9 Renter-Friendly Improvements on a Budget

When you move to an apartment, you might feel like there’s no way to make your new home feel like it’s truly yours. With so many rules in your lease about what you can and can’t do to the aesthetics of the home, it can seem like you’re left with almost no options to decorate your home. Luckily, there are a few renter-friendly improvements you can make that are affordable and allow you to be a good tenant. Here are cheap renter-friendly improvements you can make on a budget.

1. Clean

When you first move in, the home is already clean. However, as you start living there, eventually, dust and dirt will begin to accumulate. Of course, your landlord and previous tenant may not have done the best job of cleaning, so you still might want to clean the floors and walls before you move in heavy furniture. Whenever you choose to clean, a deep clean can make your home feel brighter and fresher to help you come up with the best design plans despite your limited space.

2. Paint

Giving your rental a fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference because it makes your rental unique. You can choose to paint one wall or all the walls in your home to brighten it up or give it more personality. Of course, always check your lease agreement before painting. There might be a clause stating that you cannot make any cosmetic changes, including painting, to the home without written consent from your landlord. With some rentals, your lease will state that you can paint as long as you paint your home back before moving out to ensure the next tenant has a blank canvas.

If you’re not allowed to paint at all, there are still ways to dress up your walls. For example, you can use peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a feature wall in your home. There are many design and color options for peel-and-stick wallpaper that can transform any room of your home, and it’s less messy and labor-intensive than painting.

3. Consider Furniture

If your home came furnished, you could save money on furniture by investing in a slipcover that can help keep the sofa clean while also allowing you to add a pop of color to your living room. Of course, many rentals don’t come furnished, so you can also add a slipcover to your old sofa if you don’t have enough money to buy a new one.

If you have the budget, you can go shopping as soon as you’ve decided on the design plan for your home. A new sofa can bring life and a little bit of your personality to a boring living room, and there are tons of options to choose from to help you make your rental feel like home.

4. Upgrade Your Bed

Did you know? Your mattress should be replaced every seven to ten years, depending on the type of mattress it is. If you haven’t replaced your mattress in a while, moving to a new home is the perfect time to get a larger bed to find a mattress that can help you sleep comfortably every night. After you’ve picked out your new mattress, look for sheets, throw blankets, and a duvet that can help add color to your bedroom.

Upgrading your old sheets can help you feel more comfortable, and depending on the types of sheets you get, you can make your bedroom feel like you’re staying at a luxury hotel.

5. Get Rugs

Not every rental will have beautiful hardwood flooring, so you can get a rug to put on top of ugly carpet or stained flooring to help brighten the place up while covering up any eyesores. You can put a rug around your bed and couch to complete the spaces and give yourself and your guests a comfy place to put their feet when standing up.

6. Curtains

Rentals typically come with cheap blinds that don’t keep the sun out and may even break. You can spruce up your apartment on a budget by hanging your own curtains to add a pop of color to your walls, especially if you can’t paint. If you live somewhere that gets hot in the summer, you can get blackout curtains to help keep the sun out so your rental can stay cool, helping you to save money on your electricity bills.

7. Replace the Shower Head

Rentals typically come with the cheapest, least effective showerheads. Replacing the showerhead is easy, and anyone can do it, allowing you to get the water pressure you need to relax after a long day or before work. The best part about upgrading your showerhead is that it’s completely reversible. When you move out, you can put the old shower head back on and take yours with you to your next home.

8. Grow a Garden

If you’re renting an apartment, you likely don’t have a yard where you can grow your own garden. However, you can start a balcony garden by researching what types of plants you can grow based on where the sun hits your home. Then, depending on what you have available, you can use a mix of hanging plants and potted plants to make your balcony feel more like an oasis. A garden can also give you a great view from the inside if your balcony faces a parking lot or street.

9. Add Shelving

Shelving is a great way to save space without having to put your belongings in storage. If you don’t want to hang shelves and potentially cause holes or damage to the walls, you can get standing shelves for your bedroom and living room, giving you a place for all your books and trinkets.

