SkyFive Properties Blog

A vital rule of property ownership is to take advantage of all the space you have. Effectively, this means making sure no room in your house goes to waste. Speaking of which, the basement is often underutilized. If you have a basement, you shouldn’t let it sit empty and unused. Instead, you should renovate it and make it useful. You’ll want to create something that stands out, like upgraded flooring options for your basement. Carry on reading, and you’ll find a short guide to help you with this task.

Choose the room function

Firstly, begin your renovation with some simple planning. What will you turn your basement into? There are plenty of possibilities to consider here. A few popular ideas include:

• A laundry room
• A second living room
• A man cave
• An office
• A home gym

In all honesty, you can turn this room into anything you like. Yes, it could be a bedroom, but the thought of sleeping in the basement might not be ideal for many. Also, you may convert your basement into a studio apartment. From here, you can let people pay you to live there. It’s not ideal for family homes, but if you want to make money from your property this could be smart.

Let there be light

The interior design of your basement is entirely up to you. However, you need to focus on letting light into this room. You can easily find some affordable basement windows to install here. The more you have, the brighter this room will be. It’s important as it stops the basement from feeling dark and gloomy. Remember, this room is basically underground. So, if you can get as much natural light into it as possible, it will be advantageous. You’ll also cut down on your electricity bill as the lights won’t need to be on all the time during the day.

Make the air breathable

Similarly, living in an underground room can be tough on your lungs. The air in basements is usually a lot worse than throughout your home. This mainly comes from a lack of ventilation. Again, this is where numerous windows are beneficial as you allow clean air into the room. Also, consider an HVAC unit installation for optimal ventilation. This way, your basement doesn’t feel as dusty and the air won’t be as stale.

Build a safe entrance down

Typically, basement stairs are quite dodgy. They’re hardly as stable as the ones leading up to your second floor! Plus, previous homeowners neglected the basement, meaning the stairs are even worse. So, make sure there’s a safe entrance down into your basement. If you need to rebuild the stairs, then so be it. If you fancy being really quirky, you could even have a lift going down. It’s up to you, just make sure that there are no safety risks when going in and out of the room.

These are some of the main things to consider when conducting a basement renovation. Obviously, much of the work is down to you and your own thoughts. Design the perfect room, then renovate your basement to make it useful.

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

Wind chimes are decorations that are placed outdoors and caused to produce musical notes by the wind. The chimes they produce make people refer to them as involuntary musical instruments.

A wind chime can be made from different materials that are not hard to come by. You can make them with metal, glass, shells, or wood. The tinkling sound it makes in the wind has been deemed therapeutic by many and annoying by a few.

This decorative piece is either placed in the patio or any other part of the yard. It lends a certain ambiance to the atmosphere and this makes it a choice piece for relaxation spots.  Many people have wondered about how easy it is to make these decorative/musical pieces; pretty much easier than you think!

In this article, we would show you how easy it is to make and setup a wind chime at home. But before we do that we’ll just give you some fun facts.

What do wind chimes symbolize?

A wind chime symbolizes many things in different parts of the world. But the constant fact that is generally agreed upon is that it attracts positive energy and wades off bad luck. It is said that the soft chimes that it produces enable the positive energy to drift through your space and attract peace and prosperity.

In the eastern parts of the world, these instruments are believed to enhance the flow of one’s life energy (chi). In Asia particularly, it is used in Feng Shui. Some experts say that the different materials used and the placement is quite important for the maximization of their benefits.

The following are some of the materials that can be used and the best position for it to be placed in one’s space:-

1. Wood- If you make this instrument with wood, it is recommended that you hang it in the south, east, or southeast of your house/yard. The east zone is believed to bring growth to the inhabitants of the space. When placed in the southeast it attracts money while the south brings fame.
2. ​Metal – Those made with metal are best hung in the north, west, or northwest zones of your space. Placement in the north opens up career opportunities while placement in the west attracts good luck to the children in the family. This good luck enables them to bring honor to the family. And when placed in the North West, it attracts mentors into the lives of those who live in the space.
3. Ceramic – Wind chimes made with ceramic are best placed in the center, South West and North East zone. These directions would bring luck for romance and love, health and knowledge into space.

