10 Technology Trends Disrupting Real Estate Today

The evolution of technology has branched out into different spheres of society, impacting it both positively and negatively. From our means of communication to even the manufacturing of food has been affected by technology. Similarly, the effects can also be seen in real estate.

Technological impact on real estate has increased significantly over the years, and it is accurate to say that it’s causing fundamental change. In this article, we will be discussing ten technology trends that are disrupting real estate today. Some of these trends are:

1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial intelligence has evolved over the years, and it is now being used in the real estate market. Artificial intelligence involves the conversion of collected data into action. It helps in making smarter decisions because certain pattern recognition will be built into the system. Along this line, artificial intelligence in real estate algorithms and other technological-related frameworks will facilitate high-quality property management, including better lighting and security, among other important features. For instance, instead of searching for properties manually with a real estate agent, you can use an online real estate marketplace. An online real estate marketplace helps its users to streamline the home search process with artificial intelligence. According to the requests put in by the users, the AI brings out the best possible options.

2. Blockchain.

Blockchain is a relatively new development in the tech industry. Blockchain technology can be referred to as a decentralized, distributed ledger that records the provenance of a digital asset. In other words, blockchain makes digital assets transparent through the use of cryptographic hashing. Blockchain is significantly affecting real estate in terms of its record and information. Blockchain, through its processes, will significantly decrease fraudulent activities and property prices. Also, cryptocurrencies and their constant evolution will affect the real estate industry sooner or later.

3. Real Estate robots

Over the years, it has been a constant thought on the minds of technology developers to see if robotics can replicate the functions of humans. Although there hasn’t been any sign of its perfection, effective robots that perform crucial tasks have been created. For instance, real estate robots assist real estate agents in the performance of specific duties. Virtual assistants, robots, voice bots, or chatbots help consumers get quick answers to all their complaints on time. This enables good communication for both parties, thereby creating an effective business relationship. Pro-active real estate companies make use of these bots for the effective rendering of services.

4. Drones

Drones technology is also disrupting the whole process of real estate. They provide efficient aerial photography that helps create a fantastic virtual experience that can display how a certain property looks like. An additional function of drones that further proves their usefulness is the fact that they can provide visuals of areas that are inaccessible. This means that you can decide to purchase a property without even visiting the location, which enhances the comfortability of users. Also, drones can be used as a marketing strategy by real estate firms. By using features such as geolocation with drones, real estate agents can measure the quality of a property and the areas surrounding it.

5. Data automation

Various tasks in real estate that was usually performed manually can now be automated for ease of the process. For instance, processes like data collection, data scraping, data processing, and other tasks can now be automated to increase efficiency, i.e., making things done easier and quicker. As a part of real estate, marketing automation is already enabling real estate firms to deliver real-time messages to prospective buyers during the sales process, automatically boosting their efficiency level.

6. Big data

The whole concept behind ‘big data’ is to accumulate all possible information in a particular field and use relevant to answer requests. Big data, essentially, is the study and extraction of information from vast amounts of data. As it relates to real estate, big data helps in the collection or acquisition of data from customers, which is in the form of requests. These requests will be used to examine their behavioural patterns, which will be used to predict a user’s behaviour. Through these predictions, the best and appropriate options in terms of the user’s preferences will be matched.

7. Virtual reality

This aspect of technology has affected so many areas, which includes gaming and now real estate. Virtual reality makes the whole process of searching and buying properties exciting because interested or prospective buyers can get a virtual tour of the properties they are interested in remotely. An interested customer can now get a visible virtual tour of what they want before they make their decision. A crucial factor that triggered this process is the COVID19 era which further pushed virtual reality acceptance.

8. Mobile applications

From the start of the 21^st century, the development of applications has been evolving, becoming crucial to society. You can order food, clothes and even equipment through apps that are specifically designed for such purposes. These same developments also apply to the real estate industry. There are various apps you can now use to buy, sell or rent properties and even contact agents that will put you through the whole process. It enhances convenience, and it ultimately saves time and stress. Due to the conveniences it brings, it is becoming a growing area in the real estate industry.

