SkyFive Properties Blog

Four Profit Killing Mistakes created by Asset Based Lending

Fix-and-flip TV shows make buying, rehabbing and selling a property look easy — until you undertake such a project yourself. If you’re new to home flipping and aren’t careful in your research, planning and execution, you may end up with no profit at all or even a significant loss. However, common mistakes and setbacks can be avoided with the proper preparation.

A common mistake that sabotages fix-and-flip projects is not sticking to a realistic budget. Keep your flip’s expenses in line and make sure you’ve budgeted all costs from demolition to final cleaning. The two biggest expenses will most likely be acquiring and rehabbing the house. Do your research and obtain bids from a few contractors for whom you have referrals and whose work you’ve seen firsthand.

Most importantly, prepare for things to go wrong during the course of the flip. Be well informed on potential home-rehab problems so you can work them into your budget if necessary. Unforeseen issues such as termite damage and the discovery of mold will be less distressing if you’ve added a line item for contingencies in your budget.

Not staging the finished flip is another common misstep that can quickly sabotage your profit. Potential home buyers can relate more easily to a staged house because it allows them to imagine themselves living in the space.

By investing a little money to stage your flip, you could earn a significant return. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are staged before going on the market sell 73 percent faster than nonstaged houses. Although hiring a professional service to stage your home may increase your out-of pocket-expenses, it’s a potentially lucrative investment.

Another profit-killing mistake inexperienced flippers tend to make is holding onto a property too long. If you acquired a fix-and-flip loan to fund your project, chances are you have a monthly payment.

The longer you carry the home, the more those mortgage expenses will accumulate, as well as soft costs such as taxes and utilities. Remember, the quicker you flip your property, the faster you’re able to re-invest your money in a new project. Creating a firm timeline for your project can help you stay on track.

Rehabbing a property can easily go from flip to flop. For more common profit-killing mistakes to avoid and positive steps that can position you for home-flipping success, see the accompanying infographic.

Author bio: Eric Krattenstein’s extensive marketing experience began at a boutique marketing agency where he developed dozens of successful innovative marketing strategies for brands ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. Prior to joining Asset Based Lending early in 2016, Eric served as the US Chief Marketing Officer for a European enterprise software company where he spearheaded the company’s expansion into the United States and Canadian markets. In his current role, Eric leads ABL’s Sales and Marketing team that helps upwards of 40 to 50 real estate investors close hard money loans each month. 

The property management market will be worth $22.04 billion by 2023. As the industry expands the demand for the best contractors is also on the increase. Property managers work hand in hand with contractors to provide their clients with home improvement services.

Finding the best contractor to maintain your property in good condition is crucial for your success as a property manager. The process can be risky if you don’t do your due diligence. If you’re a property manager seeking to hire the best contractors, this guide is for you.

1. How to Find the Best Contractor

When you start the process of finding a contractor, there are several places you can begin your search. Some of the sources are more reliable than others, and this is where due diligence matters most. The best place to start is to ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Other professionals in the same industry as you may have contacts of contractors they trust to do a good job. However, keep in mind that some of the best contractors are the hardest to find since many people want to hire their services. If your list of referrals doesn’t yield many results, your next best bet is to search online.

Google reviews for the best contractors within your area will show you whom to contact. Don’t forget to check the online resources like Home Advisor and Yelp. Make your search more specialized by looking up the specific type of contractor you need.

2. Contacting the Contractor

Once you’ve got a list of possible contractors you can hire, the next step is to call them. It’s always an excellent idea to gather the relevant information on phone before meeting them up. A short phone interview will help you determine whether the contractor is a good fit for your property management business.

Even after you find one who you think is the best, talk to another one. It’s always safe to know there’s another contractor you can rely on in case the primary one is unavailable for some reason.

3. Choosing the Best Contractor

After making phone calls to the ones you think are the best contractors, the next step is to make the final decision. This process is delicate as it determines the results you get in the actual maintenance of your property. In choosing the professional to work with, here are a few essential things to do.

