SkyFive Properties Blog

Homeowners can assert some control over their homes’ value provided they maintain the good condition of their properties. However, some factors influence the overall value of real estate. For example, while some prospective buyers focus on structural requirements, others are more interested in mortgage rates. So if you’re planning on selling your current home to upgrade to another, or you’re starting to invest in real estate, read further to discover some crucial factors that can influence your property’s value.

• The design of the home

Logically, an excellent home design demands a higher premium. According to data released from The Modern House research, a home’s design can influence up to a 12% increase (on average) in price. This is absolute proof of the fact that aesthetics does matter in property valuations. You may be asking yourself what constitutes a good design?

It usually is the architectural harmony between the home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition to that, there is a preference for high ceilings, natural lighting, fixtures, and furnishings. These intricate schemes are things you will find in the JG King new home designs. Regardless of the land size, there is a home design to fit every budget.

• Location

As a property owner, for personal reasons, your home’s location may look ideal to you until an appraiser comes knocking. These are professionals who look for specific details to determine the value of the homes they assess. The three key indicators or exact pointers are proximity to employment opportunities, quality of schools within the locality, proximity to recreational centers, and shops.

Despite these three indicators that home appraisers value your home on, they also tend to consider accessibility to public transit, highways, and utility lines. Therefore, location is more than just the physical placement of the property. In the US home market, in a bid to compensate for the lack of location indicators, property sellers make concessions. For instance, some opt to pay for repair works or offer timeline flexibility for payments.

• The local market competition

Sometimes, even with the best locations, premium home upgrades, and other fixes, your real estate value is dependent on the local market. This implies that other properties for sale (depending on their numbers) in your locality are equally as competitive. For example, if there are more buyers in an area with fewer homes, the market favors the seller.

In this situation, homes will sell quicker; however, properties listed for too long may be perceived as ‘problematic’ homes. On the other hand, fewer buyers in an area with many homes are considered the buyer’s market. In a buyer’s market, you have the liberty to negotiate the price of a home you are interested in purchasing.

In this case, a seller will be compelled to make price adjustments to attract more potential buyers. In other words, competition in the local market greatly influences property value at any given time.

Although buyers are different, the value of a property is mainly dependent on several factors. The economy, interest rates, and the prevailing market(s) all influence real estate value. Therefore, whether buying or selling, take cognizance of these pointers.

When you’re ready to build a custom home, you may be ready to design and construct a residential property that is upscale and luxurious. One of the most important steps to take is finding the right luxury Florida custom home builder because you’ll be working closely with the professional for an average of a year. If you’re not sure where to start, there are a few important things to look for when selecting your luxury builder in Florida to make it a smooth and enjoyable process.

Experience in the Industry

One of the main factors you should consider when selecting a luxury Florida custom home builder is experience. It’s crucial that you hire someone who has several years of experience in the industry to ensure they’re qualified to perform the work and deliver exceptional results. If you hire a builder who is just starting out in the industry, it can be more of a risk because they don’t have a track record or any way to show you the work they can perform. They may not be able to provide you with references with their former clients.

If the builder has completed dozens of homes similar to the one you want to build, then they’ll be more qualified to resolve common issues that can occur throughout the process. It’s important to ask how many luxury houses they’ve built that have a similar size and design as the one you want to build.

A high level of industry experience will ensure you use a professional Marco Island home builder with a deep level of architectural understanding. Keep in mind that you’ll be entering into a partnership with the professional, making it necessary that they’re well-rounded and communicate well.

Quality Reviews

Do your homework by looking into the reviews of the custom home builder that are posted online to get insight into the experience former clients have had with the professional. You can get an idea of the work being performed on time or if there are any conflicts. The reviews will reveal if the clients recommend the services and if they’d hire the builder again in the future. This is also a place where you can get an idea of the quality of the materials used and if the homes built look luxurious and upscale.