You can visit this site for more information: https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-the-best-feng-shui-use-of-wind-chimes-1275256

How To String A Wind Chime

The following are easy steps for stringing and setting up a wind chime:-

Get All The Things You Need

It goes without saying that the first thing to do is to gather everything that you would need, but we’ll still say it. So you would need the following:-

1. Nylon strings – This is because nylon lasts long and can withstand exposure to the elements.
2. Wood
3. Aluminum
4. Hack saw
5. Jigsaw
6. Measuring ruler
7. Pen
8. Sanding paper
9. Drill
10. Scissors

Lay Out The Structure

After gathering all that you need, then proceed to lay out the structure. Measure and sketch the parts which include the top mount and a smaller mount at the bottom. Even though you can choose any shape, it is best to start out with a hexagon or circle.

Next, you use the jigsaw to carve out the pieces, then sand them and smooth them.

Make The Holes For The String

In this step, you have to use your drill to make holes for the string. You would need a center hole in the top mount and a cluster of 3 little holes in the spots that you intend to suspend the tubes. For the smaller bottom mount, you only need one hole in the center for the string (if you intend to add only one bell).

Cut The Tubing

This is the point where you cut the tubing (remember that you can use any material but for this illustration, we are using metal). The metal tubing can be cut to different lengths just to give it a more natural look. The best dimension for the tubes is 1 inch wide.

Note that your longest tube should be between 19 and 21 inches, and then you vary the length as desired.

String The Top Of The Wind Chime

Now it’s time to start stringing the top of the wind chime (that is the part on which the rest of the piece would hang)

Make 3 pieces of string to be about 9 inches or a foot in length. Then using a piece of the string, knot one end and thread it through the upper piece that you already prepared in step 2. After that, knot the other end to keep it secure.  Repeat this process for the remaining strings.

String the Bottom Piece

In this step, you’ll suspend the chimes through the holes in the top mount. To do this, you would knot one end of the string and thread it through the smaller bottom mount that you prepared earlier. At this point, your wind chime would have a top piece and a bottom.

Arrange All The Chimes (tubes)

This is the final step where you string the chimes; you start with the longest tube to the shortest one.  Thread one string through one of the holes you made inside the top mount. Let it drop then pass the cord through one of the tubes and back through the upper one, then on to the next chime.

Each of these tubes would dangle naturally but ensure that all the tubes are connected by the string.

Repeat this process for all the tubes and you’ll have your wind chime; how easy is that?

Check out this video for more clarification of the above steps

Conclusion

We believe that this piece has sufficiently answered the question of how easy it is to make a wind chime. Note that if you are not inclined to going through the stress of making this piece yourself, there are many stores (online and offline) where you can get one.

Are you looking to make a kitchen that feels like it belongs in a cooking show? Do you want to remodel your kitchen so that you can create a beautiful place to relax and recharge? If so, then you need to consider all of the best kitchen sinks to implement into the new layout.

The sink is one of the most overlooked aspects of the kitchen. You use it every time you go to the bathroom, sometimes more than once in one visit! It’s used for washing your hands, rinsing your food, and so on.

See below for an in-depth list of some of the best kitchen sinks you should consider during your big remodel.

1. Cast Iron Sinks

Everyone appreciates a well-trimmed, neutral-colored cast iron sink. This material is heavy and durable, ensuring that once you install it, it will serve as a mainstay for your kitchen for many years to come.

Cast iron sinks give investors such as yourself a higher return on their investment. They’re heavy and can withstand a lot of wear and tear over the years. However, they do have a risk of rusting when the outer enamel starts to wear off.

Ultimately, we recommend cast iron sinks to anyone that’s looking for a durable and timeless look. For those of you that are feeding inspiration for your remodel to achieve a farmhouse-style kitchen, the cast iron sinks will fit seamlessly.

The big question here is this: are you willing to provide it with maintenance? While it doesn’t require a ton of maintenance, you’ll have to upkeep it more than most modern options—such as the next option on this list.

Here’s our recommendation: do some research on cast iron kitchen sinks. Look at the different aesthetics (they don’t offer many), then see if you can see yourself holding on to that design for the long-haul.

2. Fireclay Sinks

Perhaps some of you have never heard of fireclay. If so, then you should know it’s a sink made of ceramic material.

