SkyFive Properties Blog

Every year, more than 5.51 million homes are sold throughout the U.S. Of all these homes, the majority of them are sold with the help of a realtor.

If you’ve been on the fence about hiring a realtor to help you sell your current home or buy a new one, it’s important to make sure you have all the facts before you make a decision.

Buying and selling houses is very difficult, but the right realtor can make the process a lot easier.

Read on to learn about seven reasons why you need to hire a realtor when you’re buying or selling your home.

Why Hire a Realtor?

There are a lot of great benefits that come with hiring a realtor. Some of the main reasons why you want to hire one include:

1. Increased Convenience

Maybe you’ve been considering selling your house yourself so you can save some money and avoid having to fork over a percentage of the proceeds from your house.

This sounds like a good idea in theory, right? Here’s the thing, though: how much time do you really have to dedicate to selling your house?

You probably work full-time. Assuming you want to sleep, eat, and see your kids from time-to-time, too, that doesn’t leave a lot of empty hours to take photos, make repairs, market your house, and host showings, does it? What about looking for a new house that fits your budget and is in the right neighborhood?

Hiring a realtor simplifies the process of selling your home immensely.

2. They Have Connections

Realtors also have all kinds of connections that can be very helpful when you’re trying to sell your house.

They can put you in touch with contractors to oversee home improvements and renovations. They can connect you to great mortgage lenders or lawyers, too.

Don’t trust your future to a Google search for “best contractor near me.” Instead, hire a realtor who already knows who the best contractor in your area really is.

3. Negotiation Is Easier

How confident are you when it comes to negotiating the sales price of your house or the price of the new house you want to buy?

Remember that negotiating down the price of a house is very different from negotiating down the price of an old VCR at a flea market.

Instead of trying to deal with negotiations yourself, why not hire a realtor who can do the hard stuff for you?

They know what they’re doing, and they have a lot more experience than you. Shouldn’t you take advantage of that experience?

4. Better Sales Prices

Speaking of sales prices, you’ll probably be able to get a better sales price for your house if you work with a realtor.

Even when you subtract their commission, you can often sell your house for more when you have a professional on your side.

Many people who sell their homes on their own end up lowering the asking price quite a bit just to get the house off the market.

5. Increased Searching Power

Realtors don’t just make the process of selling your house easier. They also make it easier for you to find your dream home.

Realtors have access to tons of listings that you would never know about if you didn’t hire them.

Don’t limit yourself to what’s available online. Reach out to a realtor and learn about great houses in your ideal neighborhood and price range.

6. Get Advice from Experts

Even if you’ve moved once or twice in your life, how much do you really know about buying and selling houses? Probably not as much as you’d like to think.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re moving, but a realtor can take a lot of the stress away and provide you with expert advice.

Whether you’re concerned about finding a good lender, need help deciding which renovations to make before you sell, or just want to vent a bit about how hard moving is, a realtor is a great person to have on your side. They’re like an advisor, a parent, and a therapist all rolled into one.

7. Get Help with Post-Closing Questions

Even after all the contracts are signed and your house has been sold, you’ll probably still have some questions.

For example, you might need to know about property taxes or have loose ends to tie up with your mortgage lender.

Instead of trying to navigate these issues on your own, you can talk to your realtor and get clear answers from a professional.

How to Hire the Right Realtor

Okay, you can see that it’s important to hire a realtor. How do you make sure you’re hiring the best realtor for the job, though?

Here are some tips that will help you sort through all the different realtors out there and find one who’s qualified to help you:

• Make sure their license is up to date and valid in your state
• Find out how long they’ve been in working in your area
• Check their online reviews and testimonials to see what past clients are saying about them
• Take a look at their listings to see what kinds of houses they typically sell
• Pay attention to their customer service practices and how quickly they return your calls and emails

If you really want to work with an experienced professional, try to hire a real estate broker instead of an agent.

Brokers have more training and education under their belts. Check out this related article to learn more about the difference between agents and brokers.

Learn More About Real Estate

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why you might want to hire a realtor to help you buy or sell a house.

Keep these benefits in mind, as well as these tips for choosing the right realtor, and you’ll have a much easier time getting your house off the market and getting into your dream home.

Do you want to learn more about the real estate industry? Maybe you need help choosing what kind of place to buy next?

Whatever information you need, we’re here to provide it.

Check out some of our recent blog posts today for all kinds of helpful tips. This article on whether or not a condo is a good investment is a great starting point.

