Author: Guest

College Dorm Living: A Guide to a Successful Experience

The next thing to do after experiencing the joy of being accepted into a university is to make plans to adjust to life as a student. Please place the accommodations at the top of your list of things to plan when preparing. 

There are various housing options available; however, most of the time, there are opportunities for students to reside in one of the student dormitories on campus. 

Before you do what everyone else is doing and move into one of the campus dorms, consider the things listed below.

A student dorm is an option for housing that, just like any other, comes with its fair share of benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to investigate these aspects before concluding whether it is financially beneficial to live in dormitories.

Advantages of Staying in the Dorm

If you choose to reside in the dorm, you will be close to all the other students and the common areas of the building. As a direct consequence, getting ready and moving to any location on campus will take you less than an hour. You won’t even have to be concerned about the cost of traveling there anymore, which is a huge relief.

Living in a dorm can reduce the amount of time and mental strain associated with preparing meals at home. Living in a student dorm gives you access to a buffet of delicious and recently prepared meals whenever you want. Additionally, you will always have access to the three nutritious meals in your daily allotment.

It is easy to connect with other students. All the students on campus have one thing in common: they all have to study. When you are in an environment like this, finding a reading partner with the same academic goals will be easy because there will be many people in the same boat. You won’t have to put as much mental effort into the assignment on your own if you collaborate with the other students to devise solutions to the problem.

When someone lives on campus, they will be surrounded by many people, making it much simpler to meet new people and form friendships. If you stay in the student dorm, you will have the opportunity to talk to hundreds of people and gain insight into the myriad ways they live. It gives you access to a large pool of potential friends from which you can choose. When acclimating to life in a new country, international students may find some assistance in their dorm communities, which are communities of interconnected individuals.

Disadvantages of Living in the Dorm

Sharing a space with teenagers, known to be some of the loudest people on the planet, is one of the setbacks of living in a dorm. It can be seriously frustrating when you’re trying to get some shut-eye or catch up on some reading, because finding peace in a dorm room can be challenging.

Off-campus, you can find a quiet place to work and relax, with minimal to no noise disturbance from other young people in the area. This point is an option for those who want to avoid campus altogether.

There is no such thing as privacy when you live in a student dorm. After all, there will always be other people in your room, bathroom, kitchen, and toilet because everyone shares the space. It is highly inconvenient that you do not even have the choice to select your roommates from the available options. 

In the dormitory, it is incredibly challenging to find even a tiny amount of personal space for oneself, let alone any spare time for oneself. Everything you own is at risk of being borrowed by one of your roommates, and the chance that these items will not return to you in the same condition they were in when borrowed is an even more significant concern. When you use the toilets in dorms that multiple people share, you risk contracting a toilet infection.

Living in a dorm comes with the experience of being reminded that you are not entirely independent. These constant reminders can take the form of room checks or the struggle to keep up with the laundry. 

When you live in a student residence hall, the staff there will conduct routine checks of your room at predetermined intervals. This precaution is usually to ensure that it is clean and devoid of any substances that could be hazardous to one’s health. 

You also need to be concerned about doing your own laundry, which can be incredibly stressful if all the washers are already full and there is no one to claim the clothes they helped to wash. However, you are the only one responsible for doing your laundry. When you choose to live off campus, you will have the independence to go about your daily activities without fear of being observed or questioned by anyone. In addition to that, the laundry room will be very convenient for you to use.

Most importantly, other choices can almost perfectly replicate each advantage of living in a student dormitory, making dorm life an option that is not necessary. Co-living is one of the options taken as an alternative. 

Conclusion

Coliving arrangements off campus provide their occupants with an atmosphere, privacy, and the ability to live independently. Some apartments are shared and available in the neighborhood immediately surrounding the campus. Because of this, it is easy to meet new people and locate others with whom to study. 

Depending on the agreement you and your roommates have reached, you may be able to eat in your room and have a roaster for cooking purposes. According to every criterion, living in a community with others is the superior choice to living in a dormitory.

You do not need to look for “co-living apartments near me” to fulfill your housing needs. Get in touch with rental companies to find the housing options that provide the best deals in terms of price, location, and service quality.

Author: James Johnson

How Do You Know If Your Realtor is the Best in Town?

If you’re planning to purchase or sell a property, you may be weighing in on the benefits and drawbacks of employing a real estate agent. You might have heard stories from people you know who would not hire one due to a negative experience in the past. Some choose not to work with realtors or brokers, believing their costs are unreasonably high.

However, these worries only highlight the advantage of finding the right agent. It’s true that even without legally signing on with a real estate agent, anyone can search for a house and even have a look inside. But, unless you have the time and patience to make house hunting an extra job, a reliable realtor may be able to match you with an ideal property, if not your dream home, far more quickly and effortlessly.

For example, you want a home with a pool or a spacious balcony. Perhaps you need a playroom for your kids or a yard for pets. When you’re in the market for specific amenities, a real estate agent can efficiently look for a house that meets your needs and preferences. They can also walk you through the process of moving into a new place.

Selling or buying a property in today’s market entails numerous factors. Clearly, finding a reputable realtor can be challenging. The fact that there are so many real estate agents listed on the internet only makes it tougher to decide whom to choose. Although not all realtors share the same skills, a dependable realtor is capable of wearing many hats throughout the various stages of any transaction.

5 Tips to Find the Best Realtor in Town

The following are some strategies for selecting a top-notch real estate agent:

  1. Opt for someone who knows the area like the back of their hand

Some realtors have insufficient knowledge of the location they are selling in. They are either unfamiliar with the vicinity or uninformed of the advantages and disadvantages of what they’re offering. This lack of insight makes it impossible for them to deliver an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the different types of real estate property in a particular area.

