. The Strata Property Act came in effect more than 7 years ago and specifies the responsibilities of developers, unit owners, elected property managers or a management company.
The Strata Property Act addresses issues that developed from building inappropriately for the wet West Coast Marine climate in the last decade of the past century. The government offered financial programs for rehabilitation and almost every building in Vancouver and Richmond has benefited from it, making everything even better than new!
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Vancouver BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
Refinance Mortgage Rates Are Not Just Determined By Credit Score Alone
ป้ายกำกับ: Mortgage Refinace
By Darin Sewell
Using a home mortgage refinance is a excellent way to get money to fund a home improvement project, send your kids to college or just get a lower monthly payment. When refinancing many homeowners often wonder if they will qualify for the low refinance mortgage rates they hear advertised and see in the local newspaper.
When you apply for a home mortgage the lender will collect your financial information and pull your credit. Your credit score will be a major determining factor in what refinance mortgage rates are offered to you as a borrower, but it they are not the only factor. Your lender will be looking at numerous things to determine your eligibility for a loan. These will mainly include Debt To Income Ratios, type of loan documentation, Loan to value of the property, mortgage payment history and your assets.
Today almost all conforming loan decisions are made through computerized automated systems so having a mortgage lender that knows these systems well will help you qualify for your home loan, even with a lower credit score. The computer underwriting systems will look at the overall borrower and loan profile, so having a lower credit score but a low loan to value and debt ratios will more then likely allow your to qualify for low refinance mortgage rates while in comparison someone with a 720 credit score but a high debt ratio and looking for 95% of their properties value may get declined for a low rate mortgage because of a perceived high risk factor.
Although credit scores are a large factor in determining refinance mortgage rates they are not the only piece of the puzzle. So when it comes time to refinance make sure to you have a good mortgage lender to assist you in the process.
Gain valuable knowledge on How To Refinance a Mortgage for the lowest Mortgage Refinance Rates
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Sewell
Using a home mortgage refinance is a excellent way to get money to fund a home improvement project, send your kids to college or just get a lower monthly payment. When refinancing many homeowners often wonder if they will qualify for the low refinance mortgage rates they hear advertised and see in the local newspaper.
When you apply for a home mortgage the lender will collect your financial information and pull your credit. Your credit score will be a major determining factor in what refinance mortgage rates are offered to you as a borrower, but it they are not the only factor. Your lender will be looking at numerous things to determine your eligibility for a loan. These will mainly include Debt To Income Ratios, type of loan documentation, Loan to value of the property, mortgage payment history and your assets.
Today almost all conforming loan decisions are made through computerized automated systems so having a mortgage lender that knows these systems well will help you qualify for your home loan, even with a lower credit score. The computer underwriting systems will look at the overall borrower and loan profile, so having a lower credit score but a low loan to value and debt ratios will more then likely allow your to qualify for low refinance mortgage rates while in comparison someone with a 720 credit score but a high debt ratio and looking for 95% of their properties value may get declined for a low rate mortgage because of a perceived high risk factor.
Although credit scores are a large factor in determining refinance mortgage rates they are not the only piece of the puzzle. So when it comes time to refinance make sure to you have a good mortgage lender to assist you in the process.
Gain valuable knowledge on How To Refinance a Mortgage for the lowest Mortgage Refinance Rates
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Sewell
Getting a Good Bad Credit Mortgage Rate
ป้ายกำกับ: Mortgage Refinace
By Darin Sewell
When you have bad credit and attempt to refinance all conforming lenders will decline you almost immediately. Since the conforming lenders have the good low interest rates but will not approve you you have to explore other sources for a good bad credit mortgage rate. If you are a home owner that has damaged Credit and are looking to refinance your home you may be wondering what your options are you should be aware that there are loan programs available for borrowers with low credit scores, late mortgage payments and other situations that cause bad credit so getting a loan should not be the challenge. The challenge however is using the right programs to get a a good bad credit mortgage rate.
Any good mortgage broker will tell you that FHA is your best shot for a good interest rate, however not everyone will qualify. The main consideration for FHA is the last 12 months of mortgage payments had to have been paid on time with o 30 day lates. Debt to income ratios are also required to be under 40% in most cases.