Do you remember how you felt when you first stepped foot in your home? What caught your eye, and what drew you in and got you hooked besides price? These memories should serve as key factors when staging your home for a potential resell.

Especially since in the past year, 40% of real estate agents surveyed said that home staging had a significant effect on their clients and that 83% of buyers’ agents said that styling a home made it easier for their clients to see themselves in the property.

In fact, you never know, if you effectively stage your home, you may even create a bidding frenzy and exceed the suggested listing appraisal. When you take the time to properly stage your home, you’re not only helping buyers better visualize themselves in the space, but you’re also helping yourself in the process.

If you’re questioning the need to stage your home, think about it from a buyer’s perspective, and even your own when you bought your home. Letting them see what’s possible will only help them see themselves making a home out of your property. That said, here are several must-dos according to the interior designers at firm Décor Aid.

Staging a home shouldn’t be trying or complicated, but it is all about crucial common sense decisions to make the best of the experience. Before beginning, to be as efficient and effective as possible, you’ll need to:

1. Do a thorough deep clean to really make your home sing to them.
2. Research your neighborhood and the real estate market around it. What kind of people have been moving in around you? Think about their age and lifestyle to help you better understand what kind of home staging could inspire them.
3. Get a proper, professional home inspection to ensure that everything is sound and that you have your bases covered.
4. Start to detach yourself from your home by thinking of yourself simply as a seller – not a homeowner.

Entryway

Since it only takes a few seconds to make a lasting first impression, your entryway can make a huge difference in selling your home before they even do a complete walkthrough.

Front door- Let them in with a refreshed and refinished front door that’ll help your home evoke that it’s up to date before they even walk in. And a new welcome mat won’t hurt or break the bank either.

Area rug- Bring your entryway to life with a bold and bright rug that’s full of personality.

Mirrors- An affordable update that’ll up the sophistication factor in any room, mirrors are great for helping an entryway feel brighter and larger since they mimic the feel of a window while reflecting light.

A handy console table- Let them better understand the scale of your entryway with a smart console table that’ll keep the look tidy as well.

Catchall trays- Keep your entryway tidy by storing everyday objects like keys, cards, and mail in a stylish holdall for easy reach.

Lighting- Who likes stepping into a too-dark or too-bright home? Instead, greet them with warm and inviting lighting that’ll have them intrigued the second they walk in.

Bathroom

Potential homeowners are going to scrutinize your bathroom, so make sure yours is on par before they tour your home.

Use towels to your advantage- You may not realize it, but towels are a great decorative tool. Use brightly colored and patterned fresh towels to refresh your bathroom in style.

Welcome in plants- Not only will plants add needed color and texture in this small space, but they’ll also help to purify the air in the room without having to spend a fortune.

Refresh and showcase toiletries- Every bathroom has them, but the way you style your everyday goods can make a huge difference, so great packaging should come to the forefront and be highlighted.

Closets

You may not realize it, but closets count. In fact, since the rise of fast-fashion, people have more clothes than ever, and a smartly organized closet will be sure to inspire them.

Decorate it with clothing- Keep the look minimal but consistent by spacing hangers evenly and sorting everything by color for an easy on the eye feel.

Go for a lived-in feel- The key here is to avoid the cold and austere feel of a retail environment by going for an authentic feel, almost as though no staging took place at all.

Living + Dining Room:

The most commonly used rooms for residents and guests alike, your living and dining room setups are about as important as the functionality of a kitchen, so decorate wisely with these cues.

Create an accent wall- While a fresh coat of paint can do wonders in any room, an accent wall can help to add depth to a common area while lending it needed personality and a distinctive focal point. And since it’s a small sliver of a wall, go wild with intoxicating colors or a memorable print.

Add mirrors- Again, mirrors can instantly make a room feel brighter, larger, and grander. And since they are easy to affordably source, there’s no excuse to not add a few throughout your home.

Curate displays and collectibles- Show off what you’ve been collecting over the years in a tidy and minimal manner to lend your common areas needed personality to avoid a cold and clinical feel.

Install Higher Window Treatments- By hanging your curtains as high as possible, you’ll lend a room a serious sense of sophistication while making it appear larger and tricking the eye into thinking its ceilings are higher than they really are.

Forget About Dark Colors- Sure, they help set an intimate mood, but potential home buyers are all about stepping into a bright and airy space. So cheer up that dark setting with bright accents like fresh throws, pillows, and rugs all boasting lively print and color.

In the end, reapproach your home as if it was the first time all over again and think about what seduced you in the first place to recreate that magic spell.