As the name would imply, these sinks are molded at very high temperatures, then left to dry for 2 days or longer. They aren’t cut and shaped as many other materials are.

For many interior designers, fireclay is the preferred alternative to cast iron sinks due to its lighter body, lower price point, and easier installation.

More importantly, interior designers prefer it because of one specific quality: it keeps its youth extremely well, without much maintenance on the homeowner’s end.

While cast iron can last for a long time, it tends to show its age with more wear and tear over the years. Fireclay holds up to all the dishes and silverware being put in your sink, so you don’t have to worry about the surface scratching.

If you’re caught choosing between fireclay or cast iron, be sure to click the following link for a better comparison. As you’ll undoubtedly see, both are a tremendous option. Both offer a timeless look. But in the modern kitchen, a fireclay sink might be the better choice.

3. Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel is a common material for many household amenities. Why? Because it offers durability and an eye-popping aesthetic. Two things rarely go hand-in-hand in home design.

Many experts say that stainless steel makes the kitchen appear more modern and futuristic, which will hold up better over the next decade or two.

A stainless steel kitchen sink can also make the entire kitchen work triangle appear unanimous. For those of you that don’t know, the kitchen work triangle is the proximity of the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove, the three most used aspects of any kitchen.

As the name would suggest, you should aim to have them form a triangle in your layout, so that you’re never too far away from any one appliance.

If your refrigerator and stove are stainless steel, then why not match them with a stainless steel kitchen sink? Food for thought!

4. Copper Sink

Maybe you want to add a little bling to your new kitchen layout. Perhaps you want to find something that’s unique and ensure none of your friends/relatives can match it. If that’s the case, then you might consider a copper sink.

But copper sinks offer more benefits than just looks. They’re antimicrobial, meaning that they kill harmful germs and bacteria themselves, thus requiring less maintenance on your end.

It’s also incredibly durable since it holds up well to the acidity found in common foods. It’s self-healing, in a way, which makes it a great choice for any kitchen!

5. Porcelain Sink

Perhaps the most common type of kitchen sink these days is a porcelain sink. It’s been that way for a long time. But why?

For starters, porcelain sinks are cost-efficient and offer a variety of styles and colors. You can easily find a design that’s unique to your kitchen, ensuring no one else can copy your idea.

It’s also incredibly low maintenance. All you need to do is scrub it every week or two, if you do, then you won’t have to worry about staining or chipping.

Invest in One of the Best Kitchen Sinks Available

Now that you have seen a list of some of the best kitchen sinks available, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Start by assessing all the plans you’ve made so far. What type of kitchen sink fits best with those features? What’s your preference?

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on kitchen remodels, as well as many other helpful topics that you will enjoy.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

When you move into a new home, there can understandably be some important changes that you want to make. In fact, before you move in, you might want to fix up some things. This will ensure everything is ready when it’s time for the big move. One of the things that you might want to do is make your new home more energy-efficient. Energy efficiency helps you to create a home that’s future-proofed and sustainable. In addition, it also helps you to save money by reducing the amount of energy that you use. But what are the changes you should make for better energy-efficiency?

Insulation

Insulating your home properly is a key solution for anyone who wants to save energy. When you insulate, it helps to keep heat in during the winter. It can also help to keep your home cool when you have your air conditioning running in the summer. Your home can be insulated in a few different ways. It’s a good idea to start with the roof, where a lot of energy can escape. Other places that could be insulated include walls, floors, and crawl spaces or basements. Try looking at natural insulation materials if you want an eco-friendly option.

Upgraded HVAC

Your heating and cooling can use up a lot of energy, but you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Firstly, you should make sure that you have efficient appliances for heating and cooling. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or some other form of energy for your heating, you might need to have it serviced or even replace it to make it more efficient. One thing to consider might be a smart thermostat. It can help you to keep track of how much energy you’re using and give you better control over the temperature in your home too.

Draft Repair

If your home is very drafty, it means that hot or cold air can get where you don’t want it to be. It makes it more difficult to keep your home cool in the hotter months and warm when it’s cold. So seeking out any areas where there may be air leaks is important. You can often feel these yourself, especially on windy days. If you hold your hand where a draft is, you can feel the air coming in. You can also use a candle to see if there’s an air leak. Plugging up gaps can fix these problems and get rid of drafts.