Provide Clear Expectations

Let the contractor know what you expect of them and what the job entails. A detailed job description done in writing will go a long way in preventing future misunderstandings. The description should also indicate the required skills and compensation you’re willing to offer.

It’s also ideal to list the behavioral characteristics you’d like to see in the contractor and his team.

Weigh Their Analytical and Decision-Making Skills

When you hire a contractor, you want a person who’ll represent your company by offering the best customer service. They, therefore, must be able to make critical decisions on their toes. They shouldn’t have to consult you for every little thing during their work.

Their actions should always be in the best interest of your clients. Their ability to make wise and quick decisions in the face of a crisis is what will keep your tenants happy. Ask questions that test their analytical and problem-solving skills.

How Is Their Customer Service Demeanor?

The contractor you hire will work directly with your tenants. They, therefore, should have the ability to articulate matters in a positive and easy-to-understand manner. They also must be able to maintain calmness when dealing with argumentative or troublesome tenants.

If you’re choosing between several of these contractors, one with great skill and the other with excellent customer service, go for the latter. Your decision will save you more in the long run. Remember that keeping your tenants happy should be a top priority in your business.

Are They Loyal?

You don’t want to keep hiring a new contractor every so often. The ideal situation would be to get one who’ll stick with you for as long as possible. To determine their loyalty, check their work history.

Ask questions revolving their length of engagement with other property managers or businesses. Their reasons for terminating the contract will give you a hint into whether they’re loyal and can be trusted. If the contractor has too many currently active contracts, they may not be the best fit for emergency cases.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Before engaging a contractor, check if they’re listed with professional or other relevant bodies. You also need to be wary of contractors, who ask you for upfront payment for entire projects. It’s also a reason to get concerned if they only accept cash payments.

Another red flag is if the contractor asks you to obtain all the required permits. They should be the ones responsible for this task.

4. Closing the Deal

Once you’re satisfied with the outcome in choosing the best contractor, it’s time to close the deal. This is where you need to draw up the contract and agree on the terms and conditions of your working relationship. The document should indicate

• The start and finish dates
• Payment schedule
• Description of materials to be used
• Instructions for dealing with changes
• The person responsible for specific tasks

A solid contract document enhances your chances of ending up with a trustworthy contractor. The chances of your projects turning out right will also be high.

Take Away

Hiring a contractor is a process that calls for a lot of scrutinies. The best contractors are not easy to come by since they’re almost fully engaged throughout the year. Whatever you do, you must ensure house maintenance and repair needs of your clients are met sufficiently.

You can find a contractor by asking for referrals or check with professional bodies. Once you’ve found one you can hire, ask all the relevant questions. The aim is to determine their professionalism, loyalty, and experience.

You also need to check that they’re licensed and have the relevant permits for the job. Once you’re satisfied that they can deliver, agree on payment details and the terms of working. If you get all these factors right, you’ve found a valuable contractor.

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There are many types of homeowners insurance at your disposal. However, getting the ideal policy requires research, attention as well as comparisons. Still, many types of homeowner’s insurance policies can fit your unique lifestyle.

The policies can be adjusted based on your specific needs. Homeowner insurance is different from mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance is taken when a buyer makes a down payment of less than 20 percent when purchasing a property.

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage insurance covers the lender for issuing the buyer homeownership loan. Therefore, homeowners insurance protects the owner of the home. Similarly, mortgage insurance shields the lender.

If you request mortgage on a home, you must provide proof of insurance before the lender issues mortgage. Usually, homeowner insurance covers four incidents. The policy covers interior damages, exterior damages, loss of personal belongings, and injuries.

Altogether, your homeowner insurance policy has liability limits. The limits determine the amounts you will get as coverage. The minimum limits are $100,000.

However, you can opt for higher limits. If a claim is made, the liability limits stipulate the amount of money that will be used to offset the repairs and replace personal items. The standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover acts of war or acts of God, such as floods.

If you live in a location that is vulnerable to these natural disasters, you may be expected to get special coverage to ensure your property. Sometimes, getting an insurance cover that meets your needs is challenging. However, there are many options out there for you.

