SkyFive Properties Blog

Asbestos is a common problem often found in older homes and can be a health hazard to residents who spend time in affected buildings. Homes built earlier than 1980 need to be tested to determine if asbestos is present in the attic insulation, floor tiles, cement, pipes, or walls. This is why it is essential to have a building inspection completed when purchasing a property. If tests show asbestos is present in the building, there are a few important steps to take to remedy the issue and create a safer setting.

Signs You Might Have Asbestos

There are a few signs to look for if your home is at least 30 years old, and you assume asbestos may be lurking in some of the building materials. Residents in the home may experience some health issues and side effects that include shortness of breath, a loss of appetite, and even weight loss. Children and adults may also develop chest tightness or pain and a persistent, dry cough that continues for several months. Over time, you may notice your fingernails or toenails become wider and rounder than usual and develop an unusual shape. There may also be weakness and pain in the lower part of the body that develops over time.

How is Asbestos Removed?

Although regulations have made it easier to reduce the risk of asbestos, many homes have it present. A professional company should handle asbestos removal because it’s incredibly harmful and requires professional training and experience to handle the materials. Because there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure, it’s best to leave it to professionals who have the right equipment and protective gear to avoid contact with the toxic chemical.

Safe asbestos removal includes encapsulation or abatement, depending on the severity of the condition. If encapsulation occurs, a professional company will apply a sealant that prevents any of the fibers from floating in the air. If asbestos fibers float in the air, they can easily be breathed in when spending time in the environment. Some of the materials may need removal entirely if the damage is extensive.

It’s essential to start the process by turning off the HVAC system to limit and prevent asbestos fibers’ circulation. Use plastic sheeting to seal off the area where you’re working. Wet clean-up tools will also be effective in cleaning up the workspace. You can also use vacuums with HEPA filters to make it a more efficient clean-up process. Use airtight containers to discard all extracted materials from the building.

Once you remove the materials that contain asbestos, professionals will transport everything to a landfill that accepts the items. Each state and region differs in its laws and protocols for proper disposal. Professionals can recycle asbestos by heating the materials, which makes the fibers turn into inert silicate glass. Avoid discarding the materials illegally, which can lead to jail time and fines.

Why You Should Leave it to Professionals

Protecting your health is one of the main reasons to hire a professional company to perform safe asbestos removal. The qualified professionals will perform asbestos testing, which adds to the asbestos removal cost. They’ll also know the right plan of action to take after reviewing the environment and determining what areas need attention.

Hiring a professional can help you to avoid mistakes throughout the process, which can be costly to remedy. There may also be certain spots that you miss, which can continue to put your family’s health at risk if asbestos is still present in some areas. Look for a company that has a license with the state and specific certifications. They should also be capable of providing you with a laboratory report for air sampling results. A professional company can also perform the work quicker than if you attempt to remove the materials yourself. Their level of experience and expertise can make it a more efficient process to ensure you can return to the property sooner.

Knowing the proper steps to take if your home has asbestos can offer peace of mind and protect your family’s health. You can improve the building’s quality and even increase its value by removing the asbestos with a professional company’s help.

Air conditioner units are very important in houses, especially, during summer. They help keep the indoor temperatures at a conducive level.

They also help with the circulation of air which is a very important phenomenon in ensuring good health. Living in a house without proper ventilation to facilitate air circulation can cause various respiratory diseases among other health disorders.

Depending on the features of the unit, some can be very expensive. Thus it is important to keep them in good condition to prevent serious damages that might lead to you having to buy another one.

Doing repairs when needed is one way to do so. You can visit ultimateaire.com of Ridgewood to get more information about AC repairs. With that said, here are more details on the topic.

What is the importance?

Aside from the immediate benefit of getting your AC working again to lower the temperature, repairs have a lot of other advantages as well. This includes:

• Prevention of fires

There have been a lot of cases of destroyed houses as a result of fires caused by the devices. This happens mainly due to electrical failures when the unit malfunctions. Therefore, it is important that any issue be addressed promptly so that it doesn’t cause further damages.

