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REAL ESTATE

How to Know if You’ve Found Your Dream Home

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Most people dream of finding the perfect home for themselves and their families. Of course, it’s highly unlikely that you will find a house that fits the exact picture you have in your head. So, how do you know if you’ve found the right house for you?

While this will differ from person to person, there are a few things that can help you determine whether or not you have found your dream home, and we’re here to share them.

Is it your dream kind of home?

As mentioned, most of us have a picture in our heads of what our dream home would look like – and you probably won’t find that exact house unless you build it yourself. However, you should try to find a home that is the same kind of home that you’ve always dreamed about. 

For example, some people may dream of a massive mansion, while others may want a small low-maintenance apartment. Some people may want a little cabin in the woods, while others may be more interested in New York City condos for sale. Finding a house that has the same atmosphere as your dream house is always a good sign that you’re on the right track. 

Does it fit your budget?

Unfortunately, for many people, their dream home doesn’t fit into their budget. This means that they will need to lower their expectations a bit. 

However, just because you’re looking at homes in a lower price class doesn’t mean you can’t find your dream home. In fact, it might be a great idea to buy a relatively cheap home with good bones, and then renovate it as needed until you’ve added your own touch and it resembles your dream home. 

The key is to buy a house within your budget – even your dream house isn’t worth it if you have to go bankrupt over it. You might also need to take out a loan, so be sure you have these documents ready to make the process easier. 

Does it feel like home?

Most people would agree that home isn’t as much a place as it is a feeling. As cliché as that may sound, it’s true. You will know I the place is the right fit for you or not the moment you walk through the door. Of course, you should still take all the other factors into consideration, but you shouldn’t discount your gut feeling. 

If you can’t choose between two homes, and you prefer one above the other for no particular reason, you should trust your instincts. 

Does it have enough space?

We often get caught up in the aesthetics of a home when house hunting. If you don’t like the colors of the walls, you might not want to buy the house.

But remember that things like that are easy to change. It’s more important to look at things like the structure and space that the house can offer you since they are much harder to change. Naturally, you can still make a small room look good, but you should try to find a house that has enough rooms for your family. Also keep in mind that if you want your family to grow, you might want a house that can accommodate this growth. 

Is it safe?

Safety is a major concern of anyone buying a house, especially if you’re hoping to live there for a long time. Keep in mind that this shouldn’t make or break your decision since you can always add safety features like an alarm system or burglar bars after you’ve bought the house. 

However, one thing you can’t change is the neighborhood the house is in. While crime can happen in any neighborhood, some neighborhoods are simply safer than others, so if possible, try to get a home in a safe neighborhood. If you’re not sure whether a neighborhood is safe or not, you can use these online tools to help you.

In conclusion

Just because you might not find the exact home you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t mean that you can’t still find your dream house – it might just look a bit different than you always imagined. 

There are many things that you need to consider when deciding whether or not a home is the perfect fit for you. Buying a house is a big deal, so try not to make emotional decisions. Rather focus on the things that matter – remember, you can always add your own style later so that it feels like home.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, REAL ESTATE

How to add value to your property without overspending

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Whether you are moving home or have been living in your property for a while, there will come a time that you will need and want to update your home. This may just be to freshen the look and design of it but you should make sure that everything you do not only makes you happier but that it adds value to your property. 

The process of taking on home redecoration can be fraught with potential anxiety as well as lots and lots of costs. With all home improvements, planning is essential. One in four projects goes over budget. Even on the TV home improvement shows reveal that the homeowners always overspend. It is worth doing the extra planning work upfront to avoid this. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure that you can boost your home’s value without breaking your bank. 

Flooring 

Considering that this is something that you constantly walk upon and probably rarely look at, flooring can really affect how your home looks and feels. If you have had a carpet for a while, you may want to think about changing to wooden flooring. If you already have wooden flooring, you could try a natural wood stain to change the color and make sure the floor remains sealed and looked after. These little ideas can really improve your home for a little cost.

Recent trends have shown that the wooden floor aesthetic is incredibly popular right now. Full true wood can be expensive and difficult to install. However, you can invest in vinyl flooring or laminate flooring in order to rejuvenate your home without having to spend loads of money. Also, they are really easy to install without the cost of hiring a fitter. 