9. Safer buildings

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, properties will now be constructed with the occupants’ health benefits in mind. Technology has now become intertwined in the construction of most houses, thereby giving it a different outlook that would affect the real estate market. The new process spans a variety of means. Some of them include HEPA filters with UV lights and technological-related sanitization measures. This technology area will be important in updating existing real estate, and it will cause significant changes.

10. 5G

With the establishment of 5G technology, the whole process of communication can be more secure and consistent. With higher bandwidth, virtual tours of properties to remote buyers can go smoothly and effectively, ensuring stability in business. Furthermore, security, surveillance and maintenance will be optimized through the use of 5G technology in the real estate industry.

Final thoughts

For years, real estate and its intricacies have been growing along a certain line. However, with the addition and improvement of technology, a significant and irreparable effect has been made on the real estate industry.

About the author

Charlie Svensson is a skillful and engaging freelance and online essay writer. He is skilled in content writing, blogging and also in providing the best essay services. His contents usually center around education, social media, marketing, SEO, motivation blogging and self-growth, and he posts some of his works on college-paper.org review.

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The Importance of Estate Planning at Any Age

You plan for a lot of things in life, like vacations, choosing which car to buy and even buying a house. However, many people don’t consider estate planning. Estate planning decides who will inherit your assets after you pass away, and holds a lot of value. It might not be as fun to think about as your next vacation, but estate planning is necessary to ensure your belongings go to the right people or places.

Estate planning may sound like it’s just for the wealthy, but everyone should have an estate plan. Without settling your affairs, your loved ones can be negatively impacted after you pass away. Here’s why estate planning is important at any age.

Protects Beneficiaries

End of life planning is necessary for all people, especially those with families. It’s not just about who gets what, but helps create a plan to decide who will be in charge of everything from typical household activities, to paying taxes. Even if you’re not leaving much behind, if you don’t decide who receives what you do have, you won’t have any control over what happens to it.

For example, you can’t just assume that your home will be handed down to your children if you pass away. An estate plan is the only way to guarantee that everything you leave behind is left to your loved ones, and allows you to ensure their protection.

The main component of end of life planning is choosing the heirs for your assets, whether it’s your house or your favorite vase. Without this plan, the courts will decide who gets your assets, which can be a long and ugly process that can hurt your loved ones and their relationships with one another.

A will specifically names who gets your assets, so it’s important that you create one as soon as possible to make sure your family gets everything they need.

Protects Young Children

While you don’t want to consider what will happen if you die young, you need to think about the future. If you’re the parent of an underage child, you need to prepare yourself and them for what’s to come if you pass away. To ensure that your children are cared for the way you want them to be, you will name guardians who will take over custody if both parents were to pass away before the children are over the age of 18. Without naming these individuals, the courts will determine who will raise your children.

If you have anyone specific in mind who you think would be a good guardian to your children, talk to them about it to make sure that it’s something they are comfortable with. Many parents choose to name godparents for their children within their extended family, but this can also extend to friends or other loved ones. However, unless these individuals are specifically mentioned in your estate plan, then you cannot guarantee that these will be the people to take care of your children if you pass away.

Prevents Heirs From Paying Hefty Taxes

Estate planning is all about ensuring the protection of your loved ones, which can mean helping them save money. When you transfer assets to heirs, there will be a tax burden on them. However, with the right planning, you can lessen the amount they’ll pay on taxes when transferring your assets. To help with your taxes, you can use an easy-to-use, professional tax software.

Eliminates Family Drama

We’ve all watched the horror stories unfold on our favorite soap operas, but nobody wants to experience family drama due to a lack of an estate plan in real life. When someone with money or assets dies, family members typically start a war between one another. One sibling may believe that they are entitled to more than everyone, while another believes they should be the one in charge of the finances.

This type of fighting can get ugly quickly and end up in court with your family members pitted against each other, forced to choose sides.

An estate plan enables you to stop the fighting before it even begins. You are the one in control of where your finances and assets go if you become incapacitated or pass away. This can help you avoid family drama and keep your loved ones from fighting.