If for some reason you cannot qualify for an FHA loan you can still get a good bad credit mortgage rate from a sub prime mortgage lender. Sub prime loans will be above market rate and a good mortgage broker who specializes in bad credit borrowers should be able to explain to you the many different sub prime programs that you may qualify for and help you make the best choice. If you go the sub prime route be prepared for higher closing costs and lender fees.
Having bad credit does not have to mean settling for a loan at 14%. You can still get a good bad credit mortgage rate by talking to a good qualified Mortgage broker who offers both FHA and Sub Prime you will come out on top!
To learn How to Refinance a Mortgage for the best interest rates take a look at my Refinance Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Sewell
When you have bad credit and attempt to refinance all conforming lenders will decline you almost immediately. Since the conforming lenders have the good low interest rates but will not approve you you have to explore other sources for a good bad credit mortgage rate. If you are a home owner that has damaged Credit and are looking to refinance your home you may be wondering what your options are you should be aware that there are loan programs available for borrowers with low credit scores, late mortgage payments and other situations that cause bad credit so getting a loan should not be the challenge. The challenge however is using the right programs to get a a good bad credit mortgage rate.
Any good mortgage broker will tell you that FHA is your best shot for a good interest rate, however not everyone will qualify. The main consideration for FHA is the last 12 months of mortgage payments had to have been paid on time with o 30 day lates. Debt to income ratios are also required to be under 40% in most cases.
If for some reason you cannot qualify for an FHA loan you can still get a good bad credit mortgage rate from a sub prime mortgage lender. Sub prime loans will be above market rate and a good mortgage broker who specializes in bad credit borrowers should be able to explain to you the many different sub prime programs that you may qualify for and help you make the best choice. If you go the sub prime route be prepared for higher closing costs and lender fees.
Having bad credit does not have to mean settling for a loan at 14%. You can still get a good bad credit mortgage rate by talking to a good qualified Mortgage broker who offers both FHA and Sub Prime you will come out on top!
To learn How to Refinance a Mortgage for the best interest rates take a look at my Refinance Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Sewell
The Dangers Of Flipping Real Estate
ป้ายกำกับ: Investing
By Gloria Smith
It's true that flipping real estate properties is one sure way of earning big bucks in a short span of time. When done properly and with careful planning and budgeting, investors have a good chance of attaining success. However, flipping homes is not as easy as some people might think because there are risks and downsides to this endeavor the reason why it's always best to be well informed before taking the plunge.
Flipping real estate is not just limited to buying a home, renovating it a bit and reselling it for a profit. Several vital factors are still involved which investors have to be aware of such as renovation expenses, property taxes, insurance and mortgage costs as well as rental pressures.
If you're buying a distressed property, you will need to spend some money renovating it before reselling the home.
In this case, you will have to estimate your renovation costs including materials and labor to avoid going overbudget. If you spend so much on the upgrades, you might not be able to recover your expenses and get a good profit by the time you sell the property especially in an unfavorable market condition. So the best thing to do is save money on building materials, paint and appliances if possible. If you can do the repair works yourself, well and good.
There is also the danger of increasing your property taxes if you fail to resell your flipped home right away and hold it for a few more years. Investors should be aware that taxes have nearly doubled in a period of five or six years in some hot real estate markets.
Failure to sell the home quickly is another risk flipping investors have to face. Real estate investors suggest that flippers look for buyers who are eager to live in a home and give them a lot of motivation to purchase your home. One way of drawing buyers is to stage the property meaning, make it attractive and clean inside and out as possible. It's a good idea too if you pre-qualify potential buyers who call to inquire about your property. Don't waste your time entertaining buyers or investors who are not serious enough in getting your home.
If your property stays long on the market, you might be forced to just have it rented. Also, there's a chance that the rental fee you charge may be less than who want especially when the market is saturated with rentals. With this situation, it will take long for you to recover your expenses and earn your profit thus, leaving you with a bad investment.
