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Category: Real Estate

  • What to look for when buying a house in 2019?

    What to look for when buying a house in 2019?

    The slowdown in the property market in London maybe due to new taxes and Britain’s impending exit from the European Union. Though this might seem like great news for home buyers, some challenges do remain. Saving up for a deposit still remains one of the biggest blocks for home ownership.

    In such a scenario of volatility, it becomes all the more important to make sensible and informed decisions, where the real estate market is concerned. Do not be in a hurry to view a property in Cobham and buy a house that could be your home for several years, maybe even a lifetime. Have you made a checklist of all the things to keep in mind before making that big decision in 2019?

    Let us help you with 4 essential factors to look at, though there are several more to keep in mind too.

    A structurally sound building

    Check to see if the property that you are looking at has a solid foundation. Look at the plans of the house. It might be a good idea to take the help of a professional while studying them. An architect or a builder might be able to help you in decoding the structure. When viewing the property, take them along to help you watch out for risks and improvement areas. One of the things that you might want to check out are cracks, especially near bay windows, extension joints, and walls.

    Are there any damp areas in the ceilings and walls? If the property has been freshly painted, this could be a give-away sign for covering wet spots. Watch out for mouldy and damp smells and plaster that is peeling off.

    Does the property serve your needs?

    There is nothing like a perfect home. But there are properties that are nearly there and meet most of your needs. Find out if the rooms are large enough to house your family and pets if any. Will your existing furniture fit the new home? One of the tricks of home sellers is to use smaller furniture and make the rooms look larger than they are. So watch out for this.
    Another area that is often overlooked is the storage area. Are there enough built-in cupboards, shelves and space to store your junk, linen, vacuum cleaner and the gym equipment that you have never used, but do not want to give away?

    It might be a good idea to carry a compass while viewing the house, to find out the direction in which the property is facing. You do not want to end up with a house that is perennially dark in the summer, while you were expecting lots of light and warmth. It might not make so much of a difference in the winter, on cloudy days or in the night. But it is a completely different scenario in the warmer months. Another angle would be to spend some time in the house to find out how it pans out when the sun is out. Ending up in a furnace-like property is a total no-no.

    Roofing and Plumbing

    When viewing a property in Cobham, find out how old the roof is because replacing it would turn out to be very expensive. It might also be a good idea to check the material used because different materials have different life expectancies.
    Inspect the plumbing – if the taps have enough pressure, if the pipes are insulated if the radiators work and the age of the boiler.

    The Neighbourhood

    Check out the neighbourhood and find out if it meets all your needs – are the stores close by? Are there restaurants and pubs that might become overwhelming with their noise levels? Is there easy access to public transport? And most importantly, does the property give you a sense of home.

  • Important Things to Do Before Selling Your House

    Important Things to Do Before Selling Your House

    Selling your home is a big step and involves a lot of careful planning and preparation in order for the relocation process to be a smooth one. One very important aspect of putting a home on the market is the overall condition of the property, as you can expect any potential buyer to closely examine the home when viewing. If you have decided, for whatever reason, to relocate, here are some essential things to do prior to putting the house on the market.

    Declutter the Home

    You might think that this is not important, as any potential buyer is not bothered by stacks of boxes or an untidy interior, yet the opposite is true. People are influenced by the overall cleanliness of a property, so make sure you have had a good tidy up before allowing the home to be viewed. Ask any conveyancing lawyer and they will confirm that the property should be looking its best when people come to view.

    Clean the Windows and Doors

    Image Source: Unsplash

    When a buyer is viewing your home, they will pay particular attention to the windows and doors, so make sure you have the windows cleaned before putting the house on the market. It is also a good idea to clean up the frames, especially if they are aluminum or UPVC, as this does make a difference.

    Clean Light Switches and Door Handles

    Another area that comes under close scrutiny, you should remove the dirt that builds upon light switches, as well as clean all the door handles. Attention to detail will ensure that the property looks its best, which is what you want when trying to sell, and by taking care of the small details as well, you are showing your home in its best light. If you would like some further help with spring cleaning, here is a useful article that offers some excellent advice.