Final Thoughts

Even though you can’t do any major renovations on a rental, you can still find affordable ways to make it feel like a home. Before you start redesigning your apartment, consider the current layout. If you don’t have a layout of the apartment, you can ask your landlord for a printout to help you draw out places to put furniture and make the floorplan open and breezy while saving space.

Ashley Nielsen

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a contributing writer at 365businesstips.com where she shares knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, or financial tips. During her free time she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.

How to Fight Silverfish in Your House

We’ve all probably encountered them already at some stage, these small, wingless insects that are nocturnal and eat paper, fabric, and other organic substances. Yes, we are talking about silverfish. They are not exactly harmful but if they are too many it can be disturbing. So, let’s see how to fight silverfish infestations.

One way to fight silverfish is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. You can also use a dustpan or a broom to sweep them up. The next step is to place the silverfish in a plastic bag and seal it tightly before throwing it away in an outdoor trash bin.

The Best Way to Control an Infestation of Silverfishes

Silverfish are one of the most common household pests and can be difficult to get rid of. However, there are a few tried and true methods that will help you get rid of silverfishes for good.

Don’t let an infestation of silverfish take over your home! Follow these simple steps to control them and keep them away for good.

There are two main ways to control an infestation of silverfish: physical removal or chemical treatment. You can use store-bought chemicals like boric acid or diatomaceous earth, or you can use natural substances like vinegar, dish soap, or boiling water.

You can buy traps or make your own traps to capture silver fish and kill them off. Some people use an empty cereal box with sugar or potato peels as a bait to make a simple trap. Others smear some honey on a paper – when the silver fish comes to feed on the honey it gets glued to it and is trapped.

How To Prevent A Silver Fish Infestation In Your Home

Silverfish are famous for their ability to eat through paper, clothes, and other organic materials. They can also survive in areas where there is little water. If you have a silverfish infestation in your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them. However, there are some preventative measures that you can take to keep them from coming back.

You should start by looking for any sources of moisture or food that attracts the silverfish. You should also make sure that your home is well ventilated so the silverfish will not have too much moisture to feed on.

Conclusion: How To Fight Silverfish

Silverfish can be a hard pest to get rid of because they are very resilient. They can go weeks without food and water. Also, they are not deterred by chlorine or most other common household poisons.

To prevent an infestation of silverfish, it is important to clean your home thoroughly. This includes vacuuming all carpets, removing cobwebs from ceilings, and cleaning up all spilled food in the kitchen. Silverfish are attracted to these areas so it is important that you make sure these areas are clean at all times.

One way to fight silverfish is by using a borax-based product in the cracks of your bathroom or kitchen tiles. This will dry out the silverfish eggs and kill them before they hatch. Another way to prevent an infestation of silverfish is by using an organic insecticide, such as neem oil or rosemary oil.

6 Ways to Add Space to Your Home that Won’t Break the Bank

Nobody wants to live in a cramped and congested environment, so making your home as spacious as possible is important. While some can afford a large home or apartment, not everyone can. It’s possible to create more storage in existing areas of your home if you take a look around.

It’s common for people to want to get the most out of their homes. With a limited budget and time, it may seem impossible to transform your space completely. But with these six simple tweaks, you can go a long way.

1. Consider Storing Things on Your Stairwell

With a staircase in your home, you can use it to store items. It’s possible to make good use of the under-stairs space by storing old items there or by designing your own storage solutions. This is an excellent option if you decide to repurpose silo house buildings and give them a new lease on life.

Here are a few ideas for maximizing the utility of the area beneath your stairwell:

Construct A Wine Rack

Install a wine rack under your stairwell if you don’t have the space for one. There is a lot of potential in using an empty staircase to showcase booze.

Create a Stairwell Room

It’s possible to adapt a large staircase into a study or office. You’ll prefer a sedate setting when you want to concentrate on anything, like reading or working.

Make a Cabinet

Adding some drawers, storage racks, and other compartments will help you make the most of your available storage space. You may discover amazing ideas on building your built-in drawers on the internet, or you can purchase one at a home furnishings store. If you have alternate tread stairs, you’ll want to make the space more functional by customizing it to your preferences.

