SkyFive Properties Blog

The roofing industry changed a lot since it first started. From new materials to catering to environmental issues, and from innovative manufacturing to advanced marketing techniques, Roofing trends progress to accommodate our ever-evolving needs, sensibilities, and tastes.

Whether you are in the market for either a new roof installation or a re-roofing project, you may want to check out these five biggest roofing trends in 2022.

Sustainable Roofing:

With the rise of sustainable roofing options, more and more people prefer to have this type of construction. These roofs not only look good, but they also last longer than traditional ones, which means being able to save money in maintenance costs over time if your building has them!

The sun is a powerful source of our energy, and now you can harness it with solar roof panels. These high-tech pieces from important sustainable components in someone’s home or business!

When installed perfectly, solar roof panels help save money on your monthly utility bills by using fewer fossil fuels for electricity production compared to traditional roofs.  They also reduce cooling needs during the summer months when temperatures soar outside, which means lower air conditioning expenses.  Enjoy cool hallways without running appliances all day long.

Architectural Roofing:

With a durable and attractive roof, your house will have the appearance of being well-maintained.

Bricks make excellent material for roofs.  It offers long-lasting protection against weathering elements such as rainwater that seeps through cracks in between tiles or vents that allow water to run down onto other parts below it.  These same properties also make bricks great at blocking solar radiation.

With more homeowners opting for a straight roofline, the use of flat roofs is no longer limited to commercial buildings.  Flat roofing is now affordable and provides an appealing look when coupled with solar panels or other energy-saving options such as glass tile installations!

Roofing Color Combinations:

In the past, roofs have a limited color palette, but these days the selection continuously expands as people get more interested in home design.  There was only one type of roofing for the past decade, but now every person wants something different for their house. Some might go with an all-white or black exterior, while others prefer something brighter like yellow!

With the metal roofing industry coming a long way in recent years, new color combinations get introduced into the market.  Homeowners can now enjoy an array of stunning looks that blend naturally with their surroundings while still drawing attention to themselves for all the right reasons!

Synthetic Roofs:

Synthetic roofing is recyclable and provides an environment-friendly alternative to materials. The durable polyurethane material remains intact during even the roughest winters, making it better for our planet!

Manufacturers can construct these shingles in different colors and shapes, allowing homeowners to create modern customized roofs.

Accent Roofs:

The accent of your roof is an essential part of its style. The colors you choose for the shingles should complement what’s already there, whether that other roofs or landscaping around them- so consider this when picking out paint options!

Choosing the Roofing Trend to Follow

With so many different roof options, make sure to know which one will work best for you. Researching more and scouting for green roofs before getting one for your next home project, for example, will help you reduce your energy.

According to Frisco Roofing contractors, even a single missing shingle leaves the rest of the shingles vulnerable therefore compromising your entire roof.

Learn from past projects not just those of your own but others, as well.  Take time when planning out your roofing.  Avoid creating unnecessary problems down the line due to poor maintenance practices by owners who have less time on their hands than ever before because they’re busy working full-time jobs just like everyone else!

The roofing industry is in a period of transformation, as consumers start to learn to choose and purchase products even from the international market.  Versatility and sustainability will continue to be key traits most homeowners look for when shopping around 一 but there’s been an increased focus on functionality too!

If you wish to closely follow the most recent trends, remember to consult with a well-updated roofing authority, such as the crew in Mighty Dog Roofing.  They not only will help you complete your home modeling project with precision, but they can also give you advice on maintenance and repair, too!

Entrepreneurship is exciting. You are your boss, set your terms, and report to no one but yourself. But to improve your odds of turning your startup into a thriving business, make sure you have these five crucial aspects in place before you start your small business.

A Reasonable Budget

Starting a business from the ground up often demands a significant lump sum investment. Sadly, most entrepreneurs fail to start a business, perhaps because they lack funds. This also leads to taking huge business loans. Unfortunately, most small businesses drown under those debts.

So, what’s the way out?

You must carefully estimate how much money you will need to establish and run your firm. Then, please take it as your starting point and be ready to incur some unexpected charges along the road.

To stay afloat in the market, you must save operational costs as much as possible. This includes using an affordable and reliable electricity and gas company. Mayflower Power is one such which can help small and large businesses meet their energy requirements affordable. This will let you improve your bottom line and use the funds for other objectives like marketing.