If worse comes to worst, you can opt to just sell your home at a very low price or keep the property and accept your loss then continue with whatever plans you have. Holding on to the property for long will only discourage you all the more. If you failed to study your plans before, then it's high time that you learn about the basics of buying and selling real estate so you can avoid the common mistakes. You can use various resources from books to the internet and you can even attend real estate seminars in your locality if they're available.
This article is brought to you by PropertyFlippingInfo.com. Read articles on house flipping, hard money lenders, and real estate short sales.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gloria_Smith
It's true that flipping real estate properties is one sure way of earning big bucks in a short span of time. When done properly and with careful planning and budgeting, investors have a good chance of attaining success. However, flipping homes is not as easy as some people might think because there are risks and downsides to this endeavor the reason why it's always best to be well informed before taking the plunge.
Flipping real estate is not just limited to buying a home, renovating it a bit and reselling it for a profit. Several vital factors are still involved which investors have to be aware of such as renovation expenses, property taxes, insurance and mortgage costs as well as rental pressures.
If you're buying a distressed property, you will need to spend some money renovating it before reselling the home.
In this case, you will have to estimate your renovation costs including materials and labor to avoid going overbudget. If you spend so much on the upgrades, you might not be able to recover your expenses and get a good profit by the time you sell the property especially in an unfavorable market condition. So the best thing to do is save money on building materials, paint and appliances if possible. If you can do the repair works yourself, well and good.
There is also the danger of increasing your property taxes if you fail to resell your flipped home right away and hold it for a few more years. Investors should be aware that taxes have nearly doubled in a period of five or six years in some hot real estate markets.
Failure to sell the home quickly is another risk flipping investors have to face. Real estate investors suggest that flippers look for buyers who are eager to live in a home and give them a lot of motivation to purchase your home. One way of drawing buyers is to stage the property meaning, make it attractive and clean inside and out as possible. It's a good idea too if you pre-qualify potential buyers who call to inquire about your property. Don't waste your time entertaining buyers or investors who are not serious enough in getting your home.
If your property stays long on the market, you might be forced to just have it rented. Also, there's a chance that the rental fee you charge may be less than who want especially when the market is saturated with rentals. With this situation, it will take long for you to recover your expenses and earn your profit thus, leaving you with a bad investment.
If worse comes to worst, you can opt to just sell your home at a very low price or keep the property and accept your loss then continue with whatever plans you have. Holding on to the property for long will only discourage you all the more. If you failed to study your plans before, then it's high time that you learn about the basics of buying and selling real estate so you can avoid the common mistakes. You can use various resources from books to the internet and you can even attend real estate seminars in your locality if they're available.
This article is brought to you by PropertyFlippingInfo.com. Read articles on house flipping, hard money lenders, and real estate short sales.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gloria_Smith
Correction Phase
ป้ายกำกับ: Commercial-Property
By George Gonigal
Demand goes down, developers cut prices…
Hard-pressed by the falling demand, the higher-end segment of residential real estate in Gurgaon has been undergoing the phase of correction. As per the reports of global consultancy firm DTZ, the prices have already gone down by an average of 10 per cent in the past two quarters, and it is mostly the projects that have kept the prices for their apartments above Rs 1-crore.
Besides, the property markets of Gurgaon are also suffering from the oversupply. The DTZ report confirms that the supply side has far exceeded the demand side and the margins over the sale of property are under pressure. As per industry reports, Gurgaon will add at least 10,000 residential units in the luxury housing segment by 2010, however the demand may continue to remain below expectations.
Meanwhile, the absorption rates for projects with an apartment size between 2,000 and 6,000 sq. ft have slipped down significantly and the developers are reportedly slashing prices in order to create demand.
Fall in investor interest
Besides the end-users, it is mostly the investors who drive the Gurgaon Real Estate markets, and most other parts of the country. On this, the findings of Cushman & Wakefield, a consultancy firm, bring things into perspective. Its reports say that housing properties in Gurgaon have overheated and prices have been touching the roof.
With this, the investors are not seeing the kind of returns that they had secured earlier from the deals, and that's why their interest in buying residential property in Gurgaon is comparatively lower than it was a couple of years ago.
