SkyFive Properties Blog

Home staging might seem like a strange concept to you.  It makes it sound like you should put on a performance or create a beautiful backdrop to a play.  Although not quite this dramatic, you are going to try to use your home to present the life that buyers hope to live.  You are going to dress your house in such a way that the people visiting will aspire to live in its walls.

A definition

The basic premise of home staging requires you to showcase any strengths and try to hide any potential weaknesses.  Simply, it could mean hiding your dirty washing, dabbing a bit of paint on the walls and making sure the kitchen is clean.  On a more sophisticated level, you are using your house as a prop and creating the sense of a lifestyle for the buyer most likely to want your home.

Remember, you are trying to persuade a complete stranger to part with hundreds of thousands of pounds.  Therefore, you should expect to have to put in a little effort to impress them.  With all this in mind, let’s introduce you to some of the essential tips of home staging that will help you drive forward to a sale and completion.

Knowing your market

Your home is not appealing to everyone.  There will be a set of criteria that will appeal to a defined portion of the audience.  It may be that you are perfect for a young family looking to take the next step on the property ladder.  You may be the ideal choice for a couple in retirement who are looking to downsize.  Maybe yours is the home for those willing to see the potential in a luxury home that might need some investment.

If you know your audience, you can stage your home to appeal to the lifestyle they want.  If there are likely to be children moving in, you could show how your conservatory has made the perfect games room.  If you are aiming at a couple from the city who are looking to retreat to the countryside, then you can emphasize those rural details of your home.  You are hoping to show the buyer the life they wish to live.

Declutter up to a point

The buyer needs a perception of space.  Your day to day clutter may make your home your beautiful relaxation space, but it might be a stealer of size.  Therefore, you need to go around and clear anything that looks messy or takes up too much space.  However, don’t go too crazy.  Estate agents are not fond of selling empty homes because the rooms do not evoke emotion.  The buyer must imagine the room filled with furniture, and this usually takes a lot more effort.  Therefore, box up what would distract but leave enough to suggest your home.

You might even want to add some homely touches.  A rug here and there, maybe, or some squishy cushions on the sofa a bed could make all the difference.  The idea of these items is to suggest relaxation and the sinking into relaxation at the end of a busy day at work.

A deep clean of your bathroom and your kitchen significantly increases your chance of a sale.  It also increases the amount people are prepared to offer for your home.  It might feel like too much of investment; however, the return on the money you spend could be as much as 900%.

Refresh floors, walls, and windows

First impressions are gained from large surfaces when viewing a home on that initial visit.  Therefore, your walls and floors need to be bright and clean.  You should make sure you have the carpets cleaned and dab some paint of scrapes on the walls.

Cleaning the windows offers two benefits.  1) They are a large surface where it is easy to see the accumulation of dirt, which suggests you have neglected the home a little.  2) It will let more light into the rooms, which in turn will increase the sense of space.

Demonstrate how to use odd spaces

Finally, you need to demonstrate how the buyer could use spaces.  You may have an alcove area under the stairs that looks wasted.  You have used it to chuck your shoes for years.  However, maybe its time to use some imagination for the buyers who come to look.  Maybe put a wine rack under the stairs and a lovely lamp. Perhaps you could turn this area into a mini office, with a desk.  Whatever seems to work for your target audience.  Remember the art of home staging is emphasizing strengths and masking weaknesses.

It’s crazy to imagine how little attention many homeowners pay to their roofs.

A roof is often a major investment, and replacing a roof can be a financially tasking and time-consuming process.

So why not take a few wise steps to prolong the life of your roof by ensuring proper maintenance?

1. Biannual Visual Inspection

This is an easy one because you don’t even have to climb on the roof.

Twice a year, at the beginning of every spring and fall, make a point of looking up, from the ground, and performing a visual inspection of the roof.

What would you be looking for?

Lifted or missing shingles, broken or sagging gutters, piles of granules, missing or exposed fasteners, loose or buckling flashing, and damaged drip edge.

If anything seems off, make a point of fixing it immediately.