    Watch Out for Unpleasant Odours

    Image Source: Unsplash

    An unpleasant smell will certainly put a prospective buyer off, and by investing in a few room air fresheners, you can be sure that the property will always smell fresh and clean. Leaving the windows open for a while prior to a viewing appointment is always a good idea, and with room odors, the occupants are often unable to detect any bad smells, so you might want to ask a friend to drop by and give you their opinion. Replace Any Non-Functional Light Bulbs- The last thing you want is to give the impression that the property is poorly maintained, so take a look at every room in the house, making sure that all lights are working.

    Deep Clean the Carpets

    This is recommended, as freshly cleaned carpets smell lovely, and when presenting your home for sale, you want to make it as desirable as possible. Old and stale carpets certainly do not give a potential buyer much confidence, and for what it costs, having the carpets deep cleaned is a wise move.

    If you take the time and effort to make your home as presentable as possible, it could make all the difference and result in a quick sale.

  • Household Money Saving Tips You Need to Know

    Household Money Saving Tips You Need to Know

    Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to make ends meet. When bills start to pile up, and we’re falling behind, that’s the only time we start to think about saving money. But that’s easier said than done, and if you don’t make a conscious effort to save, money disappears quickly.

    Even if you go online to look for money-saving tips but are not willing to make sacrifices, you’ll still have a difficult time making ends meet. So, if you’re tired of stressing about money, there’s no better place to get started than in your own home.

    There are plenty of ways to save money by following these simple hacks you can do around the house. Over time, the money you save can be allocated to making those crucial payments like mortgage, credit cards, student loans, or car loans in Adelaide.

    Always remember that there’s no better time to start saving than the present. The sooner you start saving, the better off you’ll be. Even if you’ve been falling behind your monthly bills, it will be easy for you to catch up. So, check out these household money-saving tips we’ve listed for you.

    Don’t forget to unplug.

    In a typical household, you’ll find lots of electronic devices lying around that are left unplugged. Even they are turned off, many people don’t realise that these appliances are still consuming electricity. The quick solution is to make sure they are both turned off and unplugged when not in use.

    Replace old light bulbs.

    Are you still using those old school incandescent light bulbs around your house? You may want to replace them with a more energy efficient light bulb as those last much longer and can save you as much as80 percent on your electricity bill.

    Another way you can save is by using natural light. That’s right. When it’s bright and sunny outside, just open those windows and tie your drapes and let that warm, natural light inside your home.

    Pack lunch.

    I’m a big fan of bringing my own meal to work. Not only will I save more money, but I can also eat whatever food I want. If you’ve decided to eat healthy food, it’s easy to plan your meals for the week. If you prepare your own meals every day instead of always dining out, both your wallet and waistline will thank you for it.

    Do some minor repairs.

    You don’t have to be an expert handyman to perform basic repairs around the house. But if you learn how to fix simple things, like a leaky faucet or seal up cracks on your roof, you can save literally hundreds of dollars every year on utilities and service fees, instead of hiring a professional to do those repairs for you.

    Reduce your power consumption.

    Do you spend a lot of time watching TV or surfing the Web? If so, you should consider doing other activities like reading a good book. You can go to the nearest library and borrow some good books you’ve always wanted to read but never had the time to do so.

    Another thing you can do is to exercise. That’s right. We’re not saying you should go to the gym and spend money on membership fees. No. You can work up a good sweat by jogging or doing some basic routines, like push ups or sit ups, which don’t require fancy gym equipment.

    Saving money doesn’t have to be hard. With just a few common-sense hacks and dedication, these simple hacks will make a positive impact on your household budget. And if you have your own clever ways to save money in your own home, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment so that other people may also benefit.

