Category Archives: Kaya Wittenburg

How to Sell an Unsellable House: 5 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

In this current climate, having a house that won’t sell on the market can have disastrous consequences for you financially. You must do all you can to make your house look attractive to potential buyers.

In this article, we will take you through and explain the 5 tips every homeowner should know about selling an unsellable house.

So stop with the unnecessary stress and read on to find out more! 

1. Clean up Your Interiors and Design 

The first impressions of a house can be so important to potential buyers. If your house isn’t selling, it’s time to take a hard look at your home design and make some changes. 

A lot of homes will have unnecessary clutter, making a house look smaller and unappealing. Get rid of any stuff that is making your home look messy or place it into storage.

Outdated furniture styles will also make a home appear dated. If you can recycle or upcycle these, it will stand your home in a better position to be sold.

2. Reassess the Listing Price 

One of the main reasons your house might not be selling is that it is an unrealistic asking price for the area you are in or the property you have. Take a look at some other similar properties in your area and see what they were sold for. 

It may be that you have to lower your price a little to get serious interest. By lowering the price you are much more likely to get interest from cash home buyers, which can make the process a lot easier when it comes to finalizing the sale. 

3. Update Your Listing Photos 

Another reason why your house might not be selling is that some buyers might not be connecting with your listing photos. The photos of your property need to showcase your house in the best possible way and attract buyers to come and view the property. 

Using a professional service may be the best option for you, but if you are doing it yourself, make sure to photograph it with plenty of natural lighting and flattering angles.

4. Advertise on Social Media 

A lot of people nowadays use social media to search for all sorts of things, including buying houses. Use your social media pages to advertise that you are selling your home and encourage your friends and family to share the listing.

Through social circles and friends of friends, you might just find the perfect buyer for your home!

5. Tidy up Your Garden or Patio 

If you have a property with a garden or patio, this can be a major selling point for any home. Make sure that it is properly maintained and manicured so that it’s in the best condition it can be. 

If you aren’t naturally blessed with green fingers, buy a few low maintenance potted plants or shrubs to jazz up your outdoor area. It will make it appealing and attractive to potential buyers!

Selling an Unsellable House: Where Can I Find Out More?

We hope this article on the 5 top tips on how to sell an unsellable house has given you plenty to think about!

Don’t despair if your house isn’t selling, by making a few simple tweaks you will be packing up those moving boxes in no time!

If you enjoyed this article on homes, why not take a look at our other content and blog posts?

What’s the Proper Way to Display a US Flag? 5 Helpful Tips

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, social distance and isolation have become a regular part of our American lives. Now more than ever, it’s important to remember that we don’t stand alone.

Seeing the stars and stripes waving in the breeze reminds us that, even while distant, we’re all united. In this guide, we’ll teach you the proper way to display a US flag so you, too, can help keep this unity alive.

This guide gives you 5 helpful tips about flag display etiquette so you can fly our nation’s colors with dignity and grace. Follow these 5 steps when hanging an American flag.

1. Proper Way to Display a US Flag

The generally accepted/most common way to display an American flag is from a pole on the front of your home. The pole should be inclined at a 45-degree angle, but a horizontal pole is fine, too.

Your US flag should have designated holes for the rope of the flagpole to go through. In any case, the flag and flagpole must be securely fastened. It would be disgraceful for this symbol of our nation to come loose and be blown around on the ground like litter in the wind.

Therefore, always be careful to follow the flagpole kit instructions that come with the flagpole.

2. Get a Reliable Flagpole

To add to that last point, avoid amateurish attempts at making your own flagpole. And beware of bargain-quality flagpoles. Read user reviews before you purchase and buy reliable products from a reliable brand.

Honoring the flag is a serious duty. You must be sure your flag will remain in place with the flagpole setup you choose.

3. Taking Down/Transporting Your Flag

To keep your outdoor flag in good condition, pay attention to local weather reports. Hard rain, snow, hail, or wind can damage/fray your flag. If such weather is on the way, take your flag down.

Do not let your flag touch the ground when taking it down, transporting it, or storing it. Fold it properly for storage and keep it protected in a sealed bag or bin if you can.