Even a single missing shingle leaves the rest of the shingles vulnerable therefore compromising your entire roof. This is why it’s crucial to capture the problem early enough and make the necessary repairs.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Leaves and other debris could clog your gutter system. When this happens, the clogged gutters could result in water backing up in your attic, basement, garage or behind the fascia boards.

You wouldn’t want any of that, now would you?

As a preventative measure, make sure you have your gutters cleaned regularly and more so right before a big storm.

According to Round Rock roofing company, the best way to go about this is to call in an expert who will do a thorough job.

While cleaning the gutters, also be on the lookout for any sagging or damaged drain components that can interfere with the free flow of your drainage system.

3. Clean the Roof

Besides the gutters, you should clean the roof surface as well.

The best way to go about this would be by sweeping with a soft-bristled broom or blowing off excess debris on the roof.

Caution against using a hard-bristled brush or a power washer because these can loosen the granules on the shingles, thereby leaving the shingles vulnerable to harmful UV rays.

4. Trim Troublesome Trees

Trees are great to have around a home, but they can be quite a nuisance as well. The trees you should pay attention to in this case are those which have branches leaving over your roof.

If they come too close, such branches can scratch and gouge the surface of your roofing material, thereby compromising its integrity.

Also, if the tree is shedding too many leaves, then they will all end up in your gutters, clogging your drainage system and potentially rotting your fascia boards.

Besides, all it takes is one good storm to have a tree’s branches crashing into your roof, which is very likely to happen if the branches are too close to your roof.

The solution is simple: trim any overhanging tree limbs.

5. Be on The Lookout for Moss and Algae

Moss and algae would not only make your roof look unsightly, but they would also impact the quality of the roof.

One way to quickly identify the development of moss and algae is by paying attention to the color of the roof.

The part of the roof that’s exposed to shade for most parts of the year will tend to develop streaks of mold and other fungi. If left unchecked, moss ad algae could go on to deteriorate the roofing material, thereby shortening your roof’s lifespan.

To deal with this, you have the option of installing zinc strips along the ridge of the roof. These strips would help eliminate the problem entirely.

Another option would be simply keeping the attic properly ventilated, and removing any debris from the roof.

6. Check the Insulation

When your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, then it follows that your roof shall remain in good condition as well.

How this works is that a well-insulated attic will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof and so there will be reduced moisture on the roof’s surface.

The attic should be insulated to the recommended levels, and while inspecting this, pay attention to the attic door as well.

Replace any insulation that’s broken down and check your soffits and intake vents to ensure they aren’t blocked.

The rule of thumb here is that the temperature in the attic should never go beyond 20° warmer than it is outside.

7. Inspect the Flashing

The integrity of your roof heavily relies on the roof flashing, seeing as this component is responsible for sealing off bends and cracks on the roof, ensuring water doesn’t seep through.

Therefore, imperfections in the flashing should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent leaks.

At times, you may find that low-grade caulking was used during the installation of the roof. If this is the case, the flashing may no longer hold their seal, and so it would be necessary to re-caulk.

In this case, start by removing all the old caulk, then scrub the area clean, then finally finish off by resealing it.

When inspecting the flashing, make sure no new gaps have formed and also look out for rusted metal.

If you’re thinking about property downsizing but are still not convinced, here’s a list of some of the major reasons why property downsizing is a great idea. Downsizing your property comes with a variety of benefits. You will save a lot of time and money and you will have lower stress levels.

There is a reason many people are choosing to downsize their property as it makes a lot of sense for them financially as well as for their mental and physical health.

Repairs and Maintenance

First and foremost, it is important for you to recognize that the bigger your house is, the more money you will have to spend on its upkeep in terms of repairs, maintenance, and other things.

If you have a smaller house, it has the potential to save you thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance over a long period of time.

Another important thing you need to keep in mind is that you will have to pay a lower mortgage payment for the smaller property as compared to the mortgage payment for a bigger property.

Other Expenses

You will also save money on repairs and upgrades as a smaller property will cost you less money due to lower requirements for materials and time.