2. Make the Most of Your Bedroom’s Available Space

You may not have a lot of space in your bedroom, but there are a number of creative and easy methods you may arrange your belongings. For small homes, this is the case. You make sure to maximize every square inch of space so that you don’t waste any of it.

Use the Extra Closet Space You Have

There may still be unused spots in your cabinets. You may need to reorganize your clothing and other possessions to free up some space.

Utilize The Space Under Your Mattress

Making use of the space under your bed is an excellent method to maximize the space in your room. By burying your belongings beneath the bed, you may clear up space in your cupboards and drawers. As an option, you may buy storage boxes that are designed to fit, have drawers under your bed, or get a bed that can be partitioned. With this idea, it’s time to move into your small home or silo structure and enjoy the new space you created.

3. Maximize the bathroom’s storage capacity.

In most cases, only one person at a time uses a restroom. Hence it’s usually sparsely stocked. No matter whether your bathroom is large or small, the following suggestions will help you make the most of your available space:

Add Mirrors to the Room

Adding mirrors to your bathroom will provide the illusion of more space and lighten the atmosphere. Excessively large mirrors should be avoided. It’s enough to have a medicine cabinet and a mirror on the sink to get by.

Unclutter the Floor

Towels and toiletries may also be hidden in clever ways. To free up space, you might place it beneath the vanity. The appearance of a larger bathroom may be created by increasing the amount of floor space.

Add Hooks for Mounting

You may hang your towels on mounting hooks installed behind the bathroom door when not in use. It would be ideal since it is concealed while the door is open.

4. Take Advantage of the Corners

If you’re tight on room, make use of the corners of your home. With built-in shelving or a desk in an awkward corner, you’ll be able to utilize the space you already have better. For those who don’t need storage space, consider a comfortable seating area in a corner. Your house will seem more practical and roomier due to using this previously underutilized area. If you want to live in a space-saving home, you need to make the most of every square inch.

5. Make Use of The Rooms That Aren’t Frequently Used for Storage

You can store stuff in your basement or attic if you have one. You may utilize this shelf unit to keep groceries that don’t fit in your kitchen cupboards. It’s also where you keep your old goods and furnishings.

To ensure that you can easily locate an item when you need it, be sure to arrange and identify your belongings carefully. Getting rid of stuff you no longer need might also assist.

Clear the Way to the Front Door

The personality of a family is reflected in their front door. Overcrowding the entryway can make the place seem claustrophobic. When entering, everyone in your party should be able to walk about freely.

When your house is cluttered, it will seem out of date. Furthermore, it will accumulate dirt, making your whole house seem much older than it is.

You may make the most of this space by setting up a waiting area where you can sit and store your children’s backpacks before they go to school.

6. Be Consistent

Even while this isn’t a space-saving trick, it will give the impression that your room is much more significant. You must stick to one color palette in a small room or house. If you maintain a unified aesthetic across the area, it will seem to be much bigger than it really is. You may use whatever hue you choose, as long as it’s not too dark and stays neutral or quiet.

You don’t want to make a room seem smaller and more confined by painting it in a dark tone. Certain home renovation ideas may not be a good fit if you have a limited area. For example, your desire for a smaller house may be hampered if the current fashion is for dark woods and gloomy colors.

Conclusion

If you use these easy suggestions, you may get a better sense of how much space you really have. The stairs are a great location to start, since they provide various storage options.

The attic or basement might be used for storage if you have the space. Colors on the walls, kinds of shelving, and even the placement of mirrors may all be utilized to make a room seem more significant. If you don’t have the time to create your own organizations, you may utilize these tricks or purchase pre-made ones.

When it comes to getting rid of your belongings, a strategy is vital. To prevent becoming sidetracked and quitting up in the midst of a job, focus on one area at a time in your house. Whenever you’re debating whether or not to retain anything, try it out first and see whether it makes you happy. It’s okay if it doesn’t, just say thank you for the experience and go on.