Some realtors also do not live in the location they are showcasing, providing generic facts that you can quickly get online. Look for a realtor who grew up or lives in the area. Some agents specialize in a particular neighborhood, gated community, or price range, so depending on the specifics you’re looking for, a local knowledgeable about the properties that meet your criteria is preferable.

  • Browse reviews and check out realtors with a proven track record

Whether you’re looking for commercial or residential real estate, you should check the realtor’s credentials. Nowadays, finding a real estate agent isn’t as complicated as it once was. As real estate transactions have become more convenient, hiring real estate agents in various locations is becoming increasingly digital.

As your interest in buying a home grows, you may find yourself reading more information on news websites or publications. Realtors that media have quoted in such stories could be worth looking into for your agent search. Requesting referrals from friends and family can also help you find someone who is more dependable and has a proven track record of working with clients.

  • Consider the ones who are currently active in the market

A competent agent is someone who is actively listing and selling real estate. They’ll know the market’s pulse and have up-to-date skills and methods for connecting buyers and sellers. Examine their current pipeline after refining your list of probable agents based on previous success.

You want to collaborate with a professional in the business and have a steady stream of projects that proves their trustworthiness among clients. Do they have any pending sales or listings? In the last few months, how many sales did they complete? A simple background check of their real estate career should give you a good indication of their market presence.

  • Seek a realtor who can demonstrate sincerity

When it comes to the dangers associated with purchasing or selling decisions, a realtor who truly cares about your best interests will be upfront with you. You want a realtor who will tell you straight when they believe something is a bad idea, not someone who agrees with everything you say.

Carefully evaluate candidates during interviews to see if they use statistics or references to support their statements. In line with that, the potential agent should be willing to show you samples of properties they’ve helped previous clients buy or sell and provide references for past clients.

  • Pick a realtor who is accessible and can make you feel comfortable communicating

Throughout the property purchasing process, expect that there will be a lot of back-and-forth discussions. At the end of the day, you’ll need someone you believe you can easily reach and get along with.

Every realtor who strives to be better recognizes how important it is to be accessible. Find a realtor who works around your schedule. It would be even better if you could contact them outside business hours.

Finally, even if a realtor meets your criteria for skill and knowledge, they may not be the ideal fit for you if you don’t get along or feel at ease with them. As you’ll be spending lots of time with your agent during your property search, you need someone receptive to your concerns, able to answer your questions patiently, and willing to share their insights with you.

Be Smart with Your Selection Process

Always think twice and hard before you sign an exclusivity agreement, even if you think you’ve found the best realtor in town. Real estate is a complex yet lucrative industry, so researching is imperative to ensure you get the most out of your property investment.

Remember that the ideal realtor will give you the facts, even if it means jeopardizing any deal. A competent agent will also make a way to prioritize your needs over their own.

Author Bio

Rose Flores

Rose is a licensed real estate broker and the co-founder of RE/MAX Gold Philippines, a real estate company in the Philippines. Acting and real estate have always been her passions since childhood. She confidently helps close record-breaking deals for residential and commercial buyers while leading her team to success. Check out their website at remaxgold.ph.

Benefits of Getting a Prefab Coach House in Ottawa

Prefab coach houses are getting popular by the day in Ottawa and more people have moved past considering it to getting one. If you have decided to join the moving train, then we bet you are struggling to make an important decision now.

Should you simply opt for a prefab home? Believe us, we have all been at this crossroads. What helped us was considering all the benefits a prefab has to offer.

But what do we even mean by prefab? Prefab means prefabricated and houses like these are usually manufactured off-site, and assembled when they are brought on site. You can visit https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a25655602/prefab-homes-styles-facts/ to learn more about the prefabricated construction method.

In this read, we will be discussing some of the major benefits of getting a prefab coach house in Ottawa or even anywhere else in the world. Let us get right into it.

1. Saves Cost

One of the most common reasons people opt for prefab is that is more cost-effective. There are so many reasons for this one of which is that the building is manufactured in a controlled and centralized indoor environment.

Therefore, weather delay isn’t something to worry about. Therefore, cost overruns that are caused by working in harsh weather conditions like when it is windy, raining, or snowing are eliminated.

The same can’t be said for homes built on-site as they are prone to several disadvantages which include subcontractor and weather delays. The building materials can also get damaged by the weather or be stolen or vandalized. Sometimes, there may be delivery issues that would ultimately cost more money.

Another reason this method is cheaper is that labor cost is significantly cheaper. This is because the labor cost required for a manufactured house is often between 8-12% of the building’s total construction cost. Whereas, an on-site construction labor cost takes between 40-60% of the construction cost.

Finally, manufacturers often buy their materials in bulk so they get large discounts for the materials bought. These discounts are often passed down to people who buy from them.

2. It is Faster

The production cycle of manufactured coach homes is a lot shorter. Depending on several factors, a coach house built on-site can take a while to build.

Manufactured homes don’t have to go through that much process as they just have to be bought and then set up. This would help you move into your new house in record time if you are short on time.

3. Superior Quality Control

As we have said earlier, prefab houses are made in climate-controlled environments. Also, the people in charge are experts who have a lot of experience in the field as they build several houses daily. They are used to making the same work every day so their expertise can hardly be questioned.

Despite all these, their works are properly supervised. As if that isn’t enough, they have to abide by both the state and federal quality control laws and programs. Finally, the tools, technology, and machines used by manufacturers are top-notch. This does not just speed up construction but also delivers more precise results.

