SkyFive Properties Blog

For many people, purchasing a house is a big part of living the American Dream, but it can be a lengthy and downright tiring process. Most home buyers are looking to improve their living situation as soon as possible, and naturally, one of the critical questions that they’re concerned with is: how long does it take to buy a house?

While the answer to this question may vary depending on the customs and real estate laws specific to your area, there’s a standard procedure for buying a home that requires you to invest a lot of time – and rightfully so.

Not only is it one of the most life-defining financial decisions that you will have to make, but it’s also irreversible, for the most part, once the contract is executed, and all contingencies have been satisfied.

So, to directly answer the question, “how long does it take to buy a house?” On average, it will take 3 to 6 weeks to complete your home shopping, 4 to 6 weeks to finalize a loan contract, and generally 3 to 6 weeks to close.  That adds up to a total of 2 1/2  to 4 1/2 months to buy a house from start to finish. This is the most current information for those looking to buy a house in 2021.

Each homebuyers’ individual situation can affect the time it takes to get past various stages of their home buying journey.

So, although you may be eager to acquire the keys to your new home as fast as possible, it’s important that you invest sufficient time into purchasing a home and all of the factors that may influence time and money. Below you’ll find much more specific information on the components that make up the average time to buy a house in the United States in 2021.

Examining Your Current Financial Situation

Take a step back – are you even in a position to comfortably purchase a home or should you do further research on whether to rent before owning a house? If you conclude that buying a home is in your best interest, it’s important that you know what you can afford.

For most people this boils down to determining what size mortgage loan they can acquire from their lender, assuming that they do not have enough savings to purchase the house outright. The lender will need to determine if your existing income and debt (if any) qualify you to be pre-approved for a loan.

This typically involves conducting an interview to access your finances, at the end of which you may be given a rough estimate on what you can afford. The duration of the pre-approval process is pivotal to addressing the question: how long does it take to buy a house?

For individuals with a stable job and no current debt, the pre-approval process can take as little as a few hours at best to two days at worst. Others who are dealing with a lawsuit or those who may have declared bankruptcy recently or been through a divorce may require several weeks for approval.

The Search For A Real Estate Agent

Hiring a real estate agent who’s familiar with the market will help to reduce the average time to buy a house. A real estate agent will represent you for the purchase of your desired property and will be your go-to contact 24/7 to get your transaction completed.

Their job is to guide you through the intricacies of the purchase agreement, any addendums, the submission of the contract, negotiating back and forth with the property owners, and guiding you through the steps to closing.

Generally speaking, you will want representation from firms that are outstanding with technology. Does the agent or firm have a great blog and website? Are they keeping up with the times? In the year 2021 and beyond, a great deal of time and effort can be saved by taking care of lengthy paperwork digitally.

There is nothing to prevent you from going on your home acquisition journey alone, but a great real estate agent is bound to make the house-hunting process less lengthy and daunting.

Shopping For The House

Most people won’t invest in a car, furniture, or even a piece of clothing before getting a feel for it first – “trying them on” so to speak. The same goes for when you’re shopping for your dream home. So, it is important that you allocate the appropriate time for shopping for a house. Typically, the time spent house-hunting will vary with each homebuyer.

You may find the perfect house on your first day, but if you are someone who is indecisive, it may take weeks or months.

On average, it takes three to six weeks for homebuyers to complete their home shopping. The trick is to be smart and use every resource available to help you find the right house in the shortest time possible.

This means relying on your real estate agent, scrolling through online listings, or simply driving around the area where you are looking to buy your home – old-fashioned style. Of course, most people will opt for screening their homes online to save on time. Even if you’re one of those persons who enjoy house shopping, you’ll be relieved once you find the perfect home.

Making An Offer

By now you should have a basic answer to the question: how long does it take to buy a house? Once you find a house and have confirmed that everything is to your liking, then it’s time to make an offer. Pitch your price to your real estate agent, after which he/she will need to write a professional offer to submit to the seller.

During this time, your real estate agent should provide you with their professional opinion of what it will take to get the deal done. Keep in mind that you can always raise the price of your offer later on, but sellers are almost never ok with allowing you to decrease your offer amount. So be a bit aggressive at first if the market conditions are in your favor.

Make the first offer low with some negotiation room. This makes sense most of the time, but if the property is mispriced for some reason and multiple offers are coming in from other buyers, you will sometimes need to come in with a full price offer. However, this is the exception and not the norm.

Current uncertain 2020 market conditions warrant a first offer that is at least 7% under the asking price. The drafting of the offer by your agent can take from one hour (if you have very few contingent items/conditions to add) to a full day (if you are making significant additions to the standard purchase agreement).

After receiving the offer, the seller will need to evaluate it and make a decision whether to accept or not. If they accept, you will be asked to put down a deposit that will act as an insurance policy for the seller that you will do what you say you are going to do according to the contract and move forward with closing.