Does entering your home every day make you feel refreshed and relaxed? Or, does it make you feel unhappy? If it’s the latter, you may want to think about redesigning your home.

A lot of people think that interior design is just about making your home look nice for when guests come over. But, interior design is so much more than that. You want the design of your home to reflect your personality and for it to make you feel energized and happy. But, how do you achieve such a feat?

It all starts with hiring the right interior design companies. Check out this guide to learn how to find the best one.

Check Their Credentials

Anyone can claim that they’re a top-of-the-line interior designer.

Therefore, it’s very important that you vet every design company you are thinking of hiring to make sure they have the credentials to back up their claims.

Check to see if they have a license and certification (you actually legally need this to call yourself a designer in the US or Canada), where they’ve studied interior design, if they’re a part of any national organizations, and if they’re currently enrolled in any form of continuing education.

There’s a big difference between having “good taste” and understanding how lighting, materials, and layouts work.

An interior decorator may be able to help you choose items based on their good taste, but only a licensed interior designer can put pieces together in a way that will transform a room.

Look at Their Portfolio

It may seem obvious to check out the portfolio of an interior design company, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who neglect to do this before hiring.

When browsing through designers’ portfolios, don’t just pay attention to how “pretty” you find their designs to be. You also need to check that their design style is similar to your tastes and, most importantly, reflect your budget.

Also, make sure they’ve worked on projects that are similar to the ones you need to be done. For example, if you want them to design a luxury bathroom, then they better have portfolio samples showcasing that sort of work.

Schedule a Convo With the Design Company

When hiring an interior design company, you want to make sure you vibe with more than just their style.

You also want to make sure your personalities vibe.

Hiring the most talented designer in the world means nothing if the person isn’t a good communicator.

When talking with a design company, make note of a few things:

• Are they asking me about my lifestyle and style preferences?
• Are they comfortable accomplishing the project within my budget?
• Are they friendly and easy to reach?
• Are they trying to persuade me to do something because it “looks good” or because it works with my style and budget

By asking these questions, it will be much easier to narrow down your choices.

Interior Design Companies: Which One Will You Hire?

By considering the above points, it will be much easier to find the best interior design companies.

If you have any questions about finding the right company, please don’t hesitate to comment below or get in touch with us.

Also, if you aren’t sure which colors to use for the interior of your home, be sure to check out this guide on the biggest color trends of 2019.

Most homeowners decide to have some sort of open house as a way to increase the visibility of their listing and get their house sold faster. But if you don’t take the right steps to stage your home and prepare it, then you could be wasting a lot of time and effort.

Buyers want to see a home that looks like it’s waiting for them to move in. Check out these open house tips to ensure you’re setting the right scene to make a sale.

1. Get Rid of All Your Clutter and Family Photos

When someone is touring your home, they want to be able to imagine their own things in it. That means if you have a lot of clutter or family photos around, you should take them down.

You also want to make sure that you clean the excess items out of all of your closets so that the doors can shut easily and it looks like you can fit a lot of stuff. If you have items falling out of your closets, then people will feel like your home doesn’t have enough storage.

2. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

Hiring a professional cleaning service is the best way to ensure that you don’t miss any major spots of dust or stains while you are cleaning. You want the people who are touring your home to be able to focus on its architectural and design features.

Having a dirty or messy home can distract the people touring your home from those details and put their focus instead on the living habits of the people who inhabited the home before them. To ensure your home is in the best possible condition, hire a cleaner. Check out this service for a great option.

3. Make All Repairs

When people are touring your home, they are going to be thinking about all of the little projects that they want to complete. It could be things like painting walls, replacing fixtures, or a complete remodel.

You want to make sure that you have knocked as many things off that potential list as possible. By making repairs yourself, buyers will feel like your house is more move-in ready and will be more likely to put in an offer.

4. Stage the Home

Staging your home with furniture that fits it well is a great way to help buyers envision themselves living in your home. Make sure that you select pieces that make sense in your home.

If you have a lot of oversized furniture that never fit well in your home, then it’s best to move it out before the open house and hire someone to stage your home with more reasonable furniture. Otherwise, potential buyers might think your rooms are smaller than they actually are.

5. Make Sure Your Home Smells Great

There are a lot of different options when it comes to making your home smell great. If you don’t have that much time before your open house, then you can just put a few candles around to make sure it smells like home.

But if you have more time, you should consider baking something or boiling a mixture of spices on the stove to create an aroma in your home. It might be the extra touch someone needs in order to envision themselves hosting holiday parties in your home with their family.