• Promoting good health

Your body requires an adequate supply of fresh air for good health. This can at times be a bit tricky to ensure when you are indoors, particularly, where the number of windows and such ventilation is inadequate. A working air conditioner promotes the flow of air in and out of the house hence providing enough supply.

• It is economical

A malfunctioning system results in a loss of energy. Fixing the problem increases its efficiency and so makes it economical. See this link to know how you can maintain your AC https://todayshomeowner.com/five-easy-air-conditioner-maintenance-tips/

How do you choose the right company or contractor?

For the job to get done properly you have to hire the right person for the job. Here are some tips to help you do so.

• Only hire professionals

Nowadays, there are many people who claim to have the technical know-how required to do the job. Some of them only have superficial skills acquired from playing around with electrical systems at home.

Trusting such people with your AC is highly discouraged. They will be putting your life at risk and also won’t be able to fully address the issue at hand. For good results, you have to make sure that the technician has the necessary training and is qualified to do the work.

They should possess an array of skills that will enable them to get to the root cause of the problem and provide the best solution. Ask to see their certifications to be sure that they are indeed well-trained and qualified.

• Check their license

The fact that there are many people in this line of work makes it susceptible to malice. For example, some people might be masquerading as legitimate technicians just to get access to your household and rob you.

It is, therefore, very important that you be sure of the legitimacy before you hire them. Ask them to show you their license and other relevant paperwork. Those who hesitate to show them to you probably have ill intentions.

Also, be careful not to be deceived with forged papers. Do an online check to see if the information they are giving matches what’s online.

• Consider their reputation

A good company should have a good reputation. This comes from how well they are able to serve their customers and satisfy their needs. It guarantees you good quality of work done that you can rely on.

It also shows that they have been operational for a long time and have gained the necessary insights to enable them tackle the job in an effective manner. You should note that hiring a newly created company can go either way.

They might still be in the trial stage and might not be able to provide you with the assistance that you require. On the other hand, they might be having up-to-date policies, technologies and equipment that are well-suited for handling modern-day tasks.

• Ask them about their insurance cover

Whether you intend to acquire the services of a company or an independent contractor you should first make sure that they have an insurance cover.

If an accident happens while they are working at your place it absolves you of all the liability as far as compensation is concerned. Working with AC units can be quite risky considering that it is an electrical system.

Thus it is important that the person has a full insurance cover. They should also adhere to all the safety guidelines. For example, it should be turned off while working on it.

• Go for those who offer maintenance services

As mentioned before, proper maintenance is of the essence to ensure that the AC continues to operate well. It will save you from having to perform repairs from time to time.

For this reason, it is important that you hire those who will not only do repairs but will also conduct maintenance tasks regularly.

This involves cleaning the coils, air duct, and changing the filter among other things. Click here to see a few maintenance tips you could.

Conclusion

Just like other appliances, AC units experience issues that require fixing by skilled technicians. For the job to be done properly you need to hire the right expert. They should also be willing to provide maintenance services so as to keep the cooling system in a good condition and minimize the need for repairs. Other than that, make sure that they are licensed to operate and are doing so in adherence to the set rules and regulations. Use the tips above to help you make the right choice.

Extending a property can have its challenges. It’s not something that everyone prefers to do when it comes to the home. There are a lot of factors and often legal hoops to jump through in order to achieve what you want.

However, if it’s done correctly, it can add real value to your home. With that being said, here are four tips for extending your property.

Draft Up A Detailed Budget

Firstly, you’ll need a budget. This is important so that you don’t overspend, leaving yourself in debt. A lot of that can happen when it comes to doing an extension so it’s important to be detailed. Think about how you want to lay out your budget so that it’s easily managed.

There are plenty of ways to do it but the main thing is to estimate correctly. From the different materials, supplies, and labor costs, estimate at the top end. This is good to do because that way you won’t be shocked at prices when they’re given to you.