So, the quality control when it comes to prefab coach homes is often superior.

4. Safety

The materials used for prefab homes are also used for on-site buildings. Also, as we have said, manufacturers often engineer their products for energy efficiency and wind safety. So, safety isn’t something to worry about if you opt to get a manufactured coach home.

5. Less Waste

When you opt for a prefab coach house in Ottawa one thing you won’t have to worry about is excessive waste. This is because prefabricated houses are already made, hence, the greater part of the waste would have already been disposed of or recycled in the factory.

Aside from this, waste is also reduced in how much defective materials like damaged boards and warped studs have to be replaced.

As we have said, manufacturers of a prefab coach house often buy their materials in bulk. Material suppliers, therefore, often send the best materials to them so that they will keep coming back.

Conclusion

Deciding on whether to get a prefabricated coach house or to build it on-site can be quite a difficult choice to make. Hence, we have discussed some of the benefits of prefab coach homes in this article to help you make a great choice.

Author: Antoinette Navarro

www.all-real-estate.com says thank you for the nice contribution.

Expert Healthcare Real Estate: Choosing the Right One

Buying or leasing a property is a huge experience that requires a lot of planning. There is the hunting phase and the sealing of the deal.

To make the whole process easier, you will need the help of a good real estate agent. Working with a trustworthy and experienced agent, who knows the ins and outs of the industry, can guarantee you the best prices in the market.

Nonetheless, with so many brokers in the market, finding a perfect agent can be tricky. To make the search easier, here are some of the key things to consider when choosing the right expert healthcare real estate to work with.

Healthcare Real Estate Expertise

It is advisable to choose a realtor with healthcare industry experience. Although there is a thin difference between a home agent and a medical facility agent, there are things a healthcare real estate expert must understand.

In healthcare real estate, careful consideration is paid to space planning, patient flow, and facility access. A realtor who understands this will help you choose the right space that befits a health center. This also saves the tenant money and time during the search process.

Abides by different laws

When leasing a commercial health care facility there are different laws to abide by. The realtor must be aware of these laws. These restrictive regulations include occupation safety and hazards, proper disposal of medical waste, required building capacity along with state at local regulations. A good realtor will also ensure their clients abides by these laws at all times.

Seek referrals

While you can always find the information you want online, but referrals are always the best. There is no easier way to know about an agent than a referral from someone they worked with in the past. Ask a fellow health care provider for recommendations. If someone had a good experience with a particular agent, they will most likely recommend them to someone else.

Strong core values

Core values are important in both business and pleasure. You want to work with someone truthful and transparent with what they do. They should be honest when it comes to prices, the number of listings available, and their years of experience among others.

Availability

The activities involved in the real estate business are many. Sometimes the realtor may be required to work extra hours to beat the deadline. Choose someone who will be there to answer your calls and solve issues beyond their typical office hours as long as it is within reason. However, calling your realtor in the wee hours of the night can be quite unprofessional. Still, if you find it difficult to communicate with the realtor within the day, we recommend looking for someone more reliable.

Interest in client’s well-being

Every realtor has to guide the client accordingly. However, this doesn’t mean deciding for them. A reputable agent will provide all the information about the property, whether good or bad.

However, for them to provide you with the right data, be honest and transparent with what you’re looking for. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions when stuck. If you both disagree a lot in many areas then you should look somewhere else. Read more here https://www.inman.com/2020/01/24/the-biggest-benefit-of-agent-healthcare-benefits-happiness/

They know the neighborhoods well

Once you have sited the best location for your hospital, you will want a real estate company that is familiar with the specific area.

Does your agent know about the number of hospitals in the district? How about the area’s population and the selling or leasing prices of houses in the neighborhood?

The agent should also give you a feel of the community including the parks nearby, the kind of volunteer services available, the popular restaurants among others. Also, find out if there are any chemists nearby where you can source your hospital supplies.

Price

Buying or leasing a medical facility is an expensive affair that requires proper financial planning. The prices vary from one agent to another.

A majority of them will ask you to pay a fixed amount as rent and deposit. Others will ask for additional legal fees and service charges. Compare prices from different realtors and only choose an agent who fits your budget.

Still, if the price is unrealistically low, this could be a huge red flag. The low prices are probably due to incompetence or lack of experience.

Location

Check to confirm whether the realtor’s office is close to where your property is located. Being close means that he will be easily accessible when needed. They are also likely to be aware of the real estate listings in the area.it also means you will not have to travel long distances to view the property.

The right credentials

Besides a license, the healthcare real estate expert must have undergone various training and acquire credentials or affiliations at the end of the studies. This means they are well versed in the real estate market. Consider choosing a realtor with vast knowledge of your individual needs. Click here to read more insights on how you can choose the right real estate agent.

Conclusion

Finding a good property expert might not be easy, but with the right source, the entire process becomes much easier. You can always get referrals from those you trust or from agents you have worked with before. Even so, you should also consider searching their web and interviewing them. Getting first-hand information is always the best option. Also make sure they are licensed and have the right credentials. Lastly, choose someone you’re completely comfortable working with.

Author: Deo Fuerte

www.all-real-estate.com says thankyou for the contribution.

How to Purchase a Government Land in Auction

Buying land can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to expect when you go in. If you are looking to buy a piece of land, the government is one of the best places to start your search. The government offers many different types of land for sale at their auction sites. Some auctions may even be specifically designed for homes or businesses! Follow these steps, and buying a piece of property will be much easier than expected! 