You will also save money on property taxes as your smaller property will have a lower assessed value as compared to the bigger property. You will also save money on insurance as insuring smaller properties is cheaper.

You will save money on utility bills as you won’t need as much energy to heat and cool a smaller property as needed for a bigger property. There will also be fewer things to replace such as windows, light bulbs, and other such things.

Ideas to Consider

In simple terms, downsizing your property will allow you to save thousands of dollars over the years. You can use this extra money for education, traveling or for gifting to your loved ones.

It’s nice to have a bigger house but only when you can afford it. Paying for an extra house with money you can better use elsewhere is not something you should do as it’s not a smart financial decision.

Bigger is not Better

Downsizing your property also saves you a lot of time as you will have to spend much less time cleaning the house, tending to the yard and on making repairs. There is no denying the fact that you need to spend more time on maintenance and repair of a large house and it also takes a lot of time to clean up.

It’s true that you can always hire professional cleaners for cleaning the house, but they are also going to cost a lot of money. In fact, many people do not realize the amount of money they have to spend on maintenance and upkeep of a big house. They only realize the savings when they start living in a smaller house without compromising on their comforts.

Easy Life

Many people get into the habit of accumulating stuff when they have a bigger house as storage is easily available. People keep dumping things in their garage, basement and in all the other places where they can find some space.

When you have a smaller property, you will be buying less as there is no space to store extra things that are useless. It will make your house maintenance easier as you will have fewer items to track. It will make your life simple and easy. A smaller house also comes with a smaller footprint which means you will also help the environment by downsizing your property.

One of the most overlooked but important benefits of downsizing your property is lower stress levels. Most homeowners do not realize the amount of stress maintaining a large property puts on them. You have to worry about repairs, maintenance and taking care of such a large property. Nobody likes to live in a house that is full of dirt and cleaning a bigger home adds to the stress levels.

Similarly, you have to spend a lot of money on maintaining a bigger property. When you downsize, it will surely bring down your stress levels as there is simply less space to worry about. When there is less to be maintained, there are fewer things that can go wrong.

Extra Benefits

If you have an oversized house with oversized yards or multiple bedrooms, you will become overly stressed due to repairs, maintenance and general things that can go wrong. In case you do not have that many people in your home, it’s not worth it to take that extra stress. You will be able to live a far simpler and happier life by downsizing your property in addition to saving a lot of time and money.

Overall, downsizing your property offers several benefits and this is the reason, many homeowners these days are entertaining the idea of downsizing. It saves you money and gives you peace of mind, and allows you to get rid of those unwanted items in the storage space.

When it comes to commercial rentals, landlords need to adjust to an evolving environment. Indeed, for entrepreneurs, finding the perfect space for their business is detrimental to growth. From an investor’s perspective, the growth of your tenant’s company needs to become your Number One priority.

Indeed, with more and more commercial landlords struggling to keep their premises occupied, it’s essential to consider your role in business growth. Commercial rentals come in a variety of shapes. But they share one common purpose, namely creating a productive environment for their tenants. As a result, strategic planning is crucial for the survival of your commercial investment.

Landlords who understand how to help businesses can build a sustainable and profitable commercial investment strategy. It’s no secret that helping your tenants to thrive reflects positively on your property investment. However, as a commercial landlord, you need to consider a variety of scenarios, depending on the type of property you own.

The typical office space needs the right amenities

The most common type of commercial property is office space. For many entrepreneurs, finding the right space for their business is a delicate balancing act. Indeed, startups and small businesses work with a limited budget, which can narrow down their options. As a landlord, your priority is to focus on ensuring that even your small properties provide the right amenities. Indeed, while the budget affects the size and location of the office, it shouldn’t interfere with mobility access, proximity to public transport and parking facilities. Additionally, a structurally sound and safe building needs to be part of the deal, no matter the size of the office. Ultimately, small spaces should bring everything a company needs to secure growth.

