SkyFive Properties Blog

If you want to thrive in the construction industry, planning is the key factor. Initiating a new project, spending lots of money, and investing time, are all important factors that you need to be mindful of. Here, in this article, we will guide you through a few things to keep in mind when beginning a construction project:

Planning is Crucial

If you don’t have a concrete plan for a new project, it is bound to fair anytime soon in the future. No project in the world has ever been in exception to this rule. Because construction projects are large, it is essential for the initiators to have clear goals in mind. If you begin without a plan, you will never be able to have a perspective on the outcome. Whenever a construction project is about to be started, the entire team gets together to plan everything. Before the execution stage, a detailed plan is prepared in a documented form. Once the plan is approved by all the people on board, only then are the final orders issued.

Management Strategy

Once you’re done with carving the plan for a project, the next step is to devise a management strategy. Unless you don’t have a management strategy in place, you will never be able to assign tasks to the workers. Furthermore, when a long term plan is divided into short term goals, it is imperative for a firm to have a management strategy to achieve them. So when you have a management plan, it will become easier for the workers to rest and complete the tasks on time. Otherwise, low levels of productivity will only cause more damage to your project.

The Ability To Finish Tasks on Time

Meeting deadlines is often the most crucial part of a construction project. As discussed, the budget for construction projects is large, so a delay in the work means investors will have to spend a lot of money on getting things done fast. As a project manager, you must understand the ability of your team to complete deadlines. This way, it will be easier for you to announce a date for the completion of a project. Secondly, you need to keep a strict check on the raw material and inventory. Project managers often have to take stress on account of shipment delays.

Permissions

This is a very important factor that most people overlook when they plan a construction project. Even before laying out the budget for a project, you need to sift through the permits and permissions that are needed to begin a project. You need permission from the concerned authority if you have a project is one of the following:

• Additions for existing buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Property grading
• Housing developments
• Alterations to existing buildings
• Covered linkways

If you don’t know, approval in such projects might take up to 2 weeks, so you don’t need to panic. If your project fits in one of the categories mentioned above, it will get approved sooner or later. Because construction projects are on the rise, you need to be patient with yours. Consult an expert like Baycrest if you want to know more about the management of construction projects.

Manpower Availability

If you don’t have the manpower, nothing can happen. As a project manager, you need to make sure there is enough manpower on board to complete a construction project. A construction project requires hundreds of people for its completion. If you are handling such a project for the first time, you will have to rely on the strength of the people working there. It is best if you use foreign people to complete your construction project.

Buying a rental property is a great way to get out of the rat race. You save money every year, and then you decide to buy something that will pay off in the long term. That’s an amazing idea, and that’s how most of today’s millionaires got started on their journeys.

It’s a great way to get returns on your initial investment, and you also save money on your tax returns each year. Of course, all those good things don’t come easy. It’s not as if you buy an apartment complex, and life continues to smile at you from every angle.

Up until the point, until you got the property, you had to deal with money and legal issues. From this point forward, you have to deal with people, and that’s something where you can’t control the variables. Instead, getting help from Orlando property management companies might be the best thing you could do.

You get to see what they’re doing to get you started and learn for the future. You observe them, and you see how you can mimic their action in the long term. Here are some benefits that you get when you decide to leave the initial work to the professionals.

High-quality tenants

This is what’s most important. If you don’t find good tenants, you’re going to have a bad time. Screening for someone who will match your criteria is a long and time-consuming process. Every minute you spend looking for someone perfect is a minute where you’re losing money that you could be getting from their rent.

Companies have a fail-proof system that has selected thousands of different applicants. They need less time to identify any red flags, and you can avoid any type of rental scam that could come your way. Another issue that many people struggle with is on-time rent collection. Click here to read more.

There is at least one person who is always late with their payments, and they always ask for a little more leniency on their late fees. This could turn into a massive problem if you have more than one property or a lot of tenants. You will spend a lot of time on a single person instead of going on with your day. Of course, there is a fine line between letting someone walk all over you and offering some kindness.

If a long-term tenant is having some issues to pay a single month’s rent, it’s okay to give them a pass and let them pay later.  We all have different problems in our lives, and everyone could fall into a crisis. However, there are still policies, and they need to be valid for everybody. If you give someone special privileges, the other tenants might rally against you.

