SkyFive Properties Blog

Cryptocurrencies have had a wild few years now, with stories about fantastic gain to be followed by news alerts of the value completely crashing. With Bitcoin value rocketing to well over $20,000 and crashing all the way down to below $3,000, you can probably guess that this market had a few winners, but many, many more losers.

It’s the attraction of making a quick buck that attracted a load of speculative investors, some even leveraging themselves at significant risk, that further destabilised a shaky foundation. But that’s what you can expect from the newest gold rush, a sudden influx of fortune seekers trying to make it big. Especially in this day and age, with our continuous connected devices, the magnifying (and bubble creating) social media, we all are subjected to this massive fear of missing out (FOMO), as, unfortunately, jealousy (or the risk of having to be jealous) is still a very human emotion.

For some, something like cryptocurrency will be their ticket to riches, but for most, it’s looking to the traditional routes for their road to wealth. But also traditional methods are changing, here are some of those fields.

Real Estate

As always, real estate is a good bet, including luxury real estate. House prices will continue to rise, and this makes something like investing your money in real estate a pretty safe option. That doesn’t mean this wave of technological progress is not affected by the real estate market though. The way people are buying houses is changing, with online platforms now challenging the traditional seller & real estate agent model.

The way mortgages are calculated and approved (at least in principle) is done more and more via AI models. And although house prices are on the up regardless, the smart investors take all these new developments into account to maximise returns.

Investing

You can’t really talk about traditional ways of creating wealth, without talking about the stock market. And if anything, the stock market has not become less complicated. As the companies of the world trade more internationally, so do interdependency becomes more complicated. Micro issues in one country can have a devastating effect on another, which can affect companies’ performance.

This, in turn, means that traders and investors have an increasingly complex tension field to examine and make predictions in. Enter AI, with more and more investing companies placing increasingly more confidence (or their fate) in the hands of the machine, the demand of highly skilled programmers in the finance industry, has exploded.

If you are directly investing or doing so via a broker, keep in mind how this world is now changing from the traditional floor traders to tech-savvy people sitting behind computer screens with advanced AI.

Another thing to keep in mind is that gold, which still has the cachet, is not the most valuable or rare material in the world. Take palladium or platinum, for example, which is used in sophisticated electronics, such as smartphones, which explains the rising cost. Another example of how tech has pushed the world.

There are many different ways for landlords to make money today. The rent to rent strategy is something that is definitely worth thinking about if you have not already. So, let’s take a look at some advice and information regarding the rental market and how you can make this work for you.

Rent Guarantees Can Provide Struggling Landlords With a Fixed Monthly Income

Did you know that unoccupied properties could cost landlords thousands of pounds? Rent guaranteed schemes provide you with an alternative. Imagine a guaranteed income every month – regardless of whether your property is occupied by tenants or not. The result? You receive a significant income without having to worry about finding the right tenant.

So, how does it all work? Well, guaranteed rent takes the pressure of landlords having to manage their rental properties, and will ensure that the right tenant is chosen. Companies that specialise in rent guarantee services will use their knowledge of the local market and advertising to ensure that the property reaches the widest audience possible.

After all, in a competitive market, you will need to find a tenant quickly and make sure you receive the best rental price available. As so many landlords find themselves struggling to cover the cost of a property when a house or flat is vacant, this service has become increasingly popular.

Rent guarantee services will provide you with a competitive fixed monthly sum, which will be paid on the same day every month. It doesn’t matter whether the property is occupied by a tenant or not – you will still receive the amount. This means you can cover your property management service and have a guaranteed profit per month.

What’s more, you will be protected in the event that a tenant becomes ill or loses their job, and because there will be no void periods, you will have financial stability every single month.

What To Consider When Looking For A Rent To Rent Property

Do you need a property to rent for the purpose of subletting? This is an approach a lot of people are taking to make more money. They rent a property from a landlord, and then they rent out the rooms individually, pocketing the difference. Nevertheless, you’ll need to find a good property for this scheme to be a success, so keep on reading to discover more.

