SkyFive Properties Blog

It’s beginning to look like the days of cable TV are over. Last quarter, the four biggest cable providers lost a combined 887,000 subscribers, making it the worst quarter on record.

Despite record numbers, many are still on the fence about cutting the cord, fearing that they’ll miss out on their favorite shows and movies.

Services like PlayStation Vue, Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling are banking on that fear, hoping customers will instead choose to use one of their monthly subscription services. While these services are awesome alternatives to cable, most services cost around $40 per month.

But what if there was a way to watch all of your favorite shows without having to pay for anything other than your Internet?

We promise it isn’t too good to be true — keep reading to discover 10 of our favorite free TV streaming sites.

1. YouTube

You might think YouTube is only good for checking out tutorials, makeup tips, or animal videos.

But a few years ago, YouTube decided to take a stab at competing with Netflix and Hulu by offering video and TV shows of its own. While you can purchase all of your favorites, if you know where to look, you can actually find tons of your favorite shows streaming for free.

Shows like “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” “Game of Thrones,” and full-length sports games get uploaded or live streamed to YouTube within moments of airtime.

But you’ll have to act fast. The upload of these videos goes against copyright laws, so they tend to get yanked down within hours.

2. Dailymotion

People like to write Dailymotion off as a YouTube copycat, but the streaming site has carved out a nice niche for itself.

After a rebrand, Dailymotion began courting some of the most popular cable networks like Bloomberg and The History Channel. Even local affiliates like ABC, NBC, and CBS post clips from their shows on Dailymotion.

While you may not find full episodes on the site, a Dailymotion account combined with an aerial antenna should cover all of your TV watching needs.

3. Crackle

PlayStation Vue isn’t Sony’s only online streaming service. Its lesser-known site, Crackle, features a robust selection of free movies and TV shows.

From anime and sitcoms to fan favorites like “Community” and “The Critic,” Crackle’s library has hundreds of hours of content, so you’ll never get bored.

The site also hosts its own original programming if you’re looking to discover a new favorite.

4. Popcornflix

Popcornflix is one of the Internet’s best-kept secrets. For whatever reason, it doesn’t seem to draw the same level of attention as its competitors.

But a quick glance through the Popcornflix library shows that it isn’t due to a lack of content. In fact, Popcornflix hosts some of the strangest, most obscure films and TV shows you’ve ever (or never) heard of.Right now, it seems to be the only place to legally stream the 1989 animated series based on “The Legend of Zelda.” Yes, it exists. And yes, it’s every bit as bad as you think. So while Popcornflix isn’t a household name, it’s a great place to discover some hidden gems you may not know about.

5. Pluto TV

With a tagline like, “It’s free TV,” it might not come as a surprise that Pluto TV makes the cut. In fact, Pluto TV just may be the best place to stream free TV shows on this list.

Not only is it completely free and legal, but it’s full of licensed curated channels. Here’s just a quick sampling of what you can find on Pluto:

• Impact Wrestling
• Bloomberg
• The Young Turks
• Rifftrax
• Stand-up TV
• The Onion
• IGN
• Crime Network

Pluto TV has the potential to replace your cable bill entirely, especially after Viacom’s recent buyout.

6. Yahoo View

If you’ve never heard of Yahoo View, you’re not alone. Yahoo’s own website hardly acknowledges the service’s existence.

Still, View is a great alternative to Hulu. TV lovers can catch up on their favorite late-night shows, anime, reality shows, and more.

7. The Roku Channel

Roku and streaming services are practically synonymous at this point. The company’s line of media players is among the most affordable and best-selling streaming devices on the market.

But strangely, Roku didn’t offer much in the way of its own content until recently.

In 2017, Roku finally launched The Roku Channel. The platform promised to be a great source of free movies and TV shows. So far, we think they’ve done a good job of keeping their promise.

Their selection of TV shows isn’t the most up to date, but it’s hard to beat free entertainment. And if you do feel like spending some cash, you can now add on premium services such as HBO or Showtime.

8. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, its selection of TV shows and movies is vast. Unfortunately, Tubi is a prime example as to why quality is better than quantity.

Many of the films and TV shows on the streaming service aren’t exactly A-list. Still, if you’re willing to spend some time digging through Tubi’s selection, you can still find a few great shows like “Masters of Horror” and “The Dresden Files”.

9. Hoopla

Here’s a fun fact: Your local library is good for more than just borrowing books.

Many libraries have gotten with the times and now include streaming services as part of their membership.

Hoopla is one such service. Users can access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, comics, TV shows, and movies. So if you don’t already have a library card, you may want to reconsider.

10. Viewster

Like Tubi TV, Viewster isn’t known for its quality. But it does offer a ton of content to check out.