Author: Bob Kappas

4 Easy Ways to Save on Your Utility Bill Next Month

Did you know that the United States has increased solar energy use by 22 percent? Undoubtedly, people across the country are looking for ways to reduce their utility bill since the price of traditional energy sources like electricity or gas has skyrocketed in the past years. And one effective way of reducing that cost is by having a home with energy efficiency.

Would you like to reduce your monthly utility bill payment? If so, we invite you to continue reading since we’ll give you some practical home energy efficiency tips.

1. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

One of the best ways to lower utility payments is to wash your clothes in cold water rather than hot. As you can imagine, the amount of energy it takes to heat an hour-long wash can amount to several dollars per minute. Moreover, most homeowners recommend using cold water since certain stains can set into fabrics when washed in hot water.

You can also purchase an energy efficient home washer machine that better manages energy consumption. But, the newer models are quite expensive, so don’t expect to find a cheap one!

2. Use Solar Panels

As mentioned in the introduction, many homeowners in the United States have switched to solar energy since it saves them money in the long run. Additionally, solar install cost has dramatically lowered, especially since governments grant tax refunds to homeowners that choose solar energy. On top of that, energy efficient homes with solar panels are worth a lot more, which means you can sell your house for more than it’s worth.

3. Start Using Smart Power Strips

Most people don’t know that power strips continue to use energy even if there’s nothing plugged into it. And while that extra bit of energy that the power strip consumes may seem insignificant, it’ll add up at the end of the year. The good news is that there are plenty of smart power strips that are made for energy efficient homeowners.

These power strips automatically shut off while nothing is plugged into them.

4. Put Your Devices to Sleep

Another way to reduce energy bill payments is to set your devices to sleep mode while not in use. For example, you can put your computer or gaming console to sleep mode if you’re not going to use it for several hours. Moreover, TVs are also known to waste energy, so try to unplug these devices while you sleep.

Reduce Your Utility Bill Payment With These Simple Steps

As you can see, there are several ways you can reduce your utility bill payment. But, of course, it takes time to transform a home into an energy-efficient one, so don’t feel dishearten if you don’t see any results. And don’t forget to bookmark this post so that you can refer to it in the future!

Did you find these tips helpful in having an energy efficient home? If so, our blog features plenty of other home-related articles that you may find helpful, so be sure to check them out!

Author: Steffy Alen

Are you also looking for a cheap house for sale to reduce costs of living? Then have a look at www.propertyunder50k.com

The Impact of War in Ukraine on House Prices

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on most economies around the globe – therefore it comes as no surprise that it also affects house prices.

Higher House Prices Due to Inflation

Especially, the conflict has led to an increase in inflation rates, you probably already noticed it, no matter which country you live in. In some countries – due to this inflation – prices are increasing faster than wages. As a result, people are getting poorer and possibly can’t afford to buy houses anymore.

Many people already gave up looking for the cheapest property for sale. There still are some out there but usually those are in need of some work and further investment to be able to live in them or rent them out.

The cheap houses for sale, now seems to be those that were just a normal price before. Especially in bigger cities there is a shortage of housing. Also, when it comes to creating new housing, they are usually luxurious expensive stuff – as there is just a lot more money to be made.

How the War in Ukraine Affects House Prices of Newly builds

First the pandemic and now war, those has been major factors in the shortage of building materials. This in turn has led to a considerable increase in the price of new build houses all around the globe.

Also the increase in gas and energy prices have been a great hit in the market. Running machinery on the construction site, having to pay higher wages – all of this contributes to an considerable increase.

This might be felt stronger in some countries than in others.

What are the Effects of War on Housing Markets?

Housing markets are always affected by wars. The effects of war on the housing market depend on a lot of factors, including the duration and intensity of the war, the location of the war, and how it affects other countries and other aspects of life.

War can lift housing markets in some cases. For example, during World War II there was a shortage in construction materials like steel and timber. This led to higher prices for these materials and an increase in demand for homes as people wanted to buy houses before they became too expensive.