A detailed budget is one that will help keep you in line when it comes to spending your cash. Remember, the more money you spend and potentially waste, the more it eats into profit.

Choose Your Contractors Wisely

Your contractors are an important element of the build. They will be responsible for bringing your vision to life. There are plenty of reputable ones out there but there are also not-so-good ones too. Whether you’re looking for an excavation contractor or someone to do the plumbing, shop around.

Make sure you’re looking for reputable companies and individuals. It’s not always about the price either. There can be those that are expensive but still be worse than the cheaper option.

Scope out the best, ask for recommendations and trust your gut. If it’s not the right one, then find someone else to do it.

Set Out A Timeline

A timeline is good to have because there will often be challenges that come your way. Extensions can take time but it’s good to have a timeline to give to the contractors. Not that they’ll slack but they may need some gentle pushes at times. It’s good to have a timeline for you and your household to work by. That way, you’ve got everything you need to know when it comes to what’s arriving when, etc.

The more prepared you can be, the better.

Expect Delays

There will always be delays whenever it comes to building work. Whether it’s weather-related, a problem that’s arisen, or delays to supplies, it’s worth knowing. This can be something that’s incorporated into your timeline. Try to have patience but know when to push your contractors along. After all, you don’t want to be taken for a ride when you’re spending a lot of money.
Extending a property is a great way to add space and value. It’s not available to every property but if you have the land, it’s worth doing. Use these tips to make the right choices for your extension.

Photo by Skylar Kang from Pexels

A kitchen remodel requires strict attention to detail. It can be difficult to determine what to prioritize when you’re revamping your cooking space. We’ve created a guide to the 7 most important changes to make in a contemporary kitchen. No matter your personal style, there are several upgrades that are essential for any home. From aesthetic value to practicality, these should be at the top of your list.

Sleek Countertops

Implement the top trends for kitchen surfaces by replacing your current countertops. For a minimalist interior, go with something sleek and chic like trendy quartz. If you’re looking for something more dramatic, consider a dark, moody marbled look. Pair your new kitchen countertops with a vibrant piece of kitchen wall art.

Trendy Hardware

Hardware trends go in and out of style, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest styles. While chrome and nickel were all the rage over the last few years, designers are leaning towards warmer-toned metals. Experiment with knobs and pulls in shades like gold, bronze, and copper.  Warm metallic details are a great way to create a cozy feel in an otherwise cool space.

Tiled Floor

The go-to for kitchen flooring has always been tile. This is due to its durability, versatility, and water resistance. Choose a high-quality, porcelain tile for optimal longevity. Feel free to play with different colors and patterns, as tiles come in a variety of striking selections. You can also choose between a rectangular subway tile, a large contemporary square, or an eclectic mix of different cuts and sizes.

Low-Profile Cabinets

Ornate cabinets are out and plain, low profile cabinets are in. You want your cabinets to blend into your space rather than be the focus of the room. The hardware and modern countertops should be the eye-catching elements within your kitchen. The more subtle your kitchen cabinets, the better. Let the important details shine, and don’t fully focus on elaborate cabinets.

Modern Sink

While farmhouse-style sinks have risen to popularity over the last five years, a new type of kitchen sink is taking center stage. Although the farmhouse sink is still a stylish statement piece, under-mounted sinks are all the rage. These sinks blend right into the countertop, and they look sleek and sophisticated. Remember, the deeper the sink, the better!

New Appliances

It may be tempting to keep your old appliances, but a new refrigerator or stovetop can go a long way. In addition to completing the look of your contemporary kitchen, there are plenty of energy-efficient options on the market. Go for a brushed metal finish rather than shiny chrome for a truly modern look. Make sure to research reviews on appliances and prioritize longevity over affordability if it is financially plausible.

Bold Backsplash

Add a touch of creativity to your kitchen with a funky backsplash. While the rest of your kitchen may look contemporary and cohesive, your backsplash is an excellent opportunity to have some fun with your décor! Explore different tiled patterns that incorporate a splash of originality. This is a great way to make your kitchen stand out among the rest. While your backsplash doesn’t have to be loud, it should exemplify your personal style.