What are the types of homeowners insurance and which ones do you need?

Below we have listed the variety of types of homeowners insurance to help you decide.

Basic Form Insurance

This is a basic insurance policy, which is the least expensive. It offers the least amount of coverage. It offers dwelling coverage, which covers structures in your home. The policy covers walls, appliances, and ceilings.

This type of homeowners insurance covers items such as furniture as well as clothing in your home. If an incident occurs, you will receive compensation based on your policy. The insurance also covers personal liability such as body injuries within your property.

Some of the perils covered under the basic form policy include theft, fire, lightning, volcanic eruptions. Sometimes, the policy can cover explosions and damages from riots.

This form of insurance does not cover everything. For this reason, you will need to customize your policy for additional coverage to suit your needs.

Broad Form Insurance

It is a type of homeowners insurance that covers all the peril policies included in the basic form of insurance. The policy also covers other perils such as freezing of household items such as refrigerator and heater.

The policy also covers unforeseen damage from electrical current. It also covers the accidental overflow of steam. Other perils covered by the basic form insurance include the weight of ice and damages caused by falling objects.

It may also cover other hazards depending on your preferred insurance company.

Special Form Insurance

You may ask yourself, how much home insurance do I need?

The special form of insurance is your answer. It is one of the most popular policy. It’s affordable and has more extensive coverage.

Some of the perils covered in this policy include theft, vandalism, damages caused by riots and falling objects, among others. Other perils covered by special form insurance include floods and earthquake. The special form of insurance covers your property, liability, and personal effects.

Tenant’s Form Insurance

It is a type of homeowners insurance that covers your personal belongings and liability as a renter. The owner covers the home if he/she has homeowners insurance. The insurance can also include your living expenses as a tenant.

The tenant insurance may cover perils such as damages to household items such as cooker and water heater. Cincinnati homeowners insurance offers such services at good rates.

Comprehensive Form

It is one of the broadest forms of homeowner’s insurance that is available in the United States. The comprehensive form of insurance is one of the best. It is a homeowner insurance policy that covers more perils than any other policy.

The policy covers all the risks covered by other insurance policies.

All the same, the comprehensive form of insurance is expensive. Some of the common perils covered by this policy include floods. However, the policy does not cover anything that is excluded from this policy by the insurance company.

Condo Form Insurance

If you own a condominium, the condo form insurance is the ideal homeowner insurance for you. It is a form of insurance that protects your liabilities, belongings, and any damages to your condo. There are homeowners insurance claims questions that you should ask if you are a condo owner.

For example, if your wall is damaged, where can you file a claim for repairs to be done?

The condo form of insurance covers perils such as wall damages, damages to the floor, and ceiling. Still, the insurance policy can be adjusted to meet your specific needs as a Condo owner.

Mobile Home Form

You may still ask yourself, how much homeowners insurance do I need?

If you have a mobile home, it is ideal to have a mobile home insurance. It is homeowner insurance that safeguards mobile homes only. The perils covered by this insurance covers fire, flood, or any other artificial damages to your mobile home.

Older Home Form

It is a type of homeowner insurance policy that is engineered to safeguard your older homers. The insurer determines the age of your home. It is a basic policy which covers perils such as theft, vandalism, and fire. Older Home insurance policy is modified according to the needs of the clients. The policy also covers damages to personal property and personal liability such as accidents.

Types of Homeowners Insurance

The homeowners’ insurance will cover your property. It covers losses and damages of your household commodities. The insurance also gives you liability coverage against minor accidents at home or around your property.

Contact us for more details and ideas of how to choose homeowners’ insurance policy.

Temperatures in summer can average 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, there are a couple of things that you may need, especially when it comes to your air conditioning system. You might require AC repair or even AC replacement if your current one is beyond repair.

Let us look at some of the things that may require you to have your air conditioning system replaced.