However, most wars have negative effects on housing markets. For example, during World War I there was an economic depression that led to lower demand for homes because people were not earning enough money to afford them.

Conclusion: The Impact of War on House Prices

The conflict has led to a significant shortage of houses and higher prices for those that are available. This is due to the increased cost of construction materials, as well as the number of refugees fleeing from the conflict zone. These people need housing but there is not enough supply, leading to higher prices and shortages.

If you have a house for sale, now is a good time to get a good price for us.

List your house for free.

Retirement Villages vs Nursing Homes

We all get old, that is just a fact. How do we imagine our future as an old person? Where do we like to live? Here we will look at two options: independent living such as in a retirement village and living in a nursing home.

What is a Retirement Village?

Retirement villages are a type of retirement home that provide accommodation and communal activities. For example, they offer meals, social activities, medical care and other services to the residents.

Retirement villages were originally designed for elderly people who wanted to live with others in their age group. But nowadays, there are many different types of retirement homes that cater to various needs. Some even offer houses for sale, that they buy back again if you don’t need it anymore.

What is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home is a residential institution for the care of elderly people. It provides medical and social assistance to those who, because of age or infirmity, are unable to live independently.

Nursing homes are also often called “retirement homes.” The term “nursing home” is not just a euphemism for an old-age home or rest home. It refers to the fact that many residents require nursing care.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Retirement Village?

Retirement villages offer a variety of benefits for those who are looking to live independently but still have a sense of community.

One of the benefits is that they provide on-site or nearby medical care. Retirement villages also provide socialization opportunities for their residents and also offer activities for them to do during the day.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Retirement Village?

Living in a retirement village is a great way to enjoy your golden years. Not only is it good for your mental and physical health, but it also offers many other benefits.

Some of the most popular benefits of living in a retirement village are:

-You don’t have to worry about maintaining your property

-You can live with other people who are at the same stage as you are and share advice, experiences, and knowledge

-You have access to amenities such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, etc.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Nursing Home?

Living in a nursing home can be a great option for seniors who are unable to live on their own. Here are some of the benefits of living in a nursing home:

1. A nursing home is an environment that is designed to help people with disabilities, illnesses or injuries live as comfortably and safely as possible.

2. Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care, which can be difficult to find at other types of housing.

3. The staff at a nursing home is specifically trained to care for people with special needs and works around the clock to meet those needs.

4. Living in a nursing home allows seniors to remain connected with their loved ones because they are surrounded by friends and family members who visit often and share meals together on weekends or holidays.

What are the Drawbacks of Living in a Retirement Village?

The main drawback of living in a retirement village is that it is not for everyone. For example, if you are a person who likes to travel and explore the world, then this might not be the best choice for you. Retirement villages are usually located in a remote area with limited access to public transportation.

What are the Drawbacks of Living in a Nursing Home?

There are many drawbacks to living in a nursing home.

Some of the drawbacks that people find most difficult are the lack of privacy, the lack of independence, and being unable to control your own life.

Nursing homes have strict rules about what you can do and when you can do it.

Conclusion: Which is Better for You?

The answer to this question is not an easy one. It greatly depends on your needs and what you are looking for.

I believe most of us would choose the independent living option and enjoy a more independent life as long as possible. But what if you start needing a little extra help? Or maybe it is not you but your spouse who will need more professional care. Unfortunately, there is a lot of uncertainty about what exactly your needs will be when you are old. Will you wish for more company, help around the house, or a more intensive medical help? When planning your future, it would be good to keep all of this in mind.

A great idea is also those retirement villages that have a small nursing home on site just in case.

Some find this to be a very good investment for the future.

Sell Land to a Builder – How Does it Work?

Why Would I Want to Sell Land to a Builder?

If you are looking to sell land, you might be wondering what the benefits of selling it to a builder are. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of selling land to builders.

Instead of just listing your property for sale you are offering it directly to the person who might be interested.

Selling your land to a builder can be beneficial for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that you will get more money than if you sold it on your own. Builders have more money and resources than individuals, so they can offer more cash for your property than an individual could. This means that they’re able to pay higher prices for the property and make better offers on price.

