Author: Guest

Escape to Paradise: Affordable Beachfront Properties

Discover the allure of beachfront living and how it can become a reality without breaking the bank. Explore the possibilities of affordable beachfront properties and enhance your beachfront experience with Renty’s long-term car hire services in Dubai.

The Allure of Beachfront Living

The dream of waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and breathtaking sunsets has long captivated our imaginations. Beachfront living offers a unique and alluring lifestyle that combines tranquility, natural beauty, and a sense of luxury. Traditionally associated with exclusivity, beachfront properties have become highly coveted among homeowners and vacationers alike.

Affordable Beachfront Properties: Making Paradise Accessible

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the beachfront property market, with affordable options becoming more accessible. While some may still associate beachfront living with high price tags, there are numerous opportunities worldwide to find affordable beachfront properties that suit different preferences and budgets. From hidden gems in emerging markets to established coastal destinations, there is a range of options to explore.

Embracing the Beachfront Lifestyle

Living on a beachfront property offers a unique lifestyle that can enrich your daily routines. Imagine waking up to the gentle ocean breeze, stepping onto the warm sand, and enjoying a morning stroll along the shoreline. Beachfront living provides easy access to outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, and relaxing sunbathing sessions. It creates an ambiance of relaxation and rejuvenation, where the stresses of everyday life seem to melt away.

Enhancing Your Beachfront Experience

To truly make the most of your beachfront getaway, having a car at your disposal is invaluable. Renty offers long term car hire in Dubai, allowing you to conveniently explore the surrounding areas and discover hidden gems beyond your immediate beachfront location. With Renty’s reliable and flexible car rental options, you can enjoy the freedom of coastal drives, visit nearby attractions, and indulge in waterfront dining experiences.

Creating Unforgettable Adventures

Renting a car in Dubai opens up a world of possibilities for creating unforgettable adventures during your beachfront escape. Take scenic coastal drives along breathtaking shorelines, explore charming seaside towns, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discover picturesque beaches, embark on water sports activities, and indulge in beachside cafes and restaurants that offer fresh seafood delicacies.

Sustainability and Beachfront Living

One of the significant advantages of beachfront living is the opportunity to embrace a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Being in close proximity to nature allows you to appreciate and protect the environment. Many beachfront communities are focused on promoting sustainable practices such as conservation efforts, renewable energy sources, and recycling initiatives. By choosing an affordable beachfront property, you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature but also actively contribute to its preservation.

Conclusion

Affordable beachfront properties are no longer a distant dream. With careful research and exploration, you can find your own slice of paradise without compromising your budget. Embrace the beachfront lifestyle and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty that comes with it. Enhance your beachfront experience with Renty’s long-term car hire services in Dubai, providing you with the freedom to explore the coastal wonders and create lasting memories.

Author: Janet Milsap

What to Know Before Signing a Lease for Your First Apartment

Renting your first apartment can be exciting, but you must take the time to understand everything that’s involved. Signing a lease for an apartment is often the first time many experience freedom away from home. But before you sign the lease, there are a few things you should know. As a renter, you have rights, and your lease should meet your expectations to help you understand what to expect. Here’s everything you must know before signing a lease:

Condition of the Apartment 

Before writing your signature on a long lease, you must ensure the state of the apartment is up to snuff. For example, you shouldn’t be expected to live in an apartment (and pay for it) with damaged or broken appliances. Most apartment managers or landlords will allow you to document any damages in the rental to ensure they fix it quickly, and you won’t be expected to pay for them when you move out. 

Document everything you see because it could come back to bite you. For example, if you notice a ding on the refrigerator and don’t report it, your landlord can claim that you caused the damage and force you to pay for it. Scratches and scuff marks on walls, broken cupboards, broken appliances, and holes in walls should be reported before you move in. 

Pet Policy

Believe it or not, many apartments allow pets, and the number of rentals with pet policies continues to grow. Of course, if you already have a dog, you should check the lease to ensure that pets are allowed. Additionally, you might want to live in a place that allows cats and dogs even if you don’t have one but are considering getting one. The best apartment dogs are usually small to medium-sized breeds with low barking levels or lazy personalities. However, your apartment’s pet policy may have a list of breed exclusions that are prohibited from living there.

Checking the lease before signing will help you learn the types of pets you can have, number, weight limit, and so forth to ensure you won’t incur any fees or get evicted if you have one. 

Understand What You Pay For

Many apartment complexes include heat and water in the price of rent. However, some don’t. Understanding what’s included in your rent, such as heat, water, garbage pick up, electricity, and gas, can help you understand how much your apartment will truly cost you. For example, your rent might be $1000, but your utilities can cost hundreds of dollars every month. Also, make sure you know exactly the ways to pay these utilities and avoid any kind of third-party tampering that could lead to credit card fraud and headaches down the road. 

In addition, your lease will state when you’re responsible for paying for repairs or replacement of appliances, snow removal, and lawn care. In most cases, these things will be included in the cost of rent, but your lease will provide you with more information about what to expect.