But solo entrepreneurs and freelancers want office space too

The freelancing industry is evolving dramatically. There are two office strategies for solo entrepreneurs. Some actively look for coworking spaces that offer a variety of business services on a rental basis. For commercial landlords, coworking spaces are a fantastic opportunity. However, they don’t come with a long-term lease agreement. If you prefer long-term commitment, you can take a different approach and approach freelancers with an exclusive residential rental offer. Indeed, you need an inspirational space that ticks all the living and working boxes. The modern Elizabeth Quay apartments residence, for instance, is the perfect mixture of urban facilities and independence. A typical freelancer package should include reliable WiFi, a coffee machine, and modern furniture.

The shop that goes beyond shopping

The boom of e-commerce shops is putting the retail sector at risk. More and more stores are forced to shut down or relocate to a cheaper rental. Here more than ever, commercial landlords need to consider boosting packages to support retailers. The experience of customers needs to come first. As such, retail concierge services become a necessary addition to your lease package. Creating a positive shopping experience is the result of a partnership between you, the landlord, and the retailer.

For commercial landlords or landlords who want to support business growth, your audience needs to come first. Developing a partnership with your business tenant is essential in an office, a shop or a freelancer’s home office residence. The better you understand your tenant’s needs, the more you can support their growth, and in return, yours too.

When buying a property, it can be exciting to be able to own a home, whether it’s your first one or not. It’s another chapter in your life, but before you go into the process, here’s how to decide between buying an apartment or a house for your next big venture.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Space is quite a big factor to think about when you’re buying a property. There are a number of reasons that contribute to it, and one of them might be the size of your household. We’ve also all got a number, or valuables and property that we start building up as we move from property to property and right now, you might have more than enough for an apartment and therefore, may need to consider putting the rest of it in storage. Otherwise, a house might be better if you’re already filling your current property and that’s an apartment too. Take into consideration what sizes you’d be working with when it comes to buying property. When you buy apartment in perth, you’re going to be probably paying more for the location than the size.

Cost Of Rent Or Mortgage

The cost comes next, and that’s probably your biggest question, mainly because the cost between a rental and the mortgage can differ depending on the property size, where it’s located and who you’re living with. When renting, you will probably want to get an apartment simply because the cost of running a house can be quite expensive. When you’re buying a property, again it’s all about what you can afford to spend towards the mortgage and the household bills that would come with it, depending on the size of the building. The last thing you want is to end up with a property that is too expensive to run as a household and then you’ll have to do the whole process again.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

What are your responsibilities currently? Everyone has different ones depending on where they are in their life and what they’ve achieved so far. Some have other family members who may depend on them for the roof over their heads while others might be continuing their life either with a partner or on their one. Therefore, you want to think about the responsibilities you hold and perhaps base your decision on that. Either that or make sure it has an influence on the type of property you go for.

Trust Your Gut

Your gut is pretty good at spotting a good opportunity, but it can also be very easy to ignore what you’re feeling and take a risk. Sometimes risks can pay off, but a lot of the time, you may end up making a mistake. Trust your gut and make sure that whatever doubts you may have, that you address them before making your decision. Weigh the options you have when it comes to the property type.

It can be a tough decision to make but remember to consider your responsibilities, do your research and trust your instincts.

When dealing with real estate, millions of homeowners encounter purchases and sales each year. However, your primary place of residence isn’t the only significant structure investment that you may face. For the sake of your finances as well as your sanity, you must understand this. Take the time to familiarize yourself with potential situations in advance. Here are some of the most common alternatives to your home purchase.

Holiday Home Investments

There are many reasons to buy a holiday home. It is a clear display of wealth. The property often brings positives ROIs, especially when you choose the right destination. And the emotional comfort of having a home away from home is phenomenal too.

Most people buying a second home seek financial rewards. This guide to the best upcoming locations around the world is essential reading. However, this info alone isn’t enough. A calculated decision also requires thought into distance and accessibility, as well as the attraction.

A holiday home also serves as a secondary source of income throughout the year. Therefore, you must research the financial and legal regulations of renting out the property. When you do, reaching the right decision for your circumstances becomes a straightforward task.

Buy-To-Let Properties

Secondary properties won’t always be used for holiday purposes. Buy-to-let is an equally popular solution. The asset becomes a significant feature of long-term financial security. In the meantime, tenant payments cover the mortgage and could bring extra income.