There is also the problem of evicting someone prematurely. There are tons of legal issues that arise from that, and they are different in every state.  If you manage properties outside of your own state, it’s going to be really hard to do it long term without some professionals’ help. Another thing that happens if you have a high turnover rate is that you need to have the place cleaned and the locks changed.

This process costs both time and money.  This is the same as having extended vacancies between rentals. The main takeaway point here is that you need to find a way to make everyone happy. If the people living in your properties are delighted, they will want to stay longer, and they wouldn’t have any ideas to destroy any furniture or parts.

Most companies that work with rentals have a retention policy that explains everything. The only downside to reading that is it’s full of legal terms, which brings us to another point. Follow this link for more info https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2020/07/02/protective-practices-holding-your-own-in-the-property-management-business/#5e93f885729b

You won’t have to read legal language ever again

No one likes reading legal jargon. It’s a pain in the neck. It’s even worse if you don’t understand any of the words you are reading. You either need a translator, someone to explain everything to you, or a dictionary. Even if you can understand everything, you need to screen every single word carefully.

If you have a property manager doing that for you, the sun starts to shine a bit brighter because you won’t be spending your time lost in translation. All of those pros are well-trained, and they will make sure that you won’t go into any sort of issue alone. They can brief you on the details without costing you too much money. In fact, the money that you would have to pay in potential legal fines and fees is much more than the cost of a manager.

Fewer vacancies

When you get a new place, the main goal in your mind is how to fill it up with guests. No one likes long vacancies. That’s not good for business, and a company will help you minimize the waiting time. The biggest issue people face right at the beginning is how to set their rates. So, the first thing they do is look around online about other local prices, and they set the bar lower.

That’s a mistake right at the start. You need to think about the future. It’s not about somebody who will live there instantly. It’s about finding the right person who will stay there for a long time. Plus, you have a loan to pay off. That won’t happen on its own. If you’re getting less money than you need to pay it off, you might end up going in debt.

However, if you set the bar too high, then you might need to wait for months to find someone suitable. The fine line between these two extremes is called a balanced price, which won’t be too high or too low.

Companies have many skilled employees who’ve handled thousands of situations. They know what to write and where to post the ad. It’s probably not only the first page you click on Google. Also, they’re great with sales, and they know how to handle viewings and prospect calls.

Metal roofs are one of the modern innovations in building structures. This roofing material is made to be more elegant, durable, and appealing to customers. Most metal roofs are made from recycled metals like copper, aluminum, tin, and stainless steel.

They are also designed to copy the traditional shingles. If considering changing the roofing of your new home or replacing old roofs, you can expect to benefit from the following qualities of metal roofs:

Toughness

Toughness is what made metal roofs famous. Manufacturers are confident with their product, and they offer a thirty to fifty years warranty that typically sustains its strength for any structure.

These roofs are much lighter compared to ordinary shingles, which is ideal for faster installation. This characteristic allows installers to lay the metal roof on top of existing roofing, which saves time from the demolition phase.

Resistance

This type of roof has components that make them withstand any climate or weather. Its design can resist any causes of nature like storms, hurricane winds, the heat of the sun, and pesky insects. Rusting is metal’s main issue, but metal roofs are rust-proof, most notably when adequately galvanized.

Fire-resistant

Manufacturers make sure that their product is non-combustible, which can help you pay less for your insurance premiums. If you are worried about lightning strikes, know that they are not susceptible to them.

Sealed Tightly

Metal roofs are designed for protection from any water. It can also let any snow buildup slide off easily.

Helps Save Energy

One of the homeowner’s concerns about maintaining their house is to save money, especially on utility bills. It is capable of reflecting light during summer, making the whole house cooler and thereby reducing the need for artificial ventilation.

It also has gaps between the structure’s exterior walls, which can provide ventilation and interior thermal reflectivity that deflects heat back, which you need during the winter.

They are a great product that can replace other conventional roofing for structures. There are plenty of benefits that you can get from using metal roofs, but there are also disadvantages that you may want to know. Some of the issues you may encounter include:

Cost

You cannot find any cheap metal roofs. Prices range from $200 to $500 per 100 square feet, which is about three to five percent more expensive than asphalt shingles. But considering its durability, it does have a good return on investment and adds value to your house.

Loud

When the rain pours, these roofs create a loud and annoying noise. You can, however, install soundproof insulation to deal with this problem.