If the builder has more than a few negative reviews in the last year or two, then it’s important to move on to a different option because there’s going to be more risk hiring someone with dissatisfied clients. You don’t want to work with someone that doesn’t communicate well or uses cheap materials.

You can also visit the Better Business Bureau to review more detailed customer assessments that are available for the public to access.

Competitive Rates

The cost of the builder that you hire is one of the main factors that should influence your decision to ensure their rates are fair and competitive in the industry. Keep in mind that several factors will influence the overall cost to build your luxury home, which includes the size of the building and the different features you choose to include. It’s important to obtain a quote in advance to avoid surprises. You’ll also need to get everything in writing to ensure the builder doesn’t add extra fees or add-ons at a later time.

Although you may want to find someone that offers the lowest rates, it’s not always a good idea to hire a builder that offers the lowest price for the project. You may make the mistake of hiring someone that cuts corners or doesn’t use quality materials. Professional and reputable builders in the industry have overhead costs, which means they won’t be able to give you a rate that’s too good to be true. It’s important to avoid trying to get a good deal when you’re building a custom home because the quality can affect the value of the property. It can also cost you more over time if repairs are needed, and the materials start to fall apart.

Quality and Value

Look for a Marco Island home builder to ensure you hire a professional with quality and value. You can shop around and visit different open houses and model homes to get a firsthand look at the quality of work each builder does to ensure you’re satisfied with the craftsmanship. When you’re looking for a luxury builder, the house should have unique and upscale features.

Open homes can provide you with the opportunity to walk through a finished home to ensure it’s something you want to live in long-term. The homes are often furnished to give you an idea of how you can use each room and envision yourself living in the building. This is the time when you can ask the builder’s representatives different questions and get specific details that can make it easier to decide which builder to use.

Professionalism

When you interview each builder, they should have a high level of professionalism as you communicate and interact with each other. This is the time you can ask additional questions or address specific concerns. The builder should make eye contact and take their time meeting with you without making you feel rushed. You can also ask what sets them apart from other companies in the industry to ensure you find someone with quality services.

The builder should also have a professional website and even a physical address for their offices that you can visit. This shows that they’re established and have had success in the industry.

Knowing what to look for in a luxury Florida custom home builder is key to finding the right company to hire when you’re ready to build your dream home to ensure you get the most out of your investment. You can work closely with someone you trust and have peace of mind knowing that it will be a smooth and efficient process.

Wondering if your home or business might be in need of termite treatment? You may be unsure of what to look for in the world of termites, but we can help. Below, we’ve listed out six telltale signs that termites just might be part of the equation. If any of these apply to your home, call a professional, and get your home looked at as soon as possible.

Read on for insight about what it looks like if you have a termite infestation in your home or business.

1. Rotting Wood?

Wondering if the wood in your home is rotting? If you spy the wood in your house looking weird, it may not actually be signs of rotting — what you’re seeing may actually be signs of a termite takeover. Of course, you may have issues with rot, but there’s also a chance termites could be to blame.

Moreover, if the wood appears to be hollowed out, that’s a sure sign that something’s going on. However, structures that are infested with termites may not display any damage to the exterior of the home. Usually, termites are located under the surface that you see. To test this, you can knock on the wood. If it sounds hollow, you may have a termite problem.

2. Mud Tunnels

Some species of termites build mud tunnels along the walls of a home. These tunnels can be inside or outside. They serve to protect the termites as they travel around, searching for food or heading back to their nests. Termites want to stay out of view so they can keep up with their wood munching work.

However, if you see these, they’re a clear sign that you need to get a termite treatment right away. You want to prevent the termite colony from spreading any further or compromising your structure any more than they already have.

3. Dust or Droppings?

If you see a strange, fine dust coating parts of your house, this may be dust — but if it looks strange to you, there’s also a chance it could be termite droppings. As termites gorge themselves on the wood making up your home’s structure, they will, of course, expel this diet eventually. Their droppings tend to be wood colored and appear fine, like thick dust.