Consider Moving Costs

Moving costs are higher in the spring and summer because moving during those seasons is easier. No one wants to carry boxes and furniture to a moving truck in the cold winter or drive a rented truck back and forth on slippery roads. However, you can use this information to your advantage by planning a fall or winter move. During these months, rents are often cheaper because landlords want to fill vacancies, and moving companies reduce their prices to attract more customers. 

Consequences for Breaking the Lease Early

Apartments can be temporary or long-term homes. Some people love living in an apartment and can’t imagine living anywhere else, while others use them as a stopgap until they can afford a home. Whatever the case, you should know the policy for breaking the lease early. For example, you might change jobs and have to move out of state or find another apartment for financial reasons. Whatever the case, breaking a lease can have financial consequences. 

Many leases outline what happens if you break the lease before it expires. For example, some may require you to pay the rest of your rent upfront, while others may be more lenient depending on the reason for your breaking the lease. 

Landlord Access

Most states have laws that state when a landlord or maintenance team can enter an apartment. Of course, you’re expected to have a reasonable amount of privacy, so in most cases, your landlord is required to give you notice if they plan to enter your unit. The exception to this law is emergencies. For example, if your apartment is flooding and it’s causing damage, your landlord can enter your apartment whenever. Of course, the laws vary by location, but your lease should give you more information about what you can expect. 

Personalization 

When you own a home, you can do whatever you want to it, including putting as many nails in the walls as you want to hang artwork, shelves for televisions, and painting the walls any color you like. However, most landlords will allow for very minimal personalizations. They want the apartment to look cohesive, so they may allow you to replace the blinds with curtains only if it’s a certain color. Additionally, you may be unable to put any holes in your walls to hang shelves. Some policies are stricter than others, allowing you to do whatever you want to the apartment as long as you change it back before moving out. 

Landlords can enter your home for inspections and regular maintenance, so they’ll document any lease violations they see and allow you to correct them. However, they can evict you for not following the lease if you choose to personalize your apartment without permission. 

Always Read the Lease

Leases are long, legal documents that can be tedious to read, but you must ensure you understand them. Not reading your lease before signing it is a big mistake because you don’t know what you agree to. For example, your landlord can tell you you’re not responsible for paying your gas bill, only for the lease to say something else entirely. The lease is law, and it’s the only thing courts will have as evidence if there’s ever a dispute. Therefore, reading and understanding every aspect of your lease agreement can protect you while setting expectations. 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

Tips For Selling Your Home In An Undesirable Area

Selling a home is often done to make a fresh start in life. Such a change couldn’t come a moment too soon for many people.

That said, it was only in early 2023 that it was deemed ‘hell’ to try and sell a property in the current climate. These problems can be even more complicated if said property is in an area widely deemed to be undesirable.

It’s not just aesthetics that are taken into account here. Access to services, school performances, and numerous other local factors can influence things too.

Nevertheless, none of this means you deserve to have a hard time selling your property. Read on for tips to help better this situation.

Work with the Right People

Incompetent real estate agents and lenders can drag out the selling process. They also charge hefty fees making the entire process a drain on your existence.

However, there’s a way to eliminate these entities from the process entirely and instead fast-track the sale without their involvement. We’re referring to the services that Hull Cash Buyers offers, as they offer to buy your home for cash without a long chain. Depending on what you’d prefer, they can buy from you in a few days or months. Their dedicated team members guide you through the process to ensure you’re always informed and not anxious.

There are no estate agent fees, and these services even cover many of the legal fees too. Even if your property is in extreme disrepair, they’ll still buy it, so you can swerve around months of costly refurbishments if you like. It almost sounds too good to be true, but if you really need a lifeline with selling a property in an undesirable area, this is certainly one of them!

Sweeten the Deal

You should always be honest about the state and circumstances of your home. There’s no room for lies in the process at all.

Still, you can always give truths more shine and make some crucial amendments to make your home more appealing to the market. For instance, you could include furniture in the sale, allowing you to alleviate yourself of burdens and prospective opportunities a chance to save or sell what you leave behind.

You could also feature warranties, cover the cost of closing, and offer flexible seller financing terms. If your local community doesn’t look like much, research planned developments in the area and reference them, creating an impression that things might improve.

Be Patient

It might sound like a moot point to end on, but it’s an essential piece of advice you shouldn’t forget; you must be patient when you’re trying to sell a home in an undesirable area. Desperation will lead to frantic and flawed decision-making.

Certain services will speed things up, as we’ve already mentioned. But if you’ve gone another route or complications arise on your side unrelated to the service, you must maintain cool composure. Use your time productively and focus on achievable objectives when making improvements. Explore different marketing avenues, price considerations, and decoration and renovation techniques. 

Remember, things are also slow on the buyer side too, so they will eagerly anticipate progress. It’s unlikely to be a deadlock forever. View setbacks as opportunities, and keep refining your approach.