New Windows

Your home’s windows and doors can make a difference if you’re trying to improve energy-efficiency. When you have poor-quality windows, it means your home isn’t very well insulated. If you’re buying a new home, replacing the windows might be one of the first things that you want to do. A specialist glazing company like Renewal by Andersen can help you with window replacements to ensure better efficiency. If you live somewhere particularly cold, double-glazing or triple-glazing your windows can offer extra protection. If you don’t want to replace windows, consider at least making sure you caulk and seal them.

Solar Panels

A number of energy-efficient renewable energy products are available for your home. One of the most popular options is solar panels because they’re suitable for so many homes. You don’t necessarily have to live somewhere very sunny, although you will benefit more when you live somewhere that has more sunny days. Solar panels can go on your roof or might be suitable for other places on your property. You can use them to produce energy for your home or to heat water. They could help you be more energy-efficient and also save you money.

Spring is upon us, and that means many families and individuals are thinking about yard work and home improvement projects. There’s always lots to do if you’re a homeowner. During the pandemic, many people have more downtime than usual, and there’s no reason you can’t be productive if Covid-19 has restricted your normal social activities.

We’ll go over a few spring projects you might want to consider this year. You don’t really need to have any particular expertise to handle any of these.

You Can Do Some Garage Door Maintenance

If you have a garage, then garage door maintenance might be on your mind this spring. Now that the cold weather is dissipating, you can head out to the garage to see how well your door is operating.

Removing dirt and debris from the tracks is one easy thing you can do to ensure smooth door operation. Look in the tracks and see if you can find any dirt, leaves, or another buildup. A rag and an old toothbrush are all this project take, though you might get some soap and water to help you out as well.

You should also lubricate all the door-opening machinery. You can do so with some non-silicone lithium-based grease. You don’t want to use WD-40 since that can do more harm than good in some instances.

Clean Out the Garage or Basement

Next, you can wait for a nice day and clean out your basement, root cellar, or garage. Perhaps all three need some cleaning and rearranging.

It’s easy for piles of unwanted items to stack up in a garage, basement, or attic. You might be a bit of a hoarder, thinking that someone will want to use that broken-down bicycle or child’s crib someday.

Take a hard look at everything in your basement or wherever else you plan to clean. Ask yourself what you’re going to use in the future and what you’re okay discarding.

You can either pile it up for the trash collection, or else you can have a yard sale if you feel like you can get some quick money for any of it. Also, when you do this, you’ll free up space in your garage or basement, and then you can do something else with it, like setting up an exercise bike or a yoga mat for at-home exercise.

Clean the Gutters

You can call someone to clean your gutters professionally, but you can also do it yourself to save some money. Professional gutter cleaning can get pretty expensive, and you might want to save some cash by handling the job yourself.

Get some heavy-duty gloves and a sturdy ladder and set it up by the gutters. You’ll particularly want to clean out the ones that have trees overhead. The trees likely drop their leaves in the gutter during the fall, and they can clog your downspouts and stop them from draining water as they should.

Be sure to wear some old jeans or other clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty since this job can get messy. Also, don’t undertake this task if you have vertigo or feel nervous on ladders. Have a family member or friend stand at the bottom and hold the ladder steady for you.

Replant the Yard

You might also have a yard that’s not in the best shape when winter ends. Maybe it’s the front, or it could be the back. Perhaps both have seen better days.

If you have a dog, or more than one, they might dig up the yard or do their business back there. There’s no way around that, but if you want your yard to look green and lush again by the summer, you need to reseed it every spring.

You can get grass seed at a Home Depot and sprinkle it wherever you see bare patches. Make sure to get the right kind of grass seed since there are different ones. You’ll probably want a particular one depending on whether your yard gets a lot of sun or whether overhanging trees don’t allow much sunlight to get through.

Water the grass seed as the directions indicate and watch as the new blades start to sprout. Before too long, your grass should look uniformly full and thick again.

Now, both inside and outside, your house will look springtime ready. When you have company over, you will impress them, and when you decide to sell, you can get top market value.

Photo by todd kent on Unsplash

Having your roof in bad condition decreases your home’s resale value. Finding the right roofing company nearby will help you avoid this problem altogether.

Doing DIY roof installation is extremely difficult. It’s better to have roofing professionals take care of the job instead.