4. Retiring Your Flag

To help Americans respect the flag, an official US Flag Code is written into the laws of our nation. These are the official guidelines on how to respect the US flag, including when to retire it. To summarize, it says that any flag that has touched the floor or is damaged, torn, stained, or generally in bad condition should be retired.

Do not throw it away. To “retire” the flag means to destroy it respectfully. The commonly accepted way is to burn it.

5. Half Staff Etiquette

Another official rule of flag care is hanging your flag at half-mast when ordered. You can find out when, and for how long, to hang your flag at half staff by visiting HalfStalf.org. If you display your flag every day, you must check this site every day as well.

Display Your US Flag With Honor

Fly your star-spangled banner with the respect it deserves. Follow these tips on the proper way to display a US flag.

Want some more tips? We can teach you how to take care of your roof and give you advice on entertaining guests. Check out these topics and more on our blog.

 

What Is the Value of My Home, and How Do I Increase It?

A house is the largest purchase most people make in a lifetime. You feel comfortable borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the purchase of a home because you know it’s value will appreciate.

But how much should your home increase in value and by when? If you’re asking yourself ‘what is the value of my home,’ take a look at this overview on how to predict your home’s value and increase it.

What is the Value of My Home? 

Knowing the value of your home puts you in a position of power when it comes to things like refinancing and selling. But the value isn’t a fixed number.

Each year, your home appreciates or goes up in value by a certain percentage. The average home appreciation rate is around 3 percent per year.

This percentage might be a lot higher or a lot lower depending on your housing market. The average takes into account both poor markets and really successful real estate markets. 

Real Estate Comps

One of the best ways to estimate the value of your home is by using real estate comps. A comp is a recently sold home in your neighborhood that’s similar in size, condition, and features.

Use nearby comps to predict the current value of your home. In a seller’s market, you might be able to get more than recent comps because inventory is low.

Supply and demand is a major factor when it comes to how much buyers are willing to pay for a home. When housing is scarce, they’ll be more likely to pay more than comp prices for a home. 

Increasing the Value of Your Home

There isn’t much you can do to influence the sales price of your neighbor’s home. But you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers by adding certain features to its design.

Here are a few home improvement tips to increase its value.

Stainless Steel

Buyers love the sleek feel of stainless steel. Ditch the colored appliances for this simple upgrade idea that requires little to no remodeling. Use heavy duty caster wheels under a movable kitchen island to create easily mobility around the room. 

Repaint the Walls

It might sound overly simple, but a fresh coat of paint on the walls can brighten the look of an entire room. If you’re working within tight budget constraints, repaint one room at a time in a neutral color.

Upgrade Your Yard

Yes, curb appeal counts. A buyer’s first impression of your home might be a lasting one. 

Hire someone to remove weeds and shape up the hedges on your property. Look for opportunities to plant colorful flowers or plants near your front door. 

How Much Can I Increase the Value of My Home?

What is the value of my home? The answer to this question bears no simple answer.

Even using comps, your realtor might have additional suggestions to bring your property up to par when preparing to sell. Consult with an agent to learn the options to increase the value of your home based on what buyers want in your market. 

For more information and real estate tips, visit our blog for updates. 

How Often Should a Sewer Line Be Unclogged? Your Complete Guide

A broken sewer line can cost as much as a new car to repair.

That’s right, failing to treat unclogged sewer lines could leave you paying thousands upon thousands of dollars. To avoid having to pay for the repair, it’s important to have the line looked at and cleaned regularly.

So, how often should you have your sewer lines unclogged? Keep reading to learn more!

How Often You Should Have Sewer Lines Unclogged

When sewer lines get backed up, it’s a messy, and often expensive problem to fix.

To avoid the clean up that comes with backed up sewer lines, it’s important to unclog the clogged drain regularly. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have the sewer lines unclogged every 1 /12-2 years. Here are some signs it’s time to think about having a sewer cleaning:

  • Water is pooling around the flood drain in your basement
  • You can smell odors coming from your sewer
  • You notice sewage backed up in your toilet, drain, or bathtub
  • Gurgling sounds can be heard from your pipes
  • You find yourself unclogging drains often
  • Water that backs up into the shower when you’re using the washing machine

If you notice these signs between cleanings, it’s best to have a professional look at the sewer lines to make sure they don’t need to be unclogged again. If they do need to be unclogged already, your plumber can take care of that quickly.