6. Fix Up Your Curb Appeal

The curb appeal of your home can make or break a sale. Try to do everything you can to get it in as good a shape as possible.

That means making sure your lawn is trimmed and that your flower beds have recently been weeded. You can also put a fresh coat of paint on your house if it hasn’t had one for a long time. Those small efforts can make a huge impact on the first impression someone has when they come to your home.

7. Make Sure You Leave

Some people want to stay in their homes during an open house. They rationalize it by saying that it’s good to have someone around to answer the buyer’s questions.

But in reality, buyers will be much more open about asking questions if they know the owner of the home isn’t there. They don’t want to feel like they are insulting you or questioning the way you live.

Let your real estate do the job of highlighting the positive features in your home. It will come off less like bias coming from them.

Just take those couple hours and take your dogs for a walk or take your kids to the park so that your potential buyers can browse in peace.

8. Choose the Right Time for Your Open House

Choosing the right time for your open house is key to being successful. Sunday afternoons are often the best time since a lot of people are off work and a lot of other open houses are on that day.

Your open house should last for at least two hours, although from one to five P.M. is optimal if you want to get all possible traffic.

Try to choose a weekend that doesn’t conflict with any major holidays and check the weather forecast to avoid rainy or cold days where people might be more likely to stay home.

Beyond Open House Tips

These open house tips can ensure that the people who come to look at your home get the best first impression making them more likely to put in an offer. But they’re not the only steps you can take to increase your chances.

Hiring the right real estate agency is key to your successful sale, contact one of our agents today for help with your listing.

89% of tiny house owners have less credit debt than the average American.

While that isn’t the only perk of owning a tiny home, it’s one of the biggest.

If that’s enough to pique your interest in a small home, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before making the investment. Small space design is different from traditional interior design.

Here’s what you need to know about optimizing the interior of your tiny home.

Small Space Design Hinges on Visual Tricks

Interior designs for small spaces are all about playing visual tricks on your visitors (and even yourself).

To really optimize the space that you have, you’ll want to design in a way that doesn’t add clutter. Then, you’ll want to focus on incorporating trending colors and furniture that make the space feel larger.

Some of these small space interior design tips include:

• Adding floor-to-ceiling drapes to draw the eye towards natural light. This will also help make the ceilings look taller.
• Incorporate mirrors into the natural decor. Mirrors help reflect light and create an amplifying effect if they’re large enough.
• Choose paint colors that reflect light and make the room feel more inviting. Off-whites, light blues, and warm greens help with this.

Remodel Spaces to Fit Your Needs

If your tiny home is pre-built and you find that it doesn’t quite jive with your style, consider a remodel.

Remodeling the kitchen is one of the most efficient ways to optimize a small space. During this remodel, you can ensure you’re organizing appliances and islands in a way that makes the most sense for you.

Beyond the Horizon Construction Inc. recommends that during a remodel of this kind, it helps to splurge on countertops while mixing new and vintage items.

This will help increase the value of your tiny home while ensuring it feels luxurious, albeit small.

Get Creative with the Lighting

The lighting in a room changes the mood of the environment. It also changes the perceived size of the space. Getting creative with your lighting choices has been quite a popular trend these past years. From hanging trails of Christmas lights on walls to ordering your own custom neon signs online, it’s not unusual that this has become such an entertaining phenomenon.

If you can, you’ll want to allow natural light to enter as much as you can. Living in small spaces is going to feel a lot lighter in a physical sense if you have large windows to let light in and air out.

If you’re going to build your home yourself, this is important to consider in the design phase.

Small house design ideas that include backlit countertops and tall floor lamps help increase the space of a home’s interior as well.

Designing a House that Feels Like Home

Small space design is a great way to ensure your tiny house feels like home.

By incorporating design tips that include choosing the right paint, letting natural light into the space and getting creative with lighting, you’ll be able to amplify any small space.

This all will help it feel more spacious and comfortable.

If you’re still looking for the home of your dreams, browse our homes for sale or contact us to see what’s on the market.

In every young adult’s life, there comes a time when they must leave the nest. We know free rent is tempting but having a social life (free from your parent’s watchful eye) is worth it–trust us.

Your parents are great, your meals and laundry are graciously take care of, and you’re living rent-free..so why leave? Oddly enough, you’re not the only person thinking this.

The percent of young adults living with their parents is the highest it’s been in 75 years. In 2016, a whopping 33% of 25-29 year-olds still lived with their parents.

Moving out of your parent’s house opens up an entirely new world for you that you can only experience for yourself.