The government has a lot of land ready to be sold, but they lack time and commitment, so they use various auction websites that help the government sell the land as easily as possible. Before you start looking for the perfect land that fits all your needs, you must research for the best website that can help you fulfill all your needs. If you wish to buy government land for sale in US, research is what will take you there!

Timeline

The right type of Auction can make the process easier and more efficient. If you’re looking to buy a large plot or piece of property, an early-date real estate sale may be just what your business needs! You’ll have ample time to conduct research before taking out those bids; knowing when they take place and how long closing will last within such tight timelines means there won’t be any suspense at all about whether this purchase is good for them or not.

Level Playing Field

Auctions are one of the most transparent forms of transactions because they operate with complete, open information. Buyers battle it out in an even field and compete on equal footing despite any influence or reputation that may be involved at either end – this is not always true for other types of sales where one party’s willingness to buy might depend upon who else he knows (or doesn’t).

Negotiations

The hassle of negotiating can drain your time, resources, and sanity. Going to governmental real estate auctions saves you from all that by ensuring the terms are known upfront! With the information provided in detail about every property on offer at an auction with due diligence packets for buyers who come prepared, they’ll avoid any surprises when purchasing land.

Options

The multi-property auctions allow buyers to see several offerings in one place and compare. When you plan on buying land at Auction, observing the bidding on a similar property may give your more insight into what is happening with the value of the home that is of your interest. 

Price

In a friendly, competitive environment with the best real estate professionals in attendance, you will be able to arrive at true market value for your land. Bidding on properties can give buyers an inside view into how much people are willing to pay and when they may want that property – especially if it’s currently distressed or priced below what is considered normal. Thereby giving them more time ahead of the purchase decision and securing discounted prices based on current conditions rather than going through long, drawn-out negotiations and only getting discouraged before completing the deal because the seller didn’t budge one penny from the asking price!

It is important to determine the maximum price you are willing to spend on a property before starting an auction. Too often, people get caught up in competition with other bidders and end up overpaying for their land or home.

A Few Terms that you Should be Aware of

Absolute Auction: An absolute auction is a type of public sale in which the property for sale is offered to the highest bidder, with no minimum bid requirement. This term typically refers to an auction conducted by a third party that purchases and sells items on behalf of others. 

The process begins when you submit your online bid for an item that’s up for grabs, just like any regular e-commerce transaction. However, unlike other bidding services where you can offer a price below what others have offered or withdraw your offer before the end of the auction period, Absolute auctions are not flexible. 

Minimum Bid: To protect themselves from being taken advantage of, many sellers set a minimum bid price that guarantees at least the cost owed or prevents buyers from colluding to purchase properties below market value. Market value will be a matter of perception if the property is unique or otherwise tricky to price. 

Government auctions are a great way to purchase land at affordable prices in many cases. You can find all sorts of properties, including raw land, farms, timberland, and more. If you wish to invest in government land, we hope that this blog was able to give you all the information you were looking for. 

Author: Eernesto T Felder

How to Successfully Apply for a Bankruptcy Loan

If you’ve been declared bankrupt but need to take out a loan, don’t be despondent – bankruptcy loans are a great option if you find the right one to suit your needs.

You can increase your chances of being approved by practising good saving and spending habits during bankruptcy. This can slowly but surely increase your credit score on your record.

We’ll delve into the different types of loans that bankrupt people can apply for, how you can increase your attractiveness to lenders, and your chances of being approved.

What Are the Types of Loans for Bankrupts?

There are various loan types for bankrupt people available. You need to do your research to determine which best suits you and your personal financial circumstances.

Payday Loans

Payday loans are sometimes called small amount loans because they offer just that small amount of money you need to survive until payday.

According to Money Smart, the small amount can go up to a maximum of $2,000. 

In an attempt to get borrowers to pay these loans off quickly, they generally have exceptionally rates and finance charges compared to other types of standard loans. 

The longer you take to pay back the money, the more expensive the charges become. If you do this, don’t be surprised if the charges exceed the total loan amount – even up to 200%!

Personal Overdrafts

A personal overdraft is linked to your transactional account. Once you have depleted the money in your account, you can continue spending, and the money will be deducted from your overdraft facility.

As soon as more money is deposited into your account, it will cover up the overdraft amount first, and the balance will remain in your transactional account. 

Interest is charged on the overdraft funds, too.

If you’ve had a personal overdraft before and honoured it well, your lender is more likely to approve another minor overdraft.

Business Loans

You can apply for a secured business loan if you’re starting a business and have relevant assets to do so.

The assets could be:

  • property;
  • equipment or machinery;
  • tools;
  • cars or trucks.

Your assets will act as security for the loan, so if you are unable to service your loan repayments, the assets will be repossessed and sold as collateral to cover your debt.

While lenders approve secured loans more readily because of the security offered, consider whether you’re prepared to lose the assets you’re offering up if push comes to shove.

Car Loans

Some lenders work specifically with car loans for people with bad credit. These lenders are comfortable taking on the risk because they require the borrower to have a guarantor as security. 

A guarantor agrees to guarantee the borrower’s loan and cover the borrower’s debts to the lender if they become unable to do so. 

In this case, lenders are also likely to approve the loan because they have security – but the tricky part could be finding someone willing to act as a guarantor.

Can Bankrupt People Get a Personal Loan?

Many banks and large financial institutions don’t offer personal loans for bankrupts. So, you can approach private lenders instead. 

There aren’t that many lenders who offer personal loans for bankrupt people, so those who do often charge higher rates and fees.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Being Approved for a Bankruptcy Loan by Lenders?