Unwanted Dents

Hails and footprints leave dent marks on these roofs. But some manufacturers give guarantees of dent-proof metal roofs.

Slippery

The typical finish for metal roofs has a smooth and shiny surface, which is prone to be slippery. There are textured roofs that you may consider if you want to make sure.

Maintenance

Metal roofs are effectively maintenance-free, but they can have scratches that can lead to rusting. Its painted surface can also chip, but you may have to recoat in a couple of years. Seams can also cause leakages because of improper installation.

If you need repairs on your roof, it is recommended that you hire professional roof installers with legal and proper documentation that will assure you of good quality work, and with a warranty. It is also applicable if you are having a new metal roof installed on your house.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of using metal roofing can help you decide whether to go for it. Innovations make better versions of things that we need, like metal roofing.

Living a life of luxury is something most of us dream about, but some never get the chance to do. But that’s only because so few of us know how to manage our money correctly. If you learned how to do that, you too could live a life of luxury. From investing your money and changing your mindset to taking advantage of credit card rewards and using the skills you’ve got to get what you want, there are plenty of ways to live in luxury without breaking the bank. Below are four tips on how to do just that.

1. Change Your Mindset

One of the things you’ll hear the most from people who live lives of luxury is that in order to do the same, you have to change your mindset. If you have a poor person’s mentality, you’ll always be poor. You have to change your mindset and think as the rich do. Never think about how much money you’re lacking. Instead, think about all of the money you can make and how you’re going to spend it.

Take steps to reprogram your mindset and forget about what you believed about money as a child. If you truly want a fabulous life, you have to change your money story and practice more gratitude. Doing these things can help you manifest the money you want.

2. Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks

Taking advantage of credit card perks and rewards can help you live a life of luxury by giving you back some of the money you spend. With a credit card, you can rack up points to spend on all kinds of things, from clothes to travel. There are dozens of credit cards that offer points, perks, and rewards when they’re used responsibly. USAA has several credit cards that offer points on dining out, gas, and groceries. Some even offer bonus points after you make your first purchase and unlimited one percent cash back on all purchases.

3. Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want

If you’re not making the kind of money you want to be making, there’s always a way to change that. Using the skills you’ve got, find a way to create additional income. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you could pick up extra freelance work on the side by selling your services on freelance sites. Whatever your skill, you can use it to make extra money so that you can get the things you want. Create a website and market your services on social media by using content marketing and paid ads, which makes it easier to connect with people who might be looking for your services.

4. Consider Investing

A lot of people create wealth by investing in things like the stock market and real estate. If you want to live a life of luxury, consider investing your money in something. Regardless of what it is, you’ll have to track your money and monitor it regularly to ensure that your investment is performing well. Aside from real estate and stocks, you could also consider investing in gold or silver for the long term, especially in this rough economic climate. Consult with a financial advisor before putting any of your money into any of the above-named investment vehicles so they can properly guide you on what your best options are based on your goals and your financial situation.

Manifesting the Life You Want

Living a life of luxury without going broke is a skill many have mastered and you could be one of them. With the above tips in mind, you can conquer your financial fears and start living the life you’ve always imagined. By developing a positive attitude about money, considering a credit card for the perks and rewards, using what you’ve got to get what you want and investing your money you can be on your way to living a life of luxury without breaking the bank.

Moving homes is always stressful. Finding a new home, selling the old one, waiting for surveys to be done and mortgages to be approved are all time-consuming and worrying. The move itself is physically demanding, and there’s always a lot more to do than you expect when you actually arrive. Very few people actually enjoy moving house, even if they are excited to start the next chapter of their lives in a new home.

At the moment, however, it’s even harder than usual. During COVID-19 lockdowns, many areas severely restricted our abilities to move. Sales were put on hold, applications weren’t processed, and even those of us that only needed to pick up the keys were forced to wait.

Whatever phase of your move you were in when coronavirus took hold, you may have been living through a worrying few months—waiting for news of when you could move, or when you could carry on with your search. None of us has really known what was going on, or what might come next, and putting something as big as a house move on hold might have caused you extra stress.

But, now things are changing. Of course, coronavirus is very much still with us. But, restrictions are being eased, and in most areas, moving house is once again possible. Like most other things, however, it isn’t quite normal. You can move, but there will be extra safety considerations, and you may have to do things a little differently. Here are some tips to help you successfully move house during a global pandemic.