Author: Ryan Byrne

Preparing For Your First Property Investment with These 5 Useful Tips

Climbing the property ladder is a goal many aim to achieve. Finding a house and calling it their own provides individuals with the level of independence they desire. Decorating it to inject their personality into the walls of their property helps to make the house feel like a home. These are just a few reasons why buying a property is a goal for many.

However, there are other reasons for wanting to invest in a property. Property is an ideal choice for investors looking to diversify their investment portfolio. Diversified portfolios are becoming a common trend, with investors highlighting their importance.  Diversifying a portfolio ensures that should one type of investment underperform, the continued performance of the other investments in the portfolio can even out the losses.

For those preparing for their first property investment, keep reading to find valuable tips to help with the process.

1. Understand Your Budget

Knowing the budget for a property investment helps with narrowing down what properties are within the budget. This can help a person decide if they should look at other locations or rethink their requirements for the property. Investors might reconsider choices to help them make the most of their investment. Deciding how much can be invested into a property helps with completing other tasks for the project. These include having structural checks for the property, building permissions and legal fees.

2. Invest In Learning

Learning about investment management could be helpful for those with only one investment. Look into finance and investment online short courses from the University of Cape Town to gain a deeper understanding of investments and finances. These two topics are major factors in investing in a property. Learning more about them will help to make better decisions and mitigate risks. Of course, some might not want to invest in something that does not bring a monetary return. However, the lessons learned and the insight gained from these courses could help make smart investment decisions, which inevitably have a financial return.

3. Consider The Location

The location should be considered when investing in property. If investors look to sell in the future, they should find a property that has the potential to resell at a decent value when put on the market. Consider if the property is in a location that could easily be damaged in severe weather conditions, such as floods. Investors should keep in mind whether the property is in a popular location or not as they are more likely to attract interest from potential tenants and future buyers.

4. Do The Research

Research is a crucial component of preparing for property investment. From choosing the location to the property’s amenities, research will help make a well-informed decision about what to invest in and what could be worthwhile. Consider what qualities in a property will most likely attract tenants. If the intention for the property investment is to rent out to tenants, conduct research on what is involved in being a landlord. It will help to ensure that all the correct measures are put in place to keep the investment, and tenants, protected. However, if the property is sold, ensure that any updates and renovation work completed aid in increasing the property value and generate a return on the investment.

5. Avoid Disappointment

Properties in highly desired locations will generate a lot of interest from potential homebuyers and investors. It means that properties can be taken off the market as soon as they are put up for sale. Some investors will likely not get the property they desire, which understandably causes disappointment. Avoid planning the future with a property until after the sale has gone through. This will help in minimising disappointment. After securing a property, prepare for the uncertainty around when tenants can move in. Avoid creating timelines for tenants moving into a property after it has been purchased. This will help to reduce the chances of disappointment if the timeline does not follow as planned. After a property has been purchased, there is still a considerable amount of legal work that needs to be completed.

The Bottom Line

With house prices in South Africa ever-changing, investors should monitor the changing markets before moving forward. It will help them make the best decision when investing in a property. The above tips will also be helpful when preparing for a property investment. The right property investment could enable an investor to generate a regular income.

Author: Ryan Byrne

If you are serarching for cheap housing, have a look at our listings.

Buying an Old Property? Check These 7 Things Before you Seal the Deal!

Are you thinking of buying an old property? It can be an excellent investment with lots of potential. But before you sign on the dotted line, you need to consider some vital aspects of the property to make an informed decision. Otherwise, your most significant purchase can later turn into a regrettable investment.

This blog will walk you through the key things to look out for when buying an old property. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!!

7 Important Things to Check Before Buying an Old Property

By doing your due diligence and investigating the property thoroughly, you can ensure that you make a smart purchase. Here are 7 Ways to do it:-

1. Age of Construction

One of the first things to consider when buying an old property is the age of the building. It’s essential to look into the age and maintenance of the building to make sure that the structure is sound and safe.

Many older buildings have had a lot of wear and tear over the years. You can calculate the repair and rehabilitation cost with an expert’s help. Moreover, this cost provides you with a negotiation ground.

2. Foundation Strength & Proof of Inspection

Owning an old property means having a foundation exposed to various elements throughout its lifespan. Thus, it’s essential to make sure that the foundation of the building is sound and able to support the weight of the structure in the future.

If the building is older, it’s a good idea to get a professional to inspect the foundation and ensure it is up to code.

3. Quality of Electrical Construction Materials

Old buildings may have outdated electrical systems. So check if the electrical outlets and wiring are up to code and the construction materials used are high quality. Electrical outlets, wires, and service panels have their lifespan. It can be 30 years or 60 years.

These electrical materials must be replaced if they’ve completed their lifespan. If you’re not sure, getting a licensed professional to inspect the electrical system is a good idea.

4. Plumbing Issues

It is advisable to get a specialist to examine the outdated piping. And if problems like leaks, blockages, or low water pressure are found, be ready to replace some of the plumbing. You may want to install some modern taps. It’s advisable to discuss these costs before proceeding with the purchase.

Also, lead content is more likely present in older plumbing pipes. So it would help if you let the water run before pouring it in to use.