In some areas, you have a few days’ grace period to change your mind and turn your back on the deal. If the buyer does not accept all of the pricing and terms of your offer, they may submit a counteroffer to you or your agent in which case you can choose to conduct future negotiations or walk away.

On average, a real estate purchase offer will have a 24, 48 or 72 -hour window, for the seller to respond. Ensure that the offer reflects the house value and do your research on the local market to get a good picture of how much you should be paying.

A tight offer time frame for a response puts pressure on the other side, which can be a good thing, but if the sellers are traveling or unavailable, you could wind up with a dead offer by being too aggressive with the time response.

In general, listen to what the listing agent has to say about the most aggressive response time possible from their client. (It’s best to play as nice as possible on most items that are non-monetary items).

Home Inspections

A house inspection is one of the single most important steps in purchasing a home without regrets. In most cases, you’ll be able to complete the home inspection work in two to five hours, so it does not greatly affect the average time to buy a house.

The most timely component of the inspection is the arrangement of the inspection itself, so to keep things moving along efficiently, ensure that you have a qualified inspector lined up as early as possible.

The firms that provide these services often have their staff booked out several days in advance. Keep this item at the top of your checklist, and lock-down your inspector as soon as you can. On the day of the inspection, you and your real estate agent should both be present.

This is your time to get to know your home on a deep level. You’ll want to listen closely to the inspector’s feedback and get your feel for the quality of the home.

Knowledge is power, and as each and every flaw is revealed, so does your negotiating power. The inspector’s report is a very important item to the closing process. You will want each major flaw to either be fixed or credited back so that you can fix the problem yourself. This is a big day. Be present and enjoy the process of learning everything that you can about your potential new home.

Your lender will also be eager to get a copy of the inspection report, as this is a critical item in determining the true value of the home.

Finalize The Loan With Your Lender

The time it takes to close the home loan tends to vary with each lender’s processing efficiency and the home buyer’s individual situation. A good rule of thumb is to give anywhere from four to six weeks to finalize the home loan contract.

Moving forward, you will need to finalize the loan documentation with your mortgage lender. In most cases, the lender will let you know what additional information you need to submit to complete the process.

Expect an appraisal order to determine the value of your home by an expert appraiser. The results of this appraisal are very important. If the number comes in as expected, you should not have any delays with your loan.

If the value of the home comes in lower than expected, you may need to put down a greater deposit, or potentially even have the loan refused by the lender. Be prepared for this meeting; the appraiser can make or break your deal.

Make certain that your real estate agent brings good, supporting comparable property data (comps). This meeting needs to be a friendly cordial, meeting of the minds.

If there is some sort of personal problem with an appraiser or even if they are having a bad day, human nature could see that your new home dreams dry up. So strategize with your agent about how to make this day go as smoothly as possible.

Also, bear in mind that your loan contract may require that you present proof of home insurance for the house that you are purchasing, effective from the date of settlement. Although many companies will issue an insurance policy within a few days, for older homes it may take a few weeks. Therefore, you should make arrangements to have your homeowners’ insurance policy lined up at least two weeks before finalizing the loan.

Closing Time

The time it takes to close on a house varies greatly due to the workloads of the people involved in the transaction. This is why you’ll hear many homebuyers ask, “why does closing take so long?” It also varies based on each buyer’s unique situation. Those who are lucky enough to get a loan preapproval, as opposed to loan pre-qualification, are likely to close sooner.

To qualify for preapproval, the lender would have successfully verified all your credit and bank account reports, allowing you to close on your house sooner.

Then again, factors such as the type of loan you choose, marital status changes, and low appraisal, can all slow the closing time. For those of you asking, “how long does it take to close on a house with a conventional loan?” it can take up to 45 days to close from the application date.

United States Federal related mortgage loan borrowers may have to give up to a month to close on a house. For those who are enrolled in a first-time homebuyer program, they may have to give an additional 5 to 15 days, although this mainly applies to people seeking assistance with their buyer down payment. Nonetheless, with the right assistance and knowledge, you’ll sail through the process.

Crossing the Finish Line

So, to answer the question, “how long does it take to buy a house?” On average, it will take 3 to 6 weeks to complete your home shopping, 4 to 6 weeks to finalize a loan contract, and generally 3 to 6 weeks to close.  That adds up to a total of 2 1/2  to 4 1/2 months to buy a house from start to finish. This is the most current information for those looking to buy a house in 2021.

Each homebuyers’ individual situation can affect the time it takes to get past various stages of their home buying journey.

For many, the process is smooth sailing, but for others, it can be a lengthy and downright tiring one. A great real estate agent and/or mortgage broker can make all the difference in the world. So, seek out top-level professionals to support this important undertaking.