Budget

Speaking of spending money, knowing what your budget is, is essential when it comes to redecorating your home. As well as this, you need to know what estate agents call the ‘ceiling price’ of your home. This is the maximum price you can expect to achieve based on similar properties in your area.

Even if you were to turn your house into a palace there will still be a limit on how much people will pay when it comes to the area that you live in. It is worth speaking to local estate agents before committing to any major plans as they can guide you when deciding how much money you can spend on your improvements and still recoup your money when selling your property.

Converting your garage

If you have off-road parking and depending on the area in which you live, you may find converting a garage can significantly increase the value of your home. In some cases, this can be as much as 10 to 15 percent. Getting extra living space that you don’t need to add an extension for is an invaluable asset in such a crowded property market.

If your garage is attached to your house, then you should be able to convert it into another room between $10,000 to $20,000. This can grant you extra square footage. However, your options are not limited to another bedroom. You could convert the garage into something that you need or want such as a home office, a gym, a playroom, or a bar that you can invite your friends around. Quirky ideas like these will increase the value of your home exponentially.

Knocking down walls

If you find that you have lots of smaller rooms divided by walls that are not load-bearing, then you could knock one or more of them down to increase the flow through your home. If you have a little bit of technical knowledge how then you can even do this yourself.

The modern market shows that most people prefer to have a large kitchen or dining room rather than a small kitchen with a separate dining room. Additionally, if you have multiple living spaces adjacent to each other then you may be better off knocking down the walls to create one luxurious and large space. This is a minimal cost to double the amount of space you have in these rooms.

Updating your kitchen

The popularity of open kitchens and dining spaces has transformed the kitchen into the focal point of many homes. They can provide everything from the dinner table to the place where people do homework. Basic makeovers like changing fixtures and fittings like the door and drawer handles and adding energy-efficient appliances can make a huge difference without a large cost.

Fitting a completely new kitchen can increase a home price by up to 10 percent and as such is one of the more lucrative ways to increase the value of your home. Though it will cost you upfront.

Adding bathrooms

Adding an extra bathroom or an ensuite onto one of the bedrooms can not only make your life easier in the long run especially if you have a family but also increase the value of your home. It is a huge selling point for any home if it has bathrooms upstairs and downstairs as well as if they are joined to bedrooms.

One thing that you should be aware of though is what room to make into a bathroom. If you have dead space or extra unused storage space, then they are ideal for conversion. However, you should never give up a bedroom for a bathroom. Instead, you should look at carving space from the larger rooms like the master bedroom to make sure for an extra bathroom.

Improving the value of your home

There are plenty of options out there to improve your home. Some will be much more expensive than others. These are often dependent on your own ability to do things yourself without outside help and what space you have available.

Things like converting dead space are really easy ways to increase value to your home. You need to take stock and plan your home with care but also boldly. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box. Speak to local builders and architects who may be able to inspire your new home.

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HOME DESIGN, REAL ESTATE

A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home

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Looking for your dream home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. After all, buying a house isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly because it’s an incredibly big commitment. And if you’re trying to find the perfect house for you and your family, it’s even harder since you will have such high standards. 

That being said, when you do get your dream home, it will be so worth it. So, what steps do you take to find your dream home? If that’s what you’re asking yourself, you’ve come to the right place. 

Find the right area

You can find the perfect house on paper, but if it’s in an area you don’t like, it won’t be the right fit for you. Have a look at safe neighborhoods close to you to get an idea of where to start looking. You also need to find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle; some neighborhoods are geared towards families, whereas others may be best suited to young, single professionals. 

Once you’ve found the right area, you will be able to narrow down your search. You can search homes in St. Albert to see if there’s anything that catches your eye. 

Make a list of your dream home needs

There are plenty of houses on the market, with more coming up for sale each day. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or to somehow miss your dream house in the sea of other houses. That’s why you should start your search by making a list of things your dream house simply must have.

This means that you can easily eliminate many houses and only focus on the ones that will work for you. While many of these needs can be added after you buy a house, one thing you should look for is a structurally sound house. You can click here to learn about how to tell if a house has structural damage. 