Bad Smell When the Air Conditioner Is Turned On

First, if your air conditioner smells bad when you turn it on, it is time to replace it. Your air conditioner is not supposed to emit any bad smell whatsoever. If there is a musty smell, it might mean that there is mold in the ductwork or just somewhere in the unit. A pungent smell in the air conditioner shows that the wire insulation that is inside the unit is burned out.

This is not a good thing at all, and it can make you and your family sick. You need to call an expert to come and diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

Problem With The Thermostat Not Working

There can also be a need to replace the air conditioning unit when the thermostat is not working. It is important to know that a thermostat is the command center for your AC.

One thing that may indicate that the thermostat is no longer gauging accurately, whether the unit is working or not, or that it is broken is if your AC refuses to turn on. Since some complex electrical components are involved with the thermostat, you will need a trained HVAC professional to also look at this.

When The AC Is Blowing Warm Air

You got your AC to make sure that your family is kept as comfortable as possible during the long months of summer.

You will need to have a professional technician who deals with HVAC to come and look at your air conditioner if it starts having problems, especially during the hottest months of the year when you see it blowing warm air instead of the refreshingly cold air that you so desperately need. Sometimes, you will even need to get a new air conditioner.

In Case You Hear Unusual Sounds

Normally, an air conditioner is fairly quiet. You should definitely not hear grating sounds, squealing sounds, grinding sounds, or other loud sounds, although you will definitely notice a sound from the motor.

It will be better for you to address these sounds sooner with the help of an expert. Most of the times, this will be a problem that will be resolved quickly.

Do You Need AC Replacement?

AC replacement will be very crucial if your energy bills have been out of proportion. This is because your air conditioner is working too hard to cool you off.

You can be able to reduce your bills for years to come by making sure that you have upgraded to a piece of new equipment.

Visit our blog for more tips and tricks.

In the U.S, approximately 5.34 million homes were sold in 2018. Most people tend to undervalue their homes while others buy houses at unreasonable prices due to lack of adequate real estate appraisal knowledge!

Estimating the market value of a property is not as complicated as people think.

If you are unclear on what a real estate appraisal is or consists of, here is a comprehensive guide with all the information you need to know.

The Basics

A real estate appraisal refers to an educated guess about the value of a property. These appraisals are essential in the sale or purchase of property, especially when seeking funds from lenders. The value stated can make or close a deal within no time.

It’s worth noting that the seller is required to pay for real estate appraisal at closing.

Home Inspection versus Home Appraisals

Most people tend to confuse these two terms, which are entirely different. Both an inspector and an appraiser visit a home and take a look at it for various reasons. An inspector checks for defects while an appraiser estimates the value of the home.

A home appraisal comprises three major parts:

• The inspection
• Research on comparables
• The final appraisal report

How long does a Real Estate Appraisal Process Take?

It took a few days in the past, but after the recession, the federal guidelines require it to take a week or two. If underwriters request for past information about the property, it might take a long time for the real estate agent or seller to collect photos and data.

The Process

The appraiser looks at the characteristics of your property, including the condition of the home, state of repair, number of bedrooms, its square footage, and other vital features. All these factors are considered to estimate the general market value of the property.

The appraiser checks every room and takes note of the details required to measure the value of the home and compare it to others in the area. Once all details are collected, the appraiser conducts research on recent sales of homes that are nearly identical to yours. The final appraisal price is stated after a comparison is made.

How to Improve the Appraisal Process

Most people wonder if they can do anything, but unfortunately, the seller is powerless once the appraisal process starts. However, you can take these steps to improve the process before the appraiser comes:

• Ensure that everything looks attractive by trimming bushes, weeding the landscape, and turning on lights among other things
• Make improvements or repairs where necessary. For instance, replace old roofs with new ones and repair cracked walls. Be careful not to spend a lot on repairs because they may at times not add significant value

These steps sound like common sense, but most sellers overlook them leading to undervaluing of property.

Importance of Upgrades

When refinancing, an appraiser considers all verified upgrades. For these upgrades to add significant value, they must be permanent. Items that aren’t considered as upgrades are pools, garages, and basements.

It’s advisable to finish upgrade projects before the appraisal process starts to avoid creating an impression at the property has hidden flaws.