Understanding the features that can impact buy-to-let mortgage applications is critical preparation. It is also necessary to research multi-unit properties and multiple family properties. With so many potential avenues to take, only the best unlocks the full potential of your investment.

On a similar note, many investors use property development. When you have the necessary capital, fixing up properties is the ideal investment. It offers quick returns on investment and outperforms savings accounts with ease. The knowledge of helping the housing situation is a nice bonus too.

Mobile Homes

Mobile homes are an increasingly common solution. Many people use them as retirement homes, while others enjoy having a home from home. The opportunities to move around from one place to another attract many investors too.

It is a great asset to possess, but owners should note the potential difficulties surrounding the future sale. Appreciating the two important sales influencers is vital. Otherwise, delays and ongoing costs will impact financial outcomes. As an owner or investor, you must avoid the pitfalls.

If you own a mobile home, there’s a strong chance its appeal will only last for a few years. Therefore this info is critical, whether ready for a quick sale or planning for the future. Just remember to take the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements.

Vehicles

On a similar theme, vehicles deserve consideration. Traditional cars and vans are significant assets that deserve care, but alternative vehicles are higher still.

An RV can serve as a significant investment, mainly if used for rentals. Yachts and luxury boats offer great opportunities too. They cost a lot, but can be chartered for weddings, luxury holidays, and travel through an agent. You can enjoy life on the water on a semi-frequent basis too.

Vehicles might not provide permanent residency in the way other properties too. Still, from a financial viewpoint, their impact is vast.

Commercial Properties

A growing number of startups have hit the market in recent years. And they all need workspaces for daily productivity and operations. Some entrepreneurs start at home. Nonetheless, most opt for commercial spaces – either immediately, or once they have made some profit.

Commercial properties take many forms. Finding the perfect office, shop space, or warehouse is vital. Meanwhile, many businesses take advantage of further alternatives, such as self-storage spaces. However, it’s important to research the possibilities, costs, and restrictions.

Various ideas, such as the use of remote staff, reduce the need for large spaces. Whether renting or buying a commercial premise, understanding the full legalities is crucial. Otherwise, the threat of unforeseen pitfalls looms overhead at all times.

Land Investments

Every construction project for residential or commercial properties begins with acquiring land. For your own home or a financial asset, land is a popular solution that offers versatile options. As an addition to an existing portfolio, it is an ideal solution.

The truth of the matter is that are many reasons to invest into land. When done correctly, it opens the door to potentially huge ROIs. Population growth virtually guarantees that landowners will continue to reap the benefits. The stability is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success.

Land investments require financial and legal research. Likewise, patience is vital as projects take time. Still, land is arguably the most valuable asset of all. As such, it’s an appeal to big investors and luxury homeowners is enormous.

Hedge Fund Real Estate

Real estate investments aren’t only for individuals with vast sums of capital. Hedge funds are accessible and offer the same ROI percentage opportunities. One advantage is that it can reduce the influence of poor credit scores.

It’s still important to manage your portfolio with care. It’s vital to know the credentials of a hedge fund group before committing. Contrasts from one to the next can include property types and markets. Likewise, any commission rates must be respected.

Even those that already boast a property portfolio (homeowners or investors) can use this route. The time-efficient approach is suitable for many situations. Likewise, it is a good option to make the first steps more gentle.

Conclusion

Buying a home is the most common type of property purchase or rental agreement. However, it’s far from the only one that can impact your world. All of the ideas mentioned above have a direct influence on finances and life prospects. Now that you know which situations to look out for, avoiding major downfalls is easy.

And if you still have concerns or insecurities, speak to an expert about your specific situation. It’s great for your pocket and peace of mind alike.

Can you relate to any of the following problems?

• Your sink’s struggling to drain water
• Your bathtub’s always clogged
• You’ve noticed darker spots on your ceiling

If you’re nodding yes, it might be an indication you have a broken sewer line.

As a homeowner, this can cause you plenty of issues. So, in this article, we’ll introduce seven critical signs to look out for that signal you may have a broken pipe.