Saves Time and Money

If you pass away without an estate plan, the laws where you live will determine what happens to your estate. Probate court will name a representative to make sure your assets are distributed. This job typically goes to the surviving spouse, but if you don’t have one and no family member is willing to take on the task, the court will name a public trustee.

During this period, no one will be able to touch your assets or carry out any of your directives. Everything is essentially frozen until the court figures everything out. This probate process involves paperwork and court appearances, which means your loved ones will be spending valuable time away from their jobs and families to make sure your affairs are settled.

Estate Planning Ensures Your Safety

Estate planning doesn’t just mean drafting a will for after you pass away. In fact, it can take care of you while you’re still alive. An estate plan can include a power of attorney (POA) and healthcare proxy that ensure your wishes are fulfilled if you become incapable of fulfilling them yourself. Power of attorney designates someone who is authorized to handle your legal and financial affairs when you can’t, while a healthcare proxy is someone who can make healthcare decisions for you.

Without this living will, determining who among your family members can take care of these important duties can get difficult. The court might have to appoint someone who is unfamiliar with your wishes to make decisions for you.

Takeaway

While you may be young now, you never know what the future holds. If you have young children, you should at least have a will drafted to ensure their safety and protection. Whether you’re married or single, having an estate plan can help you and your loved ones in the future.

Estate planning also gives you a sense of control over your property, which can be taken by the state if there’s no one to give your assets to. As someone who might be single, an estate plan gives you the power to give your assets to a friend or charity instead of the government.

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.

7 Steps to Convert Your Attic into a Bedroom

Your growing family needs more space, and you may quickly consider converting your basement or garage into a bedroom. But are you aware that your attic has more potential to become a unique room?

You may think that it is a daunting task to plan an attic conversion because you need money and time to make it happen. However, with proper planning, you can have your new bedroom with minimal stress. Here are some steps to help you:

1. Building Code and Permits

An attic conversation may require a building permit during the planning stages. A building code has several safety standards that ensure the stability and safety of your house. It includes considerations about the ceiling height, width, and total square footage of the room. Your proposed bedroom must meet the building code requirements, especially if you plan to lease or sell it later in the future.

You can check with your local government unit to know if your attic conversion needs a permit. You must bring the completed plans for a quick and accurate answer. If you are adding windows or changing the roofline, you will need to obtain a permit first.

2. Angled Ceilings

The steep slope ceiling can be a problem when you decide to convert your attic into a bedroom because it limits the usable space and blocks any headroom. You can solve this issue by putting a unique piece of architecture to highlight the elements, such as using ceiling treatments. You may add a design by painting it using an eye-catching color or use paneling on the angles with molding. You can prefer to create a textured wall by painting over the molding to add visual interest.

3. Walls

Your attic bedroom will not have more wall space than your other rooms because of the steep ceiling angle. You may try using wall treatments by adding an extra interior wall. If you have a smaller space, you may try light colors to make the room look larger and more open. A more polished finish is also feasible by having faux panels with molding.

You can build shorter closets to maximize small areas and gain valuable square footage. Taller walls can match the angle and meet the ceiling, but it can be challenging to find furniture that will fit. You may prefer to have custom-made storage to correspond to the unconventional space. You can add shelving units into the walls to keep clutter off the floor.

4. Windows

Your window design must fit your space because a standard small window may not be enough for it to reach its full potential and make the space livable. You may opt for an easily accessible larger window that meets the building code. It has to be accessible and serve as an emergency exit in case of fire.

Windows also offer natural light, which helps your room look larger and brighter. You may prefer skylights because they provide a natural fit into a roofline and provide added headroom. The Dormer window extends from a sloped roofline for small nooks. It creates a dynamic element to the exterior, and you can add a desk or bench that also serves as a storage unit.

5. Floors

Flooring is essential in your bedroom conversion, but you must check that your floor has a structurally sound and robust surface. You can consider the amount of weight and movement that your flooring must accommodate when you transform the attic into a bedroom. Reinforcing the floor joists can make the flooring safe.