Once you do cross that finish line and close on your first home, your second transaction later in time doesn’t seem quite as daunting. With each new transaction, you’ll get more and more experienced.

So, if you have been sitting on the fence for a while out of fear of the complexity of the home buying process, don’t worry, we have your back. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have about the process.

When renovating your home on a budget, you want to ensure you get the highest value possible for your money. Window replacements can be expensive, and factors such as energy efficiency must be taken into consideration to cut back on repair and maintenance costs in the long run.

If you are contemplating replacing your windows soon, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself to ascertain your decision aligns with any future resale plans you may have. Firstly, you need to ask yourself if there is an alternative to replacement.

If the windows are repairable, then you should weigh both options and go with the one that makes more sense economically. You also need to ask yourself if the replacement project is going to necessitate other aesthetic adjustments on your home.

Certainly, if your windows were selected with your home’s design in mind, the replacements will have to complement it or you will ruin your entire home’s look.

When is Window Replacement Necessary?

Consider installing new windows if you see or experience any of the following:

• Fog formation or condensation between window panes: If there is fog or condensation between the panes of a double-pane window, it means moisture has gotten in there. Damage to the window’s seal is the most common culprit behind this. The reason you should go for replacement is that the energy efficiency level of the window is now on par with that of a single-pane one. Seeking window installation services from a seasoned expert will not only reduce your home’s utility bill but also improve its curb appeal. Be sure to let the professional know the aesthetics you are looking to achieve so you know if they are able to match your standards before you commit.

• Difficulties opening and/or locking: If your windows are getting harder to open and close or lock by the day, it means they are on the verge of giving up the ghost for good. It is thus wise to go on and replace them early on as leaving it late may lead to further damage to adjacent parts. What’s more, being quick to replace windows that are difficult to open and lock reduces the risk of injury to family members and minimizes energy costs. Windows should be easy to open for all, including children and the elderly, during emergencies. At the same time, it should be difficult for intruders to open from outside in case of a burglary attempt.

• Damaged frames: Wooden frames are likely to get warped or bent at some point, thanks to constant contact with moisture. If your window frames are bent, you may start experiencing difficulty opening and closing the window. Gaps may also develop in the window seal, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. Consider replacing the entire window if the structure of the frame has been compromised. Fusion-wielded windows are strong and can withstand the damaging effects of moisture and other weather elements for years.

How will New Windows Affect the Value of my Home?

It is very unlikely that your home’s value will remain the same after a window replacement project. That said, the window installation expert you choose for the work will have an impact on the change in value your real estate gets. If you don’t know where to start or can’t exactly tell which material and design options suit your specifications, you will need an experienced expert by your side to help you make a choice.

So, what is the specific real estate value increase that comes with new window installations?

That will depend on a number of factors, and one of them, as stated above, is the installation company you let handle the project. Properly-installed windows have been shown to have an ROI of between 70 and 80 percent. This means that if the installation cost is $400, your home’s value will go up by $280-$320. There are not many improvements of a similar scale that can recoup more than 50 percent of their costs.

Other factors that will influence the change in value of your home following a window replacement exercise include the material of the window you choose and your area’s real estate market conditions. Composite and fiberglass are more expensive than vinyl. Wooden windows are even costlier both in installation and maintenance, but they offer an arguably better aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

While replacing your windows is almost bound to increase the market value of your home, it is always wise to know what you want before getting on with the project. Don’t risk compromising the curb appeal of your home just because you are hell-bent on getting that new set of windows. Seek advice from friends and family, consult a professional, go window-shopping, and make a list of all the options you have, so your decision is well-thought-out and in line with your objectives.

We could live our lives without organizing a party or some other form of social event, however, people are naturally social and look to small gatherings, parties, and casual get-togethers to socialize with others. If you’re not much of a party-goer but would like to organize a party, you can ask your friends and family to help you prepare for one. Read on to learn about the basics of organizing and hosting an amazing outdoor party.

Informing People of Your Intention to Host an Outdoor Party

Often when people hear about parties, they automatically assume that it’s going to be held at the host’s home. If not in your home, an event can be hosted at an event hall or a covered shelter. One secret to making an outdoor party successful is by informing guests that you intend to have an outdoor party. This will give them time to consider whether they’re going or not, what they’re going to wear and other deciding factors that may or may not hamper their participation.

Deciding on a Dress Code and Motif

Although most outdoor parties can be casual and carefree, some strictly adhere to a particular dress code. For example, if you want a pool party you can plan to host at your house if it has a pool. You opt for a mini pool party with your closest friends and family and of course, you will need to ask people to bring swimwear and towels.

Making Sure there is Adequate Space and Furniture for All

After sending the invitations to your outdoor party, it is best to give some time for guests to decide whether they’re going or not. Once the deadline is up, do a headcount and evaluate whether the furniture in your home is enough for the party. If it isn’t, you can rent furniture at a local party needs provider.