How Much Does Sewer Cleaning Cost?

When you compare the cost of replacing a sewer line and cleaning up the mess from it, unclogging the line regularly is much less expensive.

Having a professional fix a drain clog as well as clean the line is around $300. Depending on what tools will be used and how long the process takes, your plumber may charge more or less.

Having to completely replace a sewer line can cost as little as around $3,000 or as much as $30,000! Even on the low end, replacing the sewer line is much more expensive than having it cleaned.

Staying On Top of Unclogging Sewer Lines

Many homeowners forget about sewer lines because they’re not easily visible.

This mistake leaves many homeowners with a costly project. If we wait until we notice a problem to fix it when it comes to sewer lines, by the time you get to it you may be too late. 

Additionally, it’s important to avoid habits that may clog your sewer lines quicker. Always avoid pouring your grease into any plumbing components. When the grease solidifies, it will leave your pipes clogged.

Also, keep an eye out for roots in the ground that are growing into your sewer line. The roots can block your sewer line and may be difficult to remove. To avoid this problem, try to plant trees and bushes away from your sewer line.

Are You Ready to Unclog Your Sewer Line?

Having your sewer line unclogged regularly is going to save you time and money.

When it comes to sewer lines, maintenance is important for avoiding a catastrophe. If you found this article helpful, check out our other blog posts!

5 Reasons to Have a Thorough Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a Home

Are you thinking about buying a home? Most homeowners think a home inspection is enough to learn about anything that’s going on with a property, but that’s far from the truth. If you’re buying a new home, these inspections usually cover surveying foundations, the pre-drywall structure, and a walkthrough of the finished home.

Believe it or not, you should also consider conducting a plumbing inspection. Not sure why you should invest in this type of inspection?

We’ve got you covered. Here are the top 5 reasons why you schedule an inspection with a plumbing expert today.

1. Test Your Toilets

Homeowners tend to assume toilets working are the least of their worries when buying a home. Believe it or not, it’s common to encounter issues with toilets after moving in.

When you bring a plumbing inspector, they’ll test all toilets to check that they work. Even if there’s an issue, the contractor will explain what you need to get fixed.

2. Learn the Condition of Your Sink

If you’re buying a pre-owned property, you should always inspect the sink. The wear and tear can cause sinks to rot.

Identifying the issue early on can help you avoid costly repairs. Keep in mind you might’ve to replace your countertops if your plumbing inspector finds issues with your kitchen sink.

3. Check If Your Water Heater Works

Water heaters are essential in our daily lives for everything from taking a hot shower to keeping your home warm. Remember your heater might be connected to your HVAC system to heat your home.

Your inspector will check your heater to provide insight into its condition and even the age of the heater. Learning these details will help you determine if you’ll need to invest in a new one after moving in.

4. Estimate Any Plumbing Repair Costs Beforehand

Conducting a plumbing inspection can help you estimate any potential repair costs before buying any home. When you bring contractors instead of plumbers to inspect your home, they’ll follow a plumbing inspection checklist to survey all plumbing work (including any gas connections).

Their experience with complex issues helps them provide a realistic estimate of any costs and let you know if the home’s plumbing complies with local codes. If you need to make any repairs to comply with local regulations, they can take care of them as well.

5. Negotiate or Get Out of the Deal Before It’s Too Late

Learning what’s wrong with your next home’s plumbing is the best way to avoid making a bad investment. Based on the report from your plumbing inspector, you can negotiate with the seller.

You might be able to secure a hefty discount or ensure the seller makes the necessary repairs before signing on the dotted line. If you figure out it’s too costly to fix the plumbing or it could backfire in the long run, you may also get out of the deal before it’s too late.

Should You Invest in a Plumbing Inspection?