5. Probability of Pest Infestations

Pests can be a major problem in older buildings. Make sure that the property has had a recent pest inspection. If there is any indication of an infestation of rodents, bats, or other creatures, you should take steps to get it treated before taking the plunge.

Fortunately, pest inspection is not costly. So you can easily get it conducted before buying an old property.

6. Insulation and Heating Devices

Insulation and heating devices are integral to a comfortable and efficient home. Give your air conditioner or heater installation a once-over to make sure it’s been set up correctly.

If anything was done incorrectly during the installation, you might encounter drainage problems, leaks, or even hear strange noises from your AC or heater.

7. Secured Against Hazards, Including GFCI Protection

Older homes may be more prone to hazards such as fire, electrocution, and water damage. So get the property inspected for any potential risks.

GFCI, or the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter, is a device that is designed to protect you by cutting off the electricity when it detects a ground fault. Therefore, get all hazardous areas properly secured with GFCI protection.

These 7 things must be checked before buying an old property. Additionally, you must be aware of all government regulations and norms. Taking the time to do your research and ensure you are in compliance can save you a lot of trouble down the line. All the best for your new purchase!

Author Bio:

Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.

How to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather

Winter is fast approaching, so it’s time to take your winter clothes out of storage and prep your home. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to prepare their homes for winter. Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your home is safe and protected during the cold months. Here’s how to prep your home for colder weather. 

Inspect Your Furnace

You should have your furnace inspected once a year before winter hits. It’s most cost-effective to do it in the summer before you experience any cold weather; if there’s a problem with your furnace, you don’t want to find out when it snows for the first time. During the winter, if your furnace breaks or stops working properly, it can take a few weeks for you to get it serviced. If it needs to be replaced, it can take even longer, leaving you without heat during the coldest months of the year. 

Having your furnace inspected right now can help you save time, money, and aggravation. In addition, after your furnace is inspected and everything is in proper working order, you should turn your heat on before the weather gets colder to ensure it can properly heat your home. 

Tree Trimming

You pay property taxes, so you should take care of your home and property. Snow builds up on trees during the winter, which causes them to get heavier, and limbs can break off and fall onto your home or car. Trimming your trees before the first snowfall will prevent any potentially hazardous situations before a winter storm or the snow and ice start weighing them down. 

Take Care of Pipes

Frozen pipes are some of the most common issues during the winter. They can cause flooding with costly repairs, but you can take action to prevent them from getting too cold and freezing. Everyone should service their pipes before winter or care for them during the winter. So whether you’re an investor with a vacant property, a homeowner, or a renter, there are a few things you can do. Homeowners can wrap their water pipes in insulation when they keep their homes at lower temperatures. Investors or individuals with homes they leave during the winter should aim to take care of this before cold weather hits. 

If you plan to stay in your home during the winter, the best way to care for your pipes is to keep your heat on at least 55 degrees. Since this is considered relatively cold, especially in the winter months, keeping your home warm enough to heat the pipes shouldn’t be an issue. Unfortunately, many people try to save money by turning off the heat when they’re not home for long periods of time, which can lead them to burst when freezing and expanding. Your pipes can burst even when you don’t use the water, so you should also turn off the water if you plan to leave your home. 

Prepare for Cold Nights

Unfortunately, you may not always have heat during the winter. Brownouts and blackouts can happen after winter storms, so it’s essential you prepare for the potential of having no heat. You can purchase a generator or ensure your fireplace is in proper working order to ensure you can heat your home even when the power is out. 

Find Drafts

Drafts cause cold air to enter the home and heat to escape. Not only can these cold spots cause your electric bill to increase, but they can give you a headache if you sleep or spend time near them. Drafts should be a big concern if you want to keep your house heated without using too much energy since the goal should be to use the heat you need and let it automatically turn off when your home is heated. Of course, some hot air will escape your home, but you can find and block drafts around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering your home. 

Move Furniture From Vents

Your vents should never have any large objects or furniture blocking them because it can affect airflow. If you want your furnace to efficiently heat your home, you should remove any furniture that may be blocking vents and obstructing airways. You should also look to see if anything is blocking the intake vents so the furnace won’t get suffocated, which can cause it to break. 

Cover the Windows

Some windows work better than others at keeping cold air out, but no window is perfect. After you’ve blocked any drafts and covered any small cracks or holes near windows, you should consider finding ways to keep your windows from letting cold air into your home. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is to cover them with shrink-wrap. The plastic will trap cold air near the window without letting it go any farther into your home. You can also invest in heavier winter curtains to keep cold air out. 

Reverse the Fans

Hot air rises, but when it’s winter, you want to keep all hot air as close to you as possible. If you have ceiling fans, run them clockwise to circulate the warm air back down towards the room to keep the environment warm. If you run them the opposite way, it will circulate the warm air to the ceiling faster, which means you’ll be slightly cooler in the room. 