Gamers, in particular, should check out Viewster, as it has a heavy focus on gaming-related content.

Say Goodbye to Cable With These Free TV Streaming Sites

Ditching cable doesn’t have to mean a TV-free existence. By using these free TV streaming sites, you can save money while still enjoying countless hours of entertainment.

For a more film-focused list, be sure to check out our guide on the best free movie streaming sites.

Over 40 percent of phobias are related to bugs.

More people are afraid of common house bugs than being a victim of violent crime or even dying.

You should know the different creepy crawlers around your home. Some of the bugs you’ll have seen before, while others may surprise you.

Check out the most common household bugs below. Here we go!

1. Bed Bugs

Most children are familiar with the saying “Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

While for many Americans bed bugs evoke a cutesy rhyme we used to sing as kids. For New Yorkers, the bed bug is a terrifying nightmare.

The resurgence of bed bugs in the US was named “the year of the bed bug” by CBS in 2010.

What do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are round-shaped and flat insects. They are a light brown color. And, they are around the size of a grain of rice.

What do They do?

They drink your blood.

However, they don’t have to eat much or regularly to stay alive. They can live for over a year without a bite to eat.

That’s why they’re capable of living in your mattress or furniture without your knowledge.

2. Ants

There are more ants than human beings in the world. In fact, there are over 10 billion ants in the US alone.

Small in size, ants can enter your home easily and hide. They wait for you to drop crumbs on the floor to eat.

Although ants cannot do much damage to your home, it’s important to stamp out the problem immediately.

Remember ants always return to the nest. So follow an ant until you find the nest where you can eliminate the problem.

3. Cockroaches

For many people, the most disgusting bugs you can find in your home are cockroaches. These creatures are attracted to damp areas of your home and the food left behind.

You’ll most often find cockroaches in either your bathroom or kitchen. The cracks and crevices of the walls in your home also make excellent habitats for cockroaches.

It’s important to handle your cockroach problem as soon as you notice it since it can be harmful to human health.

4. Flies

We talk about the problem of flies in the home during the warmer months. There isn’t a single species of fly. In fact, there are over 16,000 species in the US alone.

You’ve probably mostly encountered the common housefly.

Even though flies don’t live very long. They have an especially high birth rate, which means that they can spread around your home in just a few days.

In warmer climates, it can be almost impossible to keep out flies. However, make sure you always store away food if flies are around.

5. Mosquitoes

Many of the bugs on our list are harmless, mosquitoes are commonly feared because they carry disease, such as the Zika Virus.

During the summer months, many people are terrorized by the mosquitoes, which bite and suck the blood of victims.

Damp places and water which are humid are especially appealing for mosquitoes. make sure you keep your doors and windows closed during warmer months.

6. Beetles

Beetles are often confused with cockroaches by people. While beetles do not pose any risk to the health of human beings, they are a threat to your furniture.

Beetles consume the fibers and woods around your home. This can damage valuable items of furniture.

When the beetles lay their eggs in the wooden cracks, the damage is often beyond repair. Act immediately with the earliest signs of beetles.

7. Ticks

Ticks are not especially attracted to the warm environment of the home. Instead, you’ll encounter these bugs during grasslands or woods.

However, you can hook onto a person or pet to be carried back into the home. Ticks latch on and suck the blood of the host.

When you return home from walking in the warmer months, make sure you check your body (and the body of your pet) for any signs of ticks.

8. Centipedes

Centipedes are perhaps the creepiest of the crawlers. They can have more than 300 legs. During the winter, centipedes enter homes for protection from the cold weather.

Centipedes are not harmful to humans. Unless you pick one up, they’ll extremely unlikely to bite you.

Larger than many of the other bugs on this list, centipedes eat cockroaches and other insects that are found in your home. Therefore, there may be a reason to turn a blind eye to these yellowish creatures.

9. Termites

Termites could already have infested your home without your knowledge. Only when they are ready do they show themselves. If you notice damage to your wooden furniture, then you could have a termite problem.

You can only do so much to prevent termites from destroying your home. This reliable company says eventually you have to call a pest control company.

10. Fleas

The smallest insect on our list, fleas also feed on blood.

You need to regularly check your pets for signs of a flea infestation. If you spot signs of fleas on your dog or cat, immediately seek treatment.

There are also flea prevention strategies, such as a flea collar and flea repellents.

Watch Out for Common House Bugs

Common house bugs are simply part of homeownership.

Make sure you keep your home clean and tidy and you’ll significantly reduce the probability of common house bugs getting out of hand.

You just have to regularly check your home for signs of infestations.

Are you in the market for a new home? Check out our listings today to see all your options in sunny South Miami.

It’s estimated that homeowners spend between $12,594 and $33,118 remodeling their kitchens, or $21,751 on average.