So how do you know it’s time to move out? In this article, we’re covering 10 telltale signs you’ve got to go.

Start packing; we’re getting started!

10 Signs You Need to Start Moving out of Your Parent’s House

Of course, if you’re taking care of an elderly relative, or helping out around the house because your parent’s count, these signs don’t apply. Family first.

Thinking it’s time to move on but you’re a little nervous to make the move? Don’t worry, you don’t have to be alone. There are great options for house shares and roommate finders.

1. You’ve Still Got Posters of the Terminator in Your Bedroom

Or maybe it was the Spice Girls. Either way, you haven’t redecorated in decades. Getting your own space means you can style it however you want.

If your room is full of old knickknacks from your childhood and you’re still rocking the same flowered bedspread from Walmart circa 1998, it’s time to not only redecorate but pack up and leave.

2. You Have a Curfew

Your parents will always see you as their ‘little baby’, it’s common psychology. With that often comes curfews, questions, and a lack of privacy.

You growing up can be hard for them, especially if they still see you as the boy or girl who’s still living in their house and getting their laundry done.

Taking responsibility for yourself by paying your bills, folding your clothes, cooking and shopping for food, and moving out can change the way our parents see us.

3. Your Mom makes the Same 6 Dinners Every Week

You haven’t expanded your palate in a while. As good as mom’s meatloaf is, it’s time to explore different cuisines and stop depending on a home-cooked meal.

Hopefully, over the years, you’ve managed to get a few recipes under your belt. If not, ask your mom to help you cook a few staples before leaving the nest for good.

4. Your Parents Still Pay Your Bills

We know getting on a new phone plan can be expensive and difficult, but we hope you’re at least contributing to it, as well as groceries and living expenses, if not rent.

Dare we even ask who makes your doctor appointments?

Becoming an adult means taking on these responsibilities for yourself. That means doing your own laundry, cooking your own meals, and yes, doing your own laundry.

5. Your Friend’s and Younger Siblings Have Moved Out

We’re not saying “if your friend’s jumped off a bridge, would you?” but if all of your friends moved out of their parent’s place and so did your little brother….don’t you think you’re getting left behind?

Take a good look around at your social situation and consider if it’s time you should start living on your own.

6. You Have No Privacy

Does your mom constantly ask you where you’ve been, who you were with, or what time you’re coming home?

You may not pay rent in theory, but you sure pay it in eye rolls, heavy sighs, and the answering of a million and one questions.

The lack of privacy is a real threat to one’s social life when living with their parents.

You probably avoid taking significant others home, because, well…the first date is a little too early to be meeting the ‘rents’. You also don’t want to hear your parent’s asking “so hows that nice girl from last week? Have you seen her?” every time they meet a new ‘friend’.

7. Your the Butt of “Living at Home” Jokes

You’ve likely heard the saying “there’s a grain of truth in every joke”. If your family and friends are joking around about you still living at home, maybe it’s time to give it some thought.

Have your parents started dropping hints and clues about moving out? It’s likely they’re more ready than you are to hit the road. It’s worth having a serious conversation with your

If you’re pushing 30 or already have 30 candles on your birthday cake, it’s about time to move on.

8. You’ve Got Too Much (Outdated) Stuff

Over the years you’ve likely accumulated a lot of stuff. From soccer participating trophies to your high school cap and gown, you probably want to leave it all behind instead of cluttering your new space with it.

Here’s the thing: your parents won’t love that idea. Instead, rent a storage space and put all your memorabilia in one spot. Click here for more info on preparing yourself for the big move.

9. You’ve Got Conflicting Schedules

If you’re a night owl and your parents are early risers, this can cause a lot of friction in the house having to tiptoe around everyone’s schedule.

It’s also difficult to have a social life unless your parents are down for a house party every now and then.

10. You Have a Steady Job and Reliable Income

If you have a steady job with a reliable income this can only mean one thing: it’s time to move out.

You’ve got all the pieces of the puzzle figured out and you’re ready to live on your own. Now you just need to find somewhere to live…

Find the Perfect Place

Even before reading this, you probably knew you should start moving out of your parent’s house but now that you’re sure, it’s time to find the perfect place.

That’s where Sky Five Properties can help. If you’re ready to start looking in the Florida area, check out our condos today and give us a call.

One of the great catch-22s of our warming planet is that as we get warmer, we’ll need more air conditioning, which can make the planet warmer. Thankfully, room air conditioners have gotten more energy efficient and the latest models can work wonders on a space with little effort.

Here are five things to look for when you’re shopping for a room air conditioner.