Time

One of the most significant roadblocks for many entrepreneurs is time constraints. Good time management is the primary skill you need to have while juggling a day job and a modest side business. Learning to prioritize activities is challenging, but failing to do so may lose consumers and vendors you want to collaborate with.

So, learn to prioritize tasks that must be completed as quickly as possible and postpone those that aren’t as important.

A Business Strategy

Formulating a business plan might be time-consuming, but it is critical, especially when seeking financial assistance from creditors or banks.

It also largely determines whether you can scale the business in a planned way or not. If you can’t take the time to develop an effective business plan, even if it’s only one page, chances are it will go belly up in no time.

Here’s how to go about it:

Determine whether the business is a good fit for you and clearly state your business concept. You may have to do a break-even assessment to see if your business has the USP to churn profits.

Then, come up with a plan that includes a profit and loss prediction and a cash flow analysis. You’ll also need to identify sources of startup funding and devise an effective marketing plan.

Research

To be lucrative, a concept does not need to be unique as long as there is an adequate need for your product. In reality, a remarkable idea does not always convert into significant sales.

It would be best to establish why a product works in the market or doesn’t. Research is essential for the same, and it has to be quite extensive.

However, studying and creating your company concept is only the first step. You will need to do additional research to determine how to turn your idea into a reality.

Patience

Be patient, and avoid unrealistic expectations like immediate returns and increased funding without an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

You may also have to do things that can make you uncomfortable. These include sales and marketing, making sacrifices like working twelve hours a day on a minimal diet.

But, when you hustle hard, you may see promising returns in the future. Then all of your hard work in getting your business off to a good start will be rewarding.

Conclusion

Setting up your own business can be overwhelming. But you must consider the five crucial pointers mentioned above you will need before you decide to kickstart your business. If you manage to tick all the above-mentioned boxes, your small business will soar high in no time.

Good luck!

(Image credit)

We all have a general savings bank account and an emergency fund that we are progressively building up. One should be saved for a rainy day and the other should be spent on something spectacular, such as a cruise. If you have a large sum of money saved up and are unsure what to do with it, consider investing it to assure a better financial future. Spend your money on something more constructive that will benefit you financially in the long run. It can be rather perplexing because there is so much out there, including a lot of advice and information. So, here are some suggestions for investing your funds to help you achieve financial independence.

Take a Chance With Your Dreams

Have you always wanted to own your own company? Then it’s time to pursue your ideas; if you have enough money saved up, you can utilise it as a start-up fund. If you wish to start modest, you can adjust your strategy as your confidence grows. If you want to start a business like a bakery or a coffee shop, for example, you can start by making and distributing your products on the internet or at food markets. Once you’ve built up a customer foundation, you can look into getting a commercial space to work from. If you want to be an entrepreneur but don’t have a business concept, you can check into franchise opportunities. There are a plethora of possibilities open to large corporations that have already established a reputation. You can pick the one that best fits your objectives and look to create a new branch near you.

Ascend the Real Estate Ladder

Getting into the property market is a fantastic long-term investment choice. This is a wonderful place to start if you don’t already own residential property. You can then move on to other properties once you’ve acquired that. You might consider purchasing houses or flats in popular places and offering them on popular vacation rental applications such as Airbnb. This will provide you with a steady source of revenue, and because the property will not always be occupied, you may always use it for a vacation. You can get something anywhere in the world, if you want somewhere hot you can look at real estate places for expertise. You may always utilise a property finder to assist you if you aren’t sure what area you want to look at when considering.

You may also consider purchasing houses in more suburban regions and renting them to families and professionals, who are likely to be more dependable and long-term renters. You’ll have a consistent monthly income and it won’t require as much maintenance as a vacation property. You’ll still have to fix the facilities and any basic issues with the house, but if you don’t want to get too busy, you can usually find an intermediary who will find renters for you and also manage any issues, and then deduct the charges from the rent.