Culinary Chic

Whether you’re gutting your kitchen or just doing a few cosmetic upgrades, it’s important to plan you’re remodeling accordingly.  Give your space a brand-new look with these 7 tips for a successful kitchen renovation. Pick your perfect tiles, hang a piece of wall art, and make sure your appliances are top-notch. A remodeled kitchen can instantly elevate the look of your entire home.

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Luxury – the word itself evokes a sensuality, a sense of calm relaxation, a hint of enjoyment. It is the word used to denote items of intrinsic value, or perennial worth, of something that is both achievement and reward. To that end, luxury can come in many forms.

It’s in the high-quality farm-to-table food you make a habit of experiencing. It’s in the expert design of a masterfully crafted watch. It’s in the smooth driving experience offered by renowned manufacturers with a colorful history. And, on top of all that, it’s in the living situation we most seek.

Perhaps one of the crowning rewards anyone can aim for is a luxury property. The idea of retiring or relaxing in one of these beautiful and sought-after assets can be exciting in itself. For that reason, it’s important to get things right.

One misconception regarding luxury is that the person who can engage in it freely needn’t care about value-for-money. But really, while you can have your indulgences, it’s worth researching any property you hope to acquire.

Here are 9 things to consider when investing in luxury property:

Your Social Experience

Whenever we select a property, we are also selecting the community around it. Like it or not, you will likely interact with them at some point – unless you make a concerted effort not to. Considering the square meterage of your land, the property borders and how you secure them, and just how remote they are from your land is also important.

But it depends on your outlook. Some look for intense and interesting social experiences. Some do not. What matters is how you wish to experience the social scene of your local area.

Is there a thriving community? Is there a gated community? Is the environment known to be filled with those seeking residential homes, vacation homes, or perhaps are new developments coming? When you’re better able to isolate what you want, you can start to refine a location. This is because no matter how nice the home is, a location will always influence it.

For example, Exuma homes for sale will give you a fantastic middle ground. Here you can find a truly wonderful experience in the Bahamas, in a property that sees the best of cultural tourism and residential appreciation.

The Value

While you may not wish to asset flip anytime soon, the value of a property does matter. How is this liable to change over time? How has the pattern risen or fallen over the last twenty years? Are there new developments?

How are local housing authorities working to bring more tourism or residential access to the area? What is the average income bracket? These questions help you not only assess if a property is worth purchasing now but how it might inform your financial standing should you come to sell it.

There’s rarely a ‘right answer’ here. Of course, buying low and selling high is fundamental wisdom. But it might be that you care less for what you receive at the end of your residency, but how the property could be upgraded or passed down. Perhaps you’re willing to lose a little, considering the cost of those fantastic memories.

Hire A Consultant

If you have the means to invest in luxury property, you likely wish to do it right. To that end, hiring a consultant to help you organize matters can help. They might help you research said property’s history. They’ll help you acquire the best title insurance. They’ll allow you to see the widest array of properties necessary, and to do so factoring in your particular needs.

Perhaps they’ll find properties outside and above your needs by building a profile about you. They can liaise with lawyers, property owners, and insurance companies to help the process remain comfortable from start to finish. If hoping to own luxurious property – why not make the searching process luxurious in itself? To us, that will grant you a dreamlike journey.

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Many luxury vacation homes around the world are not to be found online, or if they are, they’re in gated access ‘buying clubs’ for discerning clients. If you’re simply looking for public properties, you may not be expanding your search wide enough. Many properties are hidden from public view for matters of privacy and security. To that extent, connecting with a property agent, or consulting with more than one can be a fantastic idea.

Choose A Lifestyle

At a certain bracket of price, all of your needs are taken care of, and almost all of your desires too. This is why location is so important. At a certain point, it’s not how many rooms or how much space you have – but what you intend to do with it. It’s not to say that you need to have a perfect idea of your future life to enjoy a property like this. But you do need some clue as to your tastes and interests. Your familial interests count, too.