That’s a lot of money! So, what are you to do if your kitchen needs a tune up but you don’t want to fork over that kind of money? Or, what if you simply don’t have the time or energy to put towards a full kitchen remodel?

For those wary of going all-in on a remodel, there’s a solution. There are actually many kitchen updating ideas out there that don’t require a lot of money or time but that will still do wonders for your kitchen.

What are these updates, exactly?

Read on to learn about the top kitchen updating ideas that don’t require a remodel.

1. Paint the Walls

Giving your kitchen walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable kitchen updates you can do.

All it takes is a simple color change to give your kitchen a whole new mood and atmosphere. When it comes to deciding on a paint shade, make sure you keep color psychology in mind. If you don’t know, color psychology is the idea that certain colors help promote certain moods and feelings. For example, blue gives one a feeling of safety and comfort, while red gives one a feeling of passion and desire.

Once you decide on a color, you should decide on whether or not you want to paint your walls yourself or hire someone to do it. We definitely recommend going the DIY route on this one. Even if you aren’t a serious DIYer, painting walls is a really simple and straightforward process.

In order to paint your walls you will need:

• A painting brush: This is the one material you don’t want to skimp on, as a proper painting brush will help you paint faster and with more accuracy
• Painter’s tape
• Roller kit
• Drop cloths

Once you have all of these materials gathered, you’re ready to spruce up your walls with a new paint color!

2. Replace a Major Appliance (Or Two)

When’s the last time you replaced your kitchen appliances? Can’t remember?

If so, that may be a sign that your appliances are in need of an update. Updating your fridge, dishwasher, or other appliance can really make a big difference, especially if the appliance happens to be rather dated.

If you aren’t sure about what new appliance style to go for, we recommend stainless steel. Stainless steel is a timeless choice, and it blends seamlessly with nearly every design style.

Also, keep in mind that the more appliances you replace at once, the less money you have to spend on a plumber hauling out the old ones.

3. Paint the Cabinets

Your kitchen walls aren’t the only thing we think you should consider painting. We also think painting your kitchen cabinets is a great idea.

While painting kitchen cabinets takes a bit of leg work, like painting kitchen walls, this is an update that is highly affordable. Plus, painting your kitchen cabinets is a much faster process than installing new ones.

The most popular kitchen cabinet colors at the moment are white and gray. White is especially great because not only does it make your space look newer, the color will also brighten up the space and make it appear larger.

If you aren’t sure how to paint your kitchen cabinets, these tips will help you out.

4. Bring Life to Your Kitchen With Flowers or Plants

Ok, if you want to talk about an insanely affordable kitchen update, here it is. Adding some flowers or plants to a kitchen may seem like too small of an update, but trust us, it can really go a long way.

If you don’t have much of a green thumb, don’t worry. There are plenty of indoor houseplants out there that are next to impossible to kill. Some of the easiest ones to take care of are the mother in law’s tongue (also known as the snake plant), the ZZ plant, the spider plant, the peace lily, and the jade plant.

If plants and flowers really aren’t your thing, consider adding other simple decor pieces, such as a new rug or a painting.

5. Rethink Your Lighting

Just like color, lighting really helps set the mood and atmosphere of your kitchen. If your lighting is too bright, your kitchen is going to feel more like a doctor’s office. If your lighting is too dull, it can make your kitchen look old and drab.

Try to find a happy medium. Generally, you’ll want lighting that’s a bit more on the brighter side, but be careful not to overdo it.

Besides the brightness of your lighting, you should also consider swapping out your light switch panels so that they match your hardware. Matching light switch panels to hardware can help boost the overall feel of the kitchen, plus it’s a super simple project.

You may also want to consider adding in some under-cabinet lighting, as this can help you show off pretty display pieces as well as add a bit of drama to a space.

6. Enhance Storage Areas

The kitchen is one of those rooms in the house that tends to accumulate a lot of clutter.

Minimizing chaos in the kitchen will not only make the space look better, but it will also make you feel better when you enter it.

Purchase some decorative storage bins and baskets for storing infrequently used items. Then, you can tuck the bins and baskets above the cabinets.

Also consider corners, backsides of doors, and brackets as potential storage areas.

Kitchen Updating Ideas: Are You Ready to Give Your Kitchen a Makeover?

As you can see, there are many kitchen updating ideas that are both affordable and hassle-free.

And, the best part is, because they are so affordable, you can choose to do as many of them as you want, therefore giving your kitchen a whole new look.

If you have any questions about these ideas, please drop us a comment below.

And, once you’re done updating your kitchen, it’s time to move onto the outside of your home. Check out these patio decorating ideas to get ready for summer.

Is there anything better than a freshly cut and pruned lawn in the spring months?