Before You Move

Whether you have the keys and you are ready to move, or you are still searching, things will be a little different to normal, and you might need to take extra precautions. Here’s a look at some tips to help you to prepare for moving day.

Use Video as Much as Possible

Fortunately, nowadays we’ve got very useful tools to help us maintain social distancing. When it comes to home viewings, meetings with solicitors and realtors, and inspections and survey reports, use video call, instead of meeting face to face.

Find the Right Removals Team

Finding the right moving company is always essential, but at the moment it is more important than ever. Make sure the team that you pick is fully insured and able to complete your move. But, also that they have taken safety precautions to make their business COVID secure.

If you’ve got any concerns about social distancing, PPE, or health checks, get in touch before you move for a chat to put your mind at ease. Talk about what you are expecting of each other on moving day and any extra social distancing measures that you want to put in place.

Book Ahead

Moves have been on hold for the last few months. This might mean that removal teams, realtors and solicitors are booked up as people rush to complete their move. Get in touch, and try to book as far in advance as you can. Moving on a weekday, or out of season might mean that there is greater availability.

Check Local Restrictions

You might be familiar with social distancing restrictions in your area, but if you are moving to a new area or even a different country, guidelines may be different. Check local restrictions for both your current and new home, and keep checking for any changes as your moving date gets closer.

On Moving Day

Moving day is always a mix of emotions. You may be excited, nervous, stressed out, and worried all at the same time. COVID-19 is bound to make all of this worse, especially if you’ve been spending most of your time at home on your own.

Limit The People Involved

When it comes to a move, we typically want as much help as we can possibly get. We call our friends and family in as well as the movers, to make the job easier and faster.

Things are different now. As we try to limit the spread of coronavirus, it’s important that we come into contact with as few people as possible, even when wearing PPE and keeping our distance.

So, limit the people involved to the essentials. This might mean sending kids to stay with other family members, or avoiding help and doing more on your own.

Wear PPE

There’s limited research to suggest that wearing PPE is effective, but there’s no research to suggest that it could do you harm. You probably won’t want to go the whole hog with visors, aprons, and gloves but wearing masks, especially when you are indoors with people from outside of your household is a good idea.

Wash Hands and Carry Sanitizer

We all touch things far more than we think we do. So, make sure during the move you wash your hands regularly, but especially before eating, after going to the toilet, after touching a surface, and before and after coming into contact with another person.

You might not have access to handwashing facilities for the duration of your move, so carry hand sanitizer for cleaning on the go.

Maintain Distance

It can be hard to maintain distance during a move, but it’s essential for everyone’s well being that you do. Group into pairs, your movers, and you and your partner or a friend. Work within your pairs and don’t get within 2 meters of anyone else.

Put Things on Hold if You Feel Unwell

If you feel unwell, and especially if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a new cough or temperature, get in touch with everyone that was due to help as soon as you can. Self-isolate with your household for 14 days, organize a test, and delay your move until you get the all-clear.

Once You’ve Moved

Once the hard work of moving the day itself is behind you, there is still plenty that you need to do before you can start to enjoy life in your new home.

Say Hi to Your Neighbors

Most people are still feeling a little weary of the world, and if your neighbors have seen you moving in, they might not feel comfortable coming around to say hi as they usually would.

Try to make contact when you pass in the street or over your garden fence. Be friendly and introduce yourself but maintain a 2-meter distance.

Thoroughly Cleanse Your New House

Most of us clean the house that we are moving out of before we go. But, you don’t know who will have touched what. Wear PPE, and thoroughly clean your new home from top to bottom before you start to unpack your things.

If possible, do this before moving day to make life easier.

Find Local Shops

Check out your local area. You never know when lockdown might return, and when you may only have the facilities that are within walking distance to rely on. Find the best local stores, and check their social distancing guidelines.

Register with a Doctor

If you’ve moved to a new area, you should also find your new local doctor and register as soon as you can. Most surgeries are insisting on masks, and you should phone ahead instead of walking straight in.
Remember, this is all brand new. There are very few people alive who have seen this kind of pandemic, and we’re all learning how to live with it, and how to get back to some level of normal. Take your time, query, and concerns that you may have, and be as careful as possible.

If you were passing by your home as a complete stranger, what opinions would you form based on the exterior aesthetic of the property? Do you feel as though your home is looking tired and unkempt, in desperate need of a little TLC?