Availability of Lighting Equipment

If you want to enjoy a night staring out into the open sky, an outdoor party is the best option you’ll have. However, you should note that the darkness will eventually catch up with you and your party guests (we mean that, literally). Hang a few lanterns, lightbulbs or party lights as additional décor around the area to increase the overall aesthetics and party vibe.

Complete the Party with a Rocking Playlist

When choosing your playlist, it is crucial to know the age range of your guests. People of the golden age may not find today’s tunes to be worthy of dance and vice-versa. Furthermore, it is a golden rule to create a playlist maximum of five hours of running time for everyone to enjoy the dance floor.

Having a Back-up Plan

There are unfortunate cases when a great outdoor party is unexpectedly ruined by the weather. Rain, strong winds, and other natural circumstances can put a screeching halt to your party mood. So, you better have a back-up plan for the worst-case scenario such as moving the party into a covered area. If you need expert repair or replacement for your outdoor space, seek reliable contractors such as City Seamless Roofing to get high-quality and cost-efficient services.

An outdoor party is a great way to have fun with friends, enjoy good food, and embrace the breeze or sunshine. Use these party tips to ensure that your party is a great success.

Of course, as a homeowner, you don’t need a plumbing company on a regular basis. However, when a plumbing crisis strikes, things can overwhelm you. It’s during this time that you think of a plumber you lost contacts with ten years ago. However, you can still take your game to Google and secure a plumber you can be proud of. On these lines, here are tips you can use to choose the right plumber today!

Experience in the Business

How long has that plumber been doing business? What experience does he/she have? Being in practice for long gives him/her the experience necessary to tackle any project. So, look at the experience of that plumber. Ask how he/she is going to tackle your project. With an experienced plumbing company like Peerless Plumbing Company in Irving, TX, you are sure of great workmanship and service delivery.

Licensing

A good plumber should be licensed. So, don’t just choose any plumbers. Look whether that plumber is licensed. With licensing, you are sure of professional work and accountability. All plumbers should have a C-36 License. For example, someone looking for plumbing repair in seattle would want to hire a plumber with all licensing in place.

Insurance

In any construction project, mistakes can occur. And that’s where liability comes in. You have paid for the services. You have bought all the materials. What if they get damaged? Who is going to pay? Well, that’s where insurance comes in. So, get a plumber with a comprehensive insurance policy. It will shield you from liability.

References

Look for references. Call these references. Ask them about that plumber. Remember, it’s your money. So, you need to get the most out of it. Go the extra mile to understand the background of the plumber and his/her level of workmanship.

A Nice Website

Look at the plumber’s website. How does it look? Does it have good content? How is it designed? What about the contact information, site map, past clients, and testimonials? These are some of the questions you should ask before hiring a plumber. A good website shows how committed that plumber is. A bad website means that the plumber is only concerned with getting money. Professionalism is key.

Customer Service

How does the customer care desk respond to queries from clients? Are they professional? What about their experience? A good customer care desk means that the plumbing company understands the value of a good customer relationship. Avoid a company with arrogant customer care representative.

Location

Prioritize local plumbers. With a local plumber, you are sure of service delivery. Plus, a local plumber understands the laws of the area. Thus, he/she is likely to deliver your project in a cost-effective manner. Even more, communication will be easy and effective. Going for a local plumber can also save you a lot of money in terms of travel allowance.

The Bottom-Line

Don’t just choose any plumber. Choose a plumbing company with the right experience and certification to see your project to completion. Remember, plumbing tasks are particular and delicate in nature. So, choose a partner you can be proud of. Use the above tips to choose the best plumber for all your needs.

When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners usually gravitate to kitchens or bathrooms, and the exterior of your home sometimes gets overlooked. But, the curb appeal of your home is the first impression people get from your house.

Exterior home improvements can increase the value of your home and set expectations for prospective buyers to look inside your home. Here are five home projects that will boost your curb appeal.

1. Resurface Your Driveway

Keeping your driveway well maintained creates an inviting first impression. If your driveway is displaying signs of wear and tear, look into asphalt resurfacing costs to restore your driveway to its original glory and freshen up the exterior of your home. Cracks, weeds, and other damage can dimish your homes curb appeal, so repairing it makes a massive difference in improving your curb appeal.  Resurfacing maintains the integrity of the driveway and prevents further damage.

2. Restore Masonry

If your masonry is showing signs of age, then its time to call in a contractor to repair the exterior of your home. Concrete, brick masonry, and stucco can be repaired without significant disruption to your home activities. These are also essential repairs to have done to protect against water damage due to crack or gaps.  