If you pride yourself on having the best lawn in the neighborhood, then you need to invest in the best lawn care service company. As a seasoned lawn pro, you can absolutely achieve this on your own, but hiring a lawn care service company can be just as gratifying.

But with so many companies in your area, you may be left scratching your head. Do you hire the eager high school student down the street or a landscaping company with years of experience? You may also be tempted to save a buck, but will that provide equally satisfactory results?

Whenever you hire a company to do work at your home, you’re trusting them with your property. We all want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but doing our research in advance can help us to make the best decisions.

Want to learn how to select a reliable lawn care service company? Read on to discover our top tips to hire the best lawn care service company in your area.

1. Check Credentials

A reputable lawn care service company will have the proper business credentials to operate successfully and legally. While credentials such as a business license and insurance may seem like “no big deal,” they’re actually very important.

For example, if a lawn care service company doesn’t have Workman’s Comp insurance and a worker gets hurt on your property, then the worker may be able to sue you for medical bills and missed work days. Because of this reality, it’s always important to ask the company in advance about their licenses and insurance policies.

You can also check the Better Business Bureau website to see what others reported about each lawn care service company.

2. Assess Your Needs

Before hiring a lawn service company, you should assess your lawn care needs.

Do you just need mowing done every couple of weeks? Do you want complicated fertilizer and weed treatments? And, do you want your backyard, as well as your front yard, maintained?

Not all lawn care companies provide special lawn treatment, so it’s important to speak with the company in advance about what services they do offer. For any special services they offer, make sure they also have the proper licensing and certifications.

For example, does the company offer training and certifications to apply chemicals treatments? If they do, then it’s a good sign that they take their business and customer service seriously.

3. Pricing and Rates

Before selecting a lawn care service, determine your budget. Once you have a budget in mind and a reputable company, tell them exactly what your budget is.

Ask them exactly how they charge and how much each visit will cost. Some companies charge by the hour whereas others charge per job. If you’re on a strict budget, then finding a company that charges by the job will be your safest bet.

You should also inquire as to exactly what each job entails and how long it should take.

Ready to Hire a Lawn Care Service Company?

When hiring a lawn care service company, always keep in mind that your needs come first. As a homeowner, your number one goal is to protect your home and your family, so don’t feel bad about asking questions. Any reputable lawn care service company will be more than happy to answer them and to have your business.

Want to improve your lawn and landscaping? Check out our blog post for 10 ways to take the yawn out of your lawn.

Are you ready to move down under?

Buying a house is an exciting time and doing it in beautiful Australia is no different!

Whether you’re a native Australian or an ex-pat relocating, you want to be sure that you know the ins and outs of buying a house in Australia. Check out this guide for four ways to finance your home down under.

1. Family Pledge Loan

Do you have bad credit or no credit at all? If you’re looking to buy a house in Austalia and you have family members that are willing to help, you may want to consider a family pledge loan.

With this option, an immediate family member would put up some kind of security so that you can purchase the property. This could mean the entire deposit or only a percentage, depending upon what you need.

2. Owner’s Finance

Wondering how to buy a house in Australia? Owner financing may be the right choice for you.

With this option, the seller of the property will provide the buyer with the finances to purchase instead of the buyer going to the bank. While this is a more common option in the United States, it’s still possible to do in Australia.

With owner financing, the seller will retain the property deed until the buyer pays them back. Once the final payment is made, the deed will be transferred to the home buyer.

3. Joint Venture

Want to know how to buy a house in Sydney? Are you educated in investment properties and earn a great income, but you don’t have the means to make a deposit? Consider a joint venture. A joint venture is mutually beneficial to both parties.

Your partner would provide the deposit and you would both own the property. You would provide financing or property work to increase the value of the home. Negotiations would be between the two of you and would be whatever works best for both parties.

4. First Home Owner Grant

Did you know that it’s possible to get a grant from the government to buy your first home? If you’re buying your first home in Australia, you may be eligible to receive money from the Australian government to go towards the purchase of a house.

A first home owners grant has certain requirements that need to be met:

• You must be a first time home buyer in Australia.
• The value of the home cannot exceed $800,000.
• The grant cannot be claimed for land purchases only.

You will want to check into the specific standards of the state in which you’re interested in residing.

Buying a House and Starting a New Adventure?

Whether you’re buying a house in Sydney or buying a house in Perth, it’s important to know how you can finance that home. Once you have that checked off your list, you can begin your new adventure and live the life you want.

If you’re in the market for a new home, check out our listings today. Let us help you find the home of your dreams.

Did you know that 68% of households in the United States own a pet?

It’s no wonder that with so many people owning a fur baby they need to find a place that they can live with their pet.

Do you need an apartment that serves both your needs and the needs of your pet? Keep reading to learn how to find pet-friendly apartments you’ll love.