Ultimately, the markets now are primarily driven by the end-user, who is not willing to buy luxury houses. After all the rate of interest on home loans has shot up from 6-7 per cent to 11-12 per cent in the past 3-years, and a buyer thinks twice before borrowing at such rates.
Future Outlook
As for the coming months, the industry experts "feel good". At first, they say that the demand for residential properties in Gurgaon would gradually pick up with festive season in the offing.
Secondly, almost all the major banks like SBI, ICICI, BoB have announced for a cut in interest rates anywhere from 50 to 75 basis points, and they are coming up with quite a variety of lucrative offers as well. Over that the developers are also open on cutting prices of their units for the sake of making a deal and it is turning into a buyer's market, says a group of brokers from Gurgaon.
Perhaps, the combination will drive at least the end users to spur demand and the markets may take spark with positive trends coming back in place, they feel.
George Gonigal is a property dealer, providing here the best and latest info on Bangalore Properties
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Gonigal
Demand goes down, developers cut prices…
Hard-pressed by the falling demand, the higher-end segment of residential real estate in Gurgaon has been undergoing the phase of correction. As per the reports of global consultancy firm DTZ, the prices have already gone down by an average of 10 per cent in the past two quarters, and it is mostly the projects that have kept the prices for their apartments above Rs 1-crore.
Besides, the property markets of Gurgaon are also suffering from the oversupply. The DTZ report confirms that the supply side has far exceeded the demand side and the margins over the sale of property are under pressure. As per industry reports, Gurgaon will add at least 10,000 residential units in the luxury housing segment by 2010, however the demand may continue to remain below expectations.
Meanwhile, the absorption rates for projects with an apartment size between 2,000 and 6,000 sq. ft have slipped down significantly and the developers are reportedly slashing prices in order to create demand.
Fall in investor interest
Besides the end-users, it is mostly the investors who drive the Gurgaon Real Estate markets, and most other parts of the country. On this, the findings of Cushman & Wakefield, a consultancy firm, bring things into perspective. Its reports say that housing properties in Gurgaon have overheated and prices have been touching the roof.
With this, the investors are not seeing the kind of returns that they had secured earlier from the deals, and that's why their interest in buying residential property in Gurgaon is comparatively lower than it was a couple of years ago.
Ultimately, the markets now are primarily driven by the end-user, who is not willing to buy luxury houses. After all the rate of interest on home loans has shot up from 6-7 per cent to 11-12 per cent in the past 3-years, and a buyer thinks twice before borrowing at such rates.
Future Outlook
As for the coming months, the industry experts "feel good". At first, they say that the demand for residential properties in Gurgaon would gradually pick up with festive season in the offing.
Secondly, almost all the major banks like SBI, ICICI, BoB have announced for a cut in interest rates anywhere from 50 to 75 basis points, and they are coming up with quite a variety of lucrative offers as well. Over that the developers are also open on cutting prices of their units for the sake of making a deal and it is turning into a buyer's market, says a group of brokers from Gurgaon.
Perhaps, the combination will drive at least the end users to spur demand and the markets may take spark with positive trends coming back in place, they feel.
George Gonigal is a property dealer, providing here the best and latest info on Bangalore Properties
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Gonigal
How To Sell Your Home In Today's Failing Housing Market
ป้ายกำกับ: Selling
By Allison Roberts
More American homeowners than ever are filing for bankruptcy or seeking help with their debts. A large percentage of these people struggling with their finances attempt to sell their homes and to escape a mortgage they cannot afford.
The mortgage industry is in a terrible financial state. News stories of subprime lending disasters plaster the evening news and many web sites. Smaller subprime lending companies have filed for bankruptcy, and even some of the most respected mortgage lenders are on the verge of insolvency as well. The government has even stepped in to keep the industry above water.
Many homeowners caught up in the housing debacle are desperate to sell their homes. Thousands of homes across the nation are for sale due to foreclosures, which makes it a buyer’s market. Buyers now have the luxury to be choosy due to the vast number of houses on the market.
You must offer the buyer the best product, which means home renovations are critical. If you invest time and money into renovating your home, then the payoff can be huge. You can sell your home and take advantage of the buyer’s market.