Hardwood floors may be suitable for other rooms in your house, but for the attic bedroom, a carpet can be your best bet because of its soundproofing benefits. You don’t want to create a lot of noise below that will disturb other family members. Carpets absorb sound and require an additional layer of subflooring to eliminate the noise from below.

6. Stairs

Many attics have ladders because their original intention is for storage areas. If you convert it to a bedroom, you may need to build a staircase because ladders are not stable and unsafe for everyday use. A conventional stair is more reliable than a ladder but occupies more floor space below. You may opt for a spiral stair as it has wide steps but does not occupy a lot of space.

7. Utilities

More often than not, your attic’s design is strictly for storage; thus, it does not have the appropriate utilities such as temperature control and electricity.

Temperature Control

The attic is hotter than the rest of your house during the winter and summer. You must install temperature control to ensure that you are comfortable in your planned bedroom. You may place a ceiling fan to cut down on your cooling and heating bills. However, it will not solve all your temperature control issues.

You may also invest in spray foam insulation to fill the crevices. It reduces your utility bills and helps soundproof your room. You can install insulation in your ceiling, walls, or floor to control the temperature. If your attic has an HVAC system, you may still prefer to add more temperature control because you will have someone moving in the room full time.

Electric

Your attic may already have electrical wiring, but you need more light fixtures and outlets if you wish to convert it into a bedroom. You can select light fixture designs that do not give off a lot of heat. You may prefer recessed lights because they provide light without heating the space. You can tuck them into the ceiling.

Your dream to convert your attic into a livable space is exciting, but you must ensure that you do it right to save on time and costs. You may consider the steps listed to add value to your home and have more bedrooms for your growing family.

About the Author

Leon Collier is the UK’s prolific academic writer and blogger with vast experience working as one of the essay writers providing college essay papers. He is someone you will love to collaborate with because he loves challenges and delivers outstanding work regularly. He is a voracious book reader and enjoys playing tabletop games when he is not busy with work. You can follow him on Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Antonio Caverzan on Unsplash

How can I get a house for 100k or less?

You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be rich in order to buy a house. In fact, there are many ways you can save money and still get a house under 100k.

Houses are a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. That is why it is important to find the perfect house for you, in the best location and for a price that fits your budget.

Average house prices

According to the survey, the average amount people are spending on a house now is around $400,000. So, it would take a lot of research and work to find a house that’s cheaper than 100k.

There are many ways you can get a house for close to 100k or even less than that. It just takes some time and work on your end.

Find the best value for your money

It’s not always easy to find cheap homes in the marketplace. There are many aspects that affect the value of a home. The general rule of thumb, however, is to buy close to the city centre if you want better value.

Some people say that it might be easier to find a cheap home by looking at area listings, or by looking at other more affordable areas outside of the city centre. However, this might not be possible for everyone who wants to live in an urban setting.

Be more creative in your search

So, what should you do? Get creative with your search and don’t limit yourself too much by just looking at one area when there are so many others out there for you to explore!

Saving up for a down payment is the first big step in achieving this goal. You can save the down payment by living with your parents or by renting an apartment in an inexpensive location and then saving up more money over time.

A lot of people want to purchase a home but they don’t have the money. It’s not uncommon for people to spend their life savings on a house – which is why many people end up living in their parents’ basement. That’s actually not a bad idea if it helps you to save up for your own home at the same time.

There are certainly ways to get houses for 100k or less if you have patience and know where to look.

Be more specific in your search

Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make. That said, if you are looking for a cheap home, it’s best to be more specific in your online search and don’t just rely on general words like ‘cheap home’ or ‘good deal’.

Be flexible when it comes to DIY

If you are up for DIY, you can get a fixer-upper home at a lower price. All you need is to take some time off and do the renovation work yourself. Not only will it make your home look better, but it will also help in saving money on labour costs.

Fixer Upper Homes: Fixer-upper homes are properties that have not been renovated or updated for a long time. Even if the property doesn’t have any major structural damage, they may need new paint and flooring, as well as other cosmetic improvements.

Investors are starting to pay attention to the potential in fixer-upper homes. With a low purchase price and a lower mortgage, it is easier than ever to buy a fixer-upper house.