1. Don’t Skimp On Power

When you’re looking for an air conditioner to suit your needs, you need to start by thinking about power. When you’re thinking about power, you also need to think about the kind of space that you’re dealing with. There are few air conditioning units that could cool and entire home evenly, but the bigger your space is, the more kW you’ll need.

Air conditioner capacity is rated in BTUs with the power that they put out measured in kilowatts. When you’re looking for the right sized air conditioner, you need to know that size really matters. You can get an air conditioner that’s too big and costs too much to use or one that’s too small and won’t give you the power you need.

If your room is about 50-square feet, you can get a unit that’s around 2.5 kW. For a room that’s more like 100 square feet, you’ll have to double that size to 5kW or more. Rooms that are 200 square feet or more need to have units that start around 7kW to make any impact on temperature.

If you’re buying from an appliance store, ask staff what they recommend. You’ll also find that high-efficiency air conditioning units are far better suited to handle large spaces than ever before. Check out some window air conditioner reviews before you make any final decisions.

2. Consider the Types

There is more than just one type of air conditioner available. Window units and indoor units offer more flexibility than ever before.

Split system air conditioners are made up fo two different elements. There’s one that’s attached to your wall from the inside and another component that sits outside and throws heat out. These are your standard window air units that you’ll find in most homes.

Positioning the heat generating component away from any other hot appliance so that the cool air is distributed around the room. If the external part is put in the shade, you can avoid having it overheat. Keep it away from falling branches as well.

A reverse cycle split air conditioner is going to give you cool air in the summer and heat during the winter. You’ll need to have a duct system for most of these types of units. The ducts can be installed in your floor, on your walls, or in the ceiling.

Alternate types of systems include inverter systems that vary the temperature with constant flow and multi-split systems that connect multiple units together. Ultimately, you’ll want a system that’s easy to maintain and simple to install.

Portable air conditioners that roll along the floor and just require you to position a collapsible duct out the window are perfect for flexible needs.

3. Consider Extra Features

When you’re looking for an air conditioner that offers more than just a steady temperature, you’ll find lots of extra features loaded on them.

If you’ve installed your air conditioner high up and out of reach, you can get one with a remote control. This allows you to control the temperature of your space from far away.

Others come with timers so that the unit turns off at the same time each day to keep your energy bills low.

If you’re in an extra humid place some will also include a dehumidifier to keep your air drier all throughout the year. This is great on the top floor or especially warm spaces. If you get a reverse cycle air conditioner, you can get heat during the cold parts of the year sd cool things down during the warmer days.

You can even find units now that have mosquito traps to ensure that your space is not only free of uncomfortable heat and humidity. You can also keep pests out along with unwanted heat.

4. Cleaning and Maintenace Should Be Easy

When you’re investing in an air conditioner, it’s only going to give you life for as long as the components can last. Some air conditioners will last for a decade or more. Other larger units need regular seasonal maintenance to ensure that they can keep running.

When you fail to keep your air conditioning unit clean, you end up causing more than just a mess at the edges of your unit. You also end up with potential air quality and breathing problems. If your home is prone to mold and mildew, this could add to the number of issues you deal with when it comes to breathing.

If your air conditioner has an accessible filter, clean it out at least every month. You’ll get rid of those harsh airborne particles that could end up hurting your ability to breathe and end up making your system more efficient in the process. As you unclog your filters, you end up allowing air to flow in more smoothly.

Finally, Room Air Conditioners Need to Be Affordable

If you’re paying for room air conditioners that are overpriced or cost too much to maintain, then it’s probably not worth the cost. Air conditioners should be simple to install, easy to use, and shouldn’t require you to call up a maintenance person on a daily basis to stay comfortable.

If your AC breaks down, check out our guide to see if it’s covered by your insurance.

Throughout the U.S., different housing markets are getting increasingly competitive. If you work it real estate, is particularly important that you be on top of your game. If you want to wow your clients and make sales, you need to go the extra mile, especially when it comes to selling new properties.

High rises and luxury apartment buildings are cropping up in urban and suburban areas across the country. You could be tasked with trying to sell a pre-construction property that isn’t built yet. That’s where a 3D architectural rendering can give you the advantage you need.

What is 3D rendering? It’s a tool that can help you land sales – if you know how to use. Below, we’re taking the time to explain 3D rendering and how it can help you secure more sales. Read on to learn more, so you can start taking advantage of this important tool today.

