SkyFive Properties Blog

So you’ve finally decided to move out, downscale or simply sell off one of your properties. Unfortunately, you might have noticed that housing markets can occasionally be quite slow. You can’t expect an instant sale on your house and it’s usually a very long and drawn-out process. It can potentially take weeks to even find a suitable buyer, then several more weeks to perform all the relevant tasks before it’s officially sold.

But we’re here to offer you a couple of fantastic tricks to help you sell your home faster. From getting buyers interested in actually selling your home and getting your money, our tips will cover a wide range of different subjects that can help you sell your home faster.

Pretty up the outside of the home

You’d be surprised at what a bit of outdoor maintenance can do to your home. Unless your home exterior is incredibly well-kept, you’re probably going to need to spice it up a little so that it attracts more people.

Brighten up your home with the right lights

It’s important to have sufficient lighting in your home to ensure that there are no dark and gloomy corners to put people off. People love it when homes are bright and full of energy, so make sure you either utilize plenty of natural lighting during the day or swap lights out to help your property stand out.

Find a respected estate agent

You could try to sell your home yourself, but that’s going to take a lot of hard work, knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in buying and selling a home. A faster option would be to simply hire an estate agent. They’ll help you through all of the different processes and make selling your home a breeze.

Talk about the neighborhood

Your property is probably surrounded by other amenities, transport links, schools and so on. It’s a good idea to list these things to help people understand what the surroundings are like. If you have something worth mentioning, such as parks, nightlife or famous monuments, then adding these in your description can help a lot.

Consider a quick sale from a different service

If you absolutely need to sell your home quickly then we recommend checking out services such as Andrew The Home Buyer. All you need to do is submit a bit of information and you’ll get a no-obligation cash offer. You don’t even need to repair the home or do anything to it. This can be a fantastic option if you want to get rid of a property fast.

Give your home a deep clean

It might take a long time to do so, but once you’re finished, your home will look fantastic compared to what it originally looked like. Cleaning up the walls, polishing all surfaces and even giving the windows a wash will make your home look brand-new and far more appealing to potential buyers.

Renting offers a raft of advantages for those who aren’t ready, willing or able to buy real estate. Taking on a lease offers flexibility, and it is also a much cheaper option than buying in the short-term. If you’re thinking about renting, or you’re on a hunt for a new home to lease, here are some boxes to check before you sign for a property.

Finances

When you take on a rental contract, you are liable to pay the agreed fee for a fixed term. In most cases, tenants pay monthly. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’re aware of how much you’re going to be paying each month, what the cost includes and how long the contract lasts for. Most people pay a fee that covers their rent only, but in some cases, utility bills are included.

Check for additional extras, for example, service charges for apartments to rent. Once you know how much is going to be leaving your account each month, you can check your budget to make sure the payment is affordable. Sharing houses and renting individual rooms is a cheaper way of finding a new home for those on the budget.

Location

For many prospective tenants, location is key. If you commute to work, you’re keen to be close to schools or transport links, or you want to be near to family or friends, set out a search area before you start looking for a new home. It’s always a good idea to do a practice journey if you plan to drive or get the bus, train or metro to your workplace to get an idea of how long the commute will take.

If you’re using public transport, checking prices is also beneficial, as it might help you decide which property will suit you best if you have a shortlist and there are differences in price.

Lifestyle

When you’re looking for houses or flats to rent, it’s wise to consider your lifestyle and to think about how much space you need. Do you work from home, do you have pets or children, are you an outdoorsy type, or do you live for spending the weekends dining out or catching up with friends?

Ideally, you want to find a property that will fit in with your routine and enable you to combine work with interests and hobbies.

Obligations

As a tenant, you will be required to sign a contract that outlines your responsibilities and obligations. It is critical to take the time to read the agreement properly to ensure that you understand what you are liable for and which jobs should be passed on to the property manager or the landlord or landlady.

If you have a garden, for example, you might find that the agreement states that it is your responsibility to maintain it. It’s also important to be aware of rules related to the number of inhabitants, keeping pets and giving notice if you plan to move.

Renting is often a temporary solution, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not important to find a home that checks all of the boxes. If you’re looking for a property to rent, take these steps before signing a contract.