Instead of giving up, be proactive during your time of bankruptcy. This will prepare you for life as a discharged bankrupt.

Here are some ways to increase your chances of being approved for a bankruptcy loan:

Seek Advice From a Financial Advisor

A financial advisor can critically assess your financial situation and provide guidance, assistance, and actionable steps for the future.

A financial advisor isn’t only for prominent people with large bank accounts. Taking out small loans under the advice of a financial advisor can train you to become financially savvy and one day have complete control of your finances so that they can blossom into larger sums and assets.  

Know Your Bankruptcy Details

Be prepared and ensure all your documents are stored in a safe place; have digital copies on hand as well.

Know and understand your bankruptcy situation, and be able to prove it to lenders. For example, have your retrenchment letters to prove the rapid decrease in your financial situation that resulted in bankruptcy.

Try to Get a Job with a Reliable Income

Show lenders your eligibility for a loan by having a disposable income that you can use to repay that money. Income from Centrelink or your pension only is often seen as insufficient.

Even just a part-time job is an opportunity to receive a salary and practice the act of self-discipline to control your financial situation.

Maintain Good Conduct

If you want to regain a good credit record, you have to prove a good track record following bankruptcy.

You can begin by staying up to date with bills as far as you can. Avoid missing payment because defaults to your credit record will reflect negatively and count against your loan application.

If you can prove to a lender that you have turned over a new leaf and are in control of your money, they have reason to believe you will be able to service your loan. 

Apply for Loans in Person 

A person’s financial history is complex, and reducing it to a piece of paper can be grossly oversimplified.

A bankrupt person can benefit from speaking to a real human being because it initiates a relationship, and they are more likely to develop empathy and compassion.

Can Bankrupt People Get a Home Loan?

Home loans are more likely to be awarded to discharged bankrupts if they have proof of a stable income in the form of:

  • payslips, 
  • tax returns,
  • six months ABN registration, and 
  • six months GST registration.

By this point, you should have established a stable savings plan together with your financial advisor and built up a good history of regular and prompt debt repayments.

Consult With a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker can assist you with your home loan application process as a discharged bankrupt. 

Now that you have done everything in your power, your mortgage broker will take over. They compare different home loan options for you and recommend which will suit your circumstances. 

They act as a liaison between the borrower (you) and the lender and will facilitate and help you through the application process. Banks require certain things, and mortgage brokers know how to position your application to make it attractive to them.

Key Takeaways

Regardless of your past, you can still take positive steps to improve your financial future. 

Various bankruptcy loans could be applicable to you, such as:

  • payday loans,
  • personal overdrafts, 
  • business loans, and
  • car loans.

But, you need to try your best to ensure you are an attractive borrower to lenders.

If you set your mind to it and remain disciplined during your bankruptcy by paying off your debt, you could still obtain a personal loan or home loan once you are discharged. 

A financial advisor can be helpful to get you on the right track, and a mortgage broker can assist with your application once you reach that point.

Author: Tony Xia

Tony is the director of The Mortgage Agency based in Sydney. He is specialising in a holistic approach to home loans to help the clients with getting the right outcome based on their specific financial circumstances.

Image by Michal Jarmoluk on Pixabay 

Great Tips to Take Better Real Estate Photos

Real estate online listings are rarely filed without being accompanied by good quality images. This is because images are fundamental for properties to sell. People generally prefer visuals and the images you select to showcase with your listing should give potential buyers an idea of the kind of atmosphere to expect.

A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors revealed that photos were the most top rated features homebuyers looked forward to while searching homes online. Some agents prefer taking their pictures, while some solely depend on professional photographers for the job. Commercial real estate photographs also add authenticity to the listings.

To help you think differently about how you approach taking great photos, here are some tips for real estate photography:

Before You Photograph

  • Arrange a good camera and its equipment: The most important thing to remember is that cell phone cameras don’t qualify if you want top-quality shots. A good DSLR camera that offers multiple settings options and uses a variety of lenses will work well. Along with a good camera, investing in a tripod is also recommended.
  • Prepare each room to be photographed: Before you can start shooting your listing photos, you need to make sure your home is camera-ready. Begin by decluttering and deep cleaning all of your rooms. Every surface must be bare, every shelf neat and organized, so find a place for all of your belongings. This step of the process is vital for not only photographing your home but also showing it. Everyone loves to see balanced photos that look fresh and crisp but lived-in and home-like. 
  • Consider staging your home: Who doesn’t want to show off their home while listing them. Make sure the house is clean, clear of all distracting items, pets, and other things. You may replace these by placing fresh flowers to add brightness and vibrancy to the house. According to the same NAR study, 83% of buyer’s agents believe that home staging has made it easier for their clients to visualize themselves in the homes they’ve toured. If you think the cost is too steep, you should at least consider hiring someone to stage your home virtually. With virtual staging, buyers are at least be able to get a sense of the space through the photos.

 While You Photograph

  • Pay close attention to your lighting: Always keep the curtains open and switch on all the lights to make the room bright and well illuminated. It is not recommended to rely on the camera’s inbuilt flash as it creates shadows and reflects off windows and mirrors. Also, avoid taking pictures when it is not sunny and the weather is gloomy.
  • Angles and compositions are essential: The best way to showcase the room’s features is to shoot from a corner or the doorways. This will capture the room to its maximum space. Additionally, it makes the room look spacious. While photographing exterior features of the home, stand at an angle rather than taking straight photographs.