3. Landscaping

Curb appeal should start with your garden. A manicured lawn and well-kept garden enhance the exterior of your home and make your home more inviting. Fixing the landscaping in your home can be the as simple ad you want it to be. Pick flowers, plants, or trees that will flourish in your cities climate and are easy to maintain. Adding a fresh layer of mulch can make over a garden and your home’s curb appeal.

4. Painting

Changing the color of paint on your accent trims, or freshening up the paint on your siding can give your home a new look. New paint will also add to your home’s curb appeal.

5. Exterior Doors

Trade your existing entry door with steel doors will increase the resale value on your home.  New strengthen doors are also low maintenance and cold-blocking door. While replacing your exterior doors, also consider replacing your garage door. A new garage door can enhance the curb appeal on your home.

More Improvement Ideas

Any homeowner knows that there are always more improvements that can be made in a home. Take a look around your house to see what the current state is, and what items need to be updated or fixed. Things to keep an eye on are your windows and gutters, check for signs of mold and mildew, equipment, and lighting.

• Windows and gutters – they made need to be cleaned or replaced, but gutters and windows are a vital part of your home’s curb appeal.
• Mold and mildew – address any signs of mold or mildew immediately, and try to eliminate any moistness that may be causing the problem.
• Equipment – keep your property beautiful and tidy, any equipment used to maintain your lawn should be put away. Seeing clutter detracts from your home’s curb appeal.
• Lighting – add lighting around your property to show off your home’s curb appeal at night too.

Final Thoughts

Many things can be done to improve the curb appeal of your home. Some items may be more costly than your thought, but they can have a significant impact on the value of your home. Spending time and money on the interior of your home is essential, but the effort needs to be put into the exterior as well. If your home doesn’t have curb appeal, then the improvements on the inside won’t have the same value. If you are not planning on making any home improvements, it is still essential to save money for home repair maintenance. The most valuable home improvements are the ones that will increase your home’s resale value.

The real estate industry has been evolving over the years but it’s hard to argue that the advent of technology has not made the most impact in the industry in the last few years. Technological advancement has made it easier for buyers to get the best real estate deals with just a click of a button and also made it easier for sellers to connect with buyers across the globe.

However, while there are a whole lot of real estate based technology tools and trends that have helped in pushing the boundaries on what’s possible in this industry. We’ll be focusing on 5 that have impacted the industry positively in more ways than one.

Virtual Reality View

Seeing is believing when it comes to real estate and more often than not a lot of deals have fallen through sellers couldn’t paint the perfect picture of the apartment they are trying to sell to their buyers who are miles or continents away. Virtual reality has made it easier for buyers to have a full-on experience on the apartment or property they are about to buy, take a walk through each room and soak in the feeling of owning the property. This has made it easier for sellers to push more property off the market and buyers to make an informed choice as pointed in the article by ruby garage – How Virtual Reality is Transforming the Real Estate Industry in …https://rubygarage.org › Blog › Insights

With platforms like Upnest, you can easily connect with real estate agents, book a Virtual Reality session from your home or office and work through your potential new home. The easy layout on Upnest’s platform makes it easier for anyone to get an agent in a second and you can easily compare rates so you can get the best option that suits you best.

Personalized Recommendations and Input of Big Data

It’s always been hard to pool together what buyers want because needs vary but this is about to change as the industry is beginning to adopt the algorithm model of google and other search engines. This way they will be able to predict what a certain customer wants without much hassle. Personalization has made it easier to narrow the search for clients, saves time and helps in reducing the closing time for each deal.

According to Codeburst “Big real estate agencies such as Realtor, Zillow, and Trulia, are pioneering those tools and provide an estimated forecast of the property value from 1 to 10 years”.

This alone shows that big data is here to stay and it is high time real estate stakeholders pay more attention to it

ROI Calculation and Machine Learning

Investors and real estate agents have to deal with a whole lot when it comes to investing in real estate because they have to find the best deals and in some cases spend a lot getting into shape before selling. However, it’s not as easy as it seems as a lot of realtors have lost money invested in properties that weren’t worth it in the first place because they didn’t have the right information to work with. This is what innovations like Machine Learning and ROI calculation are solving now. Before you invest in a deal, you can use this technology to calculate your ROI and also get verified tips on deals that you need to look out for.

Online Buying and Selling Platform

In the past, you had to go to a realtor’s office or probably look out for a signpost that indicates that a property is for sale. But all these have changed and you can literally pick up your phone, iPad or laptop and search for the kind of property and the location that you want. This has made it easier for agents to connect to more people at a time before setting up appointments (this can be combined so you do more with less) and made it easier for buyers to check the property before making a decision on if they want to view it or not. It has also reduced the cost of selling properties for individuals who are not realtors who can sell their properties without having to deal with real estate agent fees and the other issues that come with seeing your property online.