Choosing a property for the purpose of then renting it out again is very different, as you need to consider what is going to appeal to others rather than what you personally want from a property.

You also need to think about what is going to make you the most money. For the rent to rent scheme to be a success, you need to select a property that has the potential to be turned into about five bedrooms, if not more. After all, you are going to be renting out each bedroom separately, and thus if you only go for a small one bedroom apartment, you will not be able to make a profit. In addition to this, location is important.

You want to look for rental properties that are in areas whereby people want to rent single rooms. Student locations are ideal and areas where there are a lot of young professionals are also recommended.

Take London as a prime example; people would rather sacrifice having a flat or property to themselves so they can be situated in the prime location of England’s capital city. The same can be said for other city centre locations too. You also need to calculate your finances and do a bit of digging to discover the average rental prices so you can see how much money you can expect to make.

Training For Renting A Property For The Purpose Of Subletting

Are you interested in the rent to rent strategy? If so, you will be looking for assistance to ensure that everything goes successfully, whether you want professionals to help find me a property to rent, or you want guidance on how the process works. Read on to discover more about what you should consider.

The rent to rent scheme is a very attractive proposition. You will rent a property from a landlord, and then you will sublet the rooms to individual tenants. You will collect the payments from all of your tenants, after which you will subtract costs – such as maintenance bills, insurance and the rent to the landlord – and you will then keep the difference for yourself.

However, you need to have a solid strategy in place if this is to be a success, which is why expert outside assistance is a must. You should look for a company that can help you through the entire process, from initial training to on-going support. They should teach you everything you need to know so that multi-letting rental properties is a success, including negotiation skills, dealing with agents and setting up properties.

You should make sure those that run the training course have a considerable amount of experience in the industry, and they should, of course, use their strategy and be making a profit from it. You should also read reviews from people that have already been on the training courses and used the services of the company, so you can be sure they have a good reputation in the industry.

An outdoor entertainment space may be a great area to spend time with family and friends. Breathing fresh air might be an exciting change of pace as opposed to sitting on the couch indoors all the time. Having fun outdoors can also mean casual barbecues, talks, and parties. However, you may need to create or redesign the location first. Here are six tips to help you design an excellent outdoor entertainment space in your property:

1. Start with the Kitchen

Many social gatherings start with great food.  With that in mind, an outdoor entertainment area may begin with a functional kitchen. Cooking inside your home might still be an option, but specific food options might be better when cooked outdoors. One good example is barbecued food. Barbecuing may produce smoke, which might trigger your home’s security alarms if left unchecked.

Conversely, cooking barbecued food outdoors may make the smoke more manageable than preparing them in an indoor kitchen.

Consider installing modern amenities in your outdoor kitchen like a sink and dishwasher. A refrigerator may also be a good option, but you might want to hold back on it if you can’t extend your budget. Otherwise, you can still use the refrigerator inside your home to store the food to prepare outdoors. Furthermore, don’t forget the grill, or you may consider installing a pizza oven.

Another option is to add rattan garden furniture to your outdoor entertainment area. Rattan is a durable material that can withstand harsh ultraviolet (UV) light. It’s also hard-wearing, which may mean it can last for years with proper care.

2. Make Comfort a Priority

Outdoor events may take more than a few hours to complete. Thus, you may not want you or your guests to stand on your patio for a few hours. Furthermore, sitting on the grass after it rained recently may not be an option as well.

Instead, make comfort one of your priorities when creating an outdoor entertainment space. For instance, consider installing patio pavers so your guests can stand on a flat surface as opposed to trying to maintain balance on soil or stone.

Also, consider adding sofas and other comfortable seating. A fire pit may also be a great addition to your outdoor entertainment area. The warmth of a crackling fire is excellent in the cold months. You and your mates can exchange scary stories or reminisce the past while a flame roars a comforting warmth to everyone in the area.

3. Install a Sound System

Silence is golden for specific individuals, but relaxing under the starry sky with ambient music might be the ticket to de-stress. Though the speakers from your smartphone may not be enough to fill the area with the right tunes.