Clean the Gutters

Snow and ice are heavy, and if they get stuck on your roof, they can cause it to cave in. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially before winter, since they can get clogged up with leaves from fall that make it difficult for melted snow to drain off the roof. In addition, debris and leaves can attract ice, snow, and rain, which prevents your gutters from being able to drain properly. If this happens, it could cause serious damage to your home. 

Stock Up on Salt

If you have a driveway or walkway, you should stock up on salt to help melt any potentially dangerous ice from forming and melt it when it does form. You should salt your walkways and driveway every time it snows to prevent the buildup of ice while also providing a little traction for anyone who walks on it. Salt can also make it easier to shovel your porches, decks, and driveways since it’ll help remove any ice that can get stuck. 

Ashley Nielsen

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music. 

Co-living vs. Renting in NYC: Which is Right for You?

The main difference between coliving and renting is that in coliving, multiple people live in the same space and share common areas, while in renting, an individual rents a private living space. Coliving typically offers a more communal and shared living experience, while renting offers more privacy and individual living space. Additionally, coliving often includes amenities such as housekeeping and community events, while renting may not.

Co-living and renting are two great options for everybody looking for space to live in New York City, but the confusing aspect is, knowing which one is the best and will suit your needs and style of living. 

This article will explore every option alongside its pros and cons so you can choose the best that will fit you.  

What is Co-living

Co-living is a concept of living that allows strangers to live together under the same roof to live a more affordable and social life. However, co-living is even more than sharing an apartment or house. Co-living has long made life easy for people, especially newcomers, to find where to live. 

Co-living offers a simple and cheap life because it saves people from living hassles like bill payments, cleaning, furniture, and much more since it will be part of the rent payment. 

Aside from this, most co-living apartment locations will allow you to meet new people, socialize, and even find managers that often check whether you have a quality sleep. In cities like New York, where things are costly, space is limited, and people want to live in a specific area, the co-living concept has brought a great solution to people. 

However, it’s also important to note that not all co-living options are created equal. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable co-living provider. One such provider is SharedEasy, which offers a variety of co-living options in NYC. 

Advantages of co-living

Co-living offers a lot of benefits, especially to people that can’t afford other living methods. These include

  • Affordability

Co-living is far cheaper than traditional houses due to their way of living, with residents sharing places like kitchens and living rooms; this helps reduce bill costs and many more. 

  • It brings a sense of community 

Co-living offers a sense of community. This is beneficial to people that don’t like living alone or don’t like living with anonymous neighbors. 

  • It offers social activities  

In co-living spaces, neighbors get to know each other through social activities organized by people in the community. 

  • Flexible lease 

Co-living is one of the best options for people who travel a lot or visitors who are under a tight budget. It also provides a flexible lease, and you can sublet when your housemate is away for a long time. 

Disadvantage of co-living 

  • Less privacy

One of the disadvantages of co-living is that you won’t have much privacy in your life. 

  • Noise 

Another disadvantage of co-living is that it can be noisy sometimes. This mostly gets extreme if your roommates or housemates are party pricks. 

  • Potential conflicts

It’s inevitable to have some conflicts when living with strangers; to avoid this, everybody should be mindful of boundaries and be honest while communicating. 

What is renting

Renting is also an option for individuals looking for places to live. Renting involves signing a lease and paying a rental fee to a landlord for the property. You can find numerous rental apartments in New York City, including studio apartments, large houses, and many more. 

You can select a payment schedule that includes monthly or annually. Renting will provide flexibility about the location you want to live in, but renting is more expensive than co-living, and you will have limited control over property changes. 

Advantages of renting 

Compared to other living concepts, renting offers a lot of benefits. Some of them include 

  • Privacy

You will have a lot more privacy when you rent an apartment because you will be living alone. You can also control your living environment because you aren’t sharing your home with anybody. This point benefits people looking for a private lifestyle and valuing their personal space. 

  • Chances of building equity

Even though you don’t own the apartment you rented, you can choose to rent-to-own or participate in the lease-buying agreement, so you build equity in the apartment. 

  • Zero maintenance responsibilities

Another benefit of renting a property is that you don’t need to deal with the maintenance responsibilities of the house you rented because this is not your take but the landlords. This is also beneficial if you don’t want to experience any stress and maintenance expenses. 

Disadvantage of renting 

Even though renting has a lot of benefits, it still has some drawbacks to consider before moving. 

  • Expensive

Generally, renting is more expensive than co-living, especially if you want to live in urban regions. You must also pay pet fees and more secure payments. 

  • Less sense of community

Since you don’t share anything with other people, this often leads to a less sense of community. This cannot be easy, especially if you are used to living in areas with a good sense of community. 

  • No shared resources or responsibilities

Unlike in the co-living method, renters can’t share resources or responsibilities because they don’t even have housemates. This can increase their sense of isolation, and this can be difficult, especially for people used to communal settings. 

Comparing co-living and renting 

If you want to choose one between the two options but don’t know how to, here are some factors you should look at before making your decision. 