Why a Good Real Estate Agent Matters

Your agent meets the home appraiser, and shares home improvements noted and offers additional helpful data as well. An outstanding agent comes armed with information used to compare other similar homes to justify the price. The agent should offer the appraiser information that cannot be gathered by just walking around the house.

Types of Appraisals

The kind of appraisal used in most cases is when a real estate appraiser visits a home and inspects its interior and exterior.

A drive-by appraisal refers to that which the appraiser only inspects the exterior of the property. This appraisal isn’t comprehensive enough and is mostly used when a lender trusts the homeowner. Read more to understand how appraisals work.

Is an Appraisal Necessary?

Property appraisals are required for home sales that need a mortgage. It is essential to see the services of an experienced appraiser to get an accurate value of a property.

Sellers want to earn as much income as possible from a sale while buyers only want to incur the minimum cost, so a real estate appraisal solves these conflicting interests. It ensures fairness to all involved parties.

Lenders, on the other hand, need appraisals to find out whether the property can cover for all costs in case the buyer defaults payments.

How Appraisers Are Hired

The lender uses a third party company to hire an appraiser. Lenders and appraisers shouldn’t communicate directly to avoid irregularities. It is advisable to hire a certified appraiser who has completed internship hours and the licensing coursework.

Ensure that the appraiser has no connections with the party you’re transacting with to ensure that you get a fair deal.

Who Gets the Appraisal Information?

The appraisal is only provided to the person who orders it not necessarily the one who pays for it. In other cases, the homeowner may pay for it to minimize delays.

In case the lender orders it, the buyer cannot access it. In such situations, the lender only informs the seller or buyer the value of the property according to the appraisal.

When the buyer pays for it to get a mortgage, the law requires that the mortgage holder gives the buyer a copy of the report.

Is the Appraisal Final Regarding the Value of the Property?

If you doubt the value stated by the appraiser, your real estate agent can talk with the property appraiser to seek understanding of the decision made. Everyone makes mistakes, so the appraiser might have made mistakes that need corrections.

If the appraisal is unpleasant to you or seems inaccurate, you can always ask for another.

How often is An Appraisal Needed?

Usually, they are considered valid for not more than six months. In case the property is located in a place with rapid price fluctuation, three months is the maximum period given.

Pricing issues is one of the main reasons why homes take longer to sell. With this information, you’ll sell a house quickly and without any challenges. Check out our blog for more information on real estate appraisal.

When you are purchasing a home, you probably have a “want list” of all the items and characteristics that make up your perfect home. Some are completely personal, like preferring wallpaper to pained walls. Others, however, are critical for maintaining the value of your home and ensuring you will get a good price if you choose to resell.

Here are five items you might consider for your want list. If you can check off these items or others like them, you will not only enjoy your living space but you will also improve your odds of easily selling it to another buyer when the time is right.

1. Location

Not all amenities are tangible items. Location is the key amenity for a house because it is something that is integral to the home’s value.

Luckily the value of location depends on what you want from your home. If you have kids, you are probably looking for highly rated school districts. If you have a boat, you may be looking for water access.

You may like everything about a house but if it is not in the proper place, there is no changing that characteristic. Hedge your bets by choosing a location that is the best of both worlds. For example, Jeff Stewart from HomesInMeridian.com says that Meridian, Idaho, has the urban amenities of living in a city while still having access to rivers, lakes, campgrounds, hiking, and skiing.

2. Oversize Garage

Other amenities can be specific to your needs and wants. Depending on where you live, there may be lots of other people who share your want list.

For example, if you live in a western state like Idaho, you may love to go out on the road in a motorcycle or an RV. An oversized garage is a perfect amenity for you and potential future buyers, who probably chose the region for the same reasons you did.

3. Indoor/Outdoor Living

Another amenity to seek when you are looking for a home is the option for indoor/outdoor living. Can you open up the doors to a patio so you can dine al fresco when weather permits? Is there room to add a pool, fire pit, or other outdoor amenities?