Get an estate agent

Where possible, it’s always worth it to work with professionals who know what they are doing. House hunting is no different. 

By working with an estate agent, you may get the opportunity to view houses before they are even officially on the market, and many estate agents have contacts that can help the sale go through faster. Estate agents will also be able to specifically find houses that meet your needs, which means you won’t need to waste your time; they’ll do the hard work for you. 

Estate agents sometimes have a bad reputation, but a good estate agent can be just what you need to find your dream home.

Set up a budget

Of course, every big expense has a limit to how much you can spend. You may find the perfect home, only to realize that it’s out of your budget. Rather set up a budget upfront, and don’t even look at houses that don’t fit it – you’ll only get your hopes up. 

When you buy a house, you need to be sure that you can afford to pay for the house as well as any other expenses you may have. Set up a household budget to estimate how much you spend each month on various things, and then how much you have left to spend on a house. 

Look at the potential 

When you’re looking for your dream house, you probably have a specific image in mind. Unfortunately, you will rarely find a home that matches this image. 

If you keep waiting for that to happen, you will likely never find a home that meets your expectations. So, instead of looking at only the house, look at its potential. For example, don’t look at a small room and see only a small room. See what it could become. A nursery? Or perhaps even a home office? Once you start to look at how you can turn a house into your dream home, it becomes a lot easier. 

In conclusion

While searching for your dream house can be stressful, and at times you may feel hopeless, this doesn’t need to be the case. There are plenty of things you can do to find the perfect home for you and your family.

Of course, you will need to be patient, so don’t give up if you don’t immediately find your dream home! The most important things are to know what you want and to have a plan of action so that you can achieve it. Start planning for your dream house well in advance to make things go smoother.

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REAL ESTATE

The Most Practical Ways To Sell Your Home In Today’s Market

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In recent times, when homeowners wanted to put a property on the market, they did so by contacting a realtor. Unfortunately, selling a home otherwise was hardly an option. But thanks to technological advancements and various changes to the real estate industry, there is now more than one way to sell a home.

While there are tons of reasons homeowners decide to sell, the process of selling is pretty tedious and sometimes quite frustrating. Although this is typically only the case when property listings lack crucial elements, extensive property damage, or price listings are far too high. 

Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome all these concerns, and in some instances, the condition of your home won’t determine whether or not it can sell if you know how to sell it. 

So, if you are hoping to sell your property, we’ve rounded up the best home selling approaches in today’s market. 

Sell using A Traditional Realtor

Even though it’s no longer essential to rely on a real estate agent to sell your home, you can still consider the option as it does offer numerous perks. For starters, when depending on a real estate agent, you won’t have to worry about scheduling viewings, to negotiate the sale, or closing the deal; your realtor will handle it all for you.

However, the main downfall with this method is that the realtor will be entitled to a percentage of the sale. Therefore, you will typically pocket a bit less than you would if you opt for modern approaches. Nevertheless, relying on a realtor remains the most convenient solution.

Moreover, you can also consider flat-fee or discount realtors. These real estate agents will sell your home for a discounted rate or a flat fee instead of taking home a percentage of the sale and possibly other fees. 

While these agents will list your home and assist with the sale in a few ways, they won’t do as much as traditional realtors. 

Real Estate Listing Platforms

You can now sell a home fast in Atlanta and any other area with the help of real estate listing platforms that allow homeowners to create private listings without any assistance from real estate.

Creating your own listing means you can adjust the pricing and edit the post in your favor. Because this approach will help you avoid relying on a realtor, you can ultimately enjoy a larger profit on the sale. Furthermore, these platforms are also relatively straightforward to navigate and use. 

Even though you will benefit from a larger take-home profit, you will need to invest some time, effort, and money towards listing your property so that it grabs the attention of the right buyers. So, you’ll want to take professional photographs, consider virtual tours, and determine the value of your home.

When determining the accurate value of your home, it’s wise to have a property evaluator assess the value. Moreover, you should still check the market for property listings in your area to better understand how much to sell your home for. 

But with that said, whether you sell your home with a realtor or privately, you should consider investing in some affordable renovations to boost property value as much as possible before the sale. Some of the more affordable home improvement projects include landscaping, upgrading fittings, repainting the exterior and interior, and conducting essential repairs. These small investments will also go a long way in ensuring your property sells. 