  • Your budget

Your budget is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the two options. Co-living is cheaper than renting an apartment, but still, you should look at the cost of both options, such as the rent, bills, and additional fees. Ensure to choose one that is more financially feasible for you. 

  • Lifestyle

The kind of lifestyle you want also matters. Co-living offers a social and communal environment, while renting provides more privacy and personal space. Do you usually entertain guests, or do you typically live alone all the time? 

  • Social preference

You should also look at your social preference before choosing any living concept. Do you like to share responsibilities with others, or do you want everything for yourself? Are you comfortable living with others, or do you prefer living alone? 

Wrap up 

Co-living and renting are both two good options to consider when looking for a perfect house to live in. 

Both offer significant advantages; however, before you choose any of them, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each and look at things like your budget, the kind of lifestyle you prefer, and your social preference. 

Make Staircases the Focus of Your House

Staircases are not only a functional aspect of a multi-storey building or home, but they can also be the statement piece of your home. They are an essential part of any multi-storeyed house and with some creativity, you can make them look stunning, unique, and amazing. If you are still confused about how to change the look of your staircase, here are some tips that will get you started.

Here’s some unique staircase tiles design for your home that will make your home look pretty and appealing.

Black Beauty

No colour says elegance, class, and refinement better than black. Black granite tiles will make your staircase look elegant, chic, and timeless. As black goes with almost everything, you will be able to change the look of your house without putting a hole in your pocket.

Mosaic Patterns for Stair Risers

While designing and decorating staircases, you should also focus on stair risers and not just the place where you tread. A bold stair riser decorated with mosaic and multi-patterned tiles is sure to grab attention. These tiles will catch the eye of every guest who visits you making them the central focus of your house.

Duo-Tone Marble Tiles

An easy yet chic way to decorate your staircase is by using two-toned marble tiles. This plan looks equally good in modern and contemporary designs and old-world home designs. You can choose tiles that complement each other or can also experiment and choose tiles that contrast each other making a bold yet beautiful statement piece. A warmer colour scheme will make your house look brighter while a cooler colour scheme will make your house look cosy and serene.

Mediterranean Designs

Allow the beauty of nature to take over your house with the help of Mediterranean-style tiles. These tiles in a stunning pairing of green and blue will make your house look like a tropical paradise. This is a great way to make your house seem new if you do not want to spend a lot on renovating the whole space. These tiles are classic and are used in Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired décor all over the world.

Wood-Finish Tiles

Wood is classy and chic, but it is also quite difficult to maintain. To solve this problem and to have the best of both worlds, invest in tiles designed to look like wood. Wood-finish tiles can make your house look elegant and pleasant. They add a sense of warmth and cosiness to your house and can also reduce the cost of maintenance. They also look stylish.

Warm Colour-Palette Style with Spanish Touch

A cool Spanish/Mexican style décor for your staircase can make them look vibrant, bold, and artisanal. This is an easy way to add that rustic yet antique charm to your house. They go well with various decors and are available in multiple sizes, shapes, designs, and patterns, making them highly versatile and customisable.

Monochrome, Matte, Ceramic Tiles

Monochrome matte ceramic tiles are simple, effective, efficient, and elegant. They will make your staircase look pristine, crisp, and clean. These tiles are highly recommended for wide staircases. You can choose from various colours such as beige and brown or can also choose something more vibrant such as green or orange. These are some of the most popular stair designs for homes.

Vibrant Fibre Tiles

Fibre tiles are available in a variety of shapes, colours, and designs, and are an easy and cost-efficient way to add colours to your house. Choose bold, contrasting, and eye-catching colours so that your tiles will stand out from their surroundings without any issues. Fibre tiles are also easy to maintain making them efficient for all households.

Beautiful Pattern Tiles

Patterns can make any space in your house look chic and elegant. Installing patterned tiles on your staircases will make them look pretty with little to no effort. Other ways to use pattern tiles on your staircase include using patterned granite, ceramic, and marble tiles. You can also get custom-designed pattern tiles to make your house look more unique and personalised

Elegant staircases can make your otherwise boring décor quite stunning. Choose the tiles in such a way that they match (or contrast) your décor for a contemporary and chic look.

Author Bio:
Mahima Rawat works with the content team at Orientbell Tiles, where she creates interesting lifestyle pieces on home and interior design. She loves presenting options to her readers so they can make the right choices when it comes to their home interiors. Flooring and tiles are her favourite topics. Besides interior design, she also loves to travel, play badminton and listen to music.

How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing with No Money

What stops you from investing in real estate? Is it a poor credit score or a lack of money for buying houses? None of these things should prevent you from owning properties. You only need to know how to invest in real estate with no money. 

You have never thought of doing something like that. We are here to tell you that owning an investment property without cash is possible. Even without money or a good credit score, go after your dream. See our ideas on how to solve this puzzle. 

Borrow A Loan 

It is possible to have no money and no debt. If this is you, it is easier to buy real estate with no money than you think. If you have unpaid debts, investing will be difficult but still doable. Borrowing loans is your best first choice. 