Aside from ambient music, you can also play exciting tracks like music from the Electronic Dance Music (EDM), pop, and rock genres. These tunes might be an excellent choice for outdoor parties in your backyard.

An excellent sound system can also bring added “life” to movies if you decide to install a home entertainment area outdoors. However, make sure you’re not going to disturb the neighborhood with loud, blaring music. Be a responsible neighbor by playing loud music at appropriate times of the day, and not when everyone else is fast asleep.

4. Introduce a Centerpiece

Many homeowners add a centerpiece to their living or family rooms. This item may be a family portrait, a prized statue, or a bouquet. Give your house a fresh look by placing an article in a large room to act as the focal point.

A similar idea is possible when designing an outdoor entertainment space. Aside from a plant or picture, you can choose great décor as your outdoor area’s focal point. Consider installing a zen garden or small pond. Then, choose your furniture to accent your chosen centerpiece. For example, if you opted to install a zen garden, consider buying furniture with an oriental theme.

You may want to hire professional landscaping services for this purpose. However, DIY options are still available if you don’t want to overspend.

5. Accentuate the Outdoor Design with Small Highlights

Don’t forget about the little details. It’s still vital to see your outdoor designing project from a bigger picture. However, make sure to add small accents to help highlight the design of the space.

For example, you may add a small fountain to go with your oriental relaxation area. Conversely, consider putting in sculptures that match the design of your home. Affordable options exist to help beautify your outdoor entertainment area.

Opt to visit your local flea markets for bargains on outdoor décor. Statues, vases, and used tables (in good condition) might fetch you a reasonable price. Also, consider watching out for garage or yard sales in your neighborhood. After all, one person’s trash may be another individual’s treasure.

6. Lead the Way with Paths

Outdoor paths are more than your standard walkways. Paths help guide the way for people to know where they’re supposed to go. Furthermore, a beautiful stone or tile trail presents a visually-aesthetic appeal that helps lead the eyes to the centerpiece of your outdoor living space.

One design example would be to arrange bricks to lead household members to a secluded relaxation area in your backyard. Remember, entertainment may not require loud party music all the time. Specific individuals may find joy in relaxing while listening to the sounds of nature filling the background air.

Paths also help encourage exploration. In doing so, children from your friends, relatives, and neighbors may wander around the area without getting lost and while their imaginations are running wild.

Outdoor kitchens, comfortable seats, and the other tips mentioned in this post may only be the tip of the iceberg in designing your outdoor entertainment space. Your outdoor relaxation area should still follow your preferences, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. You may even hire professional services to help in designing your perfect outdoor entertainment area.

You may think that buying your dream home is an experience you can only wish for. Something that is forever out of your grasp. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. You may just be able to get that one property that fits you and your family’s needs perfectly. Keep reading to find out how.

Know what you want

Too many people don’t know what they want or will accept when it comes to buying a home. Of course, this makes it nearly impossible to find your perfect home because you have no clear criteria by which to judge things.

To that end, before you even start to look at possible new properties, you must pin down what is most essential to you and your family. For example, some homeowners are looking for a particular style or size of while home. While others are more concerned with the facilities or even the cost of the property.

To that end, knowing what you are willing to compromise on, and what is a hard requirement can be supremely helpful when looking for your dream home.

Know what areas you will consider

Of course, half of the battle of finding your dream home is getting the right location. The location being the factor that most heavily influences the cost of a property, as well as whether you will be happy living there or not. That is why you can get mansions in the country for less than an apartment in New York.

To that end, thoroughly researching the areas you are thinking of moving to is crucial. This is because it is only then that you will have a distinct idea of where you will consider living, and where you will not, something that can make all the difference when searching from your idea property.

Find the right real estate agent

Next, when it comes to tacking down your dream home, you really don’t want to be doing all the legwork alone. That is why it’s crucial to find a reputable Real Estate agent that serves the area you are searching in. In fact, by giving your requirements to a property professional working in your area of choice, you can maximize your chances of finding a home that fits your needs perfectly.