The process of fixing up a home can be very rewarding; you have the opportunity to make your house uniquely yours. It also has the potential to be profitable, too. Fixing up your home can increase its value by hundreds of thousands of dollars if you do it right!

Conclusion

Now, you’ve seen the best ways to buy a house for 100k or less. So, what are you waiting for? Start scrolling and find your dream home today!

Bio

Our Property under 20k team are the founders of www.propertyunder20k.com and www.listproperty4free.com with the goal to search the cheapest real estate in the world and make it easy for others to find. The team is made up of landlords, real estate investors, architects and builders from several different countries. We just love to have a good strong cup of coffee while we write our experiences in this blog.

Image by Siggy Nowak on Pixabay

6 Ways to Find the Price of Your House in the Local Area

Selling a home can be a tiresome process especially for someone who has never done it before. There are a lot of things that you need to consider to avoid getting ripped off. Everything from the real estate agent you hire to the ads that you post online will determine how successful you’ll become at the end of the selling process.

Before you think of posting your property on the real estate market, you need to ensure that you get the ideal listing price. This might sound like an easy thing to do. However, it’s more complicated than what the majority of people think. This is because a lot of factors affect the value of your house in the market. At times, the smallest things such as a faulty garage door can negatively affect the value of your house.

Therefore, finding out the worth of your home is not a process that you should take lightly. To help you avoid getting stressed and overwhelmed, we’ve compiled a few practical tips that will help you find the price of your house in the local area. Let’s get started!

What affects the value of your home?

As we said earlier, there are a lot of things that affect the market value of your home. Knowing these aspects is essential if you want to get the best price for your house. In this section, we are going to talk about these important aspects.

The first is location. The distance from amenities, schools, roads, and your neighborhood can make a huge difference when determining the worth of your house.

The second is the size of your property. You need to measure the square footage and the usable space available. You shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that buyers are willing to pay more for bigger homes. However, don’t get carried away by this fact.

Another important aspect that determines your home’s value is its current state and age. In most cases, older homes tend to be cheaper than newer homes. Keeping your home in shape by improving it consistently can greatly boost its value. Other important things that can affect the value of your home include:

The conditions of the real estate market
The number of bathrooms and bedrooms
Economic aspects such as interest rates
Previous sale prices
Home upgrades

Estimating the value of your home

Now that you are aware of the factors that determine the value of your home, let’s discuss a few important ways how you can estimate the value of your home before listing it.

1. Utilize online tools

Most people today use automated valuation models (AVMs) to discover the value of their homes. According to a recent study, 22 percent of homeowners use websites to find out the worth of their homes. These tools analyze records such as location, property taxes, listing prices, and recent sales to predict the value of your home. The use of an online estimator is one of the best ways to discover the worth of your property. However, you should keep in mind that these online tools don’t provide a 100 percent accurate value to your property. Nevertheless, you’ll get a clue of its value.

2. Hire a professional

Most people hire a professional home appraiser to determine whether they can get and afford to pay the mortgage. However, you can hire one to help you determine the value of your property whenever you want. A recent survey found out that 28 percent of homeowners hire an appraiser to help them find out the value of their property. An appraiser will do much more than help you discover the value of your property. They can:

Describe the characteristics of your property
Compare properties
Help you know more about the real estate market in your area

After looking at all these factors, your appraiser will deliver a report on the value of your home.

3. Perform a comparative market analysis

You can estimate the value of your house by requesting your real estate agent to conduct a comparative market analysis. While this report won’t be as detailed as that of a professional appraiser, it will still be accurate. Real estate agents usually perform this analysis for a few dollars or at times, for free. However, when you ask your realtor to estimate the value of your home, they will treat it as an invitation to work with you throughout this process. Before asking for comparative market analysis, you need to choose an agent that you can work with comfortably.