Stocks And Shares Investing

You might put your money into stocks and shares, which have the capacity to provide a large return on investment. The only other thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot more risk involved with these, and values can fluctuate wildly. Investing in them gives you a lot of options for where to invest your money because many companies sell shares of their value. As a result, you can choose companies that you are comfortable with, or you can watch investor guidance videos and read books to gain a better understanding of what to trade-in. It’s not only about what you put your money into; it’s also about when you put it in and when you take it out. Some companies’ value can plummet dramatically in a short period of time, so keep an eye on current events and what’s going on with the companies you’re involved in to determine if and when you should withdraw your funds.

Your Residence

If you currently own a home, another option is to try to increase its value. It will not only make it a nicer place to live, but it will also increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future. You may update your bathroom or kitchen, or you could even add a new room to your home or transform your attic into a new room. You could add an office, guest room or even a playroom for the kids.

The US is a country where we can see various companies that have different businesses and outlooks for things that are in high demand. This includes companies that work with metal stamping, and this is one of the many business sectors that people tend to pay close attention to.

We are here today to talk a bit more about metal stamping and what kind of manufacturing process it is. When talking about the manufacturing processes, there is not one specific process that you can point out above any other. If you don’t know, AT&T is one of the many companies that use metal stamping as one of their manufacturing processes. Even though it is more commonly used by industries such as construction and automotive, a lot of industries use metal stamping as one of their primary manufacturing process.

Basic Information about Metal Stamping

Metal stamping is a manufacturing process that can be pretty complex. To be able to do this, you will need to have a flat metal sheet that you can convert into different shapes. There are so many techniques that can be used for this manufacturing process.

As we said before, this is a process that can be used in so many different Industries. The top few are construction, medical, automotive, and aerospace. There are others as well, but these three are the top 4 that have been getting great use out of this manufacturing process.

To be able to get a flat sheet metal into a specific shape, you will have to use different techniques. Some of them are punching, bending, embossing and others. Various Industries have a different kinds of products they need to get stamped. With the help of the different techniques, they are able to get what they want. You need to have a design already made before you even begin stamping. Once you have the plan, then you can start stamping and creating the layout into an actual product.

This is something that takes time to learn, and it needs someone that has many skills and patience. If this is something that you are interested in, you can follow the link https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/understanding-metal-stamping/.

Die stamping 

There are different types of stamping. One kind of stamping that you have to pay attention to is die stamping. It is a process where you have a sheet of metal, and you cut and shape it by using dies. It can be one day or multiple dies that might be used to create the shape of the metal you desire. This type of process can do one function at a time if needed. But most times, it can do a series of tasks that occur and follow one another in different stages.

There are only three methods that can be used for die stamping. And those are line, transfer, and progressive. And there are also four types of machines used for this process. If you’re curious about knowing more about die stamping, you can check this page out.

Conclusion

Since metal stamping is a process that can be used in many industries, the demand for this process is quite a lot. Every industry uses different machines and methods simply because they have to create other products. Sometimes there is a need for more labor, but in reality, the machines mostly do the work when it comes to metal stamping.

A lot can be done with this manufacturing process, and more Industries have seemed to realize that they might need to use this process as well. There is always a need for more people to know how to work with these kinds of machines since what they do is something very complex. Metal stamping uses a tool and die why to create any product that a company wants.

So something that is is straightforward has to be a part of very something complex to be able to create a product that most people will use. And there is a lot that needs to be learned for this process to become even bigger and develop newer and advanced products. But we cannot complain about what we have so far.

Looking for a bedroom refresh? Renovating your bedroom can allow you to fall in love with your space all over again. If you find yourself dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy bedroom, but think it is not possible based on your budget, think again. There are several budget-friendly or DIY upgrades that can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your bedroom.

Whether your bedroom is outdated or no longer functional for your needs or you simply want a new, luxurious update, these budget-friendly tips can make your bedroom feel more expensive without breaking the bank.

Flooring Upgrades

Outdated or stained carpeting or flooring causes many homeowners to fall out of love with their bedrooms. While carpeting in bedrooms was once all the rage, some newer styles opt for beautiful hardwood or look-alike hardwood that is made of vinyl. This type of flooring allows you to add a large area rug for comfort and a pop of color or pattern. Even better, hardwood or vinyl flooring with an area rug on top makes your room feel glamorous and luxurious — especially if the rug is made of a fuzzy, luxe fabric.