Not to mention the fact that they always have the scoop on which homes are coming up for sale as well. Something that can give you an advantage in getting your offer in as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Make sure you get a maximum return on your current home

Lastly, when it comes to finding your dream home, you need to make sure you have as much capital as possible. After all, if you get into a bidding war, you’ll want enough money behind you to ensure you don’t lose your property of choice especially after you have spent all that time and energy searching for it.

To that end, doing everything in your power to make sure your property sells at its asking price is vital. If you want to land your dream, forever-home that is.

The reason why property is expensive is not because of the structure that sits on top of it. It’s not even the land itself but rather what the perks are. Things like location, weather, access to amenities, community, safety and roads are all huge factors for why homes accumulate such high prices.

However that’s not to say the property itself comes to a sad second place because despite all those things, if the structure isn’t right then nobody will want to buy the property. It’s too much hassle to rebuild and do it all over again.

So everything goes hand in hand and is vital to getting a good solid price when it’s time to let go and sell. It’s a shame then that so many homeowners don’t actually realize what makes their own property so great.

Surroundings

If you think a two-bedroom house in the countryside surrounded by gorgeous hills and amazing farmlands is going to be worth the same as a two-bedroom in a suburban neighborhood, you must be dreaming. Yes, you get what you pay for and you pay for a view also. The real estate industry knows how to manage human emotions and expectations.

Having a breathtaking view is going to add to the standard of your living. Having access to surroundings such as hiking trails and beaches will mean the average price of your home will be far higher than without. The same goes for a home in the city. A home where the location allows for the use of public transport and being able to live close to work will inherently price higher so use this to your advantage when selling.

Chance of a new life

Homes that haven’t been given due care and attention will inevitably look old and dreary. This would mean that the market value of said home will drop and getting buyers to give you the average price might even be difficult.

So, selling your home to a company that lives to breathe new life into homes is something you’ll want to look into. This is because the market may not see the upscale potential, but the company will.

Take a look at the I Buy SD blog where this becomes apparent. If you would like to sell your home, perhaps cash isn’t the best choice. You may need to use your home as a bargaining chip to achieve your goals.

This company buys homes to rebuild them into contemporary living spaces, so judging by the potential your home could be sold for what it would be worth if it was attractive to the market.

Potential landscaping

The potential for the landscape to be used for a multitude of uses is again highly desirable. If you have a landscape that is wide and flat without trees, bushes, plants and open soil in the way, you could build a swimming pool for a lot less. This makes the potential of land to be constructed on a real eye-opener for buyers.

Don’t just look inside your property in search of it’s true worth. Even things that have nothing to do with you add tremendous value to your home, such as amazing countryside and large travel networks close by.

Are you looking to move abroad?

You’re not alone. An increasing number of Americans are leaving the country to work, study, be closer with their loved ones, and experience new cultures. Others are packing their bags because they’re dissatisfied with the country’s politics and governance.

However, regardless of your reasons for relocating, moving and living abroad can present a number of financial challenges. Moving costs can be high, and if you’re not financially stable or you lose your job, you could quickly find yourself in debt.

The good news? We’re here to help.

Continue reading to learn how to manage your debt when moving abroad.

Make a Sound Financial Plan Before Moving

Planning is the key to success in anything, especially where money is involved.

Long before you move abroad, develop a financial plan. Start by researching the cost of living in the country you want to relocate to, and then create an “abroad fund.” This is the money you will need to maintain your quality of life during the entire period of your stay.

If you’re relocating and for work and will be earning a salary, you might not need to save as much money as a student or someone who’s moving for adventure. Just ensure your new role comes with sufficient job security, so you’re not left stranded should your employer fire you abruptly, or should the company collapse.

Keep an Eye on Relocating Costs

The cost of moving can take a toll on your finances, especially if you’re moving to Europe, Australia, or other far-flung areas. You’ll have to hire a mover to pack your belongings and ship them to your destination country. You might also need to hire a local real estate agent to help you find a house in the host country.