4. The FHFA House Index Price Calculator

Another great way to get a thorough analysis of your property is by using the Federal Housing Financing Agency house price index. This is a scientific method that provides an accurate value. The house price index uses the repeat sales method which involves analyzing the home’s change in value in previous sales using mortgage transactions data that has been gathered since the early 70s. It uses this information to estimate the value of your property given the current market trends. The disadvantages of this method are:

It only analyzes conforming home mortgages
It doesn’t consider inflation or seasonal changes

5. Evaluate similar homes

You can discover the value of your home by comparing other similar homes in your area. It’s the most famous and simplest method in the US since most homeowners use it before selling their property. You need to ensure that you are comparing your home with the right ones. You need to look at homes with a similar location, age, size, condition, and upgrades. Think of other houses that your prospective buyer would choose instead of yours. Compare at least three homes to get an accurate price of your home.

6. Look at expired and withdrawn listings

Look at withdrawn and expired listings to discover the value of your home. Expired listings are all the agreements that ran out without them being bought. On the other hand, withdrawn means that the homeowner doesn’t want to sell the property. Finding out the value of these properties in your neighborhood will help you find out the value of your property.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, evaluating your property is extremely important. The process can be tiring and time-consuming. However, it’s worth it in the long run. Look at all the available options and try using at least two valuation methods.

Author Bio:

Leon Collier is a blogger and academic writer from the UK who has vast experience working with dissertation writing services and professional essay writing services. He loves to take on every challenge thrown at him and has the ability to deliver outstanding work regularly. When he’s not busy writing, he loves reading books and playing tabletop games with his friends. Follow him on Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Matt Jones on Unsplash

What’s the deal with bunkers for sale?

For some reasons there have been a huge interest in abandoned bunkers for sale. Always there is an ad of a bunker for sale it gets at least ten times more hits than homes for sale. Surely, many just click on it out of curiosity but many are seriously interested. What is it that makes bunkers so attractive for buyers?

Although it is considered as the ultimate hiding place, the average underground bunker usually has no windows, just air vents and most of the times no electricity, toilet or running water.

Most subterranean shelters would be accessible through a straight up concrete shaft with a steel ladder, accessed by some sort of concrete or steel hatch on the ground.

The perfect historical restoration project

For all buyers who are interested in a historical restoration venture they are just perfect. It is a truly unique project that is sure to seduce. Unfortunately, there are not as many out there as interested buyers. That’s why, despite the bad state they usually are in they are not cheap.

Some people have been very creative and building their own amazing backyard bunkers. In this case don’t forget to get the proper permits before.

We could also see a recent movement of newly built bunkers – many especially for the upper class – that offer all modern comfort you can think of and look like out of a sci fi movie.

Some people decided to built their own panic room in their home or make an extension.

The “bunker for sale scam”

Sadly, whatever triggers a lot of interest in many people also inspires others to come up with a scam. In the bunker story it is no different.

The scam we have seen so far is this:

There is an ad with nice and very cheap bunkers for sale. Once you contact the advertiser, he will explain that he is very sick that is why he priced his bunker for a quick sale. Due to his condition, he is also not able to show the property but someone else can be paid to show it. Therefore, he will ask you for some money to see the bunker before you buy it. Needless to say, that after paying the money you will not hear from him ever again or have any way to get through to him.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

Price is cheaper than normal
The seller asks money to show you the property

Another good way is to use the Google Reverse Image Search with the images the advertiser has in the ad. You may find that he copied them from another website.

Bio

Bild von Martin Bock auf Pixabay

Spanish Cave Houses for Sale

Yes, you read correctly, this article is about cave houses for sale. The first thing that comes to mind might be a primitive home for cavemen, but I can assure you they look nothing like that. They actually look like a proper home and can even serve other purposes like an office, holiday home or even a hotel.

What exactly is a cave house?

Caves are perhaps the oldest form of shelter known to men. Nevertheless, they are usually overlooked as possible homes by most people. However, in a few places around the world cave houses have survived and are still used as homes up to the present day. They come with a lot of history attached.

Cave homes are caved out of solid rock. But don’t worry, you don’t need to carve it yourself. There are a lot of cave houses that are waiting to be restored. Needless to see that each single one of it is truly unique.

Due to their many environmentally friendly advantages, they have been newly discovered and increased in popularity.

What is great about a cave home?