Upgrading your flooring doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Check out a local flooring outlet store to save at discount prices. When searching for rugs, many discount stores feature great prices on large area rugs too. Looking to upgrade to flooring that is unique and different? Check out this post for some unique flooring ideas for your home inspiration.

Bedding Size and Comfort

When renovating your bedroom, always measure and aim to visualize what size bedding the room can accommodate. If you’re looking to upgrade to a larger bed, check the dimensions of the new bed frame and mattress before purchasing. Looking for some extra help to find the best fit for your room? Check out this post to assist you with your mattress dimensions. A bed that is too large can overpower the room and make it feel cluttered, while a bed that is too small can look strange!

When it comes to loving your bedroom, comfort is always key. Going to a mattress store can help you get an idea of if you like a lush or firm mattress and allow you to try out different options, such as memory foam. Even better, some mattress stores offer delivery and mattress disposal services to make your bedroom renovation simple and easy. Upgrading your mattress to a higher-quality, more comfortable option can make it instantly more of a luxurious bedroom.

Furniture Hardware

If you’re not looking to change your bedroom furniture, consider some minor changes to the hardware of your existing bedroom set. Perhaps new furniture is not within your budget, but hardware is! One easy way to make your room look and feel more expensive or luxurious is to upgrade the hardware. A fresh look of knobs and drawer pulls can change the look of the furniture entirely. Glass or metal hardware options are available at most home improvement stores. Try giving your bedroom furniture a transformation with new gold, crystal or patterned hardware.

Rethink Window Treatments

If your bedroom has cold blinds without any curtains, consider changing up the window treatments for a new aesthetic. One simple trick to make your room seem more luxurious is to place ceiling-high curtains. To do this, raise the curtain rod’s height to one or two inches below the ceiling line. The floor-length drapes covering the window will make your bedroom appear larger and more expensive.

Create an Accent Wall

Accent walls seem to be all the rage for the upcoming year. Accent walls can be used in any room in your home, including the bedroom. An accent wall can change the game if you’re tired of boring, solid walls. You can choose from many materials to create an accent wall, including stick-on wallpaper or shiplap. Accent walls allow you to create a luxurious and sanctuary atmosphere for your bedroom upgrade.

The great news is that stick-on wallpaper is quite affordable, so this bedroom upgrade won’t break the bank.

Rethink Your Moldings

Moldings are often not the first thing people think of upgrading when they’re considering a bedroom renovation. However, the simple addition of crown modeling can add depth and dimension to your bedroom. Crown molding is the hallmark of luxurious bedrooms. To save money and stay within budget, crown molding may be a DIY project you can tackle yourself. Many options for self-adhesive molding are available at home improvement stores.

When it comes time for your next bedroom renovation, consider these six tips to make your room feel luxurious on a budget.

Being a realtor is hard work. You need to put in hours of hard work to locate the best properties for your client’s needs, and spend days filling out the necessary paperwork to ensure you can provide your customers with their dream home. However, such a demanding and overwhelming role can easily cause you to feel stressed, having a serious impact on your productivity levels as a whole. Low productivity levels can have a disastrous impact on your realtor business, so there truly is no time like the present to combat such side effects and ensure you and your team can thrive for years to come. So, if you’re interested in finding out more about how you can increase your productivity levels, then simply read on! 

Image Source – Pexels 

Make The Most Of Outsourcing

Far too many people are under the false impression that realtor businesses cannot benefit from outsourcing, as there are so many important yet time-consuming services that you can pass on to another qualified team to complete on your behalf. Channeling your efforts into outsourcing can lift a huge weight from your shoulders, giving you the opportunity to focus on the most important tasks that your skillset best suits rather than wasting time doing jobs that you simply don’t have the energy for. You can reach out to a team like NetSuite Bookkeepers to complete your accountancy responsibilities, or even hire an outsourced marketing executive that can point your advertising campaigns in the right direction. No matter what business or individual you choose to outsource for your realtor brand, ensure that you check their skills and experience beforehand so that you don’t waste any time, money, or resources on the wrong people. Read reviews that have been left by previous clientele to get a more honest look into the outsourcing services they provide. 