Your roof is all that stands between your living space and the elements. Getting good results requires you to do your homework and exercise good judgment.

Keep reading to learn how to find the best local roofing contractor.

Experience

The best roofing companies have plenty of experience to back up their claims, especially for providers of commercial roofing services who understand the importance of a sturdy and well-maintained roof. Most roofing contractors acquire their skills through 3-year apprenticeships.

Always check how old a particular roofing company is before initiating any contact. It’s a good sign if a company has been around long enough to establish itself as a local authority. However, please know that new companies are still capable of doing good work.

Old or new, always make sure the roofing company you’re considering has the following:

License and Insurance

Roofing contractors must be locally licensed to provide roofing services. The only exception to this rule applies to areas that don’t require roofing contractors to hold licenses.

Either way, always opt for the roofing contractor with the license. You’re guaranteed to get the best roofing possible that way.

Insurance protects both you and the workers in case one of them gets injured on the job. Otherwise, you’re highly likely to be on the hook for any charges incurred from such accidents or injuries.

Specialty

Roofing contractors tend to specialize in different aspects of roofing. That’s why it’s important to separate companies based on their respective specialties.

For instance, some companies only do residential roofing. Meanwhile, there are also companies that do residential and commercial roofing alike. Identifying your roofing needs will help you decide what type of roofer works best.

Better yet, this skilled roofing contractor in Effingham, Illinois specializes in installing flat, low-slope, metal roof systems. They also install both residential and commercial roofs. Learn more about this expert contractor through the previous link.

Reviews

A high-quality roof installer has good reviews to back up their good work. Always read a roofing contractor’s online reviews before signing any paperwork with them.

Businesses usually need to have around 40 online reviews up before consumers start believing their average star ratings. The more reviews a company has, the more you’ll be able to learn about their services.

If you spot multiple reviews that say the same thing, good or bad, you’ve noticed a pattern. Patterns like these tell you what kind of service to expect from a roofer.

Budget

Roofing companies offer different prices depending on the extent/quality of the work and materials involved. A credible company is always willing to provide you with a written estimate to guide your decision.

Determine your budget beforehand, then explore your options.

Your Local Roofing Company Loves You

Keep in mind that certain types of roofing cost more than others. That’s why a roofing company charges radically different prices for asphalt shingles vs. slate roofing.

If installed properly, your roof could last for the rest of your life. Lasting results start with finding a reputable roofer.

Upgrade your living situation—check out our homes. It’s the quickest way to improve your quality of life.

Did you know home sales were up 22% from December 2019?

Based on these numbers, it’s no secret home sales are booming. However, do you have a lot of time to wait for your home to sell? If you’re wondering how you can sell your home fast, you came to the right place.

Read on to learn if you should work with a fast home sale company.

Who Can Benefit from a Fast Home sale?

Although many homeowners expect to sell their homes fast, some homes take longer to sell. The average home spends about 56 days on the market. While some people can afford to wait for their homes to sell, other sellers need the sale of their homes to happen fast.

Do You Want to Sell Your Home As-Is?

Some potential buyers often ask the sellers to make repairs to a home. If you don’t want to spend the time or money making repairs to your home, you will benefit from working with a fast home sale company.

Fast home sales can take the pressure from homeowners when they can’t afford to make repairs.

Are You Worried About the Stress?

The process of buying or selling a home is quite stressful for both parties. The longer the house is on the market, the more stress it can cause for those involved.

Working with a company that will help you sell your home fast will also cut down your stress time.

You’re Not Ready for All the Showings?

When you sell through a real estate agent, you can expect them to set up showings and open houses. If you’re wondering how can I sell my house fast and avoid showings, then you should work with a fast home sale company.

How Can I Sell My Home For Cash?

Once you know you’re ready to sell your home fast, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. You want to make it as easy as possible if you want to sell your home fast.

Pricing the Home Correctly

Pricing plays a big role when it comes to selling your home fast. If you want to put the odds in your favor, you must sell your home at the right price.

Selling above market price means your house might take longer to sell.

Spruce Up Your Home

Even if you don’t make large improvements to your home, such as replacing the roof, this doesn’t mean you cannot make your home more desirable.