Perhaps both you and your son are very interested in sailing. A waterfront location with smooth waters and an adequate docking space can be important. Perhaps you wish to be in closer proximity to historical culture or the art scene. To this end, selecting an inner-city penthouse or living in a listed historical building could be your best option.
Remember, there are two costs involved with selecting a luxury property – at least put in its simplest terms. The first is your capital and investment reach. The second is your time. This second consideration is even more valuable than the first because it is limited. Choosing a lifestyle can often help you choose the house, and the easier the choice for you, often the more natural it actually is.

Visit Repeatedly

Often, most luxurious properties will be marketed well. Realtors at this price range will offer crisp, realistic photographs of the property during the day and night. They will show HD video walkarounds. They may even offer virtual tours, or 360-degree panoramic photos you can view at your own leisure. But none of this can equal the need to visit. This is especially true for larger properties.

It might take you three or more visits to truly understand if this is the property for you. Due to the size of the grounds and the construction of the home, it might take you multiple hours to view it all.

On top of that, viewing the local area and potentially meeting some of your would-be neighbors is worthwhile. All of this will help you gain a better idea of your circumstances, and what to expect when moving in. A marketing brochure is great – but it can never top your presence itself.

Work With A Local Realtor

It can also be essential to work with a realtor who knows the area. This way, the insight you may not have been given access to can flourish. They might help you learn about cultural trends or relevant local news. They will help you connect to the people and the place.

They will help you understand the flow of property law and the investment process, as it can change from country to country. They can be the bridge between helping a foreign environment seem both exciting and familiar enough to enjoy. Their experience and knowledge are often worth its weight in gold.

Remain Patient

It might seem like having the backing to invest in luxury property is easy. It might be more freeing than having to be as shrewd as you once were, of course. But that doesn’t mean the process is a smooth one. Luxury properties are in high demand, and that means competition is fierce. The best you can hope for is keeping your patience tuned.

There will be a time where you are outbid for a property. It could be that despite willing to invest in one, the house inspector has flagged up several issues relating to the property lines and the validity of the deed.

Sometimes, you may find a better property, and wish to reverse the process of applying for another. The world of luxury property can both move at breakneck speed and a snail’s pace. You just have to weather whatever situation you are going through right now and surround yourself with professionals to help you through it.

Security

Security matters, especially in a luxurious home. You must always be prepared for the fact that your home may be targeted. Even if this never happens, it’s essential to remain prepared. Consider the sightlines of your property, and it’s visual privacy.

Consider the local community and if it’s been gated or not. Consider access and how you might limit it. How might you make use of the home apparatus to provide better security? Could you install your own security system, or does the listed nature of the building make that more difficult? When you ask these questions, you provide a more secure household for you and your family.

With this advice, we hope you’re better equipped in finding the luxury property of your dreams.

Buying a property is exciting. It doesn’t matter if it is your first or twenty-first, it is an investment and one to be proud of that you are making. However, while you may be focused on your “must-have” list such as how many bedrooms or if there is open plan living, there are a few things that you can forget to consider. Questions you haven’t asked or thought about. With that in mind, here are some of the things you might not have thought about when buying a property but should.

Image source – pixabay – cco license

Has there or will there be investment in the area?

One of the first things to think about would be the local area and whether there has been or will be any investment in it. This might be new houses or apartments, where investors like Paul Ognibene could be applying to build. Or maybe it could be investments in shops or retail outlets. This creates jobs as well as boosts the economy. It might be work on the road infrastructure or repairing older buildings so they have use again. The investment could boost the value of your property in the future.

Does the garden get sun?

Another thing to think about would be the summer days and if your garden gets sun. This may not even cross your mind, especially if you are buying in the winter and don’t see the location of the sun versus your garden or outside space. However, getting sun on your garden is important for those long-awaited summer days and can be a huge and appealing quality of your property. So it is definitely something to ask or work out for yourself to see if and when the sun hits your outside space.