Blockchain

It was only a matter of time before blockchain technology is applied to real estate and the time is now. Although the opportunities offered by blockchain technology to the real industry are endless as due to tokenization homeowners and landlords can now offer or sell parts if their properties with blockchain technology. Blockchain has also made it easier for information to be checked before proceeding on closing a deal.

Technology would continue to impact the real estate world in more ways than one and we move into a new decade, you can bet your money on the fact that more and more technological innovations would spring up that will change the face of real estate faster than can be imagined.

Most young adults prefer living in apartments to avoid financial attachments. Because let’s face it, you’re in that stage where you change your mind ever so often, and having a significant commitment to a particular place is not doable. I mean, you’re young; you still have dreams to go out and see the world and might even want to live and explore another state next year. Check out this ultimate guide to buying your dream home in Kelowna: https://www.kelownanow.com/news/news/Sponsored/A_guide_to_buying_your_first_home_in_Kelowna/

Renting an apartment for a minimum amount of time and packing up your bags to head out when your contract is over can be an extreme advantage. But if you’re the type of person that leans on the more practical side of things and wants to see your hard-earned money going somewhere, then it’s high time to invest in your very own property.

Benefits Of Working With A Real Estate Professional

Hopping from one open house to another that is near you and going through online selling sites can be such a delight when you’re glancing at those beautiful houses that are just waiting there patiently, hoping to be bought. But when it comes to the whole process of moving out, settling the deal between the homeowners, checking the house for repairs, and of course, the piling stack of paperwork, you might not get as thrilled as you were before reality kicked in. Read more about all the paperwork involved here.

This is where real estate professionals come in to save all hell from breaking loose. Real estate agents help you through the whole process of acquiring the house that you want. They save you the hassle of thinking and worrying about the whole procedure. It’s already stressful enough that you’re moving into a new place, packing up all your stuff, and deciding what furniture you’ll get once you moved in. You don’t want the overwhelming pressure of all the minute details concerning your move in.

Real estate agents handle all the paperwork for you; they will also take the responsibility of sending a reliable home inspector that can check for damages and repairs the house needs, and of course, will do the excruciating task of negotiating with the homeowners about the things you’re concerned about.

Top Expertise

One of the main reasons why you should get a real estate professional is because of their experience. The whole concept of purchasing a house can be overwhelming, especially for indecisive people. Constantly having to go back and forth on which house to settle in can get pretty exhausting rather than exhilarating. You can check out capable experts online like the ones from Kelowna real estate homes.

Real estate professionals can make decision-making a lot easier. Hiring one can also be a great edge, especially if you still don’t have any particular houses in mind. They can help you find homes that can qualify for your standards and preferences. This makes the decision-making process a little bit faster because they present homes that possess the features you want.

Real estate agents also often have access to homes that are not put up on online selling sites due to homeowners’ privacy reasons. This can be a trump card on your part since you get to pick from houses other people wouldn’t even know about. And most of all, they can help you eliminate the mistake of buying an overpriced home. Since real estate agents know the way around the business, they certainly know when a house is a bit too overpriced concerning the neighborhood it belongs to and the overall value of the house itself.

There comes a time in life when it becomes necessary to have a place where one can call home or at the very least, a place to lay your head that you can call yours. Different reasons or situations might make this expedient at one point or the other in life.

The reasons or situations that might give birth to such necessities include:

Marriage

The need for exclusivity

The need to move up from a certain level of living

Family

Migration

And so much more, depending on the prevailing circumstance of the time as it concerns you. One thing is however sure and that is that on occasions like this a house is sold or bought.

Things to Consider before Buying a House

Due to the nature of these transactions, which are usually costly and can also determine where a person has to live in for some years and in some occasions for life, it can be agreed that great care has to be taken when about to undertake such transactions.

There are lots of things to consider and have some information on when about to buy a house, some of which are listed here. However, other wide-ranging issues concerning these transactions in general and in West Chester, in particular, will be looked at.

There are initial considerations to make and steps to take as you consider taking such a huge life step and they include:

1. Your Personal Finances: This is obviously the most foundational thing to contemplate because every other thing hinges on it. So, are you credit/loan worthy? Have you saved up enough for a down payment? Is this venture even worth it or necessary at this time of your life? These are critical questions to answer.
2. Research How the Local Market Works: It is important that you pay attention to and research the details of how the local market or real estate of the locality of your interest works. Doing this will help you get prepared and informed on how to go about the transactions when the time comes.
3. Set Your Priorities in Order: At this point, it is expected that you have to have an idea or know exactly what you want, how much you can afford and what is available; that is the options in the market. It is important to note that rarely will there be a house that fits all your specifications or imaginations, be realistic!
4. If Possible, Partner with A Local Realtor: The advantage here is that for realtors, it is their duty to know and to properly assess what the whole process entails. In doing this, you get for yourself a guide on whose shoulder you can ride on.