After You Photograph

  • Edit your photos, but don’t misrepresent the home: Misleading buyers with manipulated images is something every real estate agent must stay away from. For instance, a photo taken with a wide-angle lens can be deceptive and make the room look ambiguously larger. This will disappoint the buyers when they come for open houses to check the property. 

You can take services from a company like for Styldod to perfect your photos. It is affordable, and you’ll be surprised at just how great the before and after shots look. Plus, Styldod is specifically a real estate tool, so they’ll edit the images with a buyer’s eye in mind. You can also submit exterior photos to Styldod and have them change daytime photos to dusk photos. This is amazing since it might be challenging to get that perfect sunset shot yourself. The goal is to use your real estate photos to sell as many properties as possible. 

Author Bio

Rahul Agarwal is the Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Styldod, where he has taught a computer to do interior design! Styldod provides the most hassle-free & inexpensive virtual staging solutions for real estate agents so they can sell their listings faster, and for higher prices. Rahul was also a co-founder of Mebelkart (which is acquired by Ask Me). He’s your everyday IIT Kanpur nerd who pushes the boundaries with his innovative entrepreneurial stints and is also a sound startup investor & advisor. Rahul attributes his success as a professional to the discipline he has learned from his district hockey days, being a swimmer and a gym enthusiast.

The Difference Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent

For many people nowadays, the industry of real estate can remain a mystery until this very day. 

Most people can underestimate all that the real estate agent does but when you ask these people if they can do the same, then they will act like the job is not a hassle while that is very far from the truth. To many people, real estate agencies do no more than open the door to potential clients and have their listings ready, make a few phone calls here and there and in the end they just collect their commission check that most people believe that isn’t even in their right to have since they have the assumption that real estate agencies don’t really work for the money they received. In this article, you will understand what a realtor really does and if you hired one recently, did they do the best for you or not?

The biggest responsibilities of a real estate agent includes two different departments which are buying and selling a property. When you have that in mind, you should have a better idea of where your money is going as well as if hiring a real estate agent or dealing with an agency is the best choice for you.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REALTOR AND A REAL ESTATE AGENT

There is this misconception that one is more different than the other while it’s actually closer than you might assume. Anyone who has their own real estate license can actually assist you to buy or sell real estate property but that doesn’t mean that all agents can become realtors. There is a specific association of Realtors that you need to join to be part of the scene, but not all association members are real estate agents. Put in mind that real estate brokers, property managers and even real estate counselors can be eligible to join the association.

To be part of the association, you must understand that there are certain requirements that you will need to follow as terms and conditions to practice the right to become part of the association. Another part that is required is what separates the difference between realtors and other agents would be that they take education classes every few years to improve their circumstances and knowledge regarding the field. Keep in mind that each agent is different, so they will all have their own techniques and tactics with different approaches towards getting the home that they desire.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT

The job requirements of a real estate agent can be many things but mostly a negotiator, coordinator and a person who can organize and manage their time in the proper manner to not waste their client’s time with any kind of visit that they would have with potential clients. It all depends on whether you are planning to purchase or sell your property, there would be different aspects regarding the procedure. When it comes to your real estate agent, try to look at them as someone who will assist you in every way to buy or sell your house quicker than you can imagine. They would insist to:

  • Walk you through the whole process and the steps that need to be taken
  • Answer all the questions that you will have along the way during your transaction
  • Communicate with other owners/sellers on your behalf, and do everything that is possible to make the procedure go as calmly as possible.

Now that you have the idea of the portrayal of the real estate agent, now it is time to get into the real details and know how this procedure works out beforehand so you won’t get surprised by any actions or statements said along the way.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A REALTOR

The job requirements of a Realtor is actually close to the agent but oddly quite different at the same time. A successful realtor in the field has a sizable network of agents that realtors can trust and other professionals that he/she can hire during the home buying/selling process as well as using their own knowledge and experience within the field to get you better properties and deals along the way.

THE PROCEDURE AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION TO BUY/RENT

Once you made the decision that you are ready to buy/rent a certain home, that is when your real estate agent will start giving you potential listings that would peak your interest as well as some local listings that might interest you but they would also like to see how much you have seen, if anything at all so that they can find the perfect place for you without having to waste anyone’s time along the way. You should understand that showing you around the best properties for you is technically part of their commission, so make the most of it and don’t hesitate to speak your mind because you will be the one living in the property in the end after all. 

Eventually, after seeing a few places that you might like with your agent, you will find one place that really interests you or anyone that will be living with you, at this point is when your real estate agent will help you write an offer that be negotiated or accepted depending on where the owner stands in the situation and if there is an agreement between both parties. In the event that the owner is willing to negotiate the deal with you, it is best that your real estate agent speaks on your behalf rather than having you speak for yourself because with experience of the agent, you would be surprised by the deal that they can provide for you. Obviously during the procedure, it is best that both parties don’t communicate without the agent present just so there won’t be any future misunderstandings.

Author Bio

Mohamed El Zaafarany is a digital marketing consultant with interests in the travel and real estate industries who loves to connect businesses with their target audiences.

zaafarany.com

Image: Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Find All Real Estate for Sale on www.all-real-estate.com

5 Ways to Begin Investing In Real Estate with Little or No Money

Lots of folks believe this to enter the world of property; you require plenty of money. But it doesn’t imply that a person with less or no cash can’t begin a real estate company. In This article we have covered the full topic of – how to do real estate business with no money?

The first thing required to initiate a real estate company (or any business, really) is the ideal mindset. You will need to work out creative and innovative ways of getting financing for your real estate deal, especially when you’ve got no funds to spend.