If you spot piles of wood-colored dust looking substance in your home, this is another sign that you may have a termite problem. You’ll want to get a professional company to help you determine if this dust in your home is from termites or something else.

4. Colonies or Swarms

Do you see a swarm of bugs flying in the air or living near your home? These may be termites — and they may be making themselves at home inside the hidden places of your home. This is a sure sign that there are termites in the area. If you’re not sure what termites look like, you can do research or call a professional who will be able to identify them for sure.

Finding a colony of termites — whether underground, in the air or somewhere around your home — is a great reason to contact a termite company for help.

5. Finding Dead Bugs

Finding strange dead bugs or even bug parts like wings or legs around your home? You may be looking at the signs of a termite infestation. If this applies to you, getting a termite treatment is important for the safety and endurance of your home. Finding dead bugs means they have already set up shop. However, it doesn’t show you the extent of the problem.

Look around for other signs of termites and call a professional the first chance you get. This is your best bet for preventing any further damage.

6. Look at Your Neighbors

Are your neighbors having termite issues? Did you notice a nearby home getting tented? If so, it may be a good time to inspect your own home for possible termite colonies. They tend to gather and invade areas at a time, so if other homes in your neighborhood have contracted termites, there’s a chance you could be next.

Don’t wait to find out the hard way. Being proactive and nipping your termite issue in the bud is key to making sure you get the problem under control with minimal damage to your home or workplace.

If any or all of these signs apply to you and your home, it’s time to call a reputable termite company!

What to Expect with Termite Treatment

If you’ve realized your home is definitely in need of good termite treatment, you probably have a lot of questions. You may even wonder if it’s worth it. Getting a successful termite treatment done in a timely manner can help protect the integrity of your home. You don’t want the internal structure breaking down due to termite damage.

It’s imperative that you get your termite issues solved as fast as you can so that these little bugs don’t cause even more damage than they already have.

The Treatment Process

What should you expect when it comes to termite treatment? An inspector will come to give you specifics, but you’ll likely have to have your home or residence tented. This will require you to move out for a few days and live elsewhere while the treatment is performed. You’ll need to remove any food or porous substances like soaps and lotions, as the poison used in the termite treatment can soak into it and cause you harm.

You’ll also likely face a hefty cost for this treatment, but you don’t really have a choice in the matter — you have to protect your home and the contents within it, including your family. After the treatments are done, though, you should have no more concerns about termites. Want to learn more about taking care of your abode as a homeowner or condo dweller?
Browse our blog for tips on flipping homes, taking care of your condo or home, and investing in the right properties.

For many homeowners, there comes a time when moving houses makes sense. You may fancy a change of scenery. You might have a new job. You may want to travel or relocate to be closer to friends and family. Whatever the reason for moving, it’s wise to plan in advance and make sure you’re 100% sure you want to put that for sale sign up. If you’re toying with the idea of a move in 2021, this guide should come in handy. Here are some essential factors to consider before you sell your property.

Your finances

Buying a house is the most significant investment most people will make in their lifetime. If you are a homeowner, and you’re thinking about selling up, it’s crucial to bear the financial implications in mind. The value of the property may have increased, but timing is always influential. Before you commit to selling, undertake research. Take a look at the facts and figures, see what is happening with the local and national markets, and get some valuations. It‘s always useful to ask a few agents to value your property. This will give you an accurate idea of how much you can expect the house to fetch. Ideally, you want to sell at a time when the market is buoyant and the demand for housing is increasing. As well as thinking about the value of your home, it’s also beneficial to explore the costs of selling and moving. You will need to factor in legal charges and fees, for example.

The selling process

Many of us will enter into the process of selling a property with our fingers and toes crossed for a quick and easy transaction. Unfortunately, buying and selling real estate is not always plain sailing. It can take time to find a buyer and to close deals. If you want to speed up the process, there are options. Firstly, look for a real estate agent that has an outstanding track record.