4. Large Family Comfort

Do you have a lot of children and grandchildren? Is your idea of heaven inviting all of the extended family and friends over for a holiday meal?

You will want a home with an open floor plan that allows for a large congenial group to hang out and socialize. An open design kitchen allows the cooks to be part of the action with the others watching football in the great room.

5. State of the Art Kitchen

If you are a chef of haute cuisine, you will want the most advanced, state of the art appliances in your kitchen. Even if you are not whipping up five-star meals every night, choosing a home with a top-notch kitchen is a great investment that will pay off when you later decide to divest.

Your “Want List” for a New Home: Choose What Will Make You and Others Happy

When you thinking about which amenities you want in your home, take into consideration the needs of the family. That means what will make you and the people you love happy and comfortable in your new home, and what will appeal to future families when you decide to sell.

For more tips on getting the biggest bang for your buck when buying or selling real estate, bookmark this page!

The home organization market is growing at a fast pace, valued at $10.5 billion in 2018. One of the factors that contribute to its growth is the obsession of decluttering or tidying up a home. Driven by this passion, house buyers expect to get more out of the storage space in a home, whether it is to store clothes, food or supplies.

Shelves and other organization products are important parts of new home builds to manage clutter. Real estate builders must include innovative storage and organization solutions to keep the design of a home neat and free of clutter.

Open Shelving

Open shelves are not new concepts, and were common in 18^th century kitchen designs. Today, they are not only seen in kitchens, but also throughout the house. The design can make spaces feel light and open.

They can be fully or partially recessed into a wall for a minimalist or subtle finish, but can also be used as stand-alone furniture. The advantage of open shelving in the kitchen is that you can easily find what you are looking. On the other hand, the appearance of open shelves looks unfinished, which may or may not contribute to its charm.

Big Pantries

To complement the increase in open shelving builds, pantries are also getting larger. They feature plenty of adjustable shelves, pull out baskets, and work surfaces.

As homeowners are obsessed with decluttering their counter tops, pantry doors may even be hidden as cabinet doors. In parallel, concealed storage for appliances around counter tops and secret drawers hold coffee pods, spices and seasonings.

Backyard Storage

For homes with limited living space or a small garage, a garden storage shed offers value to the property. It can be used to keep garden equipment, materials and furniture, making the backyard neat and clutter-free.

According to experts, the value of the shed can be maximized if there is a building permit, the structure is custom built, it is kept in a good condition and if its style matches that of the home.

Multi-functional Storage

The multi-generational living arrangement is a growing trend that makes sense to many families. It allows them to care for aging parents and children under one roof, reducing expenses. Living together is a common practice in several countries outside of the United States, especially with extended families.

Thus, home buyers who plan for the future expect to get more out of their storage space to accommodate the elderly and promote aging in place. Adjustable shelves and cabinets that can be altered to allow accessible storage are ideal.

A well-organized home is valuable, and a pleasant place to live in. By incorporating practical adjustable furniture and storage systems, potential home buyers are more likely to invest in a structure that offers adaptable storage solutions, both indoors and outdoors.

Let’s face it—human activity is damaging the planet.

Take plastic bags, for instance—most of us use them regularly but did you know that they take hundreds of years to decompose fully?

What this means is that they end up filling the landfills. Don’t forget, they can also enter the waterways and harm marine life.

Want to do your part to save Planet Earth? Consider going green.

For instance, you can opt for greener options in the house. Interested in learning more about home energy solutions?

If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!

5 Home Energy Solutions That Are Worth Considering

Remember, energy consumption is associated with greenhouse emissions, which are detrimental to the environment. Here are a few ways to reduce your energy use.

1. Buy Energy Star Appliances

Does it surprise you that electrical appliances are major energy hogs? Consider reducing your energy consumption by using Energy Star rated products—they will allow you to save money without sacrificing quality.

Take Energy Star certified washers, for instance—they use up to 50% less energy than conventional washers! Not only that, but they’ll wash your clothes more effectively too.

2. Install an Energy Monitor

Curious to know how much energy you’re using around the house? How about installing an energy monitor?