Is there scope for adding value?

There is no doubt about it but property will always be a good investment for your money and the value of the property can increase over the years. But a question to ask yourself is whether there is any scope to add value yourself, rather than just relying on the market and inflation in living costs. You could look at whether you can extend and increase the square footage. Add living space or bedrooms. Or perhaps looking at whether you could install a new kitchen or bathroom. There are bound to be areas where you can make a difference and by doing so increasing the value. This could be an incentive to buy a property you may not have considered before, just because of the potential of selling in the future.

What is the history?

Finally, have you ever thought to ask about the history of the property? It might be worth understanding why the house is selling, whether there is any history that you need to know about such as incidents taking place there. The more you know about the property, the better idea you will have for it.

Let’s hope this helps you to have a better understanding of your next property purchase.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your property rather quickly. No matter what the extent of the damage is, there are certain steps you can and should take to ensure your home is safe. Drying out walls after water damage is one of them, along with other important measures you need to know about.

Read on to find out our five important tips for drying out a house after water damage. Hopefully, they will help you get your home back to normal in no time.

Make Sure It Is Safe

Before you begin drying out your home for real, it is important to check whether going in is safe. Water damage can make your home structurally unstable or mess with your appliances and electricity. Additionally, it can cause mold or mildew, or other hazards.

That is why you need to be completely sure it is safe to enter your property. After you check everything or get the green light from a professional, you can go in.

Drying Out Walls

After you or a water damage restoration company get all the excess water out of your home, it is time to assess the damage. Often, the ones who suffer the most when it comes to flooding are your walls. Since they are an integral part of your home, making sure you dry them quickly is quite important.

Firstly, make sure you remove any pictures hanging on your walls as well as any wallpaper. It will prevent further damage to these items and ensure your walls dry quicker.

If you want to dry out your walls by yourself, you should open up your windows and doors. Air circulation will help dry any dampness. This method can work if a burst pipe or anything similarly small caused the damage. If a full-on flood is the cause, you will need some more tips and help.

Dehumidifiers and Fans Are Your Friends

Drying out a house after water damage will be much harder after a flood or a similar catastrophe. In such cases, you will need professional help, as well as some fans and dehumidifiers.

Fans will help move the air around the room, helping dry out the dampness in your walls. Dehumidifiers will remove any moisture from the air. That will, by extension, remove it from the walls, too.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask For Help

If you find that the damage to your walls or floors is too severe, hiring a professional to help you might be a good idea. Drying out a house after standing water damage is not easy, especially if there are problems like mold to deal with as well.

A professional water damage repair company will have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to deal with it. They will also be able to fix everything quickly and prevent any further damage.

If the Damage Is Too Extensive

Sometimes, no amount of repairs can help bring things back to normal. The cost of such extensive repairs is also sometimes higher than finding a new home would be.

In cases like that, contacting a great real estate company might be your best option. Check out the Sky Five Properties blog to find tips on how to look for new homes. They will ensure your house-hunting experience is as painless and as quick as possible.

A Few Parting Words

As you have read, there are many tips and tricks you should know when it comes to water damage restoration. Drying out your walls and figuring out when to ask for professional help are only some of them. We hope our list helps you know where to start the journey. Stay safe, and good luck.

Photo by Pontus Wellgraf on Unsplash

Recently, Turkey has become the favorite spot for investors buying properties abroad. In the last few years, many cities in Turkey experienced massive developments, which made the real estate value of the country very high with lucrative opportunities.  Construction companies are thriving, aiming to build luxurious properties in beautiful locations, available at cheaper prices than other European countries. If you are one to grab the opportunity, here are things you should know before buying property in Turkey. 

What is your requirement?