Secondly, spread the word and make sure every prospective buyer knows that your home is on the market. In addition, you can spruce up your home to make it more appealing and add curb appeal. If you want or need to sell quickly, you could also look into options like the services provided by HomeGo. Taking feedback on board is also helpful. If you have viewings that don’t go well, don’t panic. Speak with your agent and find out what the buyers liked and disliked. Often, simple changes can make a big difference. A lick of paint, a tidy lawn, or a neutral colorway could turn your fortunes around.

Timing

If you’ve ever researched buying real estate, you will have come across terms like ‘buyer’s market.’ Timing is key when it comes to buying and selling. The strength and growth of the market depend on multiple factors. These include supply and demand, political events, and the economy. There are times when it is better to buy than sell and vice-versa. As a seller, you want to put your home up for sale when the market is growing, prices are increasing and the demand outweighs the supply. It may not always be possible to wait for a purple patch, but if you’re not in a hurry to move, waiting could help you earn more money.

Alternative options

There are myriad reasons why people choose to move. In some cases, for example, relocating to a different state or country, it’s not possible to suggest a viable alternative. In others, however, it may be beneficial to explore other options. If you’ve run out of space or you want a more modern home, take your time to make a decision. There may be solutions that will enable you to stay put if you love your current home. An extension, a loft conversion, or a garden office could increase living space, for example. An interior makeover could give you the aesthetic you crave. Always take the time to consider every option available to you. You may find that your current property has the potential to become your dream home.

Finding a new home

Selling your property means finding a new home. While this can be a hugely exciting prospect, it can also be daunting. Some buyers will find the perfect home in a matter of days or weeks. Others take months, even years, to locate a house that crosses the boxes. Before you decide to put your house up for sale, think about what the future holds. Are you sure that you want to move, and what kind of home are you looking for? Consider different locations and analyze your finances.

Set a budget before you start your new property search. This will enable you to narrow down the options and reduce the risk of overspending or stretching yourself too far. It is worth viewing different styles of properties and looking for potential. If you can see past-dated decor, for example, you could discover a hidden gem. If you find a house you love, view it again. Use your second and third appointments to cover every inch and think about how the property will work for you. Take your time to weigh up the pros and cons. It’s important that you feel confident that you have made the right decision.

Selling your home can conjure up a mixture of emotions. You might be excited about the future, but you may also be stressed or anxious. Before you decide to put your property on the market, it’s important to think carefully. Take a look at your finances and get some valuations. Research the market and consider the timing. Is now a good time to sell, or is it worth waiting? Think about the reasons you want to move and explore viable alternatives. If you decide to relocate, start drawing up a wish-list for your new home and set a budget. Take your time to view properties, mull over offers for your home, negotiate and make decisions.

Whether you’ve purchased a new home or you’ve signed a rental agreement, there is a lot of planning to do. You’ve got to pack your belongings, hire a moving company, contact your utility companies, forward your mail, and the list goes on. While you may not want to add anything else to that list, there is one more thing that could end up relieving a lot of your stress: hiring a cleaning company. You might think that your own cleaning skills could be satisfied before and after the move, but you may be surprised at the benefits of allowing someone else to take care of the job.

Peace of Mind

When you’re moving into any new home, whether it’s your own or a rental, you want to start fresh. You probably don’t want to see the kitchen grime of the previous tenant’s spaghetti dinner or dust bunnies where the old owner’s furniture used to be.

Hiring a cleaning company such as Wizard Carpet Cleaning to arrive at your new home before you do can mean you’re starting with a blank slate. Everything is fresh and clean, and all you have to worry about is setting up your furniture.

Save Time

It can be a race against the clock to achieve the perfect move – one where everything goes off without a hitch, and you’re unlocking the door to your new home before night falls. With so much going on, you may find yourself arriving exhausted, with no energy left to do anything other than sleep.