There are plenty of things that don’t cost a lot of money and can spruce up your home. You can start by painting the walls, cleaning the carpet, changing up a few appliances, take care of the curb appeal.

Are You Ready to Work With a Fast Home Sale Company?

Now that you know if you should work with a fast home sale company, you’re ready to sell your home fast.

When you’re considering selling your home fast, you don’t want to make substantial repairs, you want to avoid the stress, and you don’t want to deal with many showings.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to read more, check out the rest of our blog.

Are you a first-time homebuyer that’s looking for their first mortgage? Do you have an interest in buying a home, but unsure of where to start? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about what to expect with your first mortgages.

Doing so can help you understand the process and the obstacles that you might face. You can use these first-time home buying tips to prepare yourself. As they always say, the first step is the hardest one to take!

See below for a list of tips that you can use to enhance your first experience looking for a mortgage, as well as what to expect.

You Should Be Saving More Than You’d Think

Everyone thinks they have a basic understanding of how the home buying process works. Most first-time homebuyers expect to place a down payment on a home, then the mortgage will cover the rest.

Many first-time interested buyers believe that a first-time home buyer loan will save them from the old-fashioned “place 10-percent down” model of years past. They’ve seen that a first-time home buyer lender will allow a down payment of as little as 3-percent.

Make no mistake about it, however. That 3-percent can still be a good chunk of change. A 3-percent down payment on a $250,000 is still $7,500. That can be a large hurdle for most first-timers to save.

The upfront costs don’t end there, either. You also have to think about closing costs and moving expenses as well. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, closing costs are the expenses (costs) that you need to finalize the mortgage you receive.

Experts say to plan for a mortgage that’s 5-percent of the loan amount. So let’s say you’re looking for a $242,500 loan to go with your previously-mentioned $7,500 down payment. Five percent of $242,500 is $12,125.

So in reality, you don’t just need to save $7,500 for the down payment. You need to save around $19,625 to cover the down payment and closing costs combined.

There are some scenarios in which a seller will cover the closing costs, but you shouldn’t anticipate that. Especially not if the real estate market is leaning towards the seller.

Learn About the Technical Terms

Most first-time homebuyers get lost in a sea of real estate jargon when they first start to look at homes. That’s why we recommend that people spend the first few months dream shopping and familiarizing themselves with real estate terminology.

Doing so can make the entire process seem less intimidating. Once you know the terms and how they apply to your situation, your goals as a first-time buyer will become more clear. It can also help you find the right real estate agent to hire.

Here are just a few of the technical real estate terms that you should know:

• Closing– The last step in buying your new home. After the offer is accepted, the transferring of the property begins. This includes being able to start moving in and renovating as you see fit.
• Equity– The portion of the property that you own. You gain more ownership of the property as you pay off your mortgage. You should also understand how equity release interest rates work. Find out more here.
• Home Inspection– Involves hiring a certified home inspector to do a non-invasive inspection of the property you’re considering buying. It ensures that no glaring repairs or replacements are awaiting you. Don’t ever buy a home without hiring a home inspection first.
• Offer– The initial offer that you make to the seller of a property. This is where a real estate agent is of vital importance. Based on several factors, they’ll help you make the right offer, rather than going too high or too low on your initial bid.
• Title Search– A thorough analysis of the property’s previous ownership history. This examination ensures that the person selling the home to you is the rightful owner. Otherwise, there could be property liens that come back to haunt you later.

Your Credit Score Plays an Important Role

As you can imagine, any mortgage lender you reach out to is going to perform some due diligence on your situation. They want to make sure that you have the ability to pay them back for the mortgage they give you.

Fair or unfair, your credit score is going to have an important role in that. Actuaries have determined that a person’s credit score has a direct correlation to the risk (or lack thereof) of giving them a mortgage.

That said, it isn’t as strenuous as you might think. As long as you have a good credit score (or better), mortgage lenders will see you as a good fit and give you desirable rates as a result.

However, there might be a need for you to build up credit first. You can do that by paying your bills on time or getting a credit card and paying it off quickly (on small things like gas, groceries, etc.).

Take the time to discuss your homebuying goals with a home loan lender. They’ll ask you several questions to help you understand the entire mortgage process better.

Use These Tips When Searching for First Mortgages

Now that you have seen several things to expect when searching for first mortgages for the first time, be sure to use them to your advantage.