How to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments

Having a pet makes life exciting and full of love. Maybe the place you’re living at now doesn’t allow you to have pets and you want to adopt one. Pet-friendly apartments are not impossible to find all you have to learn is where to look.

Don’t Rush

When looking for a pet-friendly place to live you need patience. Apartments that allow pets have the lowest vacancy rates because once someone has a place to live that welcomes their fur babies they don’t vacate quickly.

If you’re currently renting give yourself plenty of time before your lease is up to find a place to live that allows pets.

Speak to Locals

Contact the local animal care hospitals or the local humane society and ask them if they have a list of apartments that allow pets. You can also pick up an apartment guidebook at a local store or supermarket and find which ones accept pets. Sometimes those guides will also specify if there are weight limits or breed restrictions.

Search Online

Thanks to the internet you are able to do a search for apartments that allow pets in the specific area you’re looking to move to. This website is a perfect example of how much searching online can help you make your list of the places that do accept pets.

This will save you the time of touring a place that you fall in love with only to find out that your furbaby isn’t welcomed.

Support Animal Option

Explore to see if your pet can be a support animal for you. People sometimes think that the only service animal is a seeing eye dog but there are pets that support their owners in other ways. If your pet is the one you rely on for comfort because you suffer from emotional issues you might be protected under the Fair Housing Act.

If a renter is diagnosed with an emotional disability and a landlord doesn’t allow their pets then that landlord risks facing discrimination charges. If this sounds like it might apply to you then you will want to talk to a doctor or therapist in your area and take the necessary steps to have your pet become your emotional support animal by law.

Put Together a Pet Resume

Take the time to have your pet ready to meet a potential landlord. You want them to be on their best behavior. If you have a puppy that’s still in their curious puppy phase, consider enrolling them in school and keep their certificate of completion as proof to a landlord in case they require proof of a well-behaved or a trained dog.

Keep your pet groomed, clean and smelling good for any last minute apartment tours that allow you to bring your pet. Make sure their vaccine records are all up to date and have those ready to show as proof as well.

Peace of Mind

Landlords and apartment communities are usually concerned with the damage the pet is going to cause. This is why so many apartment complexes don’t allow pets because they don’t want to deal with fixing or cleaning after a pet has been in the apartment. If they don’t require a deposit offer to pay one to help give them more peace of mind.

You also have the option of buying a renter’s insurance policy that covers pet damage and let your potential landlord or apartment complex know that you’re willing to do this.

Sign a Pet Addendum

Once you find the place that’s perfect for you and your pet you want to make sure you have this in writing. Make sure you sign a pet addendum with your rental agreement. This will protect you and your pet from getting evicted.

Verbal agreements don’t suffice if your lease has a no-pets clause. If there is a no-pet clause make sure it’s removed before you sign it or crossed out and initialed by the manager or landlord. Also, make sure that it’s removed or crossed out on the landlords copy also.

Before signing the pet addendum be clear on how much the pet deposit is and the stipulations on getting it back in the future. Also, clear up if there are any extra monthly pet fees that have to be added to the rent. These fees should also be in writing to avoid any discrepancies in the future.

If there are any rules for those that have pets make sure you get a copy of those rules and be very clear on what they expect from you as a pet owner.

Enjoy Your New Home

Once you go through the process of finding an apartment or home that accepts you and your pet it’s time to move in and enjoy your new home. Moving is already a stressful thing to do there’s no point in moving multiple times if you don’t have to. Finding pet-friendly apartments right from the beginning will help you avoid extra moves.

Make sure that once you’re moved in and enjoying your new home you build a relationship with the new landlord, or apartment manager so that you can be sure to enjoy your new home for years to come.

Once you’re ready to move to your new home check out our guide with tips to make your moving day as simple as possible.

Of all the controversial promises Donald Trump made during his 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump’s border wall was by far the most explosive. Love him or hate him Trump is determined to do good on the promise he made, against all the odds.

What Is the Wall?

President Trump’s border wall is a radical response to his belief that it is too easy to cross the U.S- Mexico border and this allows illegal immigrants easy access to the U.S where they then live and work undetected and engage in criminal activity.

However, politicians serving states on the border believe the current border is secure and the cost of a border wall will be a massive waste of taxpayer’s money.

Trump’s detractors say Trump is making generalizations about all Mexican immigrants being criminals and in-fact. most are law-abiding. They are simply escaping extreme poverty in Mexico.

Opposition to Trump’s Border Wall – A National Emergency?

After losing control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterm elections, Donald Trump has sought to bypass congress who, now under control of the Democrats, have voted down his plans to fund the wall.

After this stand-off led to the largest government shutdown in history President Trump finally backed down and agreed to a budget that did not include any funding for his border wall.