While buying a property in Turkey you must specify your requirements first. You must understand what type of property you are looking for—are you want to live there or want it for investment purposes? What type of property you want to invest in should be on your priority list—is it a residential apartment, a luxurious apartment, sea-front villas, beachfront family house, or a city view penthouse? Now the most important question—which part of Turkey do you want to live in? These vital points will help you choose the right property in Turkey.

Which province is suitable for you?

Location plays a very important role while buying properties. Most of the buyers are inclined to buy property in a quaint place, close to significant areas, with ample amenities. Hence, prime locations in Istanbul are remunerative investments compared to overpriced properties in the outskirts. Prime locations in Istanbul aren’t cheap though; these are quite profitable if you are thinking of rental returns and capital growth.

Investment returns and initial capital growth

These two are critical factors that impact investors’ buying decisions on a greater level. Istanbul is one of Turkey’s viable regions for real estate; hence, a perfect city for investment. There are many properties in Turkey with opportunities for guaranteed returns. By investing in those projects, investors can resell their properties and get a higher return. But, it’s wise to invest in office spaces—you can lease out your space to multinational companies established in the city with the opportunity of higher returns.

Choosing the right agent

When you are dealing with properties abroad, you must need the right real estate agent who can understand your requirements well. Buying property in a foreign country means a change of cultures, change of lifestyles. Therefore, you need an agent who is knowledgeable about your lifestyle and communicates well to understand your preferences to provide you the best service possible.

Property purchasing fees and expenses

Before buying a property in Turkey, you must be aware of all the expenses and fees of the property buying process. There are many steps of buying property and the entire process takes 12 to 16 weeks. Buyers usually pay 7% to 10.5% of the property’s price as fees and a huge portion of it goes to the government as property tax. Apart from that, there are stamp duty and legal fees and real estate agent’s commission. You must keep in mind, though, buying a property in Turkey is cheaper than in other European countries, you can’t use foreign currency while making a property deal.

Get a residence permit

In 2013, the Turkish government passed a law that property investors can apply for residence permits and this is a great effort of the government to support foreign real estate buyers in Turkey. The best part is, it is renewable as long as the property is under the buyer’s name.

Give yourself multiple options

While buying a property you must have multiple options to choose from. You will find lucrative properties in Istanbul, the country’s financial and cultural hub, and also in Bodrum, Kusadasi, Alanya, and Burj Al Babas. Get the right real estate agent who can show you an array of properties and guide you to the best one to consider.

Negotiate your deal

You don’t have to settle for one price while buying a property in turkey. Your real estate agent will negotiate with local developers for the best deal possible. Some property developers offer a specific package that includes furniture and other utilities at one price, when, others might offer you a flexible payment method. Before negotiating keep these offers in mind and go for the one that suits you best.

Get an inspection tour

Before buying a property, take some time and conduct a thorough inspection. Know the location, the local environment, the lifestyle of that area, and other essential things before cracking the deal. Once you have chosen the project you want to invest in you should request an inspection tour and visit the location.

Reserve the property

Once you have made your buying decision, reserve the property as soon as possible. The Turkish property market is dynamic and the best deal should be taken when they are available. After the reservation is made, you can proceed with the buying process. The booking amount is deducted from the final price agreed upon. But it should be kept in mind, the reservation fee is non-refundable.

Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

On average, repairing a water heater can cost $900. But for some homeowners, a simple repair may cost as little as $100 or as much as $1,300, according to HomeAdvisor. A water heating system is essential in any modern home, as it provides instant access to hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However, many homeowners neglect their hot water tank systems, which leads to costly repairs or complete breakdown even before their lifespan ends.

Maintaining your water heater should be a top priority on the list of expert services you need in your home. Nonetheless, you can perform routine checks by yourself to keep your system running efficiently for at least ten years. Here are essential tips for water heater maintenance that will save you money on repairs and replacements.

Check The Pressure Valve

All water heating systems come fitted with a temperature and pressure relief valve that senses excess temperature and too much pressure build-up inside the hot water tank. It then opens automatically to release extra pressure. Testing the pressure valve at least once per year is an excellent way to ensure it’s working. Because if it’s not, your water heater could explode due to pressure build-up.