So, to help get your yard in tip-top shape here’s a look at the top essential outdoor spring maintenance items to add to your list.

Examine Your Fence

A fence is something that looks incredible when it first goes up, giving you the privacy you crave, and helping to keep kids and pets contained. Over time, however, the fence starts to weather. It can be damaged by storms and wind, and it just degrades overall.

While your fence doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, the key to prolonging its lifespan is to pay attention to it and do little things to keep it in prime condition.

Some of the things you’ll want to watch for with a wooden fence include general wear and tear, fixing it whenever possible before it becomes a bigger issue; not letting dirt and debris get caked on, which means washing it; watching for any water and rot damage; staining it yearly to protect it; looking for any loose nails that need securing; and, of course, keeping an eye open for pest and insect damage.

As for the maintenance checklist for a vinyl fence, this one is much shorter. You just want to keep the surface clean by washing it with warm soapy water and a sponge, then hosing it down with the garden hose and making sure you do all you can to prevent staining and mildew from starting.

Give Screens a Good Cleaning

This is a great opportunity to remove any screens from windows and give them a good cleaning. Once it’s warm enough to open the windows, you want to be sure the screens are clean and aren’t circulating dust, dirt, and debris around the home. Screens can be vacuumed with a hand-held vacuum, then hosed down outdoors and left to dry in the sun.

Weed and Feed Your Lawn

As the grass starts to green up, you can help it along by applying some sort of weed remedy and fertilizer. These products will work together to provide you with the lushest, healthiest lawn possible. Just be sure it’s also getting enough water.

Give the Driveway a Fresh Coat of Sealant

If you happen to have an asphalt driveway, you understand just how faded, worn, and yucky it can start to look. Spring is the best time to remove moss and grass growing through cracks, give it a good wash, and a fresh coat of blacktop – sealant. This will help to protect it from the elements and also looks great.

Using these tips will make sure that your yard is ready for the spring and summer season.

If you have been unsure about the move into real estate, then you will find there are plenty of benefits. Some of which include seeing the payback on your investment. Most often this is due to the fact that real estate provides better returns than the stock market. It has much less volatility which means that the value of your home will improve when the market does.

Building Equity

Building equity doesn’t have to be difficult in that situation. If you are in the financial position to invest then certainly investing in real estate will be a great choice. Real estate has long been a very important and profitable type of equity. It is sure that real estate is and always will be coveted by many. When you invest correctly, with the best advice, then commercial real estate transactions don’t have to be difficult. When entered correctly, the business real estate can offer a lucrative type of financial return. These may cover and last over the short and long term.

Income Streams

Buying into real estate can also create a consistent income stream. This will also be a very important factor to have on your portfolio when looking at future investments. Proving that you are capable of buying and maintaining real estate is a huge business boon. It will also include other benefits such as portfolio diversification and tax advantages. Once you have your home, it’s yours and you can choose to upgrade in any way. You may want to upgrade its interior, improve its curbside appeal and this can be done in a number of ways. The more you add value to the property, the more it will be worth it.

What are the types of investments that you can choose from?

They do vary but they come down to four different types most usually. Residential real estate: Residential real estate consists of single-family homes, multi-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Some examples include freestanding homes, townhouses, and condominiums that occupants can own. Homes larger than four units are generally considered a commercial property.

Commercial real estate

Commercial real estate is a property that is used for the purpose of business only. Bought by the company or an individual, commercial real estate is classified as office space or retail. Some examples of commercial real estate properties include business offices, restaurants, and any retail outlet, and types of large apartment buildings.

Industrial real estate

This type of property will be used to serve an industrial business purpose such as a factory, power plant, storage warehouse, any other type of warehouse or shipping factory.

Land

Land can be very profitable depending on what will be done with the land once it is purchased. It consists of undeveloped property with no structures on it at the present time of purchase. There are some ways to earn money from this but most often it will be built upon or used as some type of agricultural investment. These can provide very profitable business but if you are choosing to build your own real estate, this could be your option.

Have you just moved into a new home? Preparing to put a house up for sale? Or maybe you just want to give your property some much-needed TLC? Either way, upgrading the curb appeal should be one of the top goals on your checklist.

