How to Convert a Home Into a Community Center
Especially during this time of COVID-19 and social distancing, many people are longing for community in ways they never have before. With a vaccine on the horizon, however, it might be the ideal time to start thinking about starting your own community center and providing a space for people from a specific group to congregate and share in each other’s camaraderie. Whether you’re looking to create a community center for senior citizens or are interested in providing a safe place for youth to gather together after school, there are plenty of options available to you. The only thing holding you back might be finding the right space to serve as your community center. Buildings are integral to building a community in a meaningful way because they’re a place where people from different backgrounds and geographic areas can come together in physical space. That being said, if you start to think outside…
How to Survive the First Week in a New Home
Moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. The bigger the move, the more stressful it can be. For example, moving to another state or region will require far more logistics than moving across town. In addition to the packing, physically moving, and unpacking, you’ll have to deal with changes in utilities, exchanging of keys and information for the house you’re leaving and the house you’re buying, as well as food and drinks, during and immediately following the move. Despite the stress of moving, it can also be one of the most exciting times in your life. If you’ve been looking at those mountain homes for sale for a long time, and you’re finally moving into your dream home, the excitement and joy can be overwhelming. It’s essential not to let the stress of moving to overshadow the excitement of this new beginning. Here are a…
Tips for Raising Capital for Real Estate Investments
Real estate is one of the most prized possessions globally, and the United States has some of the most valuable real estate in the entire world. One of the many things that makes property such a popular asset is that it has unlimited potential. How much you can make off the property is dictated by its location and the potential that others see in it. The legend that Walt Disney paid $80 for an acre of land in Florida which eventually turned out to be the first piece of land in what was to become Disney World is an inspiration for many wide-eyed real estate investors. Walt was able to get the land for such a low cost because no one knew who the buyer was or his intentions for the land. No one saw the potential of their property until they learned who the buyer was, which lead to…
From Gorgeous Pictures to Detailed Descriptions: 5 Tips for Listing Your Own Home
If you’re selling your home, your to-do list might feel like an insurmountable mountain right now. People say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, and listing your own home is just a small part of a huge list of tasks. To make sure you do a great job and give your house the best chance of getting the highest possible price, there are a few key things that you should concentrate on. From how to set your house up for success during viewings to how to present your home in its best light online, here is everything you need to know as homeowners when it comes to listing your own home for sale. Iron out any last-minute problems. If you’ve lived in your home for a while, there might be little quirks and issues that you live with every day and hardly notice…
Key Home Renovations to Make Before You Sell
The 2020 real estate market has been an absolute bonanza for sellers. With inventory getting bought up quickly, frequent bidding wars, and many homes selling at record highs, the fact that interest rates are low has been incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to sell their home and make a move. At the same time, however, it’s important to remember that demand alone won’t sell your house. It’s just as important to make sure that you’ve put time and care into preparing it for being listed on the market. Part of that preparation may come in the form of repair work or even renovations. That being said, not all reno work is created equal, so it’s important to prioritize some tasks over others if you want it to pay off when it comes to selling your home. Here are some of the key renovations to make before you list your house with…
4 Home Repairs You Should Take Care of Before Winter
As the weather begins to get cooler, your daily routines will need to be changed. Long sleeve shirts, jackets, and jeans will be brought out of closets. You will have to let your car warm up before hitting the road. Your thermostat will be switched to heat, rather than blowing out cold air, and wearing a hat will be needed to keep you safe from the cold weather. All these changes, and many more, will take place as the seasons change. It would be best though to prepare your home for changes in the seasons. Your goal ultimately is to “winterize” your home. When you winterize your home, you conduct repairs and chores around the home to prevent damage from cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Here are some repairs you should do on your home to prepare for winter 1. Take care of exterior wood by painting, caulking, and sealing. One of…
5 Tips for Commercial Real Estate Investing
Commercial real estate investing provides a tremendous opportunity for long-term growth and wealth. However, the more considerable the investment, the greater the risk it is. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all of your options and understand exactly what you are doing before investing money. Here are five tips for commercial real estate investing. 1. Follow the market carefully. Know the market before investing. Pay attention to property values, what’s selling, what investment opportunities there are, and where the community is heading. While things can happen that you weren’t prepared for, the more in tune you are with the area, the more prepared you will be for changes and new developments. If you are still considering where to buy an investment property, research what areas are growing and on the verge of rapid expansion. Getting on the front end of a community expansion will allow you to profit significantly from a…
Want to Get Approved for a Mortgage? Here’s 5 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Buying a house is a significant step into adulthood and a major financial commitment. While the cost might seem overwhelming, you are taking the time to invest in yourself, your future, and yes, possibly even your retirement. You are building something that you can use and ideally profit from, longterm. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success as a homeowner is to get a good deal on a mortgage. Follow these tips to get competitive rates that can help you maintain financial stability. 1. Come prepared to meet with your lender. Mortgage companies will review a host of your financial documents before they approve your application. These documents will help determine aspects like interest rates and monthly payments. Review this checklist of items you need, like income statements and your additional assets. Along with preparing financial documents for your lender to review, dress professionally for the meeting. Consider…
5 Ways to Fix Up Your Garage
Everyone uses their garage differently. Some people treat it like a storage unit while still parking their cars outside. Other homeowners use their garage to conduct basic maintenance like changing the oil and rotating the tires. However you use your garage, make sure you get the most out of it. Here are five ways to fix it up to make it more useful for you and your family. 1. Determine the main purpose of your garage. Set goals for why you want to fix up your garage. Do you want to create a place for family members to hang out with chairs, a foosball table, and a second refrigerator? Do you want space to house your hobby equipment, like soccer balls or snorkeling gear? These questions will help you plan your remodel. For example, some people will finish their garages so they have climate control and get WiFi from the…
How Do You Prepare for the Death of a Loved One?
Losing our closest loved ones is always difficult. While no one wants to think of their family as a piggy bank, the honest truth is that death creates a legal and fiduciary requirement on those left behind, and this may be complicated immensely by liquidity needs, property value, cash assets, and of course, the deceased person’s wishes. Outside of financial planning, death asks a lot of us emotionally as well. In the wake of a loss, we must put on a brave face while celebrating the life of one of our closest friends. Dress nicely to feel like yourself. Things can easily become overwhelming during the course of a funeral, but grief follows us out into our daily lives for months or years afterward. One coping mechanism found to be helpful for some in mourning is to buy a new outfit or two for the wake or funeral – some petite…