However, before you can worry about unpacking and setting up your furniture, you have to spend hours behind a vacuum cleaner and mop, making sure the house is as clean as you want it. That time could be better spent unpacking boxes and adding your touch. If a cleaning company arrives ahead of time, you can save several hours and focus on settling in.

You Can Get Your Deposit Back

You can be so busy focusing on your new home that it’s easy to forget about the one you just left. If you were renting, leaving the property spotless can be an important part of getting your deposit back. However, after lugging your furniture out and packing boxes, the last thing you often feel like doing is getting down on your hands and knees with a scrubbing brush. Hiring a cleaning company can mean that once you’ve moved your possessions out, they can come in, leave the place spotless, and improve your chances of receiving your deposit.

Reduce Your Allergy Risk

If you are one of up to 30% of the population who suffers from allergic rhinitis, then moving day can be troublesome. Moving furniture and packing possessions can kick up a lot of dust. Without the appropriate medication, you can end up feeling uncomfortable.  Rather than arrive at a dusty new home that sets off your allergies, hire a cleaner, and make sure those allergy risks are taken care of before you arrive.

There is no doubt that having enough space is very important, especially at home. It’s for this reason that families decide on extending their homes when they welcome new members or when the current members grow mature enough to realize the importance of having their own private space.

However, extending the property is not the only way to attain more space. In this article, we take a look at some simpler and cheaper options to maximize space in your home.

Cleaning and decluttering

A home that is full of clutter likely has a lot of wasted space. Decluttering may free up space that you have failed to utilize. If you have a lot of unused items that take up space in your home, you might need the services of a reliable Miami dumpster rental company to get rid of them.

Not all clutter is trash, of course. Instead of throwing everything away, you might choose to have a garage sale. This way, you get to earn some money for additional storage units. Alternatively, you may also choose to donate the items to local charities.

Interior designing

If you have the time to invest in learning interior design, there are resources on YouTube and other websites that can help you. Going DIY on interior design projects is great because it gives you more control over the materials and furniture items that you use. This also gives you the freedom to experiment and let your creativity unfold.

However, not everyone has the talents or skills needed to plan out spaces without compromising looks and function, and some just don’t have the time in their schedules. I

f you belong to either class of people, then you might want to consider getting the services of a competent and creative interior designer in Miami and other cities in Florida. These professionals can help maximize whatever space you have. They may also play with our perceptual tendencies by creating illusions of space through the use of mirrors and strategic colors.

Home renovations

There might be too many fixtures in your current space, causing both design and functional redundancy. There might be walls and permanent dividers that eat up too much space.

There might even be ornaments that have already lost their aesthetic appeal through time. A home renovation project can get rid of these and free up more space in your home. Renovations are admittedly costlier than the other options discussed here, but they are cheaper and less exhausting than extensions, which entail building structures from the ground up.

Creating new space through structural extensions may not be the only answer if you want to have more usable space at home. Freeing up existing space might even be the more viable course of action.

Things as simple as decluttering and reorganizing can do the trick, and you can do them yourself. Keep these tips in mind to expand your space at home without going over budget.

Putting your home on the market comes with a lot of challenges and risks. If you have no idea about how the system works, you can find it challenging to sell your property at the amount you are looking for.

Because of this, you want to ensure that you get the best people to handle the job for you and attract buyers who can offer you the best value for your property. Skilled and knowledgeable professionals like estate agents Colchester residents recommend can make a lot of difference.

There are many reasons why finding a professional estate agent is beneficial. They are knowledgeable in handling marketing, financial, and legal issues, are savvy with sales strategies and property regulations, familiar with the property market, and will always protect their clients’ best interests. Whether you are buying or selling property, estate agents ensure that you are secure.

Before choosing an estate agent, here are things you should consider.

They must come highly recommended

With the abundance of estate agents offering their services, choosing one that you can trust to handle the marketing of your property can be a challenge. One way of making things easier when it comes to making decisions is by getting recommendations from family and friends.