As a result, he has turned to a different tactic and has declared that the lack of what he believes his efficient security on the border constitutes a national emergency. Such a measure would ordinarily allow him to bypass Congress and find funds for the wall from other areas of government spending.

However, declaring a national emergency in this way is considered by many to be unconstitutional. His declaration is currently being challenged by the courts and it may well end up being considered by the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, there is a motion that has been passed by the House and is now being considered by the Senate that would end Trump’s national emergency. This is important because the Senate still has a Republican majority, although Trump could veto this bill.

A Land Grab?

So what does all the mean for homeowners? The biggest issue at stake for those that live along the border is that it might mean the government buying up private property or private land.

This is a huge worry to those who already have houses or land where the border wall is proposed to be built. It means there is little they can do and they might not get what they consider is a fair deal in terms of compensation.

Challenging the government in court would be costly and take so long the wall might already have been completed before the case even gets a hearing.

This could also hurt Trump’s voter base as although many Republicans do support a tough stance on border security they also typically place a lot of emphasis on the rights of the individual.

This means the right to own their land. Hardcore republicans also oppose big government and are fearful of a powerful government that has the power to simply take away land at short notice.

There is evidence that many Texans, home to Trump’s biggest and most vocal supporters, don’t support a wall.

And such a decision could affect more than just physical property, as the Philly Inquirer points out, it could even destroy the centuries-old graves of families that still live on the border.

Flordia in Trouble

Although Flordia is not on the Mexico-U.S border, the declaration of a national emergency could cause huge problems for residents of the swing state that swung the election for President Trump.

This is because Trump could divert money from funds designed to help Flordia recover from severe flooding as a result of a spate of recent hurricanes. Nearly $800 million is apparently being earmarked to help pay for the wall.

So how much money is Trump asking for the border wall? Trump wants a total of $5.7 billion to build the wall.

If this were to happen it would spell disaster for the housing market as people realize that buying property in Flordia is a gamble.

Even residents of beautiful Myrtle Beach might decide that it is no longer worth buying property in the area if they feel they are not going to be covered when disaster strikes. Maybe they will decide to move to Vancouver and check it out instead.

It is important to remember, however, that none of Flordia’s politicians have been made aware of plans to do this and it is possible that the vast majority of the funds for the wall will come from the larger states of California and Puerto Ricco.

Will a Wall Actually Happen?

President Trump has a habit of defying expectations. Nobody thought he would win the Republican nomination, let alone win the Presidency and those that predicted that he would have also said he’d be impeached within his first year in office.

With the unpredictability of politics in 2019, nothing is certain. However, it looks unlikely that Trump will manage to pass all of the obstacles required to get the funding for his wall. With both houses set to vote down his plan for a national emergency and many lawyers suggesting that even if he were to use his controversial power of veto to pass it, it would be blocked the courts, it seems more likely that he will be forced to consider alternative measures.

Your Perfect Florida Home?

Ever dreamed of retiring to Florida and building your perfect dream home? Many people think Trump’s border wall might make this more difficult. It will be if it means diverting money from hurricane relief funds.

However, with Congress and all of Flordia’s politicians against this plan, it is unlikely to come to pass and Florida’s property market will remain well equipped to defend itself and, if necessary, re-build after a hurricane.

You care about your garage. You not only care about what goes inside it, but also what kind of door goes outside it. So you want a garage door that works best for you.

But with all the brands and options out there, it can be daunting to figure out which is the right one to buy.

And it’s not a decision that you want to get wrong, considering you’ll be opening and closing that door every time you drive your car in or out of the garage.

But fortunately, you’re in the right place. In this post, we go over everything you need to know about buying the best garage door for your home.

So you can rest assured that your garage entryway is efficient, safe, and secure.

Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out more.

Living in a Material World

One of the best places you can start when deciding on the right garage door is to figure out what kind of material you want to use.

This decision will affect things ranging from the general aesthetic of the garage door, to the way it withstands weather, to how dinged up it will look over time.

Often this decision will also be based on the overall look of the rest of the garage, as well as the house itself. So you’ll need to decide how much you’d like the garage door to match.

Popular Materials to Consider

The most popular four styles are aluminum, steel, wood and fiberglass/PVC overlay.

Aluminum is great because it’s rustproof and it comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. It also generally requires less maintenance than other materials, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Another positive is that it’s a light material, so the garage door will tend to operate with ease. That will generally extend the life of the garage door mechanism, so you can utilize a roll-up garage, like the ones in this helpful post.

Steel has possibly an even greater variety than aluminum, in terms of finishes, designs, colors. And it’s a sturdier material than aluminum, which translates into longer use overall.

One drawback is that it can potentially get dented or scratched and then can rust.

Wood is the most classic material for garage doors. It gives the garage a traditional look and is generally available in a large array of painted looks.