To test the valve, pull up the lever and let the water flow for a few seconds. Then release the lever to allow the valve to snap back into place automatically. If it doesn’t, make sure to replace it immediately.

Seek Professional Inspection Services Every Year

Although DIY routine checks are necessary to keep your heating system running, consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect your water heater at least once a year. A plumber will perform thorough inspections to pinpoint issues affecting your hot water system. After identifying potential problems, a plumbing expert will recommend the best water heater service.

Your service provider will likely advise you to repair your water heater if the damages are minor. Some common hot water tank issues include a faulty thermostat, corrosion, water leaks, cracks, foul smell from the faucet, and discolored water.  If the damage is beyond repair, they will help you with choosing a water heater to replace your existing one

Flush The Tank

As your water tank gets older, debris and sediment begin to build up. Aside from reducing the heater’s efficiency, these elements clog the lines. During routine maintenance, check if the water coming from the heater is dirty. If you notice debris, experts recommend flushing your hot water tank.

Maintaining water heaters takes a few hours and could save you a lot of money on costly repairs and replacement. Routine checks help you prolong the life expectancy of hot water tanks and increase energy efficiency.

Only about 8% of the 5.3 million homes sold in 2019 were listed for sale by owner properties. There is a good reason that number is and has always been quite low relative to the number of real estate deals each year.

The disadvantages of for sale by owner (FSBO) deals are plentiful for both the seller and the buyer. Those for the buyer, though, can be reason enough to avoid FSBO listings in your home search.

Here are 3 good reasons to avoid FSBO deals when you’re buying your new home.

1. Price

People tend to value the things they own far too highly. In psychology, the phenomenon is known as the endowment effect or ownership bias and has bad implications for real estate.

One of the first tasks a realtor does for any potential seller is to help price the home. Through comparables research and a deep understanding of market factors, an expert realtor, like those at https://alexplotkinrealestate.com/about/, can nail that perfect price point that is fair and profitable.

When a homeowner tries to price their own house for sale, they lack the experience and knowledge it takes to do it correctly. Buying a for sale by owner home can mean you end up falling victim to the endowment effect and paying too much.

Your mortgage lender will do an appraisal of any home you hope to purchase before signing off on the loan. If the price was set high enough, you might even be denied the loan and lose a chance at buying the home.

2. Scams Abound

The world is full of scam artists trying to game the system to make an easy buck. It has become big business. Phone scams alone brought in nearly $20 billion in 2020.

It’s no surprise, then, that scammers have found their way into real estate. Often these scams involve false buyers, but there are plenty of false seller scams, as well.

If you have found a home that looks too good to be true and that seller refuses to work with a real estate agent, that should trigger a red flag. While there are plenty of well-intentioned FSBO sellers out there, you never know if yours is one of them.

The easy way to avoid an FSBO scam is to avoid FSBO homes or unlisted houses for sale in the first place.

3. Point of Contact

Real estate deals are tricky. There is a lot of paperwork, both legal and financial, and all of it comes with fine print. Third-party lenders, inspectors, and title attorneys will be involved along the way, as well. Any one of these people or any stage in a sale can derail the entire process.

When things don’t go exactly according to plan in your deal, you will have to work with the seller to reset the course. If that seller is the homeowner rather than a real estate professional, it can get hairy.

That homeowner likely doesn’t understand the ins and outs of the deal like an agent would. That lack of knowledge and experience means they may not be prepared to solve problems as they arise. When problems persist, deals are drawn out or fall apart altogether.

When agents are involved, many of those issues are avoided or solved without you even knowing about them.

For Sale By Owner Properties Aren’t All Bad

If you have found the perfect home and it happens to be one of the for sale by owner properties in your area, that doesn’t mean you can’t buy. Just make sure you find a real estate agent with experience with FSBO deals to help make the process as smooth as possible.

For more real estate news and advice, browse our blog now.