  • Trustworthy Agents: The Top Three Lies Your Real Estate Agent Tells You

    Trustworthy Agents: The Top Three Lies Your Real Estate Agent Tells You

    Regardless of what your profession is, integrity is an integral aspect if you wish to truly claim your success. In this regard, honesty is paramount–even more so in the real estate industry. After all, buying real estate property is probably the most (if not one of the) significant investment you will ever make in your life. For some, it takes years upon years of saving up until they can finally afford that piece of property they have been wanting for years—whether that may be a unit in condo BGC or elsewhere. From this, we can say that you are entrusting the most substantial transaction of your life in the hands of a real estate agent. While all is well and good if you can find a trustworthy agent who only has your best interests at heart, it is an unfortunate reality that much like any other industry, you have a select few charlatans in the trade. For years, the reputation of real estate agents has been saddled with ill-regard by buyers as the industry is riddled by agents who practice deceit and other machinations just to close a deal.
    Some agents cannot differentiate between truth and lies. Moreover, as the real estate industry has been seen as an avenue for easy money, there has been a steady rise of people wishing to dabble in the business. Unfortunately, not all of these people are either qualified or dependable enough to do any sort of transaction and as such, the industry is riddled with unscrupulous individuals who see it as a fast track for making a lot of money. In any case, it would bode you well to be meticulous in selecting which agent you wish to be working with. Moreover, it might be helpful if you can easily determine whether they are just trying to make an easy buck out of you or are doing an earnest business transaction.

    Here are some of the dodgiest misrepresentations real estate agents will tell you:
    Real Estate Experience

    Deceitful real estate agents tend to bloat their experience in an attempt to bolster their credibility—particularly if they are rather new to the field. After all, how do they expect to have clients if they do not have any legitimate experience in the field? If your real estate agent does not have any proof of the years he has been working as a licensed agent, chances are he has none or very little experience. To convince you to work with them, they may throw around other numbers at you (number of years they have lived in the state or the like). But remember, only the number of years they have been in the industry counts.

    Real Estate Listings

    In the world of Internet, almost everything can be found online and real estate agents have aptly taken advantage of this by having their own websites. Most of these websites would feature a particular agent’s active listings and as a savvy prospective home buyer, you should check for a link as to whether your chosen agent has any listing at all. Very few agents refuse to take listings (such as in the case of an exclusive buyer broker agents) as it is considered as the cardinal sign of a seasoned real estate agent. If you cannot spot a listing anywhere, it is because there is none. Be careful in looking over your agent’s listings however, as some agents without listings tend to advertise another agent’s listings in their own company. Be carefully to read through these listings and ensure if they do belong to your agent.

    Real Estate Specialty
    Typically, it is a practice among agents to advertise their speciality whether that may be a neighborhood type of property, a condo unit or any specific type of buyer they wish to represent. Agents may try to misrepresent themselves by posing as an exclusive home specialist and showcasing only lush and high-end homes when the reality is they have never sold anything in that price range. In other cases, they may claim to be an expert in selling homes in a particular neighborhood but have not closed a deal there in years.

  • 9 Biggest Factors for Buying Your Perfect Dream House

    9 Biggest Factors for Buying Your Perfect Dream House

    Think of a dream home… what comes to your mind? A perfect piece of architecture, situated at the most prime location in the city with lush green surroundings. Ah! This is what you call a dream home.

    Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in the lifetime. And because you’re going to spend whole life there, it’s good to go smart when selecting the perfect dream home. It’s the place where you’ll spend some of the most precious moments of your life, be it spending time in the backyard to watching your children learn or the first time you nail your dad’s yummy barbeque! So, making the smart decision is what makes it a great deal.

    Don’t be afraid to be picky and hold the out until you find your dream home. Well, how can you tell that you’ve found the perfect place?Try these 9 most important factors for buying your dream home in order to be sure you’re on the right path.

    Budget

    People may list down the countless things that may be considered to find the perfect property option, but are all properties available in your budget? You may feel heart-broken if the best property you found after a lot of time doesn’t fit your budget.

    You need to have a look at your budget and share it with the real estate agents. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed if you have a relatively small budget as there is always an option available in your budget. And because these agents are professional, they can give you best advice to get the right property in your budget. If you are going to take a loan, calculate the loan installment and other expenses you need to bear every month.