Let’s face it, plumbing issues can turn into a costly nightmare you don’t want to deal with after buying a home. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a new or pre-owned property, you should always consider conducting a plumbing inspection. Conducting this type of inspection will ensure you don’t end up with the short end of the bargain.

Did you find this article useful? Keep browsing the rest of our site for more tips and articles about everything real estate related.

4 Tips for Selling a Property As-Is

Did you know that in 2019 there were 5.34 million existing homes sold and 682,000 newly constructed homes sold in the U.S.?

Demand for properties is high, which is why it’s a great time to sell yours. But if you don’t have a budget to do it up, you can either wait and save up or simply sell it now. Keep reading to discover our 4 tips for selling a property as-is.

What Does Selling a Property As-Is Mean?

Whether you want money quickly from the sale of your house or you just want to move away from your area quickly, selling your property as-is is a great way to achieve both of these. Selling a property as-is means that the property will be sold in its current state. This means that no repairs or upgrades will be made before the home is put on the market and sold.

When you’re selling a house, this can sometimes put buyers off from purchasing your home. Often because they don’t want to pay the extra costs or lose time fixing it. However, some buyers prefer buying a home as-is.

Here are our top 4 tips for selling your home as-is:

1. Get a Pre-Listing Inspection

Before you take your property to a real estate company, it’s a good idea to have the condition of the property evaluated. This is especially a good thing to do if you didn’t live in the property before (e.g. if you inherited it).

A pre-listing inspection will help you understand the condition of the house, which will enable you to determine a ballpark figure of the property’s value. The pre-listing inspection can also be disclosed to potential buyers, so they know what condition the property is in.

2. Have Estimates

One of the most useful real estate tips when it comes to selling a property as-is is to have estimates priced up on the repairs. Get experts to give you estimate prices of how much the damages would cost to fix. Often buyers aren’t sure how much it will cost and might try to knock more money off the sale price if they think the repairs will cost them more.

3. Think About Repairs

Selling your property as-is may be what you want to do to save money. But if the property doesn’t sell because of the repairs then you’ll only lose time and money. Ask your agent about which repairs might help the property sell faster and if they think it’s worth doing.

4. Be Honest

Be honest with buyers about the condition of the property. Don’t leave the details out of the marketing material or listing details, because they’ll find out about the repairs needed and any damages soon enough.

And when you do sell your home and purchase a new one, be sure to take out the relevant homeowner’s insurance coverages that you need.

Sell Your House Without Complication or Delay

Follow our tips on selling a property as-is to keep things simple and sell your house without delay. Remember to clearly communicate with potential buyers about the property and if you’re not sure about making some repairs, ask your real estate agent.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other real estate and home improvement articles.

How to Install Loft Ladders: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide

Are you interested in installing a loft ladder in your home? Maybe you just finished the attic and need a safe way to get up and down. Perhaps you just need to replace the loft ladder that came pre-installed with the house.

Whatever the case might be, installing loft ladders isn’t hard. All you need to do is follow the tried-and-true steps.

However, there are several things that you should know before and during the loft ladder installation.

See below for an in-depth guide on what you should know about installing loft ladders in your home. Be sure to consider them all as you begin the process!

1. Gather Some Help

If you plan to perform a DIY loft ladder installation, then you’ll want to make sure you have the proper headcount for the job.

Installing the attic ladder shouldn’t take any more than 2 to 3 people. The main reason is to ensure you have someone in the attic and on the floor at all times.

If you were to fully close the ladder while you’re in the attic, you might risk getting stuck in the attic without anyone there to open it.

2. Find the Right Location

For some of you, there’s already a pre-installed opening for which you have access to the attic above. Others of you don’t currently have an opening or you want to create one that’s more accessible.

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the right location. First, don’t ever put the opening too close to an exterior wall. If you do, you might not have the headspace to safely climb up to the loft.

Second, be sure to check the positioning of your ceiling joists. Most traditional homes will have ceiling joists that are 100 x 50mm, but it’s always better to double-check.

Last, consider the area that the ladder will be when it’s down and locked into place. Is it taking up too much space? Will it be in the way? 

3. What Material Will You Use?

Generally speaking, loft ladders are made out of two different materials: wood and aluminum. The material that you choose will play a bigger role than you might think.