This is why you need to keep an eye on relocating costs. Shop around for international movers so you can find one who offers good rates. However, don’t hire the cheapest provider if their services aren’t reliable. A bad mover can really put a damper on your relocation experience.

Another way to save money on these costs is to go with fewer belongings. It could be cheaper to buy new items once you arrive in your new country than it’s to move with them.

Know Where to Get Financial Help

If you get into a financial bind once you move abroad, it’s vital to know where to get help.

This means researching the country’s lending system and knowing who the best lenders are. Bear in mind, though, that you might need to build a new credit history to be able to get a loan from formal lenders. You can do this by opening a secured credit card.

If by any chance you’re moving to Spain, you can get help here.

Make Good Financial Decisions When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad costs money.

If you’re not careful, you can easily find yourself in deep financial problems. To avoid this, it helps to make good financial plans before moving and sticking to those plans once you move. And if you get into financial emergencies, always know where to get help.

Good luck and keep reading our blog for more financial tips.

Buying a property in Greece, no matter the size and price, is an investment. Regardless if you’re planning to flip a property or turn it into a rental investment, buying a property in Greece will require money from your pocket. To ensure that your next property in Greece will become a smart investment and provide value to your money, let this article help.

Contrary to popular belief, buying a property in Greece doesn’t only require checking the price and overall aesthetics. For you to end up buying the best property in Greece, don’t forget to consider the following:

1. Ask Help From Property Agencies And Agents.

Deciding what property to invest in, in Greece can become a struggle. This is especially true if you’re not a local resident of Greece. Usually, you’ll be unsure about where to start looking for properties and what factors to consider when looking.

Asking help from property agencies and agents who are operating locally in Greece can help when making your choice. They’re knowledgeable in the real estate trends in Greece and provide insights on which properties are attractive to your target market.

If you’re a foreigner who’s planning to invest in Greece, some businesses and professionals assist with the paperwork required for the resident permit application. Companies such as Greece Golden Visa can process all of the required documents so you can meet all statutory requirements of Greece.

2. Know How To Determine Scams And Make Sure To Avoid Them.

Greece is one of the most beautiful places on earth. This is probably one of the reasons why more and more tourists are visiting this country – and this might even be the reason why you’re planning to buy a property in Greece.

However, no matter how breathtaking Greece is, keep in mind that real estate scams are still present in this country. You’ll come across several scammers during your Greek property search, and if you’re not careful, you can become a victim to these scams.

Aside from being keen with your search and making sure that you’re only working with professionals in the real estate industry, here are some tips to help you avoid scams:

• No matter how tempting it can be, never send money or make any deposit for a property unless you have personally met the seller. Even if you think the property is a bargain, never trust a seller who presents themselves online. It’s best if you meet the seller personally, and conduct a background check, too.

• Always ask for an up-to-date property inspection. This will give you an idea of the condition of the property and if any repairs are required. A reputable seller should be able to provide this document. If the seller you’re talking to can’t, start looking for options.

• Thoroughly assess this document with your real estate agent. Let them inspect the document, especially if you don’t have any background in doing this alone.

• Make sure that you’re only dealing with someone who is the legal owner of the property. Ask for supporting documents to ensure that you’re only buying from a legitimate seller. Making transactions with a person who isn’t qualified to make decisions regarding the property is just a waste of time.

• Don’t forget to check your rights on the property. As an investor, you should know if you’re allowed to make changes in the property. And if you’re allowed to do so, you should be aware as to the extent of changes that can be made.

3. Research The Different Regions.

If this is your first time to invest in Greece properties, take the time to know about its regions. Different regions will have different prices on properties. If you’re looking for a pad or an apartment in Mykonos or Athens, be ready to spend at least £1 million. The more developed the region, the more expensive the property is.

To expedite the process of learning about the different regions of Greece, search online listings. The information you can get online can help you determine what kind of properties or neighborhood  you can actually afford in Greece. After you’ve searched properties which you like and fit your budget, take the time to visit the property. Pictures can be deceiving and won’t show what the neighborhood is like. It’s best if you visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to assess if the people living there will suit your lifestyle or the lifestyle of your target market (for rental properties).