A business is successful once you earn profit by selling your goods or services. This is true for the real estate business, also. The best thing about the property sector is that everyone can start this business with the wish to sell the property and earn high returns.

So, how can you begin a real estate company with zero capital? How can you organize financing to back up your real-estate deal?

If these questions are running through your head, then we have got helpful answers for you.

How to Make Money in Real Estate Without a License

Real estate is an exciting business. I have met a few of the most driven and enthusiastic individuals, lots of whom are currently lifelong buddies. It keeps you on your feet! When most folks consider transitioning to a career in real estate, but the first thing that comes to mind is becoming a certified realtor. With all the licensing and education requirements, however, that may seem quite daunting. Many don’t understand that you may work in real estate without a license in most countries. In actuality, a quick scan of the internet job boards shows the assortment of opportunities.

How to Start a Real Estate Business with No Money

Here Are Five Powerful ways to start a property dealing Company (How to do real estate business with no money) with zero Cash in your pocket, Plans you can learn from and apply in other businesses as well:

1. Buy a House as a Main Home

You can buy a house to live in with a zero money down VA or USDA loan, remain there for at least one year, then move out and turn the house into a rental home. Do not forget that equity building through property investing also contains the houses where you live. Additionally, the down payment and credit rating requirements for a primary residence are always less strict compared to investment property. Living on your insignificant farms first is an excellent way to avoid the more rigorous lender rules for property investment properties.

2. Purchase a Duplex, and Reside in 1 Unit while You Rent Out another One

Did you know that you could fund a two-unit duplex using an FHA loan? You reside in one unit and rent out the other property for additional cash. Along with the reduced down payment requirement, the best thing about this property investing strategy is the lease you derive from the opposite side of this duplex will most likely play a significant part of your mortgage!

3. Create a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) on Your Primary Residence or another Investment Property. 

For those who have a large quantity of equity on your primary residence or another property rental property. Many banks will provide you with a HELOC, which you can then use for property investing. A normal HELOC will make a line of money in hand for around 70-80% of the instant equity in your currently owned land.

However, the HELOC can also be utilized as a zero-down mortgage to fund a rental property.

The HELOC interest rate is generally the prime rate and 1 or 2%, which now puts them around 5 percent. But the principal benefit of the HELOC is that it usually does not have any closing costs, and you’ll be able to close quickly with only a Drive-By evaluation on your premises. Some banks won’t charge you for this particular examination.

By way of instance, if the interest is $300, you can simply pay that minimum amount, or pay extra money each month to repay the principal. This permits you to make your mortgage under your terms.

Assuming the prime rate stays stable, the total amount of interest will fall as you pay down the principal monthly.

4. Ask the Seller to Pay your Closing Costs.

On many property transactions, the property seller is willing to cover buyer closing costs to incentivize a sale. However, the trade-off will most likely have to supply the full asking price or close to it. This is reasonable, so long as your lease is enough to cover all your expenses and give you little monthly cash flow. However, at full asking price in the event, the lender quotes you an entire mortgage payment (including insurance and taxes ). Which is equal to or higher than the lease you can reasonably cost, search for another deal.

5. Utilize a Bank that Pays Closing Costs or Supplies a Rebate on your Down Payment.

In combination with Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Advantage program, Quicken Loans has just promoted a 1% down payment option on single-family houses for owner-occupied properties. The buyer puts up 1 percent, and Quicken Loans provides a grant for another 2% needed. A 680 credit rating and a debt-to-income ratio of 45 percent or less will be required.

Sometimes the interest rate is slightly higher to get this deal, but some lenders are currently advertising. They’ll pay closing costs without increasing interest rates. Check with a site such as bankrate.com or do a Google search for a listing of those companies.

Whichever of these methods you opt to use, the most crucial point to bear in mind is that investing in real estate with very little money is a superb way to build wealth. It is among the very few investment approaches where you can begin without large quantities of cash. One never knows when particular property programs will come and go. So make sure to benefit from these ideas while they’re still around.

Is real estate an excellent way to earn money in 2020?

Real estate is best regarded as a long-term investment – it pays off best when held through the years. You can purchase property in 2020, but you would want to hold onto it for 20–30 years for the best results. Suppose you can find sellers that will sell their property for you at a substantial discount below market value. In that case, you can create a whole lot of cash in a couple of weeks through wholesaling or flipping. But finding people who will sell the property to you for 10–20 percent or more below market value is a whole lot tougher than finding quality properties that will appreciate and supply decent cash flow over the longer term.

How to Start Investing in Real Estate with Little Money

For many people, the term “investing” conjures up images of men in suits, tracking the exchange of tens of thousands of dollars on a stock ticker.

I am here to tell you: You do not have to be the Wolf of Wall Street to begin investing. It’s okay if you are more of a mouse of Main Street. Even if you just have a few bucks to spare, your money will grow with compound interest.

The key to building wealth is developing good habits–such as regularly putting money away each month. Replace the barista-made cappuccinos for coffee in your home, and you may already be saving more than $50 per month.

As soon as you have a little cash to play, you may begin to invest.

It’s just as straightforward. Having a robo-advisor or savings account, you can make your money work as you play. With a stock trading program, you can play a little money and learn valuable investing lessons simultaneously. Exactly like Halloween costumes, investing comes in several diverse forms. It should not be a scary word.

With so many diverse choices, investing for novices is more straightforward and more uncomplicated than ever before.

Conclusion

Property coping is a very profitable business. Use the ways mentioned above to enter this line of business even when you don’t have cash. But, do not forget that entry is simply the first step on the ladder of success. How your company grows and succeeds is mainly based on your hard work and your ability to recognize opportunities and take action accordingly.