Real estate experts, and many home improvement shows, advise sellers about areas of their homes most important to the buyer. Kelly Todd, a real estate expert, suggests these four areas of your home to renovate if you’re hoping to sell quickly and for a profit:
Kitchen The kitchen is traditionally a gathering place for families. It serves as a meeting area, even if you’re not eating. A sleek, clean and organized kitchen adds value to your home.
Key elements:
Floors – If your floors are outdated, replace them with tile, wood, or a laminate alternative.
Cabinets and countertops – Get a price quote from a remodeling company for replacing both of these. Pick out new hardware for the cabinets and a sleek sink to match.
Appliances - Only replace your appliances if they are out of date, look shabby or do not work.
Paint – Paint your walls a neutral color to complement the new floor, countertops and cabinets.
Likely added value to the home: Up to $40,000 increase in sale price.
Bathrooms Remodeling your bathrooms is a good alternative if you cannot afford to redo the kitchen.
Key elements:
Floor and Walls – These set the atmosphere for the space. Ceramic floor tile is your best bet in the bathroom.
Shower and Tub – Bleach the tub until it shines. Replace the tile surrounding it and consider installing glass door fixtures to replace a plastic or cloth shower curtain.
Lighting and counters – Replace old light and sink fixtures, and install granite countertops. All elements make for a very stylish room.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $10,000 per bathroom increased sale price.
Landscape Your front yard is the first impression potential buyers will have of your home. Having a good curb appeal sets the tone for the rest of the house.
Key elements:
Yard – Lay new sod to make sure the grass is full.
Walkways – Stone or tile walkways with lighting add a stylish effect.
Plants – Replace all dead/dying plants with new healthy ones and get rid of any weeds in the flower bed. Mix shrubs with flowers.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $15,000 increased sale price.
Walls Clean and well-kept walls give your home an organized cozy feel.
Key elements:
Wallpaper – take it down. Do not paint over it. Sand walls after removing wallpaper to prepare them for fresh paint.
Paint – Choose rich colors that appeal to many people. Stay away from boring white. Freshly painted walls give the impression that your home is well cared for and clean.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $5,000 increased sale price.
Realtors, interior designers and home renovators laud these time-tested techniques for improving the value of your home. However, if you are suffering from extreme debt, it is unlikely that you will be able to attain a loan to make these home improvements.
Here are a few tips that won’t cost much for “staging” your home for a walk-through:
Clean out the clutter. Put all clutter into organized bins and store them in your garage or basement. Leave mainly furniture, appliances and accent items.
Paint. - A fresh coat of paint doesn’t cost much, and it will give your home a much newer, cozier and cleaner feel to a potential buyer.
New linens. - New linens on your beds improves the eye appeal of a bedroom. Also, consider rearranging the furniture. Potential buyers need to see the usability of the space.
Candles and lighting. - Set the mood. A few candles and off-set lighting can give your home a pleasant feel that will enable potential buyers to see themselves enjoying the space.
Mow the lawn. - This one is simple. Clean up the outside of your home. A mowed lawn and weeded flower bed increases your home’s curb appeal.
Regardless of why you are selling your home, following these suggestions will help you sell faster and survive the crumbling housing market. If you are in debt, it may seem scary to spend money on making improvements to a home you are selling. However, small improvements dramatically increase the value of your home and your potential profit.
Author Bio: Allison Roberts is a graduate of the University of North Texas Department of Journalism. She has experience in agency and in freelance public relations. Allison currently writes for Credit Solutions and she is completing an unfinished work of her late grandfather. For more articles by Allison on bankruptcy and bad credit visit Credit Solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Roberts
More American homeowners than ever are filing for bankruptcy or seeking help with their debts. A large percentage of these people struggling with their finances attempt to sell their homes and to escape a mortgage they cannot afford.
The mortgage industry is in a terrible financial state. News stories of subprime lending disasters plaster the evening news and many web sites. Smaller subprime lending companies have filed for bankruptcy, and even some of the most respected mortgage lenders are on the verge of insolvency as well. The government has even stepped in to keep the industry above water.