Or if you want the look of would without actually using it, you can have veneers or overlays placed on top of another material to give the door the look of wood.

Fiberglass/PVC overlay is a final option. It’s a newer material, so it’s a little less available. But it is less expensive than solid wood and comes in a wide array of styles and colors. It’s also more sturdy than wood and metal.

Design Is Key

Homeowners often want their garage doors to be more than functional. They make up a sizable portion of the visual space, so why not make them exactly as you want, design-wise?

Back in the day, there weren’t many options. Garage doors were basically either white or almond colors. But now you have many different, often customizable styles to chose from.

Some of the decision will depend on if you want the door to blend in with the look of your house, or stand out as an accent piece.

So, What Styles Are Out There?

Don’t get us wrong – traditional door looks are still very popular. If you get a Victorian, Georgian or Colonial garage door you’ll be in good company.

They generally use paneled wood and have a stable/coach house look. If there are windows in the garage door, they will often match the house’s window style.

You also get a chance to highlight with iron hinges or handles.

If you go with an Edwardian/Arts and Crafts garage door, you’ll be working with raised panels or sections. They will generally feature divided light windows or even arch-tops.

50’s Ranch Style garage doors are also still very much in vogue. They offer a clean look, often with banding and wood slates. They generally utilize a plain finish with an emphasis on horizontal lines.

Finally, you can opt for a more modern garage door. With this option, the sky is the limit as far creative expression. A modern garage door can be purely functional or be an art piece in and of itself.

Contemporary garage doors come in all sorts of materials, and their designs run the gamut from stained wood to frosted glass.

Insulation

The high cost of energy means that insulating your garage is a must. So you’ll want to pay attention to the thermal property of your potential garage door.

And garage door insulation can also help dampen the noise both coming in and going out of the garage.

It’s measured in what’s known as an R-value. A high R-value means it operates quieter and reduces outside noise more.

You’ll also need to choose from polystyrene or polyurethane, which is foamed in place. Polystyrene doors will tend to be thicker, but with a lower R-value. Polyurethane will look thinner but comes with a higher R-value.

How Much It Costs

Finally, you’ll want to take a look at what the garage door will cost, and how more you’re willing to spend.

There’s a rule of thumb saying that the garage door should cost around 1% of the price of the house. That’s only a suggestion, of course, so that’s not something you have to stick to.

But just keep in mind that this is an investment that will be with you for many years, and will affect the look, design, and insulation of your house. So choose carefully!

So What’s the Best Garage Door?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the options in garage doors, you are much closer to deciding what’s the best garage door for you.

It’s all a matter of taste, matching your house, and factors like price and material you’d like to use.

If you have questions or want to learn more about how to maximize your credit to pay for things like garage doors, check out this post on buying with bad credit!

One of the most important jobs of a property manager is to maintain a home. And a huge part of home maintenance is making sure there are no plumbing problems.

To keep an eye out for these issues, you have to know what the most common plumbing problems are. Then, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them.

Fortunately, many of these problems have fairly simple solutions that we’re going to discuss here.

Keep reading to find out more about what plumbing issues you should look for as a property manager.

Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions

Knowing what problem you have isn’t enough. That’s why we’re also providing you with the solutions for each of these most common plumbing problems.

1. No Hot Water

This is the most common plumbing problem people face, even in Florida where a hot shower isn’t always completely necessary. Even so, most people balk at the idea of an ice-cold shower.

There are a couple of reasons someone may be complaining of a lack of hot water:

• The pilot light on a gas heater has gone out
• The temperature is not set high enough
• The tank isn’t large enough for the unit

If you’ve already checked these things, it may be time to call in an expert.

2. Clogged Drain

The next most common plumbing problem people face is a clogged drain. In most cases, prevention is the best solution, but once it’s happened, you may need to plunge or snake out the drain to remove the clog.

If all the drains in the home are slow, it’s possible the problem is further down in which case you would need to call for septic repair.

3. Running Toilet

Another issue people face is a toilet that keeps running. This is a huge waste of water and the expense can quickly add up.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as needing to shorten the chain which is getting tangled in the flapper. Or, you may need to replace another small part in the back of the toilet.

4. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars every year, which is why it’s a huge part of house inspections. If someone complains of leaky pipes, there’s not much you can do about it.

If you can, locate the leak as best as possible before calling a professional.

5. Dripping Faucets

The final complaint we’re going to discuss is dripping faucets. While you’ll sometimes need to replace the whole faucet, in many cases the repair is far simpler than that.

Just replace the washer within the faucet to get the tight seal back so it won’t drip anymore. Then, advice the tenants to be gentler when turning it off.

Need More Property Management Advice?