Set Goals & Offer Rewards 

One of the best ways to motivate your team to stay as productive as ever is to set goals and offer attractive rewards. If your staff have nothing to work towards then they will no doubt achieve the lowest productivity levels, as they will be wandering aimlessly from task to task rather than giving each project they’re all. Take the opportunity to set both individual and team goals to encourage every person that works for your realtor business, and make sure that you choose aims that are both challenging yet still achievable to make sure you don’t discourage your staff rather than inspiring them. An attractive reward like an end-of-year bonus is sure to encourage them to reach their full potential during each and every shift, so it’s a great option to pursue.

Figuring out how to remain as productive as ever within your realtor business has never been so simple when you can take the time to read through and utilize some of the excellent tips and ideas that have been carefully described above. Your brand is sure to reap the benefits if you put in the extra work, so there’s no time like the present to get started.

Choosing the right property to rent, whether house or apartment, can be tough. You can’t just accept the first house you can find near your office, or choose an apartment just because it has parking. There are lots of things that tenants need to take into account. To help you to find the perfect rental for you, you need to establish what your needs are before you start searching for somewhere to live. 

Rent

To make sure you’re getting a fair price, research typical rents in the area by comparing what is being asked for similar homes for rent in the area. You can do this easily online. This gives you an idea of what the average prices are, so you can set a budget. When you ask about a property, find out if anything else is included in the rent, such as utilities or maintenance, or will you need to pay for these separately?

You need to decide on a maximum amount you can afford each month, so you can only look at properties within that range so you’re aren’t tempted by something you can’t really afford. Remember, there can be room for negotiation. Landlords want good tenants, so if you have great references that show will want a longer tenancy and will look after the property, you could be in a strong position to get a slightly reduced rent. It’s always worth asking. 

Parking

Don’t assume that a property comes with its own parking space. If you need one, make sure you check. If there isn’t, find out whether there is somewhere nearby to safely park. In city centers, you might find that there is a permit parking scheme, which usually comes with a change. If this is the case, make sure you include it in your budget. There can also be extra charges for second cars or visitor permits. 

Internet Connection

A deciding factor for many tenants, which has become even more important with the rise of remote working, is the internet. This used to be a ‘nice-to-have’, but it’s now essential for many. Some areas get stronger signals than others, so you will need to make sure that your property will meet your technological needs. It’s also worth checking your phone signal when you view the property. 

Smokers/Pet Owners

Most adverts will make it clear when the landlord will accommodate smokers or pets. Make sure to look for this and don’t assume that you can smoke or keep animals inside. In most cases, there are compromises, such as being able to smoke outside or keep caged pets, rather than a cat or a dog.  Like the rent, it’s always worth asking the question. If you have good references, a landlord may be willing to adjust the rules for you. Of course, if you have a service animal, remember that they cannot legally reject you on these grounds. Make it clear if you need an animal to live in the property for this kind of reason.

When it comes to generating an income, property investments can be one of the most lucrative options out there. There are several ways you can make a living out of property investments, and this blog post will explore four of them.

Rent It Out

The most obvious way to make money from property investments is by renting them out. This can be done in several ways, such as through Airbnb or finding long-term tenants. The key to making money through rental properties is to ensure that you are charging enough rent to cover all of your expenses and then some. However, you will need to be mindful of the tax implications of renting out property. Nevertheless, rental properties are a great option if you’re looking for an investment that will provide you with both passive and active income.

Via Pexels

Flip It

Flipping houses is another excellent way to make money out of properties. This involves buying a property with the intention of reselling it for a higher price shortly afterward. The key to making money through flipping is buying low and selling high. Several risks are associated with flipping properties, so it’s essential to do your research before getting involved. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach to property investment, flipping could be the option for you. Just remember that there is more risk involved than in some other options, so make sure you know what you’re doing before diving in.

Build From Scratch

Another option for making a living from property investments is to build properties from scratch. This can be a more expensive option, but it can also be more lucrative in the long run. If you’re looking to make a lot of money quickly, this may not be the best option, but if you’re willing to wait, it can be very rewarding. New construction can also be a more hands-on approach to property investment, so if that’s something you’re interested in, this could be the way to go! One thing to keep in mind when building properties from scratch is that there are a number of regulations and zoning laws that you need to adhere to. Make sure you do your research before getting started so that you don’t run into any problems down the road.