Look no further, as revamping your home’s curb appeal has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks that follow! Whether you want to sell your home and therefore need to attract a buyer, or you simply think it’s time to give your property some attention, read on to uncover some of the best steps that you can follow to turn your dreams into a reality today!

Go Green

Your front garden or any green space outside of your property can easily become a real selling point for your home, but it might take some work to get it looking the way you might have hoped. Start off with the very basics, aiming to lay the best foundations possible from which an amazing garden can really thrive – this will likely mean investing in the services of reliable mudjacking companies to achieve a flat and level surface to work from.

You don’t need to be green-fingered to start your own flower garden or even a small fruit, vegetable, and herb patch, and this can add both a pop of color and a great smell at the same time. Think about the different areas in your front garden – could you create an inviting seating area with a kitsch bench or chair and table set? Is there room for a water feature, or any other eye-catching features?

The Property Itself

The way that your property itself looks from the outside can have a massive impact on how inviting it will be, so it’s vital that you can take your imitative and make some beneficial improvements to revamp the exterior aesthetic of your home. The best place to start is often the largest area, so deciding whether the walls of your home need to be power washed or have a fresh lick of paint will allow you to put your best foot forward. Next, address the need for a new set of double glazed windows and a secure front door, as this can have a massive influence over the quality of your home’s curb appeal.

Sticking with old single glazed windows that feature cracks, peeling wood and other unsightly additions will not attract anyone to your home, and neither will a battered door that hangs off its hinges. Making such a change can often be a little expensive, but it’s an upgrade that will make a huge difference and last for years and years to come.

Improving the curb appeal of your home has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above! Start off with the front garden, testing your green-fingered ability by adding a few plants and flowers for a pop of color.

If you’re searching for a property outside of the country, you’ll be running into a wave of third-party reasons not to. The US government doesn’t allow you to live outside of the US and not pay taxes. It also demands that you pay a fee if you want to revoke your US citizenship.

In essence, the US government has designed and implemented laws that make it tough for its citizens to leave the country for good, in taxes, name, and membership of its society. Why does it do this? It’s largely because it wants to keep citizens that are able to work and pay for its schemes, in the country. But, it also wants to limit outside competition. But if your heart is set on moving out of the country, here’s what you need to do.

Learn income tax laws

If you’re a business owner and live in the US, you will be paying huge sums of tax, compared to the outside world. Even though the current administration has lowered taxes, it continues to spend wildly, which always comes back as another tax. Whether it’s paying for the wall, military, or infrastructure, it always comes back to bite. You pay State income tax, Federal income tax, and corporate income tax to boot. In countries like the UK, you’re paying around 19% corporate tax as opposed to 21%.

UK income tax is 40-45% in the highest brackets. However, the Federal income tax rate could be as high as 37%. State income tax could be from 7% to 13%. So on average, you will be paying 5-10% more than a well-developed country like the UK, just for being a business owner in the USA. So before you move out, learn the tax laws in the intended nation.

Leaving your citizenship

The more you look into it, the more power the US state has over the citizens. It’s incredible how some people fall for the ‘land of the free’ motto. They don’t realize that the US government has every single detail about them. So removing your citizenship so you won’t be taxed by the IRS once you’re out of the nation, is tricky. Click here for more info and find out how you can drop your US citizenship and become a foreign entity from the United States corporation instead. You will not be recognized as a resident or citizen and therefore no longer seen as a taxpayer.

Be ready to pay up

When you’re outside of the US, you’ll realize how weak the US Dollar is compared to other currencies. It’s weaker than the two other major currencies, the Pound Sterling and Euro. You will, therefore, need to calculate how much your new property is and how much money you will be paying for it in the currency exchange value. Speak with a trusted foreign property market firm, who can advise you on how to stretch your money as far as it will go.

Moving out of the USA is not easy and it’s been set up in that way on purpose. You can utilize various services out there that give you back full freedom to move out somewhere nicer.

The number of online letting agents is growing every year. Cheap letting fees are one of the biggest attractions for many landlords. If you’ve decided that using an online letting agent is the best choice for you, comparing fees guarantees you’ll get the best deal.

Another attractive feature of using online letting agents is the numerous add-on services they offer. These add-on services mimic what many traditional agents offer, but at a better price.