First, you should consider which one will fit your home’s aesthetic. If the material is too different from the layout of your home, then it will stick out like a sore thumb.

For example, if the walls of your home have crown molding and chair rail along the walls, then you might want to shop for wooden loft ladders to match the theme.

Next, you’ll want to consider the style of the loft ladder. There are scissor-style loft ladders, folding loft ladders, telescopic loft ladders, and so on.

You’ll also want to think through things such as handrails. Will every member of your household be able to safely climb the loft ladder that you install? Will a certain style of ladder be better suited for your home’s layout? Take the time to decide.

4. Cut a Hole and Attach Header Boards

Now that you’ve found the right location to install your loft ladder and found the right material of ladder to use, it’s time to cut a hole.

Be sure to get the right loft ladder dimensions in order to cut the right size of the square that you’re installing. Use chalk to give yourself an outline you can follow as you cut the hole.

Next, cut the right size of header boards (usually 2 x 6 will do) and attach them using a nail gun. 

Once the header boards are in place, you’ll want to create support boards to place underneath the hole you’ve cut. It’s important to do this step before installing the ladder.

Purchase 1 x 4 support boards that you can outline the hole with. Leave around 1/4 of an inch so that the attic header boards can sit on.

5. Wedge the Ladder and Support Boards

The support boards that you’ve just installed will be what you place your loft ladder on top of. 

Before you wedge the ladder and attic assembly into place, be sure to have someone on the floor level pull the legs of the ladder down to fully extend the hinges. 

Use a level to ensure that the frame, hinges, and ladder is level. Shim the wedges in between the stairs and the ceiling joists. Once they’re finally in place, be sure to double-check that the shims are tight and don’t jostle.

6. Fully Extend the Ladder

Now that the shims are secured, it’s time to make sure that the ladder fits from the attic down to the floor below.

If you notice that the ladder doesn’t reach all the way down to the floor, then you’ll need to exchange your ladder for the right size. 

More than likely, your ladder might be too long for the distance between your ceiling and floor. If that’s the case, then you can cut the bottom section and get it to flush perfectly with the floor. 

Make proper measurements to ensure that you’re cutting them the right length. It’s better to make a few edits than cut too much off and the loft ladder end up being too short.

Follow These Steps When Installing Loft Ladders

Now that you’ve seen all the proper factors to consider and steps to take when installing loft ladders, it’s time to get the project in motion.

Take the time to find the right loft ladder for your need. Consider the size, aesthetic, purpose, and so on to get the perfect attic ladder for your intended use of it.

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on loft ladders, as well as many other helpful topics.

Buying a Vacation Home: A Practical Guide

Do you fantasize about buying a vacation home? Well, it does not have to be a fantasy, if it can become your reality. 

Having a second home where to unwind from the stresses of the city is not only a valuable experience but an investment.

in this article, we will cover some practical steps to finding the right vacation home.

So keep reading to learn more.

Buying A Vacation Home: Is Now the Time?

First and foremost, you have to determine if now is the right time to buy. If you’re not most people and you have stacks of disposable cash, you can skip this step. But for most, finding the perfect time to buying a vacation home makes a big difference.

Start by assessing your goals. It might come down to vacation value, investment reasoning, or both. Do you need a place with the driving distance to an existing retreat? Are looking for a spot to visit with your family regularly? Are you looking for a better retirement home?

Knowing what you want is the first step to figuring out if now is the right time. Consider the market conditions, affordability of property, and your personal finances as well. To find the best vacation home, you have to find the right agent in the right city at the right time. 

Try focusing on locations with steady rates of appreciation. Don’t rely on renting out the home and/or having all of the expenses covered. Look at the home as an investment, and consider areas where the home is expected to appreciate time and time again.

Uncover the Ins and Outs of Tax

Tax planning can make a great deal of difference when buying a vacation home. The implications of tax on your second home will vary greatly depending on your financial circumstance, your plans of renting out the property, and the location of purchase.

So when looking for that perfect home, consider the property taxes, homeowner association fees, utilities, and other expenses.