Residential To Commercial

From house to business is another approach to generate a living from real estate purchases. This can be a more difficult transition, but it can also be more lucrative in the long run. The key to making money through this type of investment is by understanding the difference between the two types of properties. Residential properties are typically aimed at individual consumers, while commercial properties are aimed at businesses. Converting homes into commercial buildings is a great way for investors to make a lot of money quickly.

These are just a few ways that you can make a living from property investments. There are many other options out there, so be sure to do your research before getting started. With any type of investment, there is always some risk involved. However, if you’re willing to take on a little bit of risk, property investments can be incredibly rewarding.

Finding the right apartment rental can be stressful and difficult since you might compete with many others to acquire a quality unit in a prime area. However, this process can be fun and exciting since moving to a new location can be associated with a fresh start, a positive change, or a new lifestyle. The work gets tough when narrowing down the gathered information to get a single apartment to call home. The apartment rental you choose needs to align with your budget, preferences, commuting, and other relevant needs.

With the many factors you need to consider, the following outline highlights some factors worth considering in finding the right apartment rental:

1. Pick An Area

The first step is finding a location or area you want to relocate to. The place you select controls and dictates the search. You can limit your search positively and productively with the location in mind. Having multiple areas of interest means having more options to choose from.

It’d also be crucial to consider the activity level and the vibe of the neighborhood you pick. No one wants to live in an area far from the retail stores or noisy with block parties frequently happening on the streets below.

2. Determine Your Rental Budget

It’s vital to be realistic with your rental budget and avoid overestimating it. Always go for an apartment you can afford to prevent becoming rent-burdened. Having a budget would help you narrow down your options by eliminating the apartments exceeding your rental budget. You can reach out to companies like Willing Property which has developed some luxurious ones like Mount Lawley apartments to hook you up with affordable apartments.

3. Start Your Search Early

Based on location, price, and amenities, the best apartment rentals often get taken earlier in the month. Therefore, it’d be vital to start your search weeks earlier, mainly if you’re interested in an area with few available vacancies.

The last-minute rush can also make you take an apartment you don’t want. Therefore, searching for an apartment rental early would allow you to select one that fits all your preferences and requirements.

4. Look At Online Reviews And Listings

It makes sense to want to visit an apartment rental that’s worth your time. Checking the online reviews of the potential apartment rentals on your list can help you weed out those with poor management, poor maintenance, or too loud.

You can get to know the pricing and amenities a particular apartment rental offers through online listings. However, when relocating to a new city or town, these sites won’t say enough about the local amenities like grocery stores or transportation and neighborhoods. You can then opt for apps that can assist you with renting an apartment.

5. Use A Broker

On most occasions, brokers help out renters get the apartments of their choice without charging them. The critical aspect is to find a broker who deals with rental properties and not home sales.

If you’re interested in residing in an area with tight competition for apartment rentals, talking to several real estate agents can help you secure the perfect house for you. Different real estate agents have other relationships with each building they represent. Therefore, it’s crucial to have the correct links with the person who can hook you up with the apartment rental you desire to live in.

6. Tour Apartments

Touring an apartment allows you to imagine how you can transform the space into your abode. An in-person tour will enable you to know what happens behind the scenes like the friendliness of the staff, the comfort of the apartment, and if the apartment meets your desired requirements.

You get to see if the apartment features amenities like a swimming pool, car parking, a 24-hour front desk, weight room, or a computer lounge—features primarily found in luxurious condos like Caribbean Miami Beach. It’d be best to know how the amenities present in the apartment are paid for since it’d be inappropriate to pay for extras you don’t use.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect apartment rental can get challenging and tiresome, especially if there are many options to choose from. Several factors have to be considered in getting a place to call home. Your apartment rental doesn’t have to be just a place to lay your head down. Therefore, it’s best to dedicate your time to searching for a house that can fit all the requirements you need and with all the necessary amenities at an affordable price. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.

If you’re selling your own home, you’re in good company. In fact, almost 25% of all homes are now sold with no help or minimal help from a realtor.

But success in selling your own home begins long before potential buyers start pulling onto your drive.

You have a golden opportunity before going to market to make your home as appealing as possible. There are several simple things that you can do to make your home scream ‘buy me’ when people walk through the door.

Read on for 7 home staging tips that will maximize the return on your investment and prevent your home stagnating on the market.