Now you know five of the most common plumbing problems you need to look out for as a property manager. As you can see, many of them have quick fixes that will prevent a much larger issue from occurring.

If you want to get more advice about property management, be sure to check out our blog. We recently did a post on Chinese drywall and what to do if you suspect a property has it.

It might be cold outside, but spring is right around the corner! As the temperature heats up, you’ll be wanting to spend more time outdoors, entertaining family and friends on your patio space.

So now is the time to get your patio looking great! If you’re looking for some outdoor patio decorating ideas, you’ve come to the right place. This article will take a look at some fresh ideas that can take your outdoor space to the next level.

Here are a few great patio decor ideas that will help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer.

1. String Lights

When the weather is warm and the sun goes down, there’s nothing better than gathering on the patio with family to grill out and play games. But you’re going to need some lights to make the most of your evening.

Here’s a great idea for taking care of your outdoor illumination needs: string lights. String lights are the perfect touch for any patio space. They offer a look that is both charming and elegant. And they offer plenty of light during the night, yet are small enough to make them difficult to see in the daylight.

Bulb lights can be strung across your patio space in a number of different patterns to fit any look you’re wanting to achieve. This is a lighting option that offers plenty of variety and versatility, and you’ll be amazed by how much atmosphere they create, almost as if your patio is being illuminated by fireflies.

2. Incorporate Fire

Even as the weather begins to warm up, there’s really no better way to create a cozy environment than by adding elements of fire. And there’s more than one way of doing this.

Fire pits are not only beautiful, but they also create a place for people to gather and socialize. A fire pit or fireplace creates warmth and atmosphere, while also adding a warm glow that naturally helps people to relax and become talkative.

There are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from, whether you prefer stone, brick, or iron. The possibilities are endless. We suggest positioning patio chairs around the fire pit or fireplace to maximize your ability to fully absorb the warmth the fire adds to your space.

Another way to incorporate the element of fire into the backyard is with tiki torches. We recommend using citronella candles and tiki torches for a touch of warmth and atmosphere while also helping to repel unwanted mosquitos and gnats.

3. A Patio Cocktail Cart

Here’s a thought: why run back and forth into the house all night when you can park a drink cart right there on the patio?

After all, cocktails are generally a primary part of outdoor entertaining. Everyone has a favorite drink, and you can play bartender by taking drink orders without missing out on any of the action.

Cocktail carts come any many shapes and sizes. You could for everything from a simple metal cart on wheels to an elaborate setup complete with ice cooler, drawers for supplies, and shelves to hold a variety of adult beverages.

This is the ideal way to make sure everyone has a fresh drink in hand at all times.

4. Create a Game Space

You don’t need kids to have a game space. After all, even big kids love to play! The backyard is the perfect place to take advantage of actives that encourage friends and family to interact and have a blast.

Have you ever considered a life-size checker or chess board? Give it a go, and you’ll wonder how you ever got on without one. This is a fun idea that will turn your backyard into a real-life scene from Alice in Wonderland.

Or how about a horseshoes pit? Make the most out of your space with a design made of brick and sand. After all, everyone loves playing horseshoes, and it’s a game that can be positioned to take up limited space in your backyard. Adding some creative landscape edging ideas can also improve the aesthetics of your yard.

5. Shades

Shades are one of the most elegant touches you can add to your patio. This is an attractive and cost-effective way to add shade to the exterior of your home, and is the ideal option for providing coverage for patios, decks, pools, and gardens.

Shades come in a wide range of style and colors and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye while also proving shelter from the sun.

Here’s a wonderful resource where you can read more about finding quality shades for your home.

6. Create an Indoor/Outdoor Flow

Many homeowners are discovering the fun and convenience or linking their indoor and outdoor spaces. Having an indoor space that is covered yet open to the patio is ideal for enjoying the beauty of your outdoor environment without worry about rain or wind.

And when the party comes to an end, simply close the retractable glass panels before heading off to bed.

You can also take this design scheme to the next level by matching the indoor/outdoor furniture to create a seamless look that adds depth.

7. Archways

Archways are a design element that instantly add beauty and charm to any backyard space. They offer a great way to transition from one outdoor area to another.

You can choose from gothic designs to traditional country, or even a look that is a bit more “old English” style, transforming your space into a garden paradise.

Archways are inviting, and provide a way to break up your backyard or garden while still allowing a natural flow for casual strolls any time of day.

Patio Decorating Ideas for Spring

As the days of spring and summer approach, it’s time to start planning how to make your backyard space the ideal gathering spot in the neighborhood. These patio decorating ideas can turn even the most boring backyard patio into an architectural wonderland.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to invest a fortune to make your patio looking amazing. Even small touches can have a significant impact. Just be creative and fun!

Click here to see 10 landscaping tips to help you take the yawn out of your lawn.