In general, the mortgage interest on second homes is deductible, and rental properties allow for some interesting tax breaks. If the property is an investment, the deductions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the depreciation of the property itself, and accelerated depreciation of belongings. To get certain benefits, you can only use the property two weeks out of the year.

If you choose to rent the home for two weeks or longer, you will have to report all of the receipts to the IRS as income, but it can also be deducted through operating expenses, such as management, insurance, repairs, and utilities.

Considering learning on deferring/reducing capital gains upon the sale of a home. These will ensure that you can employ the use of tax benefits on sales of second/third properties as investments.

And remember to consult with a tax specialist, primarily a national intermediate for tax-deferred exchange so that you don’t get too far in your purchase and mess it all up.

Know What to Look For

Once you have a general idea of the goals of having your second home, it all comes down to scouting for the right property in your preferred location. To do so, you need to employ the facilities of several considerations that will ensure you get the possible home on the market.

Try the Locale First

When determining the right location, specifically when buying a vacation home, you need to determine if it’s as good as it looks. Renting out a place in the area for several days will help you determine travel time, expenses, and other things you might have never else covered.

Speak to Locals

Even if you’ve vacationed in the same area, getting to know it as a local would is important. Speak to residents, ask them about the area: what’s good about it? how is it changing?; what people are moving there? how is it in the off-season?

Become Local

Ensure that you have visited the area in each season to get a feel for what it’s like year-round. Scope out restaurants, entertainment, gyms, grocery stores. Does the area have enough infrastructure to support your lifestyle?

Check the schools even if you don’t plan on having kids, because areas with great schools will value the homes greater when you decide to sell it.

Learn About Rent

If you plan on renting the property out, ensure you know the rules about that. Some communities prevent weekly vacation rentals, allowing monthly stays only. Contact the homeowners association and learn about city law. 

Learn more about this from Right Casa Estates.

Work With An Agent That Knows

And finally, the most important step is to work with a real estate agent that can take your criteria and find the perfect home that matches it. Try this to find the best possible agent:

  • Search on local listings (magazines, newspapers, signs, walk-ins)
  • Find somebody who knows the area and values of the property
  • Find a Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist certified agent
  • Find someone who stays in contact and helps you any time of the day

And that’s about it. Buying a vacation home is easy if you know what you’re doing.

The Home Is Yours

Now that you know all about buying a vacation home, you are well on your way to finding the right property that you’ve always fantasized about. With this newfound information, you no longer have to preside in fantasy and can make it a reality. 

So good luck with your search. If you’re interested in similar articles, go through our categorical page filters at the top of the website.

7 Factors to Consider Before Buying Homes in Miami

Maybe you’re done with the apartment life? Perhaps you’re just moving to a new area? Whatever the case may be, you’re in need of some information on buying homes in Miami. 

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to provide you with 7 factors to consider before beginning your home search, helping you to find the perfect abode. Let’s get started! 

1. Location

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when purchasing a home in Miami is its location. Miami is a big city with a variety of different neighborhoods. You want to be sure to choose one that fits your lifestyle. 

Do you want to be within walking distance of a beach? Do you want to be around the downtown area? Do you enjoy the quiet of the suburbs? 

The location of your home will have a direct influence on the quality of your life. You don’t want to live in the suburbs if you like the action that the city brings. Conversely, you don’t want to live in the city if you enjoy having your own space from time to time. 

2. Safety

Overall, Miami is not an unsafe city. However, it contains pockets that are more prone to crime than are others. As a home buyer, you’re advised to avoid these pockets like the plague. 

Living in an unsafe area is not only dangerous for your physical well-being, but for your mental well-being as well. After all, being surrounded by crime is bound to bring you feelings of stress and anxiety. 

There are plenty of safe neighborhoods in the city and its surrounding areas. Many of these neighborhoods are quite affordable to live in. 

Need help assessing the safety levels of different parts of the city? Check out crime-reporting websites like AreaVibes and Neighborhood Scout. 

3. School District

Do you have kids? Do you plan on having them in the future? If so, you have to put some consideration into the school district that you’ll be living in. 