If your credit score is 780 or over, borrowing will be simple. Approval may take less time than if your credit score is 700. Someone with a poor or good credit rating and no money can consider these loan options: 

  1. Hard Money Lenders 

Hard money lenders are private companies that pay more attention to profitable deals than the borrower’s credit history. A hard money lender uses the investment property as collateral. If you default on loan payments, they reserve the right to sell the house and recover their money. 

They are better choices than banks because their loan terms are less rigid. Unfortunately, they work with numbers and will choose the loan amount based on the property value. Also, they charge 10% to 15% interest if you have a low credit score. 

Can you pay back their money despite the higher-than-average interest rates? If yes, search for the best hard money lenders online and tell them about your investment plan. Hard money lenders offer short-term loans and might not fund the entire cost of an investment property. So, you require other money sources to cover the difference. 

  1. Private Money Lenders 

Real estate investing for beginners with no means is more convenient with private money lenders. As you can guess, this is money from a private company or someone you know. Private money lenders barely consider your creditworthiness. All they care about is the loan terms. These loan terms should be competitive enough to convince a private lender to lend you money. 

They do not have inflexible rules on repayment and interest rates. Private lenders are ready to negotiate until each party is happy with the deal. To have their money, you must demonstrate the value and profitability of your real estate investment deal. 

  1. Fha Loan 

Government loans are available to someone who lacks the money to invest in real estate. The most popular ones are the FHA and VA loans. These are beneficial loans because they are easy to obtain if your credit score is good enough. 

Also, the down payment can be more affordable than the amount other lenders demand. Government loans can help you purchase a multi-family house, which you can rent out. So, find out the requirements for getting the USDA, FHA, and VA loans. 

Create A Mortgage With A Property Seller

Seller financing is one of the simplest ways to get into the property business. Choose a seller who does not need immediate cash from their house sale. They will allow you to pay for the house slowly as if it were a mortgage loan. You will pay monthly installments until you purchase the property. 

Seller financing does not require a strict qualifying procedure. It has lenient loan terms, and credit rating is not an issue. As the property seller determines the terms of the deal, they are easier to handle than banks. Getting such a deal among younger people is harder than for retired people. 

An absentee landlord willing to have a monthly income can agree to seller financing. Owners of vacant houses in your area may accept to have you purchase their property gradually. Lastly, find and attend real estate meetings in your neighborhood or another vibrant town. An event like this can enable you to network and locate property sellers who do not require immediate cash.

Find An Investment Partner

Lack of money should not prevent you from finding a partner who does. If your deals are good, your partner can use their good credit history to obtain funds. Nevertheless, they may leave other hard work to you. Ensure your investment partner has the best credit history for easier loan approvals. 

They should be someone you already know and can trust. Ensure the person can offer the resources you are struggling to find to join the real estate investment industry. If you form a partnership, turn it into a formal business with a legal permit. 

Lease And Pay Slowly

We have a trick you might love if you want to know how to invest in real estate with no money. Find a rental house that the owner wants to sell later. Start paying rental fees every month and extra on top. 

The extra cash will be your house deposit. When your lease expires, the landlord can sell the house to you. They will have no reason to doubt your ability. 

Flipping Properties

Some houses cost below the current market price. They are called Under Market Value properties and are investment opportunities. If you are looking into how to invest into real estate without money, Under Market Value properties are a good starting point. You can purchase, renovate to improve value, and sell. 

In other words, you can try property flipping if you have a source of money for the first attempt. These houses cost less money, but you can still bargain the price. You can produce high capital gains if you plan this well. At the same time, flipping usually hides some costs. This can affect your profitability later.

Property Crowdfunding

Young and forward-looking entrepreneurs will not let money shortage ruin their investing dreams. They use crowdfunding to raise business capital. In crowdfunding, property investors form a group and contribute money to form a pool. 

Every member owns a share of the money in the pool. Also, if the group does property development projects, you and other members will get a share of the profits. A crowdfunding group can build rental houses and share profits and any liabilities.

Conclusion

We have explained some points on how to invest in real estate with no money. If you need more information on this, seek help from a professional real estate investment service. They will guide you on obtaining loans regardless of your credit score. Also, they will reveal other simple ways of getting investment properties without cash. 

Author Bio:

Author Name: Liran Koren

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I’m Liran Koren. I’m a real estate pro and co-founder of Luxury Property Care. I believe that through common work we can create a healthy ecosystem, that serves investors, landlords and even tenants altogether.

Yes, it is possible to take control of short-term rentals in your building

Garbage left carelessly by the pool area. Guest parking overflowing with unregistered cars. Loud music blaring until 2am. Vomit in the corner of the elevator. These are the very worst outcomes of short-term rentals.

Fortunately, for the most part, short-term guests are more respectful than this. People coming from out of town opt to book a condo unit on Airbnb, or a similar home-sharing platform, because they enjoy a more authentic travel experience and save a bit of money. And now that a global ban has been placed on parties by the company, renters are less like to disturb neighbors or cause damage to a property.