Property Buyers

These days, companies out there purchase homes in any condition. Typically, these real estate investment individuals and businesses aim to buy properties to renovate and flip them for a profit. Other times, homes are purchased for real estate development reasons. Regardless, property buyers will make a cash offer on any property.

This option is the best solution for anyone that needs to sell a home fast and does not have time or money to invest in renovations. Additionally, selling your home to a property buyer is also the best option if the property has structural issues or other extensive damages that will keep home buyers avoiding a listing. 

Selling a home in today’s market is a lot more straightforward than in days gone by. However, because more options are available, you will need to consider which method will give you the most. For some homeowners, it will be best to rely on a realtor, while others might find that property buyers or private sales are more suitable.

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REAL ESTATE

Smart Ways To Sell Your Property Sooner

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It’s important to sell your house fast because the longer it sits the less you will get back for it. Selling a home is not always easy, there are many different factors to take into consideration. But with this guide, you can find out how to sell your house fast and make sure that you are getting the most you can out of your investment. The best way to sell a home is through an investment or real estate agent. 

They will market the property on their websites and in their neighborhood area. They will also be available to answer any questions potential buyers might have about the property that they might not want to ask you over email or phone. This ensures that they maximize their client’s profits and minimizes any potential risk of turning away a buyer from being too hesitant about those details. 

The quick guide to 1031 exchange in Los Angeles allows you to defer the capital gains tax that would ordinarily be due upon the sale of property if you reinvest that same property within 180 days. However, here are a few smart ways to sell your property sooner. 

Use Social Media To Promote Your Listing

Social media is the new way to advertise. There are more social media platforms than ever before, which makes it easier for people to find information about property listings. Facebook’s Marketplace which has become a popular way of buying and selling homes in recent years. On this platform, it’s possible to promote your listing with sponsored posts. 

This means that you can pay Facebook to promote your property on their platform with ads that will appear on people’s newsfeeds. Social media is one of the most popular marketing channels for real estate agents. With its large customer base and continuous reach, it’s easy to see why many of them are embracing it. 

Listings that are promoted on social media get more views, more likes, and more shares than listings that aren’t. Hence, there is a clear correlation between social media marketing and the success of an individual listing.

Get Professional Photos Taken Of Your Home

Homeowners want to make sure that prospective buyers will be able to see their home in the best possible light. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional photographer who can capture potential buyers’ attention with beautiful photos. Whether you’re looking to sell your home, renovate it, or just want a great place for your family to live, getting professional photos taken of it is a great idea. 

Professional real estate photography services are beneficial for many reasons which includes making homes more appealing to prospective buyers and catching the attention of potential homeowners.

Invest In A Home Staging Consultation

Home staging is a process in which homeowners make their homes attractive to potential buyers. It involves the use of colors, furniture arrangement, and other features in order to make the property stand out during marketing. There are many reasons why people invest in a home staging consultation. Sometimes, homeowners just want to improve their home’s appearance and don’t plan on selling it any time soon. 

But most of the time, they need help with preparing their home for sale so they can get more money when it comes time for them to sell their house or condo. Investing in some professional assistance can be a great idea if you’re planning on selling your property anytime soon. These professionals will know everything about what it takes to stage your property and they’ll help you avoid mistakes that might cost you thousands of dollars.

Create An Engaging Brochure

A brochure is a piece of paper or other flat material that can be folded and typically contains text and images. Brochures are designed to present information to the viewer, make a sale, promote an event, or as a flyer for something else. A brochure is like a short booklet that could also include images and graphics to show what life would be like living in the house you’re selling or renting. 

A brochure will help sell houses fast if it includes pictures of the inside and outside of the house and has good descriptions of the features and amenities offered by the home.

Find The Right Real Estate Agent

Buying and selling a house is a complicated and stressful process. Whether you’re buying or selling the right real estate agent can make all the difference. The right real estate agent can either make or break your sale. When you choose wisely, you’ll have someone who understands what it takes to get your home on the market quickly and get it sold at the best price possible. 