Remember, you want to make sure it makes sense. Don’t rush into anything if the time isn’t right. It’s better to save a little longer then buy, rather than buying now and putting yourself in a pit.

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on home buying, as well as many other helpful topics you will enjoy.

Condos and apartments are not the same things! Do not get it twisted, a condo is larger and has an exclusive condo community. It’s more open to the regulations so landlords can make their condo complexes more attractive. Apartments are for everyone and anyone, while condos are slightly higher up in the price range. Therefore they always seem to attract more affluent customers who wish to have more space and access to other amenities that apartments do not provide. Usually, there will be a shared pool, jacuzzi, and other things such as a game room in the middle of the complex. But what should you expect from a luxury condo as these are already a given?

Proximity of services

Without a doubt, one of the things that will make a condo worth its weight in salt, is the proximity to different amenities outside of the complex. For example, being close to a business district or perhaps a government building if you work in the public sector, is really advantageous. Being close to good public transport, i.e. a hallmark of any inner city is also nice to have. Other things such as cinemas, shopping malls, theaters, clubs, and bars are yet more things you would want to be close to. As ever, this will add to the price but it should really be something that the agent explicitly makes known.

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A good view

You pay all this money and you should not expect to be looking at another high-rise building right outside the window. A good luxurious condo will have an amazing view. It all depends on where it is located and where it is built at that location. For example, the Riverside Condo options come with a breath-taking view of Bangkok. The heart and soul of Thailand look splendid during the night when all the buildings are lit up. You can see the skyline of the city like no one else. On top of this, you are close to the main road, so you have a view of all the major traffic in the city. The pretty, moving lights are like something out of a movie. You want this for a luxury high-end condo.

Contemporary decor

Perhaps the most prominent feature about condos is, you don’t usually have to bring your own furniture along when you move in. A luxurious condo must come with the best contemporary decor you see in interior design magazines. It has to be chic and practical, so you also have features like a drink cabinet, display cabinet, and other items like bookcases and pendant lighting. The kitchen must also be truly modern, with apps for almost every appliance that can have one. Automated thermostats and microwaves could be something you could demand from a luxurious condo. A great area rug and possibly hardwood flooring is also high up on the list.

A luxury condo is only below a penthouse. It’s an amazing type of property, with lots to offer you both in terms of leisure and professional capacity. Just remember that all of these things should be present when you have your viewing.

Are you thinking of buying an investment property? Have you always wanted to buy and sell houses or even build up a portfolio of rental properties, but you’re not sure how it’ll work? We can help you.

Purchasing an investment property can be a great idea for several reasons. But when it comes to actually get it started, you’ll find that you need to be able to approach it in the right way. One of the biggest parts of that is knowing exactly how you need to work with. Because it can be hard to know where to start.

If you know that you’d like to make a purchase soon or you’re considering it, you’ll find that these five companies or types of people will be who you will want to source and work with.

A Real Estate Agent

For starters, there’s your real estate agent. From here, you’ll want to think about getting an agent that you trust to help you procure the right property or land. It’s important to find someone that you think is on your side and that will have the right fees.

Attorneys

Next, you’ll want to make sure that you can find a real estate attorney that you trust too. It’s easy to think that you won’t need one or that you can just use any. But really, you need to really trust them and find someone that can get everything all signed off and completed for you as soon as possible.

Contractors

From here, you may also want to think about hiring a contractor. If the property you’re purchasing needs some work, it’s going to be a good idea to hire a professional to get to that. If you’re extending or making drastic changes, you’ll want it done properly. Having a good contractor in your book of contacts can only ever be a good thing.

Architects

It may even be the case that you want to be able to hire some architects to work on your property too. When it comes to the idea of actually building your dream house or building a property to work on, you’ll find that you may need someone to help you with the plans. Even if you have ideas of what you want to create, you are going to need to get things drawn up properly to have them signed off.

A Decorator

Finally, you may want to think about working with a decorator. When it comes to creating a property that will be used to make money – it needs to look good. If you want to be able to sell it and get the top value, it’s important to get it looking as high-end as you can. Working with an interior designer is a great way to create a high spec property and ensure the property is worth as much as possible.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of work to get your investment property off the ground – but you do need the right people. Working with these five will help you.

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