4. Do Your Math.

Money will be an important deciding factor when you’re buying a property in Greece. As an investor, you would want to buy a property which will help you earn profit and return on investment. Before buying a property, it’s best to know what costs or expenses you’re required to pay. This information will help you manage your finances more effectively so you won’t end up being bankrupt.

Aside from paying the upfront cost of the property, expect that you’ll pay for the following once you buy a property in Greece:

• Estate agent fees (1 to 2% of the price of the property + 24% VAT): It’s common for people in Greece to work with a real estate agent when looking for properties. If you’re leaning towards this direction in searching for your next property in Greece, be prepared to pay for estate agent fees.

• Notary Fees (1% of the price of the property + 24% VAT): After choosing a property to buy and making negotiations with the seller, your purchase won’t be considered legal unless notarized by a Greek notary public. This person will act as an advisor to make sure that both the seller and buyer adheres to the legal responsibilities of the purchase.

• Land registry fees (.3 to .5% of the price of the property): This fee is computed based on the value of the property. Aside from the land registry fees, you also have to pay for stamp duties and other necessary certificates.

Make Sound Decisions

Buying a property in Greece is one of the most important investments in your life, which is why you shouldn’t make any hasty decisions when buying. You want this property to improve the quality of your life in the long run, not become the reason for you to be covered in debt. Are you ready to buy a property in Greece?

Syracuse, New York, is a beautiful place to buy a home in. If you’re looking to finally settle down or have landed a job within the area, you’re in for a treat. Syracuse lets you experience the best of living in the Big Apple—you will be close to schools, hospitals, offices, shopping malls—but it’s quiet enough to be away from the typical hustle and bustle of metro living.

When buying a house, you have many options to choose from. While a majority would prefer to seek the help of a real estate agent, there’s a better way to find a residence that would suit you, and that is through searching Syracuse real estate listings instead.

Simply put, real estate listings are websites or bulletins that have houses you can choose from. Continue reading to find out more about the benefits you can gain from buying homes on these listings instead.

You Have A Wider Reach Of Properties

Syracuse is still quite a geographically vast area. While you may want to live close to your work, perhaps you may find it too expensive. Hence, it is better to look in other areas that are still within Syracuse. When you do this with an agent, your reach is very narrow because you are only limited to properties that they have the authority to sell.

When going around to visit homes, you certainly can’t visit them all in one day. This constricts your options, and you may not be able to find better homes apart from the handful of options you’ve been presented by your agent or those you’ve found during your search.

Through real estate listings, you can have a wider range of properties you can select from, and you don’t even have to spend so much time on your search as you will be browsing through a website. You may even get your hands on off-market houses that could have better deals.

Remember that, for starters, the more options you have, the better. Visit this site for a wide range of options that can jumpstart your search for houses in Syracuse, New York.

You Only View The Houses That You Want

Without real estate listings, you will be starting with very few options. When you physically inspect the houses, it’s possible that you might end up going home disappointed and empty-handed when you view houses that didn’t meet your needs and preferences. That’s a full day wasted, which you could’ve otherwise spent working, or doing other productive things that are necessary for your move.

With real estate listings, all you have to do is to scroll through the webpage or to flip through the pages of a magazine or newspaper. From there, you can narrow down your options. When the time comes for you to view the houses physically, you already have pre-selected options that may have a higher chance of satisfying your conditions. In this manner, you aren’t wasting your time and effort as you are already viewing homes that have already caught your interest.

It Is More Time-Efficient

With real estate listings, your choices are already at the tip of your fingers. All you have to do is filter through the location, budget, size, and other specifications that you may be looking for. Instead of spending weeks going back and forth houses in Syracuse, you can narrow this down to a few hours or days since you would already know to expect through pictures and other details provided in the listing. This also shortens the physical inspection process of the homes you may be interested in buying.