Let’s dive in!

1. An Unpleasant Odor

The first sign of trouble can be strange, unidentifiable smells. If you smell something foul in your home, it can be an indication that your sewage system is not working as intended.

This can happen due to a broken sewer line or an entirely different problem, but it’s wise to call an expert as soon as you smell something’s off.

Keep in mind that the odor can be slight at first. It might not seep into the whole house but could start coming from your drains. Do not ignore this as the foul smell can sometimes affect your health.

2. Mold

Sewage problems can sometimes bring serious issues with them. Once a line is broken, water leaks out of it.

It causes damp spots, which in turn attracts mold. The perfect conditions for fungus are warm places with little humidity…. like a house with a broken pipe behind the walls.

Mold, in turn, can be detrimental to the wellbeing of the household – some types of mold can cause allergic reactions or breathing issues. If you notice suspicious spots on walls, floors, or ceiling, consult a professional immediately.

The mold that’s caused by a broken sewer line can impact the house itself. Mold damage can affect the exterior or interior of the building.

If you hear water in places that don’t have a sewer line running through them or see something that makes you worried, do not hesitate to call a plumber. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

3. Changes in Your Lawn

There’s a saying about greener grass and happiness. However, if you notice your lawn becoming greener when you didn’t do anything to get it that way, perhaps it’s a cause for concern.

When a line breaks beneath the lawn, the sewer water escapes into the ground. The fertilizers it contains might make your grass flourish, but you have to understand the risk and issues it brings with it.

Extra-healthy plants aren’t the only indication of a broken sewage system; these issues can also cause indentations. If you notice dents forming on the pavement, don’t overlook it – it might indicate a bigger problem.

Lastly, your lawn might be getting soggy. Water leaking out of a broken sewer line will saturate the earth around it.

The excess water might rise and form little puddles. These are not only unsightly but don’t smell good either. It can render your yard unusable until you fix the problem.

4. Pests

A broken line might lead to a rodent infestation if left unchecked. It’s no surprise that these pests make their home in the sewer, and the pipeline is their pathways.

If there’s a crack they can sneak through, there’s a possibility they will take a liking to your home.

This leaves you with two problems to deal with – broken line and rodents. To avoid that, repair the leakage as soon as you suspect anything. It’s not only a precaution, but it can also end up saving you additional expenses.

5. Foundation Problems

Some buildings get cracks in their foundation over time, which means it’s more likely for an old building to have a number of them.

However, if you notice that your foundation seems to be cracking at a faster rate, it might be an indication of a broken sewer line.

Water that escapes a broken line could wash away the underpinnings of the house. This can cause cracks, sinkholes, or even house settling.

Of course, there’s a chance something else caused these problems, but to be aware of the possible damage from the sewage is a step in the right direction.

6. Clogged Drainage

Because the sewage system is directly related to the toilet, be sure to check on the water levels there.

If you notice extreme fluctuation (one day water is above the norm, while another it’s barely at the bottom), it can be a sign of a broken line.

Another indicator of a broken sewer line is the slow drains. If your sink or bathtub sluggishly drains the water, it can be a start of a bigger problem.

Additionally, if you notice the water is coming back up the drain, consider contacting a professional.

7. Plumbing Problems

If you find that your household is suffering from several plumbing problems at once, you might have a broken sewer line on your hands.

An example would be a link between two appliances: if using a toilet causes the sink to fill up with water, you should contact the professional as soon as you can.

It’s important not to mistake a clogged pipe with a broken sewer line. A typical clog can cause a lack of drainage in one appliance.

But if the problem is related to drainage in several places at once, you probably have a sewer-related issue. And these require specialists.

Granted, it might not be within your power to keep the sewage system intact, but there are certain things you can do.

Keep an eye out for the older looking manholes in less renovated streets. The benefits of manhole inspections include less danger to your household and property, as well as potential losses.

Don’t ignore the strange sounds (such as running water) coming from the walls that don’t have pipes behind them.

Don’t think the peculiar odors will go away on their own. And don’t try to paint over the strange spots on your walls. Be aware of the warning signs, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.