What kind of experience does this agent have? How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in your area? Do they have a proven track record for getting homes sold quickly at their asking price? Consider these factors when choosing an agent to represent you. When you are ready to sell your home, it is important to find the right agent. 

One way to find the right agent is to ask for referrals from friends and family. Another way is to search online for reviews on agents in your area. You can also talk with people in your community who have already sold their homes.

Price It To Sell 

An important question that often comes up when homeowners are listing their homes for sale is how much should I price my home for? The price of a house can have a dramatic effect on the number of potential buyers who are interested in it. If the price is too high, it might not be considered by many prospective buyers. If the price is too low, they might worry that there’s something wrong with the house or that the seller didn’t put a lot of work into maintaining or updating it. 

Therefore, there is no universal answer to this question because the final decision depends on many factors such as location and size of property, type of home and what other similar homes in close proximity are currently selling for. In addition, what you want out of your sale will guide your decision

Clean, Declutter, And Depersonalize

The first step is to paint the walls in a neutral color or simply repaint them to make them fresh and new. You can also remove any unnecessary items from the walls. This process should be followed by decluttering and depersonalizing your home. Make sure that you only keep the essentials, such as furniture, appliances, and other home necessities. 

In order to make your house more appealing to potential buyers, there are some other things you can do as well: Improve curb appeal with landscaping, clean up the property thoroughly, and make sure that there is nothing blocking views from windows or doors.

Sweeten The Deal

If you want to sell your home fast, you need to make some changes from the usual. The first way is by offering a housewarming gift for new homeowners. This will help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and make them feel grateful for the gift that they have been given. 

You also need to make your home as appealing as possible by decluttering and cleaning up before showing it off to a potential buyer. Finally, if you are willing to do a little more work, consider having a housewarming party or dinner with your friends and family when they buy their new home.

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REAL ESTATE

5 First Home buying mistakes to avoid

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Homeownership is still a significant dream for many people, but there are numerous issues buyers need to be aware of when shopping for a home. Rather than being a dream come true, buying a home can quickly become a nightmare if a purchase is rushed. Here are five mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home.


Missing Legal Issues


Purchasing a home requires signing a variety of legal documents. It’s a good idea to have an attorney review all documents prior to signing them. Those documents range from an agent representation agreement to closing documents. Even a minor error in a document can prove to be costly later, so hire a lawyer to go over every document.


Ignoring Budget Realities


Real estate industry experts all agree that anyone shopping for a home should visit a lender and be prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage before contacting a real estate agent to look at properties. Many agents will also insist that prospective buyers be preapproved before shopping for a home. It’s vitally important to know what you can afford to spend when browsing the area’s homes for sale. It’s also a good idea to avoid spending more than you’re pre qualified for with the idea you’ll be making more money in the future. In some cases, that will be true, but taking any risks is not a good idea when the economy is as unsettled as it is today. Evaluate your real home needs as well all financial commitments prior to making an offer to purchase a home.


Accepting the Wrong Type of Mortgage


Virtually every home can be financed by more than one type of mortgage.The long-term costs of mortgages will vary significantly, so don’t accept the first proposal from a lender without exploring all the available options. VA, FHA, and conventional mortgages have different closing costs and interest rates, so shop carefully when looking for a mortgage.


Overlooking Faults


A home may be in an ideal neighborhood and be the style you’re looking for, but if there are substantial issues present, making an offer isn’t a good idea. Even if the issues with a home appear to be relatively minor, the repair costs can be devastating. Underlying issues can easily cost far more to fix than a buyer can comfortably afford. Even when a home looks good, a home inspection often uncovers major issues. Rewiring a home or making expensive upgrades to the home’s heating and cooling system frequently add costs that push the home’s real price out of reach. If major issues are discovered during an inspection, and the seller won’t make the repairs, look for a different house.


Not Considering All Homeownership Expenses


When purchasing a home, the mortgage will generally be the single largest
expense, but there are other costs to consider. According to national statistics, normal annual maintenance expenses are roughly one to four percent of a home’s value. On a $200,000 home, that means buyers should expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 per year for normal maintenance. Replacing appliances, repairing storm damage, and even having a tree removed are all issues property owners routinely experience. Make sure enough money is held in reserve to deal with those types of expenses.