So, how much does it cost to use an online letting agent? Below is a useful online letting agent fee table and access to a comparison tool to compare agent fees near you.

1. COMPARE ONLINE LETTING AGENT FEES

To get a full comparison of letting agent fees in your area, for both online & traditional agents, you can use Rentround’s search facility by entering your postcode.

You’ll also be asked to enter some details about your property. Next, Rentround will show you the fees and rates of both local letting agents and online agents. The best part is, this service is completely free

2. ONLINE LETTING AGENT FEE TABLE

Below are some of the fees that online letting agents charge.

Purple Bricks is on the higher end in terms of price but offers fully-managed services and rent collection.

The Online Letting Agents offers no-frill service, including rent collection and fully-managed services. If you’re looking for discounts on multiple properties, check out Upad.

Open Rent’s basic package offers just the bare-bones services. They don’t have a fully-managed option. Letting a Property.com offers mostly rent collection services. Rent My Home provides fully-managed services at 6% of your rental income.

99 Home offers discounts for references and has one of the most affordable fully-managed packages. Howsy has a pretty basic package with a tenant find option.

3. WHAT DOES AN ONLINE LETTING AGENT DO?

Not all online letting agents are created equal. And they don’t always offer the same services for the same price.

Below you’ll find some of the most common tasks and services that the best letting agents perform and how they help you manage your rental property stress-free.

A. FIND AND VET TENANTS

Finding and vetting quality tenants is often the hardest part of being a landlord. This service is one of the most basic and sought after for online letting agents. Experienced agents not only have the best marketing techniques but they field all inquiries and questions, schedule viewings, and perform rent valuations.

After finding a quality tenant, online letting agents also complete all the initial paperwork and research the tenant’s history.

B. DEPOSIT SAFEGUARDING AND RENT COLLECTION

Collecting and protecting security deposits is another tedious task that many landlords don’t want to bother with. It also takes attention to detail, impeccable organization, and record-keeping skills. Online letting agents handle all of these jobs for you.

An online letting agent also acts as a middle man, so you can avoid confrontation with your tenants over late payments or other discrepancies. It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your renters, which is why letting your agent handle any issues is in your best interest.

Online letting agents collect rent using credit cards and electronic payment methods which are then deposited directly into your bank account.

C. CERTIFICATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

As a landlord, you’re required (by law) to perform property inspections and obtain all required certifications. If you skimp on these requirements, your insurance may not be valid and you could face legal ramifications.

Inspections should be done before the property is rented out. Make sure all guidelines are detailed in the rental agreement. Some popular inspections include plumbing, heating, electric, gas, smoke and CO2, damp and leaks, and structural security.

Experienced online letting agents are familiar with the full list of inspections and will perform them for you.

D. PERFORM MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Maintenance and repairs are two more inconveniences that many landlords don’t want to deal with. As a landlord, you’re responsible for any repairs or maintenance on your property. The last thing you want is a call in the middle of the night because there’s a leak or the heat isn’t working.

Don’t worry, your online letting agent will deal with this for you! Tenants are directed to call the letting agent first in the event of an emergency or repair issue. Any issues or accidents that pose a safety hazard to either the property or the tenants, must be fixed immediately.

E. HANDLES LEGAL SERVICES & DISPUTES

You’re a landlord or investor, not a lawyer! Unfortunately, letting property means having all your legal documents in place, accurate, and organized. Online letting agents are experienced in this process as well.

In fact, many agents have templates they use to streamline the process. They edit these templates to fit your specific property and circumstance, expediting the process. Letting agents can act quickly and efficiently if there are any legal issues or complications along the way.

Finding and hiring a solicitor can take time and money that you don’t have. It could also result in a big bill! Online letting agents are trained in handling legal disputes including unpaid rent, property damage, and anything related to the security deposit.

F. FULL MANAGEMENT AND GUARANTEED RENT

A fully-managed online letting agent will cover all tasks related to the rental process. This includes finding and vetting tenants, collecting rent, drawing up tenancy agreements and other legal paperwork, as well as monitoring and maintaining the property.

Online letting agents offer peace of mind. When you hand over the keys to your rental property, you can rest assured that you’ll receive it in the same condition (aside from common wear and tear). Extensive services such as these come with a higher price tag.