It Gives You A Ready Edge On Negotiating

When you look at real estate listings, prices posted by sellers are still negotiable. The good thing about listings, however, is that you can compare houses within the same locality, for the same size, style, and features. Through listings, you can already figure out which prices are reasonable and more affordable.

For instance, a particular home may be priced higher in comparison with a house that has similar features, as well as size and location. With this listing, you can also negotiate a better deal by the time you physically inspect the home. While you have to consider the possibility that the seller won’t go as low as the price you’ve haggled for, you can at least find a compromise that works for both parties.

It Allows You To Talk To The Seller Even Before Your First Meeting

One of the most challenging stages of buying a home is that first meeting between the buyer and the seller. Especially if you are inexperienced or are a first-time homebuyer, you may not know what to expect and how to deal with the seller.

With real estate listings, you have enough time to contact and speak to the seller before you even negotiate a price for the house. Through this, you can have an overall idea about the seller’s personality and how you can best deal with them.

Plus, you can also research the owners beforehand. If you find something doubtful about the homeowners or the house, you have ample time to back away from the transaction even before your very first meeting.

Conclusion

House hunting is generally a stressful experience for anybody. Adding up to this may be the time frame you are limited by, or your current distance from Syracuse. With the help of technology, however, house hunting is now made even more straightforward and faster.

Through real estate listings, you can now have access to numerous houses in Syracuse—all at the tip of your fingers. Through real estate listings, you can save time, money, and effort, as well as leverage your knowledge about the current price of similar houses by negotiating with the seller.

You can also keep yourself safe from transacting with shady owners and properties since you know what you can expect, and you will be able to talk to them even before your first in-person meeting.

Are you looking to upgrade some of the features in your house or completely remodel to get it ready to sell?

This idea is exciting but if you aren’t a DIY master, you will need to consider hiring remodeling contractors. Unfortunately, there are many scam artists that are always looking to take your money, leaving you with an expensive mess.

We’re going to look at how to hire the best contractors to ensure you get the best results for the best price! Keep reading for more information!

You Get What You Pay for

Sure, you want to save money while remodeling your home–but a bid that far lower than all of the competition is a red flag. An absurdly low bid could mean many things: the contractor is desperate for work, they use inadequate materials, or the contractor knows that their skills are otherwise lacking.

On the opposite side, an incredibly high bid or estimate does not mean you will receive the best work. Ideally, the cost of the work will fall somewhere between super low and insanely high pricing.

Additionally, when you are talking numbers with a potential contractor, be honest about your budget and ask for any estimates to be written. Your budget will allow them to know what they’re working with and a written estimate protects you should the end cost be far higher than anticipated.

Ask Around

Referrals are an excellent way to find contractors for a remodeling project. Read reviews online, but also ask friends and family who have used local contractors.

With a personal recommendation from someone you trust, you won’t have to worry about paid or fake reviews. You will also hear ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’ about the contracting company.

Hire Remodeling Contractors on the Up & Up

You can choose to hire your brother-in-law’s college roommate that does ‘side projects’ on the weekend. However, chances are, remodeling isn’t their full-time job and they may not have the proper insurance for the job at hand.

Not only do you need to hire a contractor that is legitimate when it comes to insurance, but you should also look into their certifications and credentials.

Additionally, do not move forward with remodeling projects if your contractor won’t bother with the proper local permits. These permits may seem silly, but skipping them may cost you in the long run.

These costs may just include fines, but often require the removal of any additions or remodeled areas. Remodels that are completed with the correct permits also make it easier to sell your home and lessen your liability to future homeowners.

Making Your Decision

If you are lucky enough to find multiple remodeling contractors that fit each of your qualifications, it will be difficult to choose the best one for your project.

However, if there’s more than one option left at the end of the day, pick the person you feel most connected with. This will allow you to keep the lines of communication open and be far happier with your end results.

For more ideas on remodeling projects and how they can benefit your home’s value, keep browsing our blog!