A positive exterior will put you in a positive mood before you’ve even entered the home. Given that many of the projects can increase the property value and reduce your energy bills too, it makes sense to invest in them ASAP. Here’s how to transform your home’s exterior with stunning results.

Get Painting

Perhaps the easiest way to change the look of your home’s exterior is to paint it. The benefits of this project are commonly overlooked, but the fresh coats will make the building look brand new. Meanwhile, color schemes impact your emotional reaction. In turn, it boosts your love for internal rooms and spaces.

Painting the property is a quick, easy, and affordable job. When you plan to do other tasks, you may want to do this last. Still, as an upgrade that brings immediate improvements, there is nothing better. It also helps your property stand out from the crowd.

Add New Doors & Windows

New doors and windows support the new paint job very well. Better still, these additions provide a modern touch and boost security features. Moreover, experts at Plymouth Window Installation can install sliding doors. This increases natural light and brings the outside indoors. Aside from esthetic appeals, it creates the perfect party hosting venue.

Boosting the appeal of the home, both internally and externally, is great. However, this upgrade also aids energy efficiency. So, you will save money as a direct result. Whether you use that money to make further upgrades or enjoy a holiday is up to you.

Fix The Roofing

It’s very easy to overlook the importance of roofing. In reality, it protects everything underneath. Moreover, it is the part of the home that can be seen from the furthest distance. So it needs to look nice. Calling a professional to fix broken tiles or guttering is a great solution. If nothing else, it provides huge peace of mind.

Conversely, allowing the roofing to remain faulty causes big problems. The threat of leaks can put the whole home at risk. Likewise, poor roof insulation is where most heat loss occurs. Get this right for the sake of your finances, carbon footprint, and home appearance.

Treat The Ground

Front lawns, backyards, and driveways all need attention. Artificial lawns from Synthetic Turf provide an instant transformation. Better still, it removes the need for maintenance. Adding new gravel to the driveway or creating garden pathways can work wonders too. It changes the atmosphere of the home and offers a new dimension of functionality. Consider also using tow behind lawn sweepers to improve your lawn’s look. Learn more @ www.10bestranked.com now.

Gates, perimeter fences, and other items can take the vibe to another level. However, it’s hard to build the perfect without the right platform. Flower beds beautify the external spaces too. From here, you can start to build the home of your dreams.

Moving out of your old house and moving into a new property may be daunting but it’s considered as one of the milestones in a person’s life. Buying a new property is a valuable commitment that needs cautious planning and smart decision-making. Planning is essential in the process as this will help you set boundaries and show you which aspect of the process you need to be flexible with.

The moment that you’ve made up your mind about every box that a potential property has to tick, you can pinpoint which aspects you are willing to be flexible with and eventually narrow your options down. If you take planning seriously, you can easily avoid pitfalls and be more confident in making sure that you’ll have a prosperous and successful purchase. To help you plan your purchase, check out these simple tips:

Consider the price of the property

Your budget is one of the most important considerations when buying a new property. Yes, you can take out loans from banks and other lending institutions to finance a grandiose house, but remember that you have to pay a loan back with interest. If before you settle in a new home you’re already swimming in debt, chances are, you’ll sabotage your own chance to be successful in owning your own home.

Get real with your budget. How much are you capable of spending without having to significantly downgrade your lifestyle? What is your budget’s absolute ceiling? Skip on properties you know you can’t realistically afford. Chances are, you won’t be able to compete with other buyers when the bidding starts. Take note that aside from the actual property cost, you also need to cover certain expenses like realtor and lawyer’s fees, house repayments, ongoing costs, bills, living expenses, strata, and rates. You also have to consider if there will be funds left for possible improvements, renovations, and furnishings needed later.

Aside from all these issues, you have to factor in the moving costs like garbage removal, redirecting mail, storage, packing, cleaning, and movers. If you’ll be borrowing money from a financing firm, make sure you’ll be able to afford the payment if the interest rates rise unexpectedly.

Decide where you want to move and settle in

Apart from your budget, you also need to decide where exactly you want to move and settle in. Though this may seem like an easy task to complete, you must keep a few considerations in mind. First, ensure that you’ll be living somewhere near your workplace, where your kids will study, where your friends and family reside, and where you can shop and enjoy local parks or trails. Your choice of a neighborhood may not be where all your needs are met, but at least consider the commute when you have to go to places that you and your family’s lives revolve around.