Builders also have connections with other developers who may be interested in buying or leasing the same property from them in order to build something new on it.

What is the Process Behind Selling a Land to a Builder?

Selling a land to a builder is a process that may take time and effort. The first step is to do research on the builder. You should know about their construction quality, project management, and customer service.

The next step is to find the right person of contact in the company. You can do this by looking at their website or by doing an internet search. You can also ask your friends who have worked with builders in the past for recommendations.

Once you have found the right person, it’s time to set up a meeting with them. This meeting should be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance so that they will be able to give you their full attention and answer all of your questions without feeling rushed or distracted.

How Do Builders Evaluate the Property and what are their Needs?

Builders evaluate the property in various ways. They may not be looking for the same things as a home buyer. For example, they are interested in how long it will take to build on the property, how much it will cost to build on the property, and whether or not there is enough space for their desired number of units.

The builder’s needs are different than a home buyer’s needs because they want to know what it takes to develop and build on the land. Like this they can see if it makes sense for them financially.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is sell-land-1024x678.jpg

Preliminary Investigation – What is “Due Diligence”?

Conducting preliminary investigation is the first step in the site selection process. Due diligence is the process of investigating a property before purchasing it. This is to make sure that the property the builder is buying is in good condition and free from any potential problems.

The due diligence process starts with a physical inspection of the property. This is done to check for any possible issues or safety hazards. The next step would be to check the title of the property and ensure that there are no liens on it. They will also need to do some research on the current market conditions and prices of similar sites.

The last step in this process would be to have an environmental assessment done. This will uncover any potential environmental hazards that may exist on or near the land you are looking at buying.

The preliminary investigation should not be too long because you want to start negotiating as soon as possible. In fact, some investors will not even bother with a site visit if they are satisfied with what they can find out about it through their due diligence process.

What are Some of the Documents Needed for this Transaction?

The offer letter is a document for the seller of the property. It contains all the conditions, terms and specifications of the offer.

The offer letter includes information such as:

– The name and address of the buyer

– The price and date for which the property will be sold

– The date by which a response from the seller must be received

– Any other conditions that are agreed upon between both parties

Conclusion

The process of selling land to builders is not as daunting as it might seem. It is a logical step for those who are looking to sell their land and also want the best return on their investment.

This article has outlined the process of selling your land to builders and what you need to do in order to make a successful sale.

Are you a Secret Real Estate Agent?

The expression “Secret Real Estate Agent” almost looks like it was borrowed from some action movie. In reality it is a little bit less spectacular but, without a doubt, equally exciting.

What is a Secret Real Estate Agent?

“Secret Real Estate Agent” – does not mean you do this profession without being registered. Of course, also a secret (real estate) agent has to be registered and fulfil everything that is required by law. By “secret” we mean, that the agent is not publicly advertising a specific property he or she was asked to sell. He/she may not even have a website or advertise the business and in many cases the main profession is another real estate related profession, such as architect or engineer.

They are usually approached by a client who asks if they may know someone who would be interested to buy one of their properties. And that’s the only way there are allowed to sell it, by offering it directly to someone.

This might seem strange at first, but among certain groups that is exactly what they want. The best to explain this is by giving an example.

Seller doesn’t want to look like he needs money

In many cases the properties in question are from rich families. Having a certain popularity and their place in society they like to give no reasons for gossiping.

Huge estates can cost a lot of money in maintenance, tax and so on… If they actually don’t use it anymore it makes sense to let it go. This is regardless of their financial situation – nobody likes to throw money out of the window, no matter how rich you are.

Of course, if people see the big family estate for sale, the first thing they may conclude is that the family is in financial difficulties – that’s how people start talking…

That’s why it is better to sell it secretly – through a secret real estate agent of course.

Or in another case, the seller might be having an apartment block for sale and he doesn’t want his tenants to find out. Also, he would approach such agent, who will then go and talk directly to investors who may be interested to buy.

How does a Secret Real Estate Agent sell?