Ready to begin taking advantage of the current opportunities in the housing market?

Whether you are new to investing or have closed a few bargains. Our new online property course will cover everything you will need to know to help you start real estate investing. Professional investor than Merrill explains the very best property plans to help get you on the path towards a better financial future.

About the author: My name is King kentus i blog at komback.com and i am the CEO of the said website.

How and Where to Invest in Real Estate: The 4 Best Ways to Profit

It’s not a secret that real estate can yield bigger profits than most businesses, but did you know that you can earn in this market even if you don’t sell a house?

If you have ever experienced having a landlord, there’s a good chance that you have observed how challenging it is for them to field calls from tenants all day about overflowing toilets or giant bugs. But while it may not seem like the most glamorous job, being a real estate investor can be quite lucrative.

Aside from renting out a place, there are plenty of ways that you can get a significant return on investment in real estate. The only problem is that not all investors understand how they can do so, or even know which investments can get them a significant ROI.

If you’re new to the trade, this article is for you. Read on to learn the four best ways to profit by investing in real estate.

1.   Buy a rental property

This is probably the most straightforward method of becoming a real estate investor. ‘Investment property’ refers to any commercial or residential property to be rented out to tenants without any additional fixing or flipping.

When you own a rental property, you don’t just get what you paid for, but you also build wealth-generating income. Add to that equity appreciation and the leverage you have with real estate, and you have yourself a solid investment.

Still, it is worth noting that owning a piece of rental property may not be for everyone. When looking for houses or apartments for sale, you have to make sure that you consider your interests, lifestyle, and the potential drawbacks, including:

●      Time commitment

Owning a property and renting it out to tenants requires time, even with the help of a property management agency. Make sure that you can accommodate this in your schedule. Otherwise, it would be best to try something else.

●      Cost barriers

Another major concern most investors have about a rental property is the cost of buying one. If you’re taking out a loan for it, many lenders require a minimum of 25 percent down payment for an investment property loan. Thus, it would be better to consider undertaking this type of real estate venture if you have reserves worth several months’ expenses.

●      Uncertainty of yield

Although many rental properties provide a continuous source of income for many (especially if you pick an apartment in a highly desirable location, like a Business Bay property in Dubai, for example), it isn’t a 100% done deal. Vacancies can happen, and things may break. Although there is great potential in this sort of investment overall, there are considerable short-term risks.

2.   Invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs)

Real estate investment trusts or REITs allow investors to put in their money and let it grow without actual, physical real estate.

Although usually compared to mutual funds, REITs are actual commercial real estate properties like retail spaces, office buildings, apartments, and hotels that yield income through leasing. The revenue gathered through these properties is divided amongst the REIT holders – also called ‘trustees’ – in the form of a dividend, which they can automatically reinvest to allow it to grow further.

But while REITs are an excellent way to invest in real estate for people without the time to handle rental properties, they can also be complex and varied. Some of these are traded on an exchange the same way stocks are, but others aren’t publicly traded. This means that the kind of REIT you invest in is a huge factor in how big a risk you’re taking when engaging in this form of real estate investment.

3.   Purchase a vacation rental

Vacation rentals are quite different from the rental property mentioned previously. While the latter involves having long-term tenants, vacation rentals are only occupied by tenants on occasion.

One of the perks of having this type of investment property is that you can use it as your second home when it is vacant. It would also be easier to finance vacation rentals compared to long-term rental properties, particularly if your lender considers it your second home as it means you don’t need to use the rental income to qualify for the loan.

Moreover, these properties usually bring in higher rental income per day compared to long-term rentals.

But, like other investment options, vacation rentals also have some disadvantages.

For one, marketing and managing this type of rental property requires more involvement on your part compared to those leased out long term. Because of this, the cost of property management is a bit higher, with many property managers expecting to get paid 25% of the total rent. This is more than twice the 10% standard for long-term rentals.

4.   Fix and flip real estate

If you’re a fan of real estate TV shows, then you’re probably familiar with the term ‘fix and flip’ or the act of ‘flipping houses’. Fixing and flipping a property means that you buy a home for the sole purpose of refurbishing it and selling it quickly for a profit.

This particular investment option can be quite a lucrative option in real estate, especially if everything proceeds as planned. After all, what better way to earn some cash than by buying an underpriced home, showing it little love through inexpensive renovation, and reselling it for a higher price?

However, this strategy is a little bit harder to accomplish in reality compared to how they present it on TV. First, it comes with a higher risk as the maths behind flipping properties means you have to be very accurate in your estimated cost of repairs. That alone is a challenge in itself.

Plus, flipping homes is a job that requires not only your attention but a lot of time as well. This means that if you’re a passive investor, you should consider another investment option.

Remember that fix-and-flip investments can be quite daunting, even for the most experienced professionals. In fact, even the people you see doing this on TV require a team of four people or more, with varying expertise in real estate marketing, civil engineering, interior design, and others.

There are also some rules you must know about before deciding to jump into the fix-and-flip bandwagon:

  • You make money when you buy, not when you sell. Stick to the 70 percent rule; the acquisition, repair, and holding costs shouldn’t exceed 70 percent of the amount you expect to sell it for.
  • Time is equivalent to money in this trade. Dragging your feet during repairs and selling can destroy your profit margins.

Invest wisely in property

Property investment has a high potential of helping you build your wealth. When done right, you can even make it your main source of income.

Still, it would be best not to put all your eggs in one basket. Invest wisely by choosing the right kind of real estate investment among those listed in this article.

Author: Damac Properties