As it is in most cities, the public schools in Miami run the gamut from great to poor. The last thing you want to do is subject your children to a bad or unsafe educational experience. As such, before making a home purchase, you must do your due diligence. 

Though they’re not perfect, there are websites that can help you assess schools’ quality. These websites include Niche and GreatSchools, to name just two. 

Note, the better the school district, the more expensive the house will be. But if there’s anything you’re going to pay a premium on, it should be your child’s education. 

4. Proximity to Work

If you’re like most people, you work away from home. As such, you have to commute from your home to work 3 to 7 days a week. 

Now, you might actually like the time spent during your commute. But if you’re like most others, whether you’re working in a bar or are helping to develop a HACCP monitoring system, you want to keep your commute as short as possible. 

This is why you need to consider your potential home’s proximity to your job. The closer your home is to work, the less stress you’ll need to put up with on a daily basis. Over the long run, a short commute can have a hugely positive effect on the quality of your life. 

5. Surrounding Amenities

Another thing to consider when choosing a home in Miami are the amenities that surround it. The more amenities you have available to you, the easier your life will be. 

For instance, living a block from a grocery store would make it simple for you to keep your pantry stocked. Living next to a park would provide you with an easy opportunity to relax and exercise (and take your dog, if you have one). You might even want to be close to a gym. 

In any case, amenities are hugely important. Living far away from them can greatly impact the quality of your life.

6. The State of the Home Itself

Not only do you need to assess the neighborhood and infrastructure surrounding the home, but you also need to, of course, assess the home itself. After all, not all homes are created (or exist) in a state of equality. 

Before you close on your home, you need to make sure to have it inspected by a professional. This will cost you $250 to $400 but will help to ensure that there’s nothing wrong with the house you’re buying. Considering that an inspection can save you from having to make tens of thousands of dollars worth of repairs, $250 to $400 is a small price to pay. 

7. The Size of the Property That Surrounds the Home

Some people like to have their own space. Others are alright living shoulder-to-shoulder with their neighbors. Regardless of the type of person you are, you need to consider the size of the property that surrounds your prospective home. 

Do you need a half-acre upon which to garden or throw backyard barbecues? Do you need a tenth of an acre upon which to let out your dog? Do you need a yard at all? 

Remember, your yard requirements can greatly affect where you’re able to live. There aren’t a lot of 1-acre plots of residential land in the downtown area, for instance. So, in the end, you need to weigh your priorities and see where you land. 

There are All Kinds of Homes in Miami

In truth, there are all kinds of homes in Miami, Florida. So, regardless of your budget and regardless of your preferences, you’re sure to find something that accommodates you. 

On the search for similar information? Our website is the place to be. Check out some of our other articles today! 

Which Floor Should I Get? 10 Top Durable Flooring Options

Did you know that flooring is the one thing you could regret in the long haul if you make the wrong choice?

Some flooring types look super extravagant but tend to be extremely hard to maintain. Of course, it all comes down to your personal preference and your type of home, but with so many durable flooring options, picking one can be quite daunting.

The global flooring industry is thriving at the moment and is projected to reach a staggering $515 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 4.8%. Some flooring options have come and gone over the years, some have remained tested and true, and some are just emerging and vying for a spot, like the eco-friendly flooring options.

If you’re having a hard time making a choice, worry not because that is why we’re here. This post presents you with a comprehensive guide on 10 of the most durable flooring options.

1. Hardwood Flooring

We’re sure hardwood taking the first spot doesn’t come as a surprise because hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options. It has passed the test of time, and it’s warm, classic, and downright beautiful. It oozes that luxury charm that you so much desire, and with the right maintenance will last quite a long time.  And with the right treatment, these floors can look amazing. We would recommend waxing hardwood floors often to bring out their best aesthetic appearance.

Hardwood is solid wood, which gives it its longevity abilities, but you must understand that it doesn’t hold well with moisture or rough handling. Hardwood flooring can be made with a variety of woods, from maple to oak, purpleheart, and Brazilian cherry.

It can be unfinished or finished, both of which have their own pros and cons, it’s easy to clean, and it goes well with any home decor. Check out some of the most beautiful options at Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods to get an idea of what’s available.

2. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are some of the most durable flooring types out there as they are made of shale and clay. It’s super hard and comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns, leaving you spoilt for choice.

The thing is, though, that some ceramic tiles are not tough enough, so you need to ensure you get the right rate for flooring.

Ceramic tiles come in four options, which are porcelain, glazed ceramic, terracotta, and quarry tiles.

These tiles can mimic the look of real wood or natural stone if that’s what you’re looking for, but they are cold and don’t feel like wood. It’s resistant to scratches, moisture, and dents, and even better, it’s super easy to clean.

3. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring has been trending and for very good reasons. It’s easily one of the most durable flooring options, and the fact that it’s eco-friendly makes it all the more desirable.

However, if you want the green option, you need the solid strips because, just like wood, it also comes with an engineered flooring option.

Bamboo flooring comes in various patterns that showcase the grains differently.

This flooring material is tough, which makes it super durable, it’s easy to install, and easy to maintain. Still, some cheaper varieties of bamboo may be prone to scratches and dents, just like wood flooring, and it’s not suitable for moisture either.

4. Engineered Wood Flooring

If hardwood flooring doesn’t sound like an appealing option, but you still want that classic wooden look, engineered wood is for you.

It’s sturdier and cheaper compared to real wood. Some engineered hardwood flooring options are made with plywood, but the most durable options are made with stone dust and recycled wood fiber.

Engineered wood comes in a wide variety of patterns, widths, and types, and you can get the gorgeous look of real wood at a cheaper price. You can get exotic woods like Brazilian maple and tigerwood as a veneer.

5. Vinyl Flooring

Ah, vinyl.

This list would be incomplete without it because its resilience is simply awing. It’s more comfortable to walk on compared to wood and tile, and it could also be textured to mimic stone or wood. It comes in various forms such as sheet vinyl, and click vinyl planks.

It’s tough and will hold to moisture and heavy traffic, and it comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns. Even better, it’s easy to maintain.

6. Linoleum

What makes linoleum one of the most durable flooring options is that it’s as resilient as vinyl. Unlike vinyl, though, linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork powder. It comes in a variety of styles as well, and you can get it in sheets, tiles, or laminated planks.

It’s more durable than vinyl, it’s soft to walk on, and it’s easy to install. On the downside, it fades when exposed to sunlight and tears from sharp objects or high heels. On the bright side, a coating can prevent this from happening.

7. Laminate

Laminated flooring is made like engineered wood using plywood and compressed fiber.

One of the most desirable qualities of laminate is that it can look like wood, tiles, stone, or just about anything else you would like. It comes in planks and tiles and is easy to install. However, it can be slippery, and it could warp if water seeps in between the planks.

8. Cork Flooring

Another durable flooring option that is also resilient is cork flooring.

Cork is extracted from the bark of a tree, making it a sustainable material. It comes in two different forms, which are tiles and planks, and it’s warm, sift, and quiet. It has a classic natural look, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s easy to install.

Cork is, however, quite vulnerable to dents, moisture and tears, and even though you’ll get it pre-finished, you’ll need to reseal it after some time.

9. Carpet Flooring

Carpets may just be the most comfortable of the lot and super warm too.

However, they are not so easy to maintain, making them suitable for bedrooms and lounging areas.

They come in a variety of materials, though, so you can choose any for different needs. You can get wood nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene.

10. Concrete Flooring

Concrete has been used for flooring for decades, and it’s still among the most durable options available. It’s arguably the most durable flooring options you can actually have in your home. Concrete is cold, though, but you can install radiant heating or use mats, carpets, and rugs in high traffic areas.

It’s a good option for areas prone to moisture or water, like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Also, there are many designs you can achieve with concrete, so it doesn’t have to be bland and boring.

The Most Durable Flooring Options: Every Type Worth Considering

These options stand to be some of the most durable flooring options in the market, and whichever you choose for your home will serve you well. The most important thing is to keep the maintenance requirements in mind so ensure the longevity of your flooring.

What else would you like to know about properties? Please check out our website for more great posts!