Because you trust them, you can be more assured that the people they recommend can be relied on to deliver. You may want to ask them about their personal experiences with agents and make better decisions after that.

They must have years of experience in the business

Experience is something that you should be looking for in an estate agent. The longer they have been in the real estate industry, the more knowledgeable they are about the ins and outs of buying or selling properties.

Because of the length of time they have been working, they have already built relationships with various clients and know the various facets of the market, which you can use to your advantage. With their expertise, your concerns are put to rest, knowing that your property is in capable hands.

They should have good communication skills

One important factor that should go into choosing an estate agent is communication. A professional agent is aggressive and will always give you updates on developments regarding your property.

There are many agents who do not keep their clients abreast and make decisions without involving their clients. A good estate agent will keep you in the loop at all times and ensure that you are involved in any decisions made.

They are prompt to respond

When choosing an estate agent, you must feel that you are the priority. After all, they are working for you. This means that they should be ready to respond to your needs with regards to your property.

They should pick up calls or get back to you soonest if they are not able to take a call. They must respect you as a client and be ready to answer questions you have – understanding that this is a big decision you are making.

Making the right choice for an estate agent can help you sell your property at the best value and make it a worthwhile experience with people you can trust.

As per the Miami Report Q3 Update released in October 2020 by a joint venture Related ISG International Realty, Florida is the number one choice to live for people relocating from New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois. With its gorgeous weather, lively culture, and luxurious lifestyle, Miami is one of the most desirable cities in Florida to live in. It reflects in the Miami housing market, which represents, year over year, a 4.7% increase with a total value of 864.2 billion.

Be it a budget-buyer or a high-end buyer, Miamians’ taste in living spaces is distinguished. And to keep up with their luxurious and ever-evolving lifestyles, real estate owners and agents have kept up with the real estate trends as they come and go. But one trend that is here to stay is ‘virtual staging’ or ‘virtual real estate staging.’

In Miami, virtual staging is a huge market because it’s a market defined by the buyers’ comfort and convenience. Almost every buyer begins their search online. And beautifully staged houses at attractive prices are the ones that make it to the ‘shortlisted’ list in the first go.

Here are some benefits of virtual staging:

1. Faster Sales and More Money –As per a study from Coldwell Banker, staged homes take an average of 7.6 days to sell in a stable market, while an unstaged home takes an average of 30 to 40 days. Virtual staging helps buyers realize the full potential of a property. It makes their imagination of a perfect space more visual, which influences their decisions greatly. Moreover, virtual staging for realtors is a great deal since it saves them the cost of physically staging a property, which easily cost thousands of dollars.

2. Flexibility and Customization – Virtual real estate staging offers the biggest benefit of customization; customization of the entire décor as per the requirement of the potential buyer. You can frequently change colors, doors, windows, furniture, flooring, etc., as per the market demand – and help the potential buyers imagine how they can make your property their dream house.

3. Decluttering and Organizing –The decluttering feature is an important one, especially for houses that still have tenants or owners living in them. By removing the clutter virtually, you can take the attention away from the mess and to the outstanding features of your listing.

4. Affordable Staging – With the costs of buying or renting furniture, hiring manpower for transportation and staging, hiring photographers, and other miscellaneous costs, traditional real estate staging can cost thousands of dollars. At the same time, virtual staging by Styldod is exceptionally affordable. Styldod, one of the leading virtual staging companies, has introductory prices as low as $16/image. Moreover, virtual staging experts are in tune with the latest interior décor trend, which helps them deliver fascinating images of interior décor in your property.

5. Less Time and Effort–It is needless to say that traditional real estate staging takes a lot of time and effort, from choosing the right furniture to sourcing and staging it. On the other hand, you can get your property virtually staged in just a couple of days. Moreover, there are almost no efforts that you need to put into your property. You can get the basic fixing and repair done, if needed, as per your convenience without delaying listing the property.