Ready to Shop for your first home?


If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, start by putting a team of experts together to provide the help you’ll need. An attorney, a lender, and a real estate agent should all be parts of that team.

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REAL ESTATE

Drones: How are they used for real estate?

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For various industries, drones have been used for other roles, especially when working that humans can’t typically do. In the shipping industry, drones are used for traversing through demanding terrain while delivering packages to clients. Drones have also been used by different security forces worldwide for surveillance and even warfare. Since drones have been used to help ease up on labor in various industries, it’s also logical that the real estate industry would also follow suit.

Since drones are the craze these days, it’s one of the industry’s newest trends. Taking breath-taking aerial views and images has been a tried and tested way of getting the public’s attention. Most wedding and event photographers know this and have incorporated drones in capturing landscape images. In addition to getting a better lay of the land, it’s easier to get shots on places that people won’t usually see, which can come in handy if there are potential buyers.

But does how do these real estate drones help real estate agents? How does this help attract more potential buyers into the scene? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

How Do Drones Help with the Industry?

Before anything else, we have to first look at how drones help real estate agents and most industry workers.There are essentially two types of drones that are incorporated in the industry:

Residential drones – These types of drones are used by property clients (real estate agents) looking for aerial shots. Compared to the commercial drone, these shots won’t necessarily include the land around the property. Most expert photographers and drone operators would say that an altitude of 30 to 70 feet high while the drone is fixated on the main structure is known for captivating most potential buyers.

Commercial drones -On the other end, commercial drones are used by real estate investors and land development companies to sell the land in the area usually. That will typically have a larger site.

If you’re looking for real estate agents that can effectively market and take breath-taking snapshots of your home with or without drones, you must take a step back and take some time on whom you’re planning on hiring for the business process. Most real estate agents, such as real estate agents, are known for using key marketing strategies in selling homes.

Accuracy of Shots

As most of us know, aerial shots are quite different from images on the ground. There’s no problem when most real estate firms upload photos of homes and properties on social media platforms and sites but will often use traditional

cameras. However, it might “dupe” sellers into coming to the property with their expectations not being met.

While traditional shots still do work, it’s going to be a challenge in getting to different areas that most people can’t go to. Drone shots are a great way of getting a more “realistic” feel of the property and the land.

Storytelling

A part of marketing a home is looking into the rich history of a particular home. Most buyers want to know the type of hole that they’re getting into. Being able to tell a compelling story is a determining factor that can usually win listings.

Most websites that sell properties that have aerial views can easily attract a technologically savvy clientele while also bringing an edge over the sites of other competitors.

Commercial Licensing and Exams

We understand that most people are excited to fly their own drones, but it’s crucial to remember that most will need a commercial license when flying drones. When you’re getting your license, this will involve exams that will cover different aviation and airspace regulations. These exams will also cover various aviation restrictions and the capabilities of drones in terms of physical characteristics.

Drone operators will also have to remember that local restrictions can stop individuals and commercial users from flying drones in a particular area, especially in state parks and close to public infrastructure. Most of the time, regulations will come to vary from one city to another.

Some drones are also programmed to not fly over restricted and unsafe areas through geofencing.

Some firms also specialize in providing insurance requirements for drones that are used in real estate. Most of the time, general liabilities will be extended to include drone accidents. Still, most real estate firms should consider investing in this type of insurance, especially when drones are prone to accidents.

In summary, using drones can give real estate agents an advantage in marketing by showing realistic images of different aspects of the home. Most real estate buyers love knowing the geography and topography of the land. Drones are the best way of giving an in-depth view of the property.

Besides, who wouldn’t want a drone, anyway? They’re easy to operate, can be used in various activities, and can be practical for a variety of different events and industries. Still, it’s important to note that real estate agents don’t necessarily need a drone to sell their home. However, having these types of drones can efficiently expedite the process, especially when aerial shots easily lure people in.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

5 Investments To Increase Your Home’s Value

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The right investments are key to improving your home’s value. If you are considering selling your home like millions of Americans do each and every year, you likely want to get the most money possible for it. However, if you simply attach a high asking price for the home without warrant, you will struggle to sell. The home will likely sit on the market far longer than the average amount of time and you will see few interested buyers.