1. Save Time and Money

Traditional real estate renderings can be time-consuming and expensive to produce because they have to be updated constantly. Each time the design of the building evolves, you have to go back to the drawing board and create a brand new rendering from scratch. That’s frustrating both for you and for the client, who has to wait to see the changes.

With a 3D architectural rendering, changes and additions can be made almost instantly. You don’t have to waste time producing sketches and models because everything already exists in the 3D real estate rendering software. You and your clients will be able to move through the process of finalizing the sale even faster.

2. Bring a Vision to Life

One of the best ways to make any kind of real estate sale is to show your clients how space fits their vision. Everything from the color to the design to the style of the paint matters.

There is no better way to visualize a space than by working with a company. For example, a company like GSW Animation, that specializes in 3D architectural rendering.

The 3D aspect of the rendering brings the entire space to life. Your client will be able to explore every nook and cranny with ease, and they’ll be able to picture themselves in the space better than they ever could with just a 2D sketch.

3. Stand Out from the Crowd

3D real estate rendering technology is here to stay, but not everyone has explored the benefits of it yet. The sooner you adopt 3D technology for your real estate renderings, the more competitive you’ll be. It will give you that edge that will help you stand out to clients and garner more business.

Want to Know More about 3D Rendering Technology?

When you’re working in real estate, you want to be able to convince your clients that the space you’re showing them is the only place they’ll be happy. You want to make them feel heard, and be able to easily incorporate their ideas into a design so that they know you’re listening.

All of that is possible with 3D rendering technology. The more comfortable you get with this important tool, the more successful you’ll be.

For more information on real estate properties, please browse the site.

How often would you like to see wildlife up close? Want a change of view in your horizon? It may be time to migrate to South Africa.

Often, South Africa has the description of “a world in one country.” This is because the country houses many different terrains and unique flora and fauna.

Allow us to give you 10 tips about moving to South Africa.

1. Find a Community to Move Into

The first thing you need to do is to look for an abode. Do some research on areas with friendly communities. If you already know a place where you will move into, that’s great!

South Africans are very polite, friendly, and welcoming. Meet people and get to know them. The key here is respect and sociability.

When you are conducting a search for homes, go for areas in a reputable part of town. Avoid areas with high crime rates. Don’t worry too much since the majority of crimes happen in poorer areas in big cities.

Try to contact expats about places they would recommend. You can also ask local real estate agents. Having your own property is a good investment, most especially if you plan to move with your family.

2. Prepare All Needed Documentation

There was a time when you could up and leave and start a new life somewhere else. Now, it’s a different story. When you are looking to move into another country, you need to apply for and process many papers.

The most important documents for immigrants are:

• Residence visa
• Passport
• Residence permit
• Work permit
• International driver’s license
• Customs forms
• Employment letter

Find the time to process all your documentation requirements. As a note, it’s wise to carry certified copies of your documents when you travel within South Africa.

3. Set Up a Local Bank Account

When you relocate to South Africa, you will need to set up a local bank account. Most services in South Africa use electronic funds transfer. These services include phone and electricity bills.

If you want to pay bills via internet banking, it’s also possible. The country’s currency is South African Rand. Be careful when you use foreign credit cards.

Using foreign credit cards have a huge risk of fraud, so get a local credit card. Moving out is expensive enough on its own. Save yourself a headache by taking precautionary and safety measures for your money.

As a note, the cost of living in South Africa is cheaper compared to western countries.

4. Learn the Language When Moving to South Africa

One of the most common languages spoken in South Africa is English. Still, the experience of moving to a new country isn’t complete without picking up a new language. It will allow you to integrate with the culture better and understand the people right away.

Even before moving to South Africa from the USA, start watching videos or listening to podcasts on language lessons. Watch South African movies with subtitles and try to imitate what you hear. You can take language lessons in the country, too.

Don’t worry if you take a while to pick up the language. The language-learning process takes longer for adults. If you immerse yourself in the culture, you may learn the dialect within a year or two.

5. Buy Adapter Plugs and Transformers

Buy adapter plugs for your appliances. This tip is more for migrants who plan to take their electronics with them to South Africa. Most appliances in South Africa use Euro plugs.

While South Africa uses 220V, the US uses 120V for appliances. You want one or two step-down transformers. This is to ensure your appliances get the right power and work well.

If you don’t want the extra weight of adapter plugs and transformers, you can buy them at places like Builder’s Warehouse instead. If you don’t plan to bring your appliances, you can also opt to buy them once you’ve moved in. The downside is that it’s not as cheap an option as buying adapter plugs.