But condo and apartment communities may still be apprehensive about hosting short-term renters due to security and accountability issues. People don’t generally like the idea of strangers coming in and out of the building all of the time, and with a steady stream of renters taking up parking spots, it can be harder for other residents to secure guest parking for their friends and family. 

A rental management system can help put these issues to rest though and help landlords or managers gain control of short-term rentals (STRs).

Do I really want to support short-term rentals?

As a landlord or property manager, STRs may present themselves as just another problem. But if there are no strict rules prohibiting these types of rentals, and if you’re not prepared to issue violations and/or fines every time a resident offers their place to a short-term guest, then it might be smarter to work with your community as opposed to against them.

Before you do anything, make sure your building can support short-term rentals

Depending on where you are, short-term rentals of less than 30 days may simply not be allowed. Some cities have banned short-term rentals because units were sitting vacant while residents struggle to find a place to live. A good example is New York. It’s illegal to rent apartments for fewer than 30 days in most buildings, particularly Class A dwellings. Other cities do not allow units to be rented out for “transient commercial occupancy” if the building is located in a specific area.

Your city may also have rules or requirements for STR hosts; they may need to obtain a permit or business license.

If there are no city rules geared towards short-term rentals in your area, it’s still important to review your building’s rules. They may contain strict policies about short-term rentals.

Communicate STR rules

STR rules should not be a mystery to your owners and tenants. Even if they are stringent, aim to educate your residents or tenants about best practices, rules and limitations.

Share the rules through email, create posters or pamphlets, and newsletters so that all residents know about the building’s short-term rental rules, and the consequences of operating illegal short-term rentals. 

Use a rental management system that can be replicated and maintained

This part of the process will require a bit more work from management or tenants, but it’s the most efficient and organized way to manage STRs.

Managers/landlords have a couple of options to choose from, but the simpler the system is, the more likely people are to use it.

Once a resident has confirmed that a short-term renter will be staying in their unit, they will need to “register” the guests with the building. The registration system could be:

  • A paper form that residents/tenants submit to the landlord or manager
  • An online form that is emailed to the landlord or manager
  • A spreadsheet that the manager/landlord maintains once they have information about a new guest
  • A digital guest registration and rental management platform that allows residents or management to add a new short-term stay

While there isn’t a correct choice, it’s important to adopt a system that is easy to replicate and maintain. This ensures that guests still make it into the system, even if a new manager takes over or someone is covering for the landlord.

By giving tenants the ability to register STR stays on their own, the workload is reduced for management. That’s one big reason why many would prefer having a digital short-term rental management system like Condo Control. With a standardized registration page, secure cloud storage, and easy editing options, this STR tool makes it easy for landlords and managers to stay in control of short-term rentals. Plus, STR hosts can log every stay without having to take up management’s time.

Benefits of using a digital short-term rental system

In addition to having a record of who has and will be in your building, there are other benefits of having a standardized STR system in place:

  • Searchable record of short-term guests, past and future
  • Option to see how often an owner/resident rents out their unit
  • Welcome letter is automatically sent to short-term renters. Any special instructions or information will get to them before they arrive on the property
  • Option to create custom terms and conditions that align with your property’s rules
  • Security/concierge can easily confirm which vehicles belong to registered short-term guests
  • Guests can be contacted directly if there are any issues during their stay

What happens if tenants are bringing in short-term renters without registering them?

Most residents will comply with STR rules and processes, especially if they are reasonable and easy. However, if there are reports of problematic or unauthorized guests that are linked to the same unit, it’s important to take the appropriate actions. If there are no consequences for ignoring rules, then there is little motivation for anyone to follow them.

Educate the resident

Before taking more severe actions, make sure you remind the resident about the rules and processes for hosting short-term guests. Invite them to ask questions in case they aren’t entirely sure of the registration process.

Violation notices

If the resident has received a friendly reminder and continues to ignore the rules, then the next step is usually to issue a violation notice. You may have to issue several notices before you can fine the resident. Depending on the property, fines may not be an option, however, you can obtain a letter from a lawyer instructing the resident to stop hosting guests who are not registered.

Fines

Condo buildings will have their own fine schedules, but they can be as much as $500 each night if the short-term rental rule is broken. There may be limits on how much you can ask a resident to pay for the same violation, so check with the governing documents before you begin issuing fines.

Mediation

If fines still don’t discourage a resident from breaking the rules, mediation might be the next step. Mediation is a process where a neutral facilitator will try to help the association or building, and the resident, find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation is often preferable to litigation because it’s less costly, but it can still be a challenging process.

Arbitration

If you cannot come to an agreement with the resident through other methods, then arbitration is the last option before taking the issue to court. Arbitration is a process where an arbitrator conducts a hearing and makes a ruling based on the issue based on the facts presented by the parties. The arbitrator makes a binding decision, meaning the parties are legally obligated to follow the decision that they made.

Conclusion

Short-term rentals can create some discomfort amongst condos and apartments, but it doesn’t have to be a contentious issue if management can implement a system that supports consistency and transparency.   

Author: James Corbett