Highly affordable, these devices will allow you to see just how much energy you’re using—that way, you’ll be able to isolate devices that are using more energy than necessary.

3. Insulate Your Home

Poor insulation often leads to higher energy bills. This isn’t surprising—after all, more energy would be required to heat the home.

Fortunately, this problem is quite fixable. The insulating materials might cost you a bit, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the long run.

Building a new home? Consider using polycarbonate wall panels—they are much more insulating than other materials.

4. Switch Your Lightbulbs

Incandescent lightbulbs consume a significant amount of energy. On top of that, they have relatively short lifespans.

Why use those when you can go for energy efficient bulbs instead? For instance, you can opt for halogen incandescent bulbs, light-emitting diode bulbs, or compact fluorescent bulbs, all of which require much less energy.

As if that wasn’t great enough, they also last much longer.

5. Use Smart Power Strips

Ever heard of the term, “phantom load“? It refers to the phenomenon in which electronic devices consume electricity even when they’re turned off.

This is often the case with computers, televisions, and kitchen appliances.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to prevent this from happening—by using smart power strips. How they work is that they’re capable of detecting when a device is in standby mode. When they are, they will cut power to save energy.

Saving the Planet One Step at a Time

And there we have it—five home energy solutions. As you can see, there are several things that you can do to minimize your energy consumption.

Don’t you want to do your part to help save the environment?

Do you have any other energy-saving tips? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below!

Remodeling is a good investment strategy for two reasons. The first is in the event that you plan to sell the property later. Relying only on the natural appreciation of property might not get you a good profit margin. Actively increasing property value will give you better returns.

The second is in the event you don’t plan to sell. Even if you’re not planning to sell, improving your property value gives you a safety plan in case you have financial trouble in the future and will need to rent or mortgage the property. One of the easiest ways to add value to your property is home decorating.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at home decorating techniques and luxury home improvement ideas that will increase your property value.

Home Decorating

You may be asking yourself how to increase property value easily. Well, luckily for you, there is a wealth of resources online on this topic. There are lots of ways this can be done, ranging from installations of big equipment to small decorative additions.

Some ways to do it are on a big scale, like rewiring the home or replacing the heating. Others are smaller and more cost-effective, like renovations and decorating.

Home decorating is by far the most cost-effective and simple way to add value to your property. If you want to add value, but you don’t have a big budget, it is the way to go. Not only does it improve your space, but the returns you can get are no joke.

The types of decorating you do can vary from simple to luxurious. Both types will be covered below so that you can make the best choice for yourself. Don’t be fooled by the price points, though!

Whether you choose a simpler or a more luxurious home improvement style, your property value will still improve.

Pocket-Friendly Home Improvement

One way to decorate the home that won’t break the bank is by updating your garden space. If your property has a lawn, garden, or balcony area with foliage, this is a small way to make a big difference.

For many properties, the garden space is the first thing that people see when they walk up to your home. For those with the garden in the back, the living spaces face it. In both cases, it’s an important feature.

Maintenance is the name of the game. Mowing your lawn is the first step, and trimming any foliage you have. This could mean shearing your bushes and trees.

Essential maintenance will give you two benefits. First, it will give your garden a more cared-for appearance. But it will also give you a better idea of what you have to work with.

Clearing up debris and growth will help you map out what else can be done

Once you have a clean slate, you’ll be able to see better what else needs work. Good places to look out for are paths, fencing, and weeds. If you have a path, a good pressure wash will have those cobblestones or bricks looking freshly laid again.

If your fencing is old or patchy, fix any broken panels and get a fresh coat of paint

Luxury Home Improvement

Maybe you’re going for something a little more luxurious. If you have more room in your budget, you can go for something a little more expensive.

Big changes on a property usually mean structural changes. That’s why we’re going to take a look at remodeling.

Home Remodeling

A simple but effective type of renovation is conversion. A conversion project means radically changing or repurposing space in your home to serve another purpose. If you feel that you have a wasted space or room that could serve a double function, convert it!