Do You Think You Have a Broken Sewer Line?

We hope you now have a better idea of what to look out for to identify whether you may have a broken sewer line.

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our blog. And remember: just because your neighbor’s grass is greener, doesn’t mean he’s happy about it!

When it comes to running a successful business, location is a very important factor. Unless you’re a freelancer who works from home or a studio apartment, finding a good place for your growing enterprise helps you secure your growth and gives you a good venue for dealing directly with clients.

But much like any aspect of managing a business, finding the right location can be grueling. There are a lot of factors that you have to take into account in order to find a good commercial property or rentable office space.

Fortunately, we are here to tell you that it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips to get you started on finding the best spot for growing your business:

Check your budget

Before you head out and shop for the right place for your business, you will need to check your resources first. The amount of money that you are willing and able to spend on office space should help narrow down which office spaces are options. Don’t forget to include operational costs on top of the cost of rent so you can start your business on solid financial footing.

Look for the right amenities

Whether you are looking for office space or a commercial spot, you should know if the space has certain amenities that employees and clients can benefit from. Parking for mobility-challenged individuals and proximity to bus stops are amenities that add another layer of ease and convenience to the people who work in or transact with your business.

Focus on security and safety

Another important consideration when looking for a good place for your business is the availability of emergency services nearby. You want police and firefighters to be able to respond to emergencies in a timely manner. Aside from that, you also need to make sure the building is structurally sound and has been retrofitted to withstand earthquakes. It’s also important to know if the property is located in an identified floodplain. All this information should help you determine the best place for your business to operate safely.

Review your contracts

Before you sign your initials to finalize a leasing contract, it is important that you review the terms and look for certain provisions that could put your business at a disadvantage. Many startup businesses make the rookie mistake of not reading the fine print. Often, they end up with onerous contracts where they pay more than they can earn. So, be meticulous with the leasing contract. And if you ever have a dispute with a landlord, you can always get help from commercial office space tenant representative like The Jeff Tabor Group.

Find the right commercial space for your needs. Get started by using these essentials to plant your business somewhere it can grow!

There are many ways for us to keep in good contact with the property world and niche. The ever-changing landscape of real estate and the way in which we use it is important.  The types of property available, the likelihood of changing prices in the modern world.

These all assist with the decisions we make when renting or buying any type of property. There is a bigger need for businesses to rent bigger office accommodations. Business is growing, as is the need for an easy process of buying and selling. Staying in the know with industry news is key for those wanting to step onto the property ladder.

This is because the industry is constantly shaping and it can assist you in making the best decisions. Making good decisions is good business; buying the right property for your needs is incredibly important.

Knowing Your Market

If you’re a business owner, you may want to see how the market may impact your business. You can keep on top of knowing when the best time to buy is and what areas are profitable. This may vary from month to month but certain cities will always remain a hot topic. When this is the case, it’s inevitable that the prices are only going to soar, and not drop. Looking into the logistics of location and cost-effectiveness can be vital.

Industry news often focuses on new developments that are appearing in certain towns and trends. The trends may include the types of developments being built, the likelihood of them being expensive or inexpensive and their design. What is selling well at the moment? These are likely to be properties that are more expensive; or are you willing to upgrade a building yourself?

Learning Technology

There are a plethora of fantastic real estate websites around, that takes great care in giving you the best user experience. They may use incentifying graphics to draw you in, a snipping tool, good HTML and relevant tags that will make your experience great online. The more user-friendly the site, the easier it will be to digest information. The property industry changes with each passing month, there are many factors at play.

New investors and shifts in business trends and you will see this month alone, a huge change. It is believed that the size of east and west coast apartments are shrinking due to high demand. The need to be in the areas may mean compromising on size, but what about cost? There is also a trend for more people to have roommates in apartment blocks in the big cities. For business growth, you may be searching for larger office space, but will this decrease your chances of getting a better deal or will high demand mean a bigger payout?

Your property developer and commercial team will speak through your options and ensure you have the best deal. Your needs and budget are taken into consideration, but it’s well worth being in the know about any and all of the country’s property news.