6. Access to Niche Markets –With virtual staging, you can directly target a specific market and its needs since you can easily style your property as per the buyer demographic. Moreover, you can get the same property virtually staged in different styles from the experts at Styldod, show it to a different segment of buyers, and increase visits to your property.

Virtual staging has become a necessary step in real estate deals since it allows sellers to present the best versions of their properties that certainly make the best first impressions. Check out your virtual staging options and make a quicker and much better sale.

Author Bio:

Rahul Agrawal is the Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Styldod, where he has taught a computer to do interior design! Styldod provides the most hassle-free & inexpensive virtual staging solutions for real estate agents so they can sell their listings faster, and for higher prices. Rahul was also a co-founder of Mebelkart (which is acquired by Ask Me). He’s your everyday IIT Kanpur nerd who pushes the boundaries with his innovative entrepreneurial stints and is also a sound startup investor & advisor. Rahul attributes his success as a professional to the discipline he has learned from his district hockey days, being a swimmer and a gym enthusiast.

Home improvements and repairs can be costly. During the winter months, most of us are keen to avoid any extra expense as we struggle with a rise in heating bills, and the costs of the holidays, and so, we often put home repairs and upgrades off until the New Year, or even later, when we’ve got more money to spare. This can be a mistake.

Leaving your home in poor condition can mean that things get worse. Harsh weather conditions can mean that minor problems become more serious and so more expensive very quickly. Failing to make repairs can also mean that your home is cold and uncomfortable and that you are putting your family at unnecessary risk. Here’s a look at three of the areas of your home that you should check and repair or upgrade if necessary before the weather gets worse and the risks grow.

The Roof

One of the biggest problems when it comes to our roofs is that it’s hard to spot warning signs that something is wrong until it’s too late, as we can’t see most of them, and very rarely get up close. Often, the first signs of problems with the roof are that it’s colder than usual, there’s a leak in our homes, or we can see shingles falling off.

A damaged roof in the winter can be dangerous, and with inclement weather conditions, it’s very easy for a small problem to become significantly worse, and far more expensive. It’s a good idea to check your roof or to get someone to do it for you before the weather deteriorates.

If there is a problem, get in touch with Mid Florida Roofing, an Orlando Roofing Company that might be able to help. Mid Florida Roofing can check your roof, and make any repairs needed while recommending the best materials for your home, getting superior roofing services is really important to make sure the roof is repaired and checked properly to prevent future issues.

Guttering

Cleaning the guttering is such a small job. But, it’s one that few of us take the time to do regularly. After fall, there’s a fair chance that your gutters are clogged up with leaves and debris. This can mean that they can’t handle heavy rainfall in winter and that they overflow. This overflowing water then seeps into the brickwork of your home. In freezing conditions, this water can expand, leading to costly damage to your house. Clean your gutters regularly, or find a window cleaner that will do it for you.

Boiler

If you have any issues with your boiler, it’s always best to get them seen to as soon as possible, before the problem gets worse and leaves you without heating or hot water at the coldest time of the year. Even strange noises and flashing lights should be checked straight away, and if you haven’t had a service for a year, it’s a good time to book one in.

Your boiler, guttering, and roof can be checked relatively easily, and minor repairs, cleaning, and servicing are quick, easy, and usually fairly cheap. Leave them too long and you’ll be cold and out of pocket.

Photo by Sam Beasley on Unsplash

Whether you’re on the hunt for your first apartment or itching for a more functional rental, chances are you have a few things on your mind. You’ve probably been thinking about how many bedrooms you need and how to select the right neighborhood. You may have even considered the type of decor or finishes you want your new place to have. But what about amenities?

The amenities that an apartment provides has the power to enhance your lifestyle—or put a damper on it. While some amenities are luxuries, these 8 should be considered essential if you want to find the perfect home.