One way to get around this problem is to sell your appliances before you leave the US. As you clean your home before the move, put aside the things you are willing to sell away. You can at least use the money to buy new appliances.

6. Get a Prepaid Phone

We recommend buying a cheap prepaid phone in South Africa. After you get your phone, get a long-term plan. This way you don’t have to jailbreak your phone so it works with the service providers in the country.

This will be useful after the first few weeks of your move. Local agents, contractors, or security may call you through your phone. Getting an internet connection may take a while so it’s best to buy a prepaid phone first.

7. Arrange Your Internet Connection

When you’re living in South Africa, you may want to get in touch with your friends or family back in the States. Get a stable and reliable internet connection so you could catch up with them. The key is to find an internet provider that offers uncapped internet connection.

Note that the connection can be slower and pricey. You could get a landline internet connection. ADSL, ISDN, and Diginet are what landline companies offer.

8. Find Out Where Expats Hang Out

If you want to know how to move to South Africa in the cheapest, easiest ways, talk to expats. They’re likely to share their experiences with you. What they have to say about the country may be worth listening to, as well.

As you travel around your area, look for places where expats hang out. These sites can also give you a slight sense of home whenever you’re feeling homesick. You can also learn a lot from tourists or expats who are not from the US.

9. Live Like the Locals

South African living is very different compared to the American lifestyle. Everything from your shampoo brand to your car will change once you’ve moved. And depending on where you are transferring, the climate could be extreme.

If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, it’s best to get a car made for the terrain. You want an all-wheel drive or a car that can go off-road. Pick a vehicle that you won’t mourn over for daily dust buildup or thorn bush scratches.

Observe the local culture and immerse yourself in it. Eat what the locals eat and do other activities. You can better appreciate the people when you put yourself in their shoes.

10. Prepare for Culture Shock

Unless you’ve tried living in South Africa for a month or more, it could take you a long time to adjust to your new environment. The culture shock could result in a life of fear or paranoia. Take your time to adjust and try to appreciate the country.

Keep in mind that South Africa is still a developing country. The World Bank foresees that South Africa will have a 1.3% economic growth in 2019. Even then, that doesn’t mean the South African lifestyle will change too much.

There are some customs in America that South Africans also do. Like in the US, tipping is a common practice. The typical tip is 10% – 15% of the bill.

Get Ready to Settle in South Africa

That’s our 10 tips for anybody who’s moving to South Africa.

We’ll give a couple more last tips. This goes without saying: be wary enough but not terrified. Practice common sense when you are traveling and avoid crime-ridden areas as much as possible.

Looking to move but don’t know what to do with your house? Check out our post giving tips to sell your house. Do it fast and without too much hassle with our guide.

When it comes to finding your perfect ‘forever’ home, the search can seem never-ending. Yet, we all know that when you’re looking to buy a home, that you have to be patient. Because the kind of home you want may not be available right away. And it may take you months or even years of searching to find it. Or, sometimes, you may never be able to find it at all! And that possibility can be quite overwhelming to some – especially for those looking for something quite specific. This is often why some people decide that they want to build instead of buy. Yet, if you are going to build your own home, it’s essential for you to be able to ask yourself some key questions to see if you really are cut out for it.

What Will It Cost?

First of all, you’ll want to establish some kind of budget. Because the cost to build a home can vary. So you need to work out what you can afford or what you’ll willing to pay – and then research how much this is likely to cost you.

How Long Will It Take?

The second big question that you not only need to ask yourself, but also be aware of, is just how long it can take for you to build a property. And there will be two parts to this question. The first is that you need to know how long on average it takes to build a family home. And then, from there, you can estimate just how long your project might be. It is so important to do this so that you can manage your expectations.

Do You Have The Equipment?

Next up, you’re going to want to make sure that you have all of the equipment necessary. And, if you don’t, that you can get access to it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to look for mini diggers for sale if this will save you time and money. If not, you may be okay with simply looking to hire the equipment you need or even people that will come and do some of the work for you.

Will You Get Help?

And so, as a step on from the previous point, you will also want to work out whether or not you are going to bring in some expert help. Because sometimes, it’s much better to hire expert tradesmen to help you than to try and do it yourself.

Can You Really Do This?

And Finally, it’s also incredibly important for you to be as realistic with yourself as possible. Do not just hope that can make this work or embark on it when you know that perhaps it really is a pipe dream! If you are going to commit to building a house yourself, it’s just so important that you have the time to do it, that you’re aware of the stress you may experience and any risks, and that you’re happy to go ahead. Because it’s a big task – but if you’re not afraid of the challenge, hop to it!