Your home location will determine your quality of life in the years to come. Also, consider if you’re familiar with the area or if you’ll be needing to start a whole new lifestyle. You need to consider your new neighborhood carefully, too. Introduce yourself and your family to your potential neighbors and observe the goings and comings of the new street. You might also want to consider the proximity of your neighborhood to the main roads.

Check your new house’s size

Apart from the budget and the location, you also need to be particular about the size of your new dwelling. How many rooms do you need? How big should your bathrooms and kitchen be? How about your living areas? What’s the ideal size for this? If you’re the type who likes to entertain, where will you have your guests seated?

If you know exactly what you want in a property, it’s easy to decide. So, while you’re pondering the details of your new property, be clear about what you really want while also considering your budget, property location, and property size.

And while you’re finalizing all the details, don’t forget to find a reliable moving partner. Whether you’re within Vancouver or in the nearby cities and states, trustworthy movers in Vancouver can make your moving out plan seamless and hassle-free. Consider seeking help from moving companies to ease the load of moving out and relocation.

Also called “lien holders positioning”, a second home mortgage is essentially a loan secured against your property as collateral. To many people, this might sound like a bad idea, simply because they might not be informed, or knowledgeable enough. However, in reality, it makes perfect sense in certain circumstances. See this link for more information.

Second Mortgages Explained

First and foremost, let me explain how this whole concept works. In few words, this is an idea of using the value of your first home in order to get a loan and invest it in a particular undertaking. Sounds very convenient, doesn’t it?

Of course, there is something else you need to know. What does the word “second” principally signify here? Well, given that you already have one, it is pretty obvious, isn’t it? But, there is more to it. Basically, if you end up in default, this is not the loan that has priority over your home. That means that your first loan is also first on the list to get paid off.

Now it all sounds a bit risky, doesn’t it? Well, that is the whole essence of it – convenience and risk combined. A convenient risk, one might say. And have you ever heard a success story without some risk involved? Because, I haven’t.

Naturally, when you decide to give this idea a chance, you have to be prepared to say “yes” to some terms that might differ from those you got on your first mortgage. First of all, a 2nd mortgage is bound to have higher interest rates. Additionally, you will need to have a really good credit score and provide enough information to prove that you will be able to make regular payments.

Private Loaning

However, while your overall score might get you rejected by your bank without even giving it a second thought, you shouldn’t get discouraged. There is a different solution that adds to the “convenience” part mentioned above. And it is becoming more and more popular.

A private mortgage is, as the name itself says, a loan taken from a private source. It is mostly useful for people who are struggling to get one the traditional way. Still, they also come in handy for persons who don’t have such problems. Simply because – this method has its own advantages.

While we are on this topic, what does it mean to “struggle to get a mortgage the traditional way”? Well, to be as straightforward as possible, this is when your bank refuses to approve your loan. Usually, this is connected to a bad credit score. In cases like this, private companies might be the only option.

Find out more here: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-get-a-private-loan-with-bad-credit-315574

Private Second Mortgage Requirements and Benefits

Having established that the private method is sometimes a necessity and often just the most suitable choice, now it is time to get into a bit more detail. Because, when any kind of money is in question, let alone yours, you want to know what you’re getting yourself into.  After all, one can never be careful enough.

So, if you are in the process of deciding if this is the right option for you, but you need some more information before taking that one final step, let me offer some more insight. I suppose that you are mostly interested in how you can qualify for this service and what you can gain from it. And that is exactly what I will try to explain right now.

Uncomplicated Procedure

As I have already mentioned, when getting a second home mortgage, it can easily happen that you get rejected by a traditional lender. Preparing a big pile of documents can be a nuisance, and even more so when you are highly likely to get turned down. Plus, self-employed people, and especially young adults, are usually denied this right because they either can’t prove the steady work history required by mainstream lenders, or their credit history is short.

With the option of private lending, the whole process is much more… well, people-friendly. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can just walk through the door, skip all the steps and leave the room with a bag full of money. It simply means that the process is much less complicated than the traditional one, especially when it comes to second mortgages.