The only way you are allowed to sell it, is by offering it directly to someone. Or in some cases you are allowed by the seller to advertise it in another country. Like this you can get a foreign buyer.

It is a far more difficult job than a regular agent. You need a pool of good contacts, including millionaires, investors … etc. But of course, it pays off big time as the properties that are sold this way usually have a high value. You can find foreign buyers by listing real estate internationally.

Are you one of those agents? Then drop us a line and let us know how did you get started? Do you have any advice?

Ways to Make Your Home Modernized on a Budget

If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time in your home, especially during the colder months. Unfortunately, not everyone has an eye for design, so our houses don’t always keep up with the times. If you’ve ever watched a show about house flipping or browsed local listings, then you might have noticed your house looks a little outdated. While it’s common to believe that renovations and home improvement will be expensive, you can modernize your house on a budget. Here’s how.

Check Your Exterior

Front doors that are chipped or peeling can make your home look old. Consider repainting your door a modern color or getting a new one altogether. You should also look at your windows and opt for hardwood or steel frames. If that’s not in your budget, you can repaint your windows with a modern shade, such as a soft gray or blue.

You should also pressure wash the outside of your home to get rid of dirt and stains that can make for bad curb appeal. Pressure washing your house can give it a facelift and make it look brand new.

Modernize Your Kitchen

If you don’t have the budget to renovate your entire house, consider just redoing the kitchen. The good news is you don’t have to start knocking down walls to make your kitchen look new. Instead, repaint your cabinets and replace the hardware and handles to make the heart of the home feel clean and fresh.

Refacing your cabinets can also make your kitchen look more modern without replacing or adding new cabinetry.

Focus on the Bathroom

Other than the kitchen, homebuyers will be looking at your master bathroom when determining whether or not to buy your home. Unfortunately, too many homeowners leave the bathroom for last when making improvements. Without a full renovation, you might feel like there’s not much you can change. Luckily, there are many ways you can modernize your bathroom without breaking the bank.

The first thing you should do is deep clean your bathroom, especially the grout and tiles. Also, remove limescale and hard water stains from the tub, sink, and toilet. Next, you’ll need to replace accessories, including towels and shower curtains.

Once your bathroom is completely clean, take a look at the walls. You might find they’re stained or the wallpaper is dated. If that’s the case, consider taking down your wallpaper and painting your bathroom walls a more modern color. Modern bathrooms are typically white with white or light-colored tile. Consider painting your cabinets a light gray and adding new handles.

Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter can make your home feel outdated. Not only that, but it also gathers dust, which will make your entire home look much older than it is. Modern home design is all about minimizing clutter.

If you’re not sure what to do to declutter your home, consider starting with the living room furnishings. Big, fluffy sofas might be comfortable, but they take up a lot of space in your home and don’t provide you with the modern, minimalistic feel. If possible, consider taking out the furniture you don’t use to give your living room the appearance of space.

Paint Your Walls

If you painted your walls based on your preferences many years ago, then it’s time to repaint your entire home. While bright colors may have been trendy once upon a time, the modern look includes lighter, calming hues, such as grays, blues, and whites. You can also find modern wallpaper to add a feature wall to your living room.

Remember, dark shades make a room feel smaller, but bright whites can make a room feel unwelcoming. You can choose from many neutral and soft tones to add warmth to your home while giving you the appearance of more space.

Add a Home Office

Modern homes have home offices because more and more people are working from home. If your house doesn’t have a workspace, consider adding a minimalistic workspace you can fit anywhere in your home. By turning a spare bedroom into a home office, you show modern buyers there is a space for them to work without worrying about distractions. Don’t worry, though; you can still list your home to include the bedroom you’ve turned into an office.

If your house doesn’t have room to spare, you can still set up a work-from-home workspace to show homebuyers they can still work from home if they purchase the house. Make sure the workspace doesn’t add clutter to the room, though. If possible, put the workspace in a corner with natural light.

Upgrade the Lighting

Lighting can transform the feel of any room; it can make a room feel cold or outdated, or it can make a room feel cozy and relaxing. There are many different types of lighting available, including modern lamps or antiques that can make your house feel cozy even with a minimalistic interior design.