Such realtors may have links to companies like BPG LLC, a real estate group and once you visit their website, you will see their business slogan  “We buy homes in West Chester PA” . Companies such as these will always have houses they have bought then fixed it up and put for sale.

Questions to Ask About the House Itself

It is important that you as an individual find out the details of the house you want before going ahead to purchase it. This is to avoid disappointments and the added expense of repairs that you would have to carry out.

The things to find out should include:

• Whether there are any current maintenance issues with the house? E.g. the kitchen sink, the lifespan of the roof and how long since it was installed.
• Check if the building has any foundational problem
• How well the appliances in it function and if any needs replacing.

Ask questions and find out about the neighborhood, area or town which you are to reside in if you do conclude the transaction. Which in this case is West Chester PA and you can find out more about the town at this link.

Concluding the Transaction

After doing all these, you can then make an offer and negotiate for a fair price.

When a price is agreed on, you can now go about the paperwork with the help of your lender and realtor. This is to make sure that your papers for the purchase are in order. The transaction is complete when all these are done and the seller is paid.

Conclusion

The business of buying a house, being a crucial step in an individual’s life, is one that should not be done blindly, that is without information or guidance. This is important so as to avoid regrets and unnecessary expenses that might make what should be a fulfilling experience a dissatisfying one.

Thus, get informed, get prepared and get the necessary help so you can get a good house.

The coffee connoisseurs out there will know that nothing tastes as good as a freshly ground, freshly brewed, hot cup of coffee. It’s how many of us choose to start our day, and for real coffee lovers, instant coffee just does not cut it.

Our pipes and electric garbage disposal units are, however, a different story. While both can handle the majority of kitchen waste and scraps with ease, they hate coffee grounds, which people often put down the drain, innocently assuming that the fine texture and consistency will pass through their system with ease.

Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case. The opposite is true.

It’s the fine, loose, consistency that is actually the root of the issue and will lead to clogged drains. Once in your pipes, the coffee grounds can either create an obstruction on their own or stick to whatever else is already in your pipes and make the problem a lot worse. Not good.

It is, of course, good practice to not put coffee grounds down your sink, but if you have, don’t worry, you don’t need a new sink – although here is an awesome list if you are interested.

It’s not the end of the world, and if you follow the steps outlined below, you should have your pipes clean and flowing freely in next to no time. It’s not a complicated process, but it will require a little bit of elbow grease, a plunger, and a few other bits and pieces, you’re likely to have around the house.

Ready? Let’s get to work!

Step One

The first thing you’re going to want to do is clear your basin of any existing debris and then fill the sink to about a quarter full. Just enough water so that it will cover the cup of your plunger. If you have a double sink, don’t plunge right away, or you’re libel to cover yourself and your kitchen in water. Instead, move on to step two.

Step Two

You need to seal the drain of the opposing sink if you have one. You can do this with a metal or a plastic stop. Or stuff it with a cotton towel or dishcloth, either will do the job and ensure you create a good seal for plunging and don’t spray water everywhere. This is important, if you skip this part, you won’t be able to create a vacuum for your plunger, and your drain won’t be cleared.

Step Three

Here comes the fun part. Time the plunge that drain as if your life depends on it. Think of this as an impromptu workout; give it your all. Make sure you keep a tight seal around the mouth of the drain. Pushing up and down, fifteen to twenty times, or until the pipes begin to clear.

If you’re lucky, that’s all you need to do, but often, coffee grounds can be a little more tricky to get rid of. So if the above didn’t clear your blockage, or you just want to give your pipes a more thorough cleaning, to make sure nothing else is going on, move on to the next step.

Step Four

Cleaning out the P-trap is not as daunting as it sounds. It’s ever so slightly more advanced than plunging, and you managed that okay, right? It’s a breeze, and we’re here to walk you through it anyway.

Make your way under the sink and remove any bits and bobs you’ve got under there to make your job easier. If it’s dark, grab your phone or a flashlight so that you can see what you’re doing. Now, you’re going to need to find a U-shaped pipe, found it?

That’s what is referred to in the plumbing industry as a “P-Trap.” That’s what we’re going to be working on to get your pipes flowing again, but this can get a little bit messy, so grab gloves and a bucket, and we can move on to the next step.

Step Five

What you’ll need to do next will require a bit of strength at best, or a pipe wrench at worst. With your bucket underneath the P-Trap (important), turn the nuts counter-clockwise until you feel them start to loosen up. Some water may begin to leak out at this stage, but don’t worry, it’s entirely normal for water to sit in this part of the drain when you have a blockage.

Step Six

Now you’re going to need to remove the P-Trap. Pull the trap away from the attached piping and get yourself out of the way, as any debris and standing water will fall into the bucket you positioned below. If you missed the bucket step, you will now need a mop and a few more minutes before continuing!