1.    Outdoor Areas

We are spending more time in our homes, so outdoor areas where we can get sunshine and fresh are increasingly important for our well-being.

Outdoor amenities generally come in two forms: private and communal areas. Private areas are balconies or terraces that are an extension of your apartment and only for your use. On the other hand, outdoor communal areas are shared with other residents and come with extra perks like cultivating a sense of community and giving you additional gathering space. Bush Temple is an excellent example of this with its outdoor rooftop lounge equipped with a kitchenette, pool, and seating that all tenants can enjoy.

2.    Heat Control

Nothing is worse than being too hot or cold when it is very little you can do about it.

Listings don’t commonly mention this, so make sure to ask the landlord if you will have control over the heat when inquiring about an apartment or when doing your walkthrough. This is also the ideal time to check if there are any additional fees if you are considering using your own air conditioning unit.

3.    Pet Friendly

If you have a furry friend, then please find a pet-friendly apartment.

We have all heard stories of those that have “snuck” pets into apartments. But the reality is that hiding a pet is not only stressful for you, but it is stressful for your pet as well as cats and dogs tend to emulate emotions.

The fact that pets are allowed in your apartment should be outlined in your written rental agreement, along with any extra fees that come along with having a pet. The good news is that renting with pets is in high demand and many landlords are becoming more open to the idea. Thus, finding a pet-friendly apartment is becoming increasingly easier in many areas.

4.    Newer Appliances

Newer appliances aren’t just more aesthetically pleasing—they are less likely to break down and more efficient.

If you really want to save on your hydro bill, look for an apartment that offers Energy Star appliances or the like. You may also want to consider a dishwasher. While some feel this is a luxury, dishwashers tend to use less water than handwashing. Therefore, you will save time and decrease your water bill.

5.    Carpet Free

Carpet is harder to sanitize and is prone to staining and retaining odors.

It is best to opt for an apartment with hardwood, tile, laminate, or some combination of those options. The only time carpet is an asset is for renters that have dogs with joint pain as the cushioned flooring makes less impact.

Love the plush look of the carpet or the coziness it provides? Using area rugs in apartments is always an option. Area rugs come in almost every size, color, and pattern imaginable. Plus, they are easy to swap out if they get stained, and you can take them with you if you move.

6.    Parking & Public Transportation

No one wants to come home after work to circle the parking lot or street to find a spot to park.

Knowing exactly where your car is going with a designated parking spot can save you this headache. Living somewhere with snow? A parking garage is a nice perk that can save you time since you won’t have to clear off your car as often.

For those who take public transportation, map out the routes you take the most often before committing to a rental. You should opt for a short commute and have stops easily accessible from where you live.

7.    On-Site Laundry

Laundry in your apartment building is a convenience that you don’t want to pass up.

A shared laundry room in your building means you can relax in your apartment as your load washes and dries. Anyone that has ever had to sit around a laundromat waiting for clean clothes knows this is a huge convenience.

To kick up the convenience of on-site laundry, look for an apartment with a washer and dryer right in your unit (or at least the hookups for them). With this amenity, you will no longer need to carry around change for the machines or wait in line for a dryer in use.

8.    Front Desk Service

Shopping online is more popular than ever, so chances are you will need a place for your packages to be delivered.

The first choice is a front desk. This means that fewer people will have access to your mail and there will also be someone available if a signature is needed. As a bonus, the front desk also acts as a layer of security, keeping an eye on people who enter the building.

Note that you may have to pick up packages at the post office or an Amazon locker for complexes that don’t offer front desk service or parcel lockers.

Beyond these 8 amenities, you may also want to look for ones that are tailored toward your lifestyle. For example, if you love to keep healthy, a gym in the building can be a major convenience. A bit of a social butterfly? Look for an apartment with a community that gets together for activities every now and then.

Apartments have many benefits. And finding a home with the right amenities will help you enjoy apartment living to the fullest.