Swap Out Your Bedding

Most bedrooms don’t require a renovation to modernize them. Instead, it’s how you design the room. Since your bed is the main piece of furniture in your room, it will often attract the most attention.

Updating your bedding and pillows allows you to modernize the room without doing anything else, except for maybe adding a coat of paint.

Depending on your style, you can choose from light quilts to big fluffy comforters that can add texture to even the most boring bedrooms.

Modernizing Your Home

The most important thing when it comes to the design of your home should be whether or not you’re happy and comfortable in it. If you want to paint your walls red, feel free to go ahead. However, if you’re planning on selling your house soon, consider repainting and staging your house in a modern way that can attract new homeowners.

Remember, your house may not be what everyone is looking for. Take feedback from buyers so you can learn what you can change in your home to make it more attractive.

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music.

Architect vs Real Estate Agent – who gains more?

If you are deciding your career and you like to know what’s the deal with architects vs real estate agents – maybe to decide whether you should be an agent now or study to become an architect than this article is for you.

Architects design buildings and carry a lot of responsibility – therefore one might think that an architect would gain more money. But this might not necessarily be the case. Of course, it depends on a few factors, such as the country you are working, how famous you are as an architect or how many social connections you have as an agent.

Who Gains More – The Architect or the Real Estate Agent?

Architects gain less on a house than real estate agents, and this is because they don’t get a commission on the sale of the house. They instead get paid by the hour or for their design.

Therefore, there is a sense of fairness in paying architects less than they would pay to an agent. Architects are rewarded for their creative skills that they put into the design of the house, whereas an agent may just be rewarded for negotiating skills.

In some cases, it might be that the architect gets as little as 1% of the house worth for his work whereas a real estate agent might get 3% or more to sell a property. Also, one house might be sold a few times over the years, giving more chances for agents to make money. If that’s the case it seems obvious that it is more profitable to be an agent rather than an architect.

You have to keep in mind though, that agents don’t sell all houses that they have on offer. This means they might be putting a lot of time and effort into some deals that will never give them anything in return.

Architect vs Real Estate Agent

An architect is the one who designs the building. They are responsible for the construction of buildings, buildings layouts, and more.

An agent is a person who sells real-estate property on behalf of the owner. They are also called property agents or estate agents. Their main job is to find clients and help them buy or sell their property.

Architects who are famous are more likely to make more money. They are the ones who design the big building, and they need to be paid for their expertise. On the other hand, real estate agents will always be needed in the process of selling and buying a property.

The Difficulty for Architects in Marketing Their Own Product

Architects face a lot of difficulty when marketing their own work. The architecture profession already suffers from low status and low pay, so it is increasingly difficult to get into marketing your work as well.

They must take on the role of artist, developer, manager, and marketer in order to market their work well. They must become a jack-of-all-trades in order to succeed in this industry.

What Are the Best Countries for Architects?

Architects are one of the most well-travelled professions in the world. They visit different countries for various reasons; such as to get inspiration, to network with other professionals, or even to find a better work environment.

While this is true for all architects, it is especially true for freelancers who have more flexibility in their schedule. Freelance architects often rely on connections with local firms abroad because they can’t afford to work without income for too long.

What is the Difference Between the Two Jobs?

Real estate agents are professionals who are responsible for the sale of properties. They market the property, show it to prospective buyers and negotiate the price of the property.

Architects are professionally trained in disciplines like design, construction, and engineering. They take up careers in building construction and design.

If you work as a real estate agent you would interact with clients on a daily basis who want to buy or sell their house or land. It is possible to work as an agent without any formal education. Although most people prefer experience over qualifications which is why it’s always better to start by working at another agency before branching out on your own.

Architects usually have graduate degrees in architecture from accredited schools/universities that take three years or more to complete.

Conclusion

Do real estate agents make more money than architects? Yes! While architects need to go to university and carry a lot of responsibility, real estate agents don’t need to go to university, and they make more money with less responsibility.