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Investing in your first rental property is an exciting adventure and could be a perfect little money-maker. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, however, and there are several important factors to consider. There are different options to choose from, you could lease the property on a long-term basis or even as just a vacation home. The choices available to you will also depend on your budget and current financial situation. There are more than just financial aspects to consider, you’ll also have certain responsibilities as a landlord, and you need to ensure you’re cut out for it. Here are a few factors to bear in mind before investing in rental property.

Long-term and short-term options

Consider all the available options. You could buy real estate with the intention of renting in on a long-term lease. The advantage of this is that you’ll likely receive more consistent income. Of course, this depends largely on choosing the right tenants. Another option is buying a vacation home or hosting through Airbnb. This way you can rent out the property on a short-term basis but charge a higher rate. Think about your plans for the future and speak to a financial advisor to figure out the best option for you.

Your financial situation

Figure out what you can afford according to your current financial situation. Before investing in your first property it’s advisable to clear any existing debts, simplify your finances, and ensure you’re in a comfortable position. A financial advisor will be able to help you here as well. If in the future you want to buy any more properties, focus on how you are going to budget for these. Consider all hidden costs such as taxes, repairs, and insurance.

Requirements and responsibilities

As well as being financially responsible for the property you’ll also have certain landlord obligations. These will be clearly outlined in the contract. Whether you’re leasing long-term or just for vacations, you’ll still be responsible for maintaining the property. This also means being prepared to be contacted at a moment’s notice and expected to resolve problems. It helps to be handy as you may need to carry out certain maintenance yourself. Think about whether you have the right personal characteristics and skills to be a landlord.

Financing options

There are various financing options you can research before making your decision. If you finance the property you will increase your monthly outgoings but get a greater return on investment. If you choose the wrong kind of loan according to your situation, this could have an impact on the income you make from the property, however. Here is a complete guide to financing an investment property.

Location

The value of real estate and its appeal to renters depends greatly on location. If you want to invest in a rental property for tenants to live in on a long-term basis you need to factor in local amenities. These include public transport options, schools, stores, sports and recreation facilities, restaurants, nightlife, and more. If you research the area well you can find somewhere up and coming that will likely be a better investment. For a vacation home, you need a tourist destination with plenty of cultural appeal. Alternatively, you could invest in a property on the coast or near areas of natural beauty.

Profit margins

You need to consider how much income you’re realistically going to make from the investment. You can learn how to calculate rental income online. This will depend on several factors. These include the area, the type of property, and the lease. Speak to an impartial financial advisor to understand more about profit margins and return on investment. You could also do some research online or network with other landlords.

Hidden costs

Mortgage interest rates are generally higher on investment properties. Calculate different types of interest rates online and compare hdb loan interest, with rental properties, and traditional mortgages. There are also other hidden costs to consider. These include operating expenses, emergency repairs, and insurance. If you’re looking for a rental property, it’s usually more cost-effective to go for a newer place that’s not in need of too much renovation. Flipping property is more lucrative if your intentions are to sell, not to lease. If you find a cheaper property that needs expensive maintenance this might not be worth the extra costs. Be sure to discuss all your possible options and finances with an independent advisor, and you’ll be able to make the right decision for you.

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These Home Staging Tips will Help you to Make your Home Look Its Best

 

If you want to make your home look the best it can for any potential buyers, then you need to make sure that it is staged properly. Home staging is a method that helps your home look the best that it can. It also gives your buyers the chance to imagine what your home will be like for them when they move in. If you stage your home properly, then there’s no reason at all why you should have any problems with making a quick sale. With so many benefits, it makes sense for you to put the time and effort into staging your home, and the best thing is that it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money.

Stage Where it Counts

Not all rooms are equal when it comes to staging. You ideally want to focus your efforts on the rooms which have the biggest potential. This will allow you to spend less time on the rooms that are not making much difference. The rooms that hold the most importance for a buyer include the master bedroom, the living room and the kitchen. These are the rooms that you want to focus on the most when you are staging your property. Don’t worry about the rooms that don’t have a lot of influence, such as the bathroom or the children’s bedroom. If you want your living room to look fantastic, then consider buying some Murano Glass Chandeliers.

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De-Personalise

One of the main reasons why home staging is important is because it helps your buyers to visualise your space as being their own. The best and the easiest way for you to accomplish this would be for you to make your home into a blank canvas. You want your home to have style and some charm, but at the same time, you also want to make sure that it is devoid of any personal touches. Remove any personal photos and make sure that you take down anything on the fridge. Put your clothes out of sight, and also make sure that you clear the bathroom of any personal items, such as toothbrushes or solution for your contact lenses. De-personalising your home can feel strange, but it is useful if you want your buyers to connect with your property.

Clear any Clutter

Clutter takes up a huge amount of space. At the end of the day, space is what sells. You have to make sure that your home is bigger and more desirable by trying to narrow things down to the basics. You don’t have to bin everything, but you do need to pack them up so that you can clear out your home as soon as possible. You may want to clear any seasonal items, such as winter coats, if it is summer. This will open your hallway and make it seem less cluttered. You also need to get rid of some décor if you know that you have quite a lot of it. This will help you to make the most out of your storage potential, and it will also help you to move.