Many homeowners caught up in the housing debacle are desperate to sell their homes. Thousands of homes across the nation are for sale due to foreclosures, which makes it a buyer’s market. Buyers now have the luxury to be choosy due to the vast number of houses on the market.
You must offer the buyer the best product, which means home renovations are critical. If you invest time and money into renovating your home, then the payoff can be huge. You can sell your home and take advantage of the buyer’s market.
Real estate experts, and many home improvement shows, advise sellers about areas of their homes most important to the buyer. Kelly Todd, a real estate expert, suggests these four areas of your home to renovate if you’re hoping to sell quickly and for a profit:
Kitchen The kitchen is traditionally a gathering place for families. It serves as a meeting area, even if you’re not eating. A sleek, clean and organized kitchen adds value to your home.
Key elements:
Floors – If your floors are outdated, replace them with tile, wood, or a laminate alternative.
Cabinets and countertops – Get a price quote from a remodeling company for replacing both of these. Pick out new hardware for the cabinets and a sleek sink to match.
Appliances - Only replace your appliances if they are out of date, look shabby or do not work.
Paint – Paint your walls a neutral color to complement the new floor, countertops and cabinets.
Likely added value to the home: Up to $40,000 increase in sale price.
Bathrooms Remodeling your bathrooms is a good alternative if you cannot afford to redo the kitchen.
Key elements:
Floor and Walls – These set the atmosphere for the space. Ceramic floor tile is your best bet in the bathroom.
Shower and Tub – Bleach the tub until it shines. Replace the tile surrounding it and consider installing glass door fixtures to replace a plastic or cloth shower curtain.
Lighting and counters – Replace old light and sink fixtures, and install granite countertops. All elements make for a very stylish room.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $10,000 per bathroom increased sale price.
Landscape Your front yard is the first impression potential buyers will have of your home. Having a good curb appeal sets the tone for the rest of the house.
Key elements:
Yard – Lay new sod to make sure the grass is full.
Walkways – Stone or tile walkways with lighting add a stylish effect.
Plants – Replace all dead/dying plants with new healthy ones and get rid of any weeds in the flower bed. Mix shrubs with flowers.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $15,000 increased sale price.
Walls Clean and well-kept walls give your home an organized cozy feel.
Key elements:
Wallpaper – take it down. Do not paint over it. Sand walls after removing wallpaper to prepare them for fresh paint.
Paint – Choose rich colors that appeal to many people. Stay away from boring white. Freshly painted walls give the impression that your home is well cared for and clean.
Likely added value to your home: Up to $5,000 increased sale price.
Realtors, interior designers and home renovators laud these time-tested techniques for improving the value of your home. However, if you are suffering from extreme debt, it is unlikely that you will be able to attain a loan to make these home improvements.
Here are a few tips that won’t cost much for “staging” your home for a walk-through:
Clean out the clutter. Put all clutter into organized bins and store them in your garage or basement. Leave mainly furniture, appliances and accent items.
Paint. - A fresh coat of paint doesn’t cost much, and it will give your home a much newer, cozier and cleaner feel to a potential buyer.
New linens. - New linens on your beds improves the eye appeal of a bedroom. Also, consider rearranging the furniture. Potential buyers need to see the usability of the space.
Candles and lighting. - Set the mood. A few candles and off-set lighting can give your home a pleasant feel that will enable potential buyers to see themselves enjoying the space.
Mow the lawn. - This one is simple. Clean up the outside of your home. A mowed lawn and weeded flower bed increases your home’s curb appeal.
Regardless of why you are selling your home, following these suggestions will help you sell faster and survive the crumbling housing market. If you are in debt, it may seem scary to spend money on making improvements to a home you are selling. However, small improvements dramatically increase the value of your home and your potential profit.
Author Bio: Allison Roberts is a graduate of the University of North Texas Department of Journalism. She has experience in agency and in freelance public relations. Allison currently writes for Credit Solutions and she is completing an unfinished work of her late grandfather. For more articles by Allison on bankruptcy and bad credit visit Credit Solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Roberts
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