For everyone else, you can now move on to the next step.

Step Seven

Reach into the trap and remove any gunk and coffee grounds you find in there and put them in the trash. Next, run your trap under some warm running water, not from the sink you’re working on, unless your bucket is still in place, and make sure it’s all clean inside and out. While the trap is removed, take a peep in the exposed piping with your phone or light to make sure there aren’t any further blockages. If it all looks good, you can then move on to the next and final step.

Step Eight

Now you need to reattach the P-Trap. The threading can wear on these pretty quickly, so make sure you have it all lined up correctly before you begin to screw it back in, to avoid any accidents and possibly having to replace the trap.

Make sure it’s good and tight and give it all a good once over before running the faucet above. Let it run a few minutes or just long enough to ensure that the blockage has been completely cleared. Now you’re good to go and have a hot, freshly brewed coffee.

Just make sure to put those coffee grounds in the trash next time.

Does your luxury flat seem disorganized and a bit cluttered? Even with a luxury apartment, making the most of your space is key to a comfortable and aesthetic appealing living space.

Unfortunately, if you are like many people, you may not know how to get started. Don’t worry! Here you can learn about some effective ways to optimize your space with smart storage solutions.

Keep Your Entryway Clutter-Free

While it’s a good idea to have a designated area for your mail, keys, shoes, and coats in the entryway of your apartment, it doesn’t mean the space has to be cluttered. Consider using a few hooks or even a simple storage cabinet by Cabinet City. By keeping things clutter-free and put away at the entryway of your apartment, you can set the precedent for a clean, organized space.

Floating Cabinets

Take a cue from a professional organizer who had the idea to install the super-chic floating cabinets or shelves up high above doorways. Not only is this out of your typical line of sight, but it also provides you with storage solutions that aren’t underfoot and in the way.

By keeping more real estate open on the floor, you can minimize the look of clutter, while still keeping the items you need within reach. What’s even better, you can find floating cabinets that are simple or more ornate depending on your style preferences.

Install Hideaway Storage

John Lennon is well-known for the line, “Hey, you’ve got to hide your love away,” and it’s clear this Beatle knew just what he was talking about. Everyone loves personal and sentimental items like toys, scrapbooks, clothes, and shoes, but they take up a lot of space. The answer to this problem is rather simple – just hide them!

Believe it or not, hiding all these must-have items doesn’t have to create an eyesore in your otherwise beautiful living space. All you need is to think smart. For example, find a storage option that will double as something else – like an ottoman or another type of seating.

Invest in a Platform Bed

Platform beds will go perfectly with the other décor you have in your luxury apartment. Even better, the storage drawers that fit beneath it are ideal for storing away shoes, sweaters, scarves, and virtually anything else you can think of.

Create a Bookshelf Headboard

Large, ornate or simple furniture is a staple for any luxury apartment. If you have large, blank walls in the bedroom, why not use it to your advantage? You can install a bookshelf to serve as your headboard, which is multi-purpose. With this in place, you get a huge statement headboard visual, along with extra storage – it’s a win-win scenario.

Put Storage Furniture in the Kitchen

Consider thinking outside the box when it comes to your apartment storage ideas. Your kitchen is also prime real estate for storage. For example, you can add a bar cart, use a bookshelf, or install simple shelving for pots, pans, plants, or anything else. You can even use the storage solution to for décor items. It’s a great way to improve the look of your kitchen and add more storage at the same time.

Baskets

When it comes to luxury living, baskets are a must-have. Baskets are not only great décor items alone, they are also great for added storage to shelves, under beds, beside couches, and virtually anywhere else you can think of. Purchase the same basket for throughout your apartment or mix and match for a more eclectic feel. Regardless of what option you choose, you’ll find baskets fit in perfectly with your luxury apartment’s décor.

Hang Your Stuff on the Wall

If you are thinking about storage solutions for an apartment, being crafty is par for the course. Why not hang your stuff on the wall? Not only is this great for space-saving, but with the right creative viewpoint, it’s going to look great. Try it – see what type of unique look you can create.

Add Storage Behind the Wall

When it comes to storage and organization, make sure you are making use of the areas that are typically wasted. You can maximize your closet and bathroom doors by adding hooks or racks for more compact storage. Towels, jewelry, headbands, hats, and coats can all find a home in these areas, out of sight, but ready to be used.

Storage Cubbies

Storage cubes are both affordable and flexible when it comes to organizing your home. They work great for any apartment and are the perfect home for the baskets mentioned above.

Is Your Luxury Apartment Organized?

If you are still working on organizing your luxury apartment, the tips here should help you get started. If you are moving and want to get a head start with your organization ideas, try U Move Free for free today.