One simple way is converting your attic storage space into a guest room. Another is filling an empty alcove with a pretty window seat. If you can’t come up with any ideas, or you have too many, try consulting an architect about what you can do.

The Best of Both Worlds

Instead of picking one or the other, why not get the best of both worlds?

Get more value for money with home decoration that adds a splash of luxury without hurting your wallet. How? Add touches of luxury throughout the property using pieces that make a statement.

Bronze Statues

Bronze statues are a way to up the luxury of your property without spending too much. These statues can be used both indoors and outdoors. Putting them in both places will give your décor a feeling of continuity from the outside to the inside space.

There are many types of bronze statues you can use. Some can be abstract art. The benefit of such pieces it that they’re good conversation starters.

They also make bland spaces more interesting. Other bronze statues depict people, and you can get some that mimic famous statues.

Apart from the content, bronze statues also vary in size. Some are small to medium sizes. These are meant for tabletops and mantelpieces.

Others are closer to life-size. It’s best to get a collection of them so that you can distribute them across your property without keeping it monotonous. For example, life-size pieces can go in the garden and smaller pieces into the dining or receiving area.

Maybe you’re not interested in abstract art or any of the others you’ve searched up. Why not try a custom piece? There are plenty of artists and sculptors today that take commissions.

Using custom pieces can not only improve your space but add a sense of individuality. On stores like Etsy, you can get a local artist to make something to your exact specifications at prices starting from $170.

Decorating to Impress

Increasing the value of your property is a fundamental goal for any investment that you put into the property. Usually, the goal is to make the property worth more than when you bought it. Home decorating ensures you get the best value for your property or change its theme.

Take a look at our website for more ways to increase your property value, or update your space

If you’re thinking of taking the step towards having your own dream home built then you need to know that there are hundreds of things you need to consider before you get started. Whilst it may be one of the most exciting things you ever have done, it is also going to be one of the most stressful. Although it may seem as though it is a long way off, there are a couple of important things you need to bear in mind before you get started. With that in mind, here are 5 of the things you need to consider before building your own home:

• What Is Your Overall Budget?

The first thing you need to work out before anything else is your overall budget. Having your dream home designed and built for you can be incredibly expensive, so you need to be sure it is something you’re going to be able to afford. The best thing to do is work out exactly how much it is going to cost for each individual aspect, adding them up to reach your total cost. Be sure to add a little bit of extra money to each figure, as it’s better to overestimate than it is to underestimate. For a guide to budgeting for your house, you can visit this site here.

• Where Do You Want To Build?

Another important aspect you need to think about before you get starting with your build is where you want to live. Whilst you probably won’t be able to get planning permission for absolutely everywhere on your wishlist, chances are you will have a number of places to choose from. Weigh up the pros and cons of each and before you know it, you will be able to make the best possible decision. For a guide to planning permission when it comes to building your own home, you can visit this site here.

• Have You Spoken To A Professional?

If you are seriously considering having your own home built, you’re going to need to speak to a range of different professionals. Whether it’s speaking to a design company to talk about the interiors of your home or speaking with a construction company to pin down the details of the build, having a clear idea of what is and isn’t possible will help make the process run as smoothly as it possibly can. The best way to ensure you have as many opinions as possible is to speak to a number of different custom home builders in each area, some will be able to do things others can’t.

• Do You Have Any Priorities?

If you have priorities when it comes to building your home it is important you are taking the time to speak to your design and build teams about them. If there are certain features you want your home to have, the sooner they know the better. Not only will they be able to factor it into the build, but they’ll be able to give you an idea of how much it costs.

• Have You Got A Contingency Plan?

Finally, you need to be sure you have a contingency plan when it comes to your build. Whilst you may like to think that everything is going to go to plan, there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re building a house. Whether you don’t get the planning permission you need or you cant source the materials you want, you need to be sure you have a plan in place should this happen. For a guide on setting a contingency plan, you can visit this site here.

Are you considering having your dream home built for you? What do you need to consider before you get started? Let me know in the comments section below.