In order to get more money for your home, you need to improve it. There are several renovations and other changes that you can do to take your home to the next level. But which of these are truly worth the investment of both time and money?  With that in mind, this guide is going to look at a few investments that can help to increase the value of your home.

Add a Security System

When people are buying a home, they want a place that they can feel safe and comfortable in. As a result, adding a security system to your home is a worthy investment that can help make your home more valuable. These systems secure the home and everything inside of it. Some include cameras and most can instantly contact the authorities once set off. These systems aim to prevent burglaries and other types of crime, and also minimize the damages if they do occur.

Many security systems also have smart home capabilities. They can control things like the lights and temperature throughout your home. Of course, be sure to know how the system works so you can use it yourself and tell interested buyers about it and the many benefits it has. The internet is full of resources to help, such as this informative article that explains all you need to know about alarm codes for these systems.

Boost The Energy Efficiency of the Home

Another way to make your home more valuable is to make it more energy efficient. Not only does making your home more efficient save the planet and appeal to the millennial audience, but a more efficient home can also be more affordable in terms of monthly utilities.

There are a few different things you can do to boost the energy efficiency of your home. This includes using LED light bulbs, getting new and efficient appliances, reducing your usage, and upgrading your windows. Sure, there are some costs associated with making the switch, but these will often pay for themselves quicker than you think.

Give the Bathroom a Small Makeover

The bathroom is without a doubt one of the most used rooms in most homes. Whether we are showering, getting ready or doing a range of other things, the bathroom is a place we will visit more than a couple times a day. As a result, updating it can increase the value of your home and make it more desirable.

While some people will go out and spend a fortune upgrading every single part of their bathroom, this often isn’t needed. A few small changes such as new floor tile, a new light fixture and a new vanity top can often be enough to give the room a whole new look. Going with fairly neutral colors is often a good idea, as people can add their own touches with things like art and the shower curtain they choose.

Redesign the Kitchen

Another room that sees a lot of traffic on any given day is the kitchen. Not only is it the place where we eat and prepare food, but the kitchen is often a place of gathering, where families spend time together. Many call it the heart of a home, and we would have to agree. In many cases, kitchen redesigns or renovations are quite expensive.

A lot can be changed, and the bill can be run up quickly. Thankfully, an updated kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home, so the higher costs of this renovation compared to other rooms can often be worth it. However, there are still ways to save. These range from handling the demolition yourself, to using recycled materials, to shopping around for the right contractor.

Don’t Forget About the Yard

While focusing on the inside of the home is a good idea, it is important not to disregard the outside. Many home buyers love outdoor space and a nice yard can often be enough to convince people to buy your home. Not only that, many people are willing to pay more for a home with a well-kept and landscaped yard.

This is especially true in warmer areas of the country, where the outdoor space can be enjoyed all year round. There are many ways to easily and relatively affordably upgrade your yard to boost the value of your home. This could be adding a deck, ensuring your fences are in good shape, adding a garden, and keeping the grass and foliage in check.

In conclusion, any of the investments mentioned can have a positive impact on the value of your home. This will help you fetch the most money possible when it eventually becomes time to sell.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

6 Home Improvements to Increase Your House’s Value

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Home improvements are necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just looking to clean it up, completing some basic home improvements can significantly increase its value. Not only will you be able to make a better sale, but you can take pride in all of your accomplishments. In this article, we’ll look at six home improvements that you can make to increase your house’s value. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading! 

Follow these 6 Home Improvements to increase your home’s value…

Paint, paint and more paint…

Yep, you guessed it! One of the easiest ways to maximize your house’s value is to give everything a fresh coat of paint. From the doors and walls to your front porch, it really can make a huge difference. Try and stick with neutral colors, as it gives any potential buyers freedom to make changes. It’s also best to hire a professional if you want everything done correctly, as they can make sure the right paint and techniques are used. Check out these exterior house paint color ideas for some inspiration! 

Change up the landscape 

Your garden and landscape are just as important as your home itself, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help clean things up. A Home Improvement Contractor can ensure that everything looks its best, and you don’t have to worry about the stress of doing it yourself. Try and keep things looking clean and tidy, but don’t be afraid to add in some gorgeous greenery. It really can make a difference!  