Buying an investment property is a big venture, but it doesn’t have to be a risky one if you’re well informed. Condos, in particular, can make excellent investments, because as rental property they are nearly always in demand. Condos also typically require less owner maintenance, making them an excellent first-timer investment. If you’re considering purchasing a condo as a rental property, here are a few insider tips to help you make the right choice.

Self Manage or Hire a Property Manager?

Being a rental property owner involves more than just collecting the rent. Are you prepared to repair or hire a contractor to make the necessary repairs? How do you feel about a 2 am call letting you know your property is flooding? Are you familiar with the rental laws in your state? Could you if you had to, face the long and draining eviction process? These are just some of the responsibilities of a property owner. If you are not prepared for any of this, you will need to hire a property management company to handle your rental. At about 8-10% fees, property management companies can turn your condo into a stress-free investment.

Location, location, location

This can’t be the first time you’ve heard that location is everything. Well, it pretty much is when it comes to investment properties. Location doesn’t just mean picking a condo located on a beautiful street in a fantastic neighborhood loaded with all kinds of amenities. It also means things like property taxes and crime rate, which fluctuate with each area so when scouting out possibilities, make sure you take these things into consideration.

Stay away from the fixer-upper

Unless you are Chip and Joanna Gaines or extremely handy, avoid purchasing a condo that needs renovating. Sure, you might save a little money upfront, but depending on how long the renovation takes and out of pocket cost, you might just end up losing money. The idea of investing in a rental property is to start making a profit as soon as possible. Costly renovations could delay the renting process and add another mortgage to your monthly budget. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t add a few new appliances, a coat of fresh paint, and/or update fixtures. Something as simple as changing out an interior door can breathe new life into a place without breaking the bank. Just don’t buy a condo that needs major rehab, especially if this is your first investment property.

Determine expenses before purchase

Even if you are financially stable, it’s important to calculate your expenses so that you can estimate your profit (since that’s the main goal of owning a rental property). An easy way to calculate your portion of expenses is to use the 50-percent rule in regards to rent. If you plan on charging $1500 a month, expect to spend half of that for expenses. Things like maintenance and repair or HOA/condo association fees but also any unbudgeted expenses that may pop up. A good rule of thumb is to calculate your expenses and double that total for rent to make sure you are covered.

Luxury Condos Can be Safer Investments.

If your budget allows, consider higher-end properties for your rental.  The fact is that you will have longer-term tenants with stable financial situations. While most investors are profitable in low-income neighborhoods where renters are common, there are headaches that come with this, from higher incidents of property damage to costly evictions. Families or individuals that are looking to rent instead of purchase in higher-value neighborhoods are often hard-pressed to even locate annual rentals, so the demand is lower than the supply, allowing you to command a higher rent.

Have the down payment ready.

First-time home buyers may get a 3% down rate, but investment properties require usually 20% down, though occasionally you can negotiate a slightly lower down payment depending on your credit. On that same note, interest rates on rental properties are also higher so you should take that into consideration as well. Also, be warned. Some lenders require owners to live in the property for a year before renting it. Your best bet is to opt for an FHA approved condo if possible and seek a mortgage professional with experience.

Know the rules and regulations of the HOA or condo association

Condos are maintained by either HOAs or some type of condo association, which provides property maintenance for a monthly service fee that ranges in price. It is the owner’s responsibility to pay the monthly fee, which is not typically passed on to the tenant. And though HOAs offer some great benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding if you want to purchase a condo with an HOA.  For one, some condo associations have rental caps. This would keep you from raising the rent above their proposed limit. Also, many associations impose restrictions in regards to short-term rentals if you are thinking of VRBO or Airbnb. Other HOAs require that they approve tenants and any changes you make to the condo. Though this is mostly concerned with the exterior, it can still be limiting. So, just make sure to weigh the pros and cons of an HOA before you buy it.

Buying a condo as an investment property doesn’t have to be an extreme risk. In fact, it can be a great move financially if you follow a few simple guidelines and do a little research before diving in.