The Whole Process Explained

So, let us briefly go through that process. First of all, in your initial application, the lender has to review some criteria and confirm that you are qualified. Among these criteria, priority is given to your home equity, your credit score, and your debt-to-income ratio. Let’s check these out.

Home Equity is, in its truest sense, that part of your home that you completely and unequivocally own. In other words, it is what you get when you deduct your overall loans from the value of your home. It’s quite simple to calculate.

Credit Score represents the creditworthiness of an individual. Keep in mind that the credit score requirements are slightly higher when second home mortgages are in question. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t stand a chance.

Debt-to-income ratio is what you get when you divide the sum of your monthly debt payments with your overall monthly income. The less debt you have, the lower this percentage will be. Generally, lenders prefer a ratio smaller than 36%.

Now, after all these criteria have been taken into consideration and you have proved to be fit for this service, it’s time for the next step. The lender decides to do an appraisal (as explained here) of your home. Depending on where your home is located, this might cost a few hundred dollars.

Once you have gone through the whole application process, which can take up to thirty days, and you get an approval from the lender, there is only one thing left to do. What more could it possibly take, you’re wondering, right? Don’t worry, this one is as easy as it gets. Say yes to the loan and get your money.

You rely on the systems of your home to keep you and your family safe and sound. Your roof and gutter systems are an integral part of keeping you dry and your home protected. When you have issues with your roof or your gutter system, you risk damaging a number of other systems in your home.

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your roof system in working order. Each season it is vital to conduct a full visual inspection of your roofing, shingles, vents and eavestrough system. Leaks and clogged gutters can prevent moisture from being properly directed away from your home.

If you aren’t sure about getting up on your roof due to safety reasons, you should rely on experts like the pros at cityseamless.com to help you maintain your roof and gutter systems. Let’s take a look at some of the important ways that regular gutter maintenance is vital to the health and stability of your home.

Roofing Damage

Your roof is designed to slough water off and away from your home. When leaves and other fallen debris clog up your gutter system it can make it difficult for excess water to be properly diverted. Any moisture that ends up staying on your roof for too long has the potential to seep into the materials and cause serious rotting problems under your roof.

Fascia

This hidden barrier that is located directly behind where your gutters are mounted is called the fascia and is a vital barrier between moisture and your home. When your gutters are not draining properly, they can overflow and saturate your fascia material. This can allow water to get into the interior walls of your home, putting you at risk for structural damage and mold.

Structure & Downspouts

Your gutters are not designed to hold too much weight. When working properly they are meant to help get excess water quickly off of your roof and away from your home. If your gutters are overloaded and overweight with debris, you risk damaging the support brackets and your downspouts.

Foundation

Your gutter system helps water flowing off of your roof to be directed away from the structure of your home. When your gutters are not functioning properly you risk allowing moisture to seep into your foundation. A buildup of cracks and mold can put your whole home at risk.

Pests

Gutters that are full of leaves, mud, and debris can quickly become breeding ground for pests and critters. Squirrels, birds and even mice are known to love building their nests in overflowing gutters. You may also end up with an insect infestation that can be hard to clear up.

You may not give your gutter system much thought but, it should always be a part of your regular home maintenance. If you keep up with your gutter cleaning at the beginning of each season you can avoid any long-term damage that can lead to expensive repairs. Keep your gutters clean and make sure that your downspouts and brackets are in good shape all year long.

A residential lease agreement is a type of contract entered into by a landlord and a tenant. At its simplest, a tenant rents premises from a landlord and pays an agreed-upon rental amount on a monthly basis.

The agreement consists of terms and conditions. These describe the rights of the landlord and the tenant in relation to the premises. It’s always best to understand what you’re getting yourself into when renting a new residence.

Upon receiving the lease, thoroughly read through it and if you don’t understand certain parts of it, speak to your would-be landlord. You can even ask landlord-tenant lawyers to assist you in understanding your new lease.

But you don’t have to turn to the lawyers just yet because we’ve listed four essential things to know about residential lease agreements before signing on the dotted line.

1. All Costs Involved

The rental amount must be clearly mentioned on the lease. The same applies to any deposits payable and their payment terms. Additional costs such as those associated with electricity, water, and garbage removal must be detailed.

The terms and conditions of all payments must be explicitly mentioned, and the same applies to the terms for any refunds where applicable.