Being a landlord is a rewarding but sometimes stressful experience. With so many unreliable tenants not paying their rent on time, guaranteed rent sounds like a good deal. This unique service option means you receive your rent regardless of whether or not the tenant pays on time. The online letting agent basically becomes your tenant and then sublets it to the renter.

Regularly considered to be one of the most attractive countries in the world to emigrate to, Canada is a nation that welcomes newcomers like few others. For the average American, there may be some questions regarding a move. For example, how does one deal with the colder climate, and get to grips with the differences in everyday life? So, below, let’s look at whether the charms of the Great White North are right for you.

So, about those temperatures…

The reason they call Canada the “Great White North” is that quite a lot of the country is frozen. It’s solid white all year round, in some cases. In fact, more than 80% of its landmass is uninhabited for this reason. However, it’s the second-largest country in the world (larger than the US), so that still means a lot of it is habitable. In the cities, the temperatures are largely comparable with the northern USA. Toronto, for example, regularly gets to around 80°F in summer, though the winters are usually sub-zero. In the colder areas, the natural beauty and the gentle pace of life are more than ample consolations.

What’s the quality of life like?

Well, if you pay attention to surveys, there’s a lot to like about Canada. It’s a regular in the top ten countries as per the UN’s World Happiness Report. This is thanks to a high level of social support and a healthy life expectancy that is way above average. There’s also plenty of stunning scenery to enjoy – places like Yukon’s Whitehorse are an increasingly popular destination for house hunters, as you can see at https://liveinwhitehorse.ca/ and elsewhere. In short, it’s hard not to be happy in Canada.

What about health options?

If your move to Canada is intended to be long term, then it is essential to apply for permanent residence as soon as possible. Once you are permanently resident, you will qualify for the public healthcare that Canadian citizens have by right. This allows you access to the excellent quality of care, and trips to the emergency room will not be followed by a decision on how to pay for them. Non-permanent residents will still face costs for non-emergency treatment, but urgent care is free of charge.

What will it cost me to live in Canada?

By and large, the cost of living in Canada as calculated by http://www.numbeo.com is lower than it is south of the border. This is true of essentials like rent or mortgage costs, as well as for consumer purchasing. Of course, some areas will be pricier than others. As with any country, the closer you are to a major population center, the more prices will rise. Dollar for dollar, however, you can be confident of making a saving with a move to Canada.

There’s no way to say for certain that a move to Canada is for you, but there are certainly plenty of reasons why an American citizen looking for a change in life and their dream home might find the move “upstairs” to be very much to their liking.

So, you know you want to renovate your home, but you’re unsure of where to start. Well, you’re certainly not alone. A lot of fo homeowners start a renovation project before they even have a clue of what they should expect. It’s only once they experience renovation mishaps or delays that they regret starting without a plan in place. With preparation completing a renovation or extending your home can end in disaster, it’s not like building a home from the ground up, you are working with an already worked slate.

Let’s have a look at some of the things you should make sure you think about before starting a home renovation project:

Invest In A Lockbox

If you’re not completing the renovation yourself, are expecting others to enter when you are not home or live too far away, you may want to think about installing a key lockbox. Doing this means that your routine won’t be disturbed if you have to wait for contractors to show up. Another option is the have smart door hardware so you can grant access with a code and track exactly who has been in and out of your home.

Be Sensible With Your Timeline

Yur renovation may take longer than you expect, and this is ok. You need to make sure you are prepared for them to avoid frustration. Tasks that you think are short and sweet may turn into day-long projects that can’t be avoided or you may be delayed because of a delivery not arriving. The important thing is to make sure you are realistic with your timeline. Yes, you can aim for a deadline but be aware and prepared to change it if you need to.

Be Clear On Design Ideas

You will want to narrow down your design preferences before you commit to a designer or a paint color for a certain room. Gather some inspiration from browsing home decorating websites, design shows, and interior ensign magazines. If you’re extending your home get inspiration from websites like Paul Ognibene. If you have a handle on the design direction before you start, it can help you to avoid having your home look more like the designer’s idea rather than yours. At the end of the day, your renovation is all about my your home yours.

Renovate Your Kitchen First

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to renovating your home. Starting with your kitchen is going to mean you have completed one of the highest value renovation tasks first and it also means you will have use of this important space while everything else gets done too. This project is also one of the messiest that you will do in your renovation, so getting it done first will prevent unwanted dust from landing on newly painted areas.