American consumers buy over 5 million pre-existing homes annually. Whether you are buying or selling a home, getting through this process with no mistakes being made is vital. If you are new to the world of selling or buying homes, then consulting with professionals is a good idea.

Some people openly ask questions like, why use a realtor? A real estate agent can provide a wealth of knowledge regarding how to invest in a quality home or sell your existing residence.

Here are some reasons using a realtor is essential.

1. Why Use a Realtor? Because They Have Previous Experience

Navigating your way through the complex home buying or selling process is no easy task. An inexperienced home seller or buyer will usually make several mistakes. These mistakes can lead to you losing money or having a case of buyer’s remorse.

Therefore, seeking the help of an experienced real estate agent is so crucial. A real estate agent will work on your behalf to ensure that the best deal is achieved. Ignoring the need for a real estate agent is a recipe for disaster.

Before you choose a particular agent to work with, do your homework. Verifying that the agent in question has a great reputation and plenty of experience is wise. In most cases, you can find many online reviews from former clients, which will tell you all you need to know about the agent.

2. Knowledge of the Area in Question

Over 14 percent of the American population moves to a new home each year. Moving to a new area can be a bit scary, which is why having some professional guidance is important. If you are unfamiliar with the neighborhoods in a new area, choosing the right home to purchase will be impossible.

The best way to avoid buying a home in a bad neighborhood is by working with a real estate agent. An agent will know the ins and outs of the various neighborhoods in the area they work in.

They should have no problem giving you information about the schools, shopping and crime rate in a particular area. With this information, you can start to narrow down the selection of homes at your disposal.

3. Setting the Right Price

One of the biggest misconceptions most people have is that real estate agents set the price for the homes they hold the listings on. In reality, it is up to the seller of the home to set the price. If you are unsure about what a competitive home price is, then allowing a real estate agent to weigh in on this important decision is a must.

An experienced real estate agent will have a wealth of information about what similar homes in your area are selling for. Once you have this information setting a fair price will be much easier.

A real estate agent can also help a home buyer with their knowledge of area property prices. If you see a home you like is selling for far above what similar residences in the area are going for, you know some negotiating is needed. Simply settling for a higher price will usually lead to you losing a lot of money over time.

4. Real Estate Agents Can Provide You With Access

The first thing most home buyers will do after setting a budget is to find a handful of homes they like. This list will usually get made after a person looks online at homes for sale in their area. Before you can narrow this list down even further, getting a firsthand look at these homes is vital.

Getting the unfettered access needed is only possible when working with a real estate agent. An experienced real estate agent will have connections to other realtors in the area. This means they can get the keys to a listing and get you inside quickly.

By going in and getting a firsthand look at a residence, you can figure out whether it is the best fit. While this type of research may be time-consuming, it is definitely worth the effort. Rushing through the home selection process will only lead to regret in the future, which is why taking your time is crucial.

5. Getting Help During the Negotiation Phase

Accepting the asking price for a home is never a good idea. Most home sellers will set their initial price rather high to leave room for future negotiations. If you are new to the home buying process, your lack of knowledge may lead to you paying more.

If you are unsure about how to negotiate the price of a home down, then working with a real estate agent is your best course of action. A real estate agent will know all about what the home is worth, which allows them to adequately negotiate with the seller.

Are you looking for more information about what an experienced real estate agent can offer? If so, be sure to check out this website. With the right real estate agent, getting a great deal on a quality home will be a breeze.

6. The Home Inspection Process

Once an initial offer has been made on a home, the buyer will request an inspection. If you are selling the home, then the real estate agent can give you a breakdown of what to expect. When problems are found during these inspections, you can either choose to fix them or lower the asking price.

If you are the buyer, a real estate agent can assist you in going over the findings from the inspection. An agent will also be able to offer you guidance regarding whether a home is too damaged to purchase.

Take Your Time When Trying to Find a Real Estate Agent

Now that you know that answer to the question, why use a realtor, it is time to take action. Researching the various agents in your area is the only way to ensure the right one is hired.

Are you looking for more information about buying or selling real estate? If so, check out the other articles on our website.