1. Clear the Clutter

Over time, many of us build up a lot of personal possessions that are not strictly needed for living. These can make the most spacious home seem cramped and claustrophobic – not the message you want to send out when trying to sell your home.

Top decluttering tips include:

• Keep kitchen counters as clear as possible
• Clear your bathroom of bottles of lotions and potions. Take a look at PlumbWorld.co.uk for their complete guide
• Make good use of storage under beds and in cupboards
• Don’t be afraid to throw away or donate to charity things you don’t need any longer

It may sound drastic, but if you’re serious about decluttering it could be time to hire a storage unit. This means that when buyers open your cupboards (and believe us, they will) they won’t face an avalanche of junk.

2. Depersonalize Your Home

Our homes are our private galleries, libraries, and museums. We treasure items and photos that have sentimental value and bring back happy memories for us.

The problem is, when a potential buyer walks in and sees them, they’re offputting. It makes it hard for them to imagine themselves living there. All they can see is that this belongs to someone else, and they can feel like they’re intruding on your privacy.

Although it can be painful, carefully box up any family photos, heirlooms, and trinkets that are purely personal. Don’t worry, they’ll be adorning your new home soon enough.

Then potential buyers will be able to visualize themselves living there – and that will get the offers rolling in.

3. Make It Sparkling Clean

How to sell a house 101 states that your home must be immaculate, eat your dinner off the floor clean at all times during the selling process.

It not only needs to look clean, but it also needs to smell clean.

Anything potentially malodorous, whether it’s a beloved pet or a dodgy drain, need to be sorted before you start showing the property.

4. Consider Virtual Staging

If you’re selling your own home in a vacant state, then it can be costly to go out and furnish it simply to stage it.

Now there are virtual home staging options that give you most of the benefits of home staging at a fraction of the cost. This means working with a service that takes a picture of an empty room and digitally adds in the furniture and accessories.

It can cost as little as $35 a photo to create a look that would run you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in actual furnishings. It also helps buyers to visualize how their existing furniture would work in the space.

5. Give It More Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Nothing makes people think ‘Get me out of here’ faster than faded siding, overgrown landscaping or moldy windows.

You have to weigh up the costs versus the returns, but remember, your home is probably your biggest asset. You want to maximize its value and its outside appearance is key to getting people through the door.

Click here to see how new siding can make all the difference to your home, giving an older property that new home feel. Getting your lawn neat and tidy will also help make a great first impression.

6. Finish Your Snagging List

Most of us have a list of jobs ‘we’ll get round to’ one day. When thinking of selling your own home, that day has come.

Go around each room and look at it with a critical eye. Enlist a friend to help, as it can be hard to disassociate ourselves from places we know and love. They will be able to spot things you’d otherwise miss.

Put together a detailed list of small jobs that you can do that will enhance the appearance of your home without blowing the budget.

This could include giving rooms a fresh coat of paint, addressing stained grout or sealant in bathrooms and kitchens and steam cleaning carpets and furnishings.

Keep paint colors light, bright and inviting. Dark colors make spaces look smaller and can be offputting, especially on the ceiling.

7. Consider Refreshing a Key Room

The most important rooms to most buyers are the living room and kitchen. Staging them well is the key to how to sell a house easily.

If your living room is cluttered with furniture, don’t be afraid to put a few pieces into storage while showing. Keep it clean, minimal and fresh. Allow plenty of space for buyers to walk around the room without bumping into things.

Stage it simply with a vase of fresh cut flowers, or simple accent pieces.

In the kitchen, a simple fix could be repainting the walls or even sprucing up the cabinet doors.

You don’t have to buy a new kitchen to make a big difference. A more modern, neutral paint color on the existing doors and some contemporary new hardware can make all the difference.

Staging Success in Selling Your Own Home

Selling your own home can be daunting. But if you follow our simple tips, your home will really sing, both in photos and in person.

Remember to keep it clean, free from clutter, fresh and inviting. Help people see how they would live in the space.

Consider a major refresh, like replacing the siding, if you feel it will make the difference between achieving top dollar, or lower than its worth.

When trying to sell your home, forewarned is forearmed.

Check out our blog on ‘The Top 7 Buying and Selling Challenges Most Homeowners Face’ so you can nail your preparation and get top dollar for your home.