    Location

    Where exactly do you want to live? Is it going to be an urban society or a rural area? Do you want a home near the workplace or where you can see greenery around?

    When looking for the best property option, keep in mind three points: location, location, location.

    Well, I know it’s not going to be as simple as that, but keeping the best-preferred location in mind can help a lot in making right decisions. Answer the above-mentioned questions and you’re ready to look for the best option.

    If not able to answer, then remember that the location of property should suit your daily convenience and be equipped for emergencies. Prepare a list of venues that you want close to your house along with the distance of each from the house.

    Neighborhood

    Remember that you are not going to live in a bubble whole life. Your dream home is going to be a part of a large community that you will exist in on daily basis. Hence it’s critical to keep in mind the neighborhood while searching for the dream home.Do you want like-minded people around? Do you want to give yourself peace of a secluded forest or tons of energy from a bustling city center?

    Whatever your heart desires, don’t hesitate to do your research before starting your search. Spend some time in the locality, talk to people, go out to eat at local restaurants. This will give you a deeper insight into your neighbors. Once you find areas that you like, let your real estate agent know.

    If the project is still under construction and you can’t find neighbors there, check the project videos and launches they host to better understand the kind of residents the builders are targeting. You may also find interested fellow buyers like yourself to chat with on social media platforms.

    Area Master Plan

    Every time you see a real estate agent, he (or she) will demonstrate you the upcoming residential projects where you’ll soon new malls, office complexes, and multi-specialty hospitals, leading to an upsurge in the property prices there. Well, not all the claims are fake, but there may be too.

    So, it would be wise for you to avail for the Area Master Plan from the local authorities and verify the surrounding developments for yourself. It will give you a better insight into the upcoming projects there. Also, it will help you select the neighborhood you want. If you are looking for a peaceful place, then buying a home next to an upcoming mall would not be a wise decision.

    The features

    A home is not just a compilation of some rooms, balconies, backyard, living room, attached bathrooms, and a kitchen. But, a home is a place where you want to make sure that every family member is able to enjoy the time. Your decision to buying a dream home should be based upon a perfect combination of your budget and your future requirements. For example, if you are planning for 2 kids, then buying a 1BHK is not going to help you in long run.

    Also, don’t be afraid to make a sizeable wish list of the features you want in your home. Everyone’s wish list is different. Many people may want to wake up to watch the sunset rise over a lake while others hope for having community fitness center just a few steps away or your kids might want in your family make a wish list of the features that they crave and consider them to have a playing area at a walking distance. Have each person before making the final decision.

    Resale Value of Property

    Of course, you are not going to sell it for the next 50 years. But you never know what the fate has in its hands. So, look for the property that has a great resale value so you can grab great profits if ever you want to sell it. Resale value of your property depends upon many factors including:

    • The overall project quality
    • Upcoming projects in the neighborhood
    • The way you maintain your home

    Consult with professional real estate agents before making the final decision as they know what’s going to be the right price of your property after 10 years.

    The Floor Plan

    Sometimes you just walk into a flat and are hypnotised with the way it is designed and how smartly space has been used. This is what the architects are the master at. They know how to make the most of each inch at your property. If you are going to buy a builder constructed house or simply want to build your own, don’t let the floor plan take a back seat. The perfect floor plan should:

    • Fit in your lifestyle
    • Requisite number of rooms for your family
    • Be safe for your daily routine
    • Be flexible enough to accommodate any foreseen changes

    Additionally, it should allow substantial sunlight to stream in along with proper cross ventilation across the home. It can be verified by yourself or also you can hire the services of an independent architect for expert opinion.

    Age of Property

    The value of a property solely depends upon its age. And if you are going to buy it for your family, the age is something that does make a difference. The search should depend upon your personal requirements. For example, if you are looking for a modern-designed flat, then go for the latest projects, but if you swoon over the irreplaceable charm offered by old homes, then you may want to look for the old mansions.