Install extra storage 

Nobody can ever get enough storage, so if you’re looking for another way to upgrade your home’s value, see where you can add in some extra cupboards. Even something as simple as installing a coat rack or kitchen hanger rack could make buyers even more interested. Have a look at these indoor storage ideas to help get you started.  

Replace your heating and cooling systems 

If your house was built more than a few years ago, chances are the heating and cooling systems has seen better days. Replacing it can significantly increase your home’s value, and you’ll quickly earn it back when your sale goes through. Try getting a reverse cycle air-conditioner so that everything is in the one unit. They are easy to use, efficient, and can also save you money on power. 

Fix the little things 

Do you have small odd jobs around the home that you never got around to? It could be a paint chip in your bedroom wall or a brick that needs replacing? Fixing all the little things plays an important part in selling your home. Potential buyers always look at what needs fixing, and the less there is, the more interested they will be. There are many DIY fixes for things around the house online; you just need to do some research.  

Go green 

Lastly, one of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to go green and make your home more eco-friendly. For example, installing solar power panels reduces your energy bill, and you can even put power back into the grid. You could also consider installing low flow faucets to save water. The options are endless, and while it might cost a little to set everything up, it will undoubtedly be worth it. 

And that’s it! Even by just completing a few of these improvements, you’ll be able to get a better price offer on your home. Just remember always to hire professionals for any difficult job, and try and think about your home from a buyer’s point of view. Trust us when we say it can really help! Good luck. 

SHOP HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES…

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REAL ESTATE

Looking to move? 8 guidelines to follow

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When you decide it is time to move down the street or across the country, it is important to choose a place to live carefully. If you want to move to a new state or town, you need to make sure that area has the amenities you need, such as job opportunities, good schools, medical services, and pleasant neighborhoods to live in.

Choose the Location To Move to

The first step in any journey to find a new home is to choose the town, the neighborhood, and the development to look for a house in. By contacting www.homesinchapinsc.com/ in the Lake Murray SC area, you can find the best places to consider living in. Searching for a new home in this area is easy with the expert real estate professionals available to help with the search. There are home lots, homes with acreage, homes on city lots for sale, and homes in planned developments.

Choose a real estate agent to help you decide which housing choices best meet your needs. There will be homes in many different price ranges to consider, so decide on a budget and get pre-approved for a home loan before starting the shopping process.

8 Guidelines To Finding The Right House

Here are 8 guidelines to follow in that new home search:

1. Decide what you and all the members of your family want in a home. Does the family want a new or existing home? should it be one story or multi-story? Will the family consider a fixer-upper house to save money?

2. Decide which features are necessities in a home and which things would be nice. Then, do some searching online with real estate listing services to narrow down the neighborhoods and houses to visit. Check out crime rates, commute time to a job, schools, shopping, and recreational activities.

Get Finances in Order

3. Don’t start touring homes until the finances to purchase a home are in place. Meet with local lenders to find the best home mortgage terms and determine how much you qualify to borrow. Then, get a pre-qualification letter to present to the agent and seller of any house you want to purchase.

4. Decide on a moving timeline. Is your present home sold, and when is that closing? Do you need time to clean up your credit rating to qualify for a home loan? Do you want to wait until school is out to move or be moved before the school year begins? Is there a lease that has a couple of months left on it?

5. Find and work with a good Realtor in the area you want to move to. They can be a valuable tool.

6. Think long-term on what you want in life and a house. This could be a starter home that you plan on living in for a few years and then upgrade to a better home. Or, this might be the home you want to raise a family in for the long term. This may be a down-sized home for your retirement years. The home for each of these needs will be different.

7. Be open-minded about the housing options you will consider. Budgets have a lot to do with determining the size and amenities that a family can realistically expect. Stay true to that list of family necessities you listed. With each house, you must weigh the advantages and good points with the disadvantages, such as neighborhood, street noise, and some home imperfections.

8. Make sure you can afford the home you are interested in when considering the closing costs and other expenses that must be added to the purchase price. If the home meets your needs and budget, don’t take days to decide on making an offer. There is nothing worse than losing out on the perfect home by a day.

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