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How To Complete Your Own Home Office Makeover

 

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When it comes to your home, you’re always going to want it to look good. It’s nice to take pride in your home and make sure that it looks and feels the way that you want it to. However, that can often be something that we do when we first move in – to then go on and forget about it as time goes on. And so, you may find that before long, different areas in your home need a bit of a spruce.

You’ll often find that it will be rooms like your living space, kitchen and bathroom that you want to be able to keep updated the most. These are the rooms that you spend the most time in so it’s only natural to want to keep them looking great. However, there are more rooms in the house that you may also use quite regularly.

Having a home office can be great. It can be one of the rooms that you really use a lot and that you want to look and feel good. After all, it’s a place that you work from and you’ll want it to be not only organized, but to help you to feel motivated and productive while you work too!

Let’s take a look at how you can create your very own home office makeover (this is the one that we did) or even get your first home office set up too!

Get Your Inspiration

To start with, you need to make sure that you know what you want to do. Because this is the thing when it comes to decorating, you really don’t want to start without having a clear vision of what you’re trying to create. Otherwise it could end up looking a bit crazy. So take a look at some home office ideas and see what you want to do with your makeover. Or if you’re starting to create a home office from scratch, this will also guide you on what you’ll need to add into it.

Clear The Space

Then, when you know what you want to do, it’s time to get the space ready. Whether you’re working with an existing home office or another room that you want to turn into one, you still have to start in the same way. You’ll always want to clear the space and make sure that it’s empty and ready to start work.

Work On The Walls First

The next thing to do is the walls. Before you do anything else, get your walls ready. Whether you’re painting or wallpapering, you’ll want to start here and get your base done. Then you can work on the flooring, should you be changing that too.

Bring In New Accessories

From here, you’re then going to want to make sure that you’re bringing in the different accessories that’ll make up your home office. And this is not only things like your decorative hardware sets, curtains, cushions, and rugs. But it’s also things like a coffee maker if you want one or support for your feet while you work!

Change Up Any Furniture

Do you need a new desk or comfortable chair? Or maybe this is your first office and you need everything from scratch? Make sure that you look online at good table and chair providers for home offices. Look at reviews too and be sure to choose something comfortable to work from.

Dress The Space

And then it’s time to make the space look pretty! This is where you might want to add some motivational wall art or slogans – or even pictures of your family. Any other little trinkets that you might want to add to your desk too. Just make it personal and look great!

Get It Organized

Finally, you’re then going to want to make sure that you’re thinking about how you can keep it organized. After all, this is a space that you work from. You’ll want it to be motivating and help you to reach your different goals in life. So having the right organization system is important here.

As much as it can seem like creating your very own home office or redoing the one you have is hard work, it can be super fun. Just set aside the time and get to work. As long as you have your ideas all planned out and you’ve got everything you need, it shouldn’t take too long at all.

Then, when the space is all ready, you’ll feel so motivated to get to work and reach your goals. Happy Decorating!

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5 Mistakes Beginners Make with Houseplants

 

You go to the store and see some beautiful houseplants, so you buy some.  You bring them home, forget what most of them are called, and just start doing things willy nilly.  And then they start to die and you feel like a horrible plant parent.  Well, have no fear because if you avoid doing these beginner mistakes, your chances of being a successful plant parent will go way up! 

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5 Dog Training Tips for Your New Pup

 

Training your new pup can be a hassle, especially if you’re trying to balance work, hobbies, family time, and everything else life throws at you. You probably wish your dog would just behave automatically, but unfortunately, that’s never the case. After all, they’re very similar to babies. It may not be easy, but training your dog is possible and certainly worth it.

Here are several helpful tips for you to consider when you’re ready to start puppy training camp with your little buddy: 

Start Training Immediately
You’ll want to start training your pup as soon as you bring them home. Puppies are more intelligent than you might think and can significantly benefit from early instruction. Introduce them as quickly as possible and watch them learn! Begin with some basic obedience commands and work your way up as they mature. Once they’ve grasped the basics, you can enroll them in Dog Training CO.

Don’t Discount the Importance of Socialization
You can’t have a well-behaved pup without proper socialization. Puppies need to be introduced to the outside world, including the many people and other animals living in it! Getting them acquainted with new places, people, things, and animals set the stage for their lifelong temperament and social activity. With the right amount of socialization, dogs generally become more relaxed, joyful, and approachable.

Never Stop Practicing
Even if you think your pup has nailed a specific trick or command, you should continue practicing. Dogs need continual mental stimulation to keep their brains active throughout their entire lives. They can easily lose their skills if you stop practicing. Make sure to keep commands fresh so your pup can retain their knowledge.

Spend Quality Time Together
Just like little kids, puppies are often afraid of new things. However, if you’re right by their side, they’re more likely to face their fear. Make sure to set aside some quality time with you and your pup. Playing and training can often help develop a strong relationship built on trust and love, resulting in better behavior later on.

Encourage Independence
Many dogs start to develop separation anxiety from their owners. This usually begins at an early age and can continue to be a struggle if not addressed quickly. The truth is, you won’t be able to spend every waking moment with your dog. This is why you must gradually show them that being alone is okay.

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The Art of a Smooth Morning Routine

 

A smooth morning routine can set the tone for your entire day.  Especially with the chaos going on in the world around you, a morning routine can set you up to deal with what the day holds.  But what does a smooth morning routine look like? Well, let's take a look.

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