    Tailor your search keeping in mind your preferences. Remember that the old homes require a bit more care and maintenance may be more than you could expect.

    The Space

    The last point to consider in the list, but the most important one is the “Space”. You don’t want to take the stress of trying to make the space work for you if you buy a home that is too small for your family. In the same vein, buying a property that is too large will wrack up large costs. Take a look at the current place you are living. How does it feel? Do you want more bedrooms but with a smaller size? Is the kitchen space enough for your wife? Is there enough storage for all of your belongings? Also, you should also consider your plans for the future.

    We all wish to have a dream home one day. Well, it is possible with the right amount of research. The above-mentioned factors can help you focus in on the qualities that a property must have to be your perfect fit.

  • Real Estate Funk: Keep the Hustle During Hump Day

    Real Estate Funk: Keep the Hustle During Hump Day

    Two days down for the week and you still have two more to go. You were doing exceptionally well as you managed to close a few more deals from Arca South or some other fancy development on your plate. Suddenly, hump day sets in, and you lost the motivation to get out of bed along the way.

    Your mind fast-forwards to the weekend, wanting so badly to go on vacation but still have the urge to push yourself out of bed and go to work. If you are still feeling the funk even if you clocked in the office, here are some ways to fight off the feeling (even if you feel like you can’t).

    1. Look for an inspiration
    Is there a top performer in the company? Talk to them. Get to know them. Get to know what makes them tick. What makes him work hard? What inspires them? What makes them go over the daily grind?

    Though their habits and routine won’t be the exact things that will work for you, you can get an idea of what makes them the best at their job. Aspire to work alongside them instead of replacing them. It’s a healthier and more optimistic way of looking at it.

    You can also look for inspiration at other companies, establishments, and industries. They way they do things are sure to be different from how you conduct your day-to-day operations. It will give you a chance to think outside the box and explore different ways of pushing yourself to work harder.

    2. Read real estate horror stories
    Not ghost hunting and other creepy stuff.
    Read the stories of various experiences about house selling fails and unthinkable real estate buyer and seller conduct. You can learn from them so you can avoid committing the same mistakes in the future.

    The accounts vary from annoying to ultimately hilarious and one-of-kind. The will make you laugh and cringe as you are well aware these can happen to you. Reading the stories also provides entertainment for hours. However, don’t’ spend all day keeping yourself glued to them. You need to live and make your own unforgettable experience.

    3. Attend a personality development course
    Better yet, attend any class that makes you a hustler at your job and increases your value.

    Being in real estate allows you to interact with different types of people. Whether on the phone, private messages and e-mail, you still get to interact with them. Taking a course on essential conduct helps you learn new ways on how to interact with them. It also helps you pace how you conduct yourself.

    Other than how you present yourself or how you get along with other people, you can also take courses relevant to the industry such as topics in Finance, Economics, Marketing, and Interior Design and Interior Design.

    4. Wear something cool
    Professionals, especially those who meet with clients on a daily basis are required to wear proper clothing. Some companies prefer the formal look – suit with matching tie, closed heels and groomed hair. Others allow the business casual get up. Whatever, company policy you may have, you can always work around it, so your clothing reflects your personality and feelings.

    You can wear a different outfit on hump day. If your work requires a matching suit each day, try wearing one in lighter or brighter shade. Women can wear a suit in millennial pink which is a soft and delicate color currently in fashion. The color won’t distract the client or other people in the office. Men can opt to wear a printed top with their neutral coat and matted slacks. The quirky print on the shirt is a statement on its own and makes a tie optional.

    A change in appearance brings out a positive vibe from the boost of confidence.

    These are simple solutions we tend to forget. Being inspired by a successful figure pushes us to our limits while learning from others’ experiences makes us better at what we do. To maximize learning, it pays to attend and explore avenues we that aren’t in our league. Last but not the least, the easiest way to get out of the slump is through making ourselves feel like a million dollars. Dressing up will make ourselves feel important and place us back in our old selves.