2. Property and Lease Rules

Each state has its own set of default rules for entering a residential lease agreement. Make sure that the rules outlined in the lease agreement are on par with the current rules as set by the state. Sometimes, state laws can override lease provisions. This is why it’s important to make sure the lease is legal in every sense of the word.

All rules for living on the premises must be clearly noted. The most common rules are that of tenant behavior, smoking, drinking and any pets you bring onto the premises.

It must also state how many tenants are allowed to live on the premises throughout the period of the lease. You must understand these rules to follow them accordingly. Rules are there to avoid conflict in the future.

3. The Duration and Termination

You may be on the renters’ market now, but a couple of months down the line you may decide to buy a new home. Be sure to understand the lease agreement’s specific duration and termination clauses.

The lease should clearly state the specific dates of the duration when you can take residency as well as the expiration of the agreement.

The notice period is also required on the lease and is typically one calendar month. Be aware that some agreements call for up to two months’ notice.

4. Rights and Responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant must be clear. The lease must clearly state how the tenant should report any problems and also the required process if repairs on the premises are needed—as well as WHO is responsible for said repairs.

Most people don’t understand their residential lease agreement and therefore don’t know what they’re committing to. Make sure to understand every clause within the document before you sign it to avoid the unnecessary conflict that stems from misunderstanding a lease.

As a homeowner, you may think that home improvement is similar to home repairs, but they are very different. You repair or maintain something because it is broken and because you don’t want it to cost you more money in the long run. Home improvements are making a space more beautiful, functional, or to increase the resale value of your house. So, if you are wondering what home repairs or maintenance are worth spending money on in order to have better living conditions and savings down the line, read on.

Heating Systems

If you want to save on your heating fuel costs, you might want to have your poorly functioning furnace repaired before it breaks down and requires an HVAC specialist to do an emergency repair. While you are improving your heater, you might also want to look into other ideas that will increase the efficiency of your heating systems further such as new double-paned windows.

Windows

You should never delay the repair of your home windows when the damage involves water leakage coming through the window. It means that they are already ineffective in protecting your home from the harsh weather. Rainwater can easily drip into your home and cause water damage issues. You also need to have your windows repaired by professionals like Van Isle Glass if your double-paned windows are becoming foggy since water is condensing inside them.

Roofing

Roofing repairs are something that you have to invest in because it serves as your home’s protection against weather conditions. If your roof has leaks, it can cause flooding, which can damage your walls, flooring, and even your electrical. That said, it is best if you don’t settle for substandard materials to repair your roofing. Make sure that you get seamless gutters and that your contractor is knowledgeable about moving water away from your home’s foundation.

Painting

You shouldn’t scrimp on a painting job. A bad paint job will not last and it can make your home look dated – something that can reduce its value should you decide to sell it later on. Having an excellent painting job ensures that your home’s visual appeal will bring in buyers with reasonable offers.

Plumbing

Investing in plumbing repairs is well worth it. In most cases, you should not attempt to handle plumbing on your own. It would be best if you allow a professional plumber to do the job for you. Plumbing can be pretty expensive, but you can prevent leaks, which helps in conserving water and lowering your water bills. Choosing to postpone plumbing repairs can cause you more issues later on, such as seepage into your walls and damage to carpentry, electrical, and steel used in your homes’ structure. Plus, ignoring plumbing repairs may cause you to experience water contamination. Water damage, if not attended to, can also cause significant problems such as mold issues.

Flooring

If your flooring requires repairs, you must attend to it as soon as possible. If one of your tiles detaches, you must repair it before it causes your other tiles to separate. If you have hardwood flooring, you may need to invest in repairs for warped floorboards. When this happens, it’s best to replace the whole area rather than attempting to use a planer to repair it. Also, sometimes hardwood issues stem from mold because the flooring is getting wet.

It is easy and natural for homeowners to postpone home repairs. Maybe they have a limited budget, but often it is because they believe that small repairs are not necessary to keep on top of. When this happens, they usually have to deal with more significant issues later on. It’s a common occurrence that homeowners spend more on repairs because they failed to attend to a problem early on. Also, insurance companies will not shoulder these expenses if they believe that such huge costs could have been prevented.