Because cave rooms are inside the rock, they keep approximately the same temperature in summer and winter, a comfortable 16 up to 19°C.

This makes them perfect in the usually hot weather that you have outside, like for example in Andalusia Spain, where we found a spot popular for cave houses. As a result, there is no need for any air conditioning in the summer. Just in winter time it would be good to have some sort of heating. But even the heating costs are lower than in standard built houses. Therefore, electricity consumption and running costs are much lower.

Cosy in the Winter and cool in the Summer

Another great advantage is that you have a lot less maintenance. There are almost no external walls that could need some new paint or a roof that could start leaking.

Also, they usually come in a very nice setting, places where you can relax and unwind but usually close enough to some villages that provide everything for your daily needs.

Where can I find cave houses for sale?

There are some real estate agents that would be specialised to show and explain you the process of buying a cave home. Cave houses for sale can be found on property portals such as www.listproperty4free.com

Have you bought a cave house recently and like to share your experience? Please feel free to leave a comment below.

Image by SeeMoon JaaMoon from Pixabay

4 Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan that some older homeowners can take out. This loan allows them to access their home equity and receive cash payments, either as a lump sum or in installments over time. Many seniors turn to a reverse mortgage loan in retirement to bolster their income, and they can use this money to maintain their home, pay for healthcare, or cover any other costs in their lives.

If used under the right circumstances, the money you receive from a reverse mortgage can provide you with a greater degree of financial freedom in retirement. So is a reverse mortgage right for you? In this article, we’ll take a look at four major benefits of a reverse mortgage loan.

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage loan allows homeowners to borrow money by tapping into their home equity, and using their home as collateral for the loan. This means, essentially, that you’re able to borrow money without having to make monthly principal and interest payments. It can be a great way to improve cash flow and, since there are very few restrictions on how to spend the money you get from the loan, you can use it to pay for a wide range of costs and expenses.

One of the most unique aspects of a reverse mortgage loan is that there’s no set due date for when you have to pay back the money. While you can make payments on the loan at your convenience, the total balance of the loan only becomes due once you sell the home, move away, or die.

Who Qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage?

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you generally have to be 62 or older and must either own your home outright or have a considerable amount of equity in the house. The exact amount of home equity you need varies depending on the lender you’re working with, but as a rule of thumb you should have at least 50% equity in your home to take out a reverse mortgage loan.

A reverse mortgage can be a useful tool depending on your own financial situation. For example, if any of the following statements apply to your situation, then a reverse mortgage may be for you:

Most of your net worth is tied up in your home
You’re in need of cash and don’t have other sources of income
You don’t plan on ever leaving your home

Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgage loans offer borrowers a variety of benefits. Under the right circumstances, it can be a very powerful tool that allows you more freedom and flexibility in your finances. Here we’ll take a look at some of the main benefits that come with a reverse mortgage loan:

#1: Increased Cash Flow

When you stop working and retire, you typically lose your main source of income. However, your other expenses, such as your mortgage, utilities, insurance, maintenance costs, and so on generally stay the same. If you don’t have an ample savings account, this can create a situation where you feel stressed out or overwhelmed by these costs.

A reverse mortgage allows you to pull money you wouldn’t normally be able to access out of your property. This supplies you with an income stream that can help you more comfortably manage your expenses in retirement.

#2: No Monthly Mortgage Payments

As a homeowner, you won’t have to make monthly mortgage payments on a reverse mortgage. That’s because a reverse mortgage, unlike a traditional mortgage, doesn’t require the homeowner to make any loan payments. Instead, payments are made to you for the length of time that you continue to live in your home.

The total balance of the loan only becomes due once the borrower sells the home, permanently moves to a different home, or dies. However, it’s very important to keep in mind that a reverse mortgage doesn’t let you off the hook for costs like home insurance and property taxes.

#3: Protection Against Decline in Housing Market

A reverse mortgage loan is insured by the federal government, and this provides you with a great deal of security. It means that if the value of the reverse mortgage loan exceeds the value of your home when that loan comes due, the federal government will take care of the difference.

So, with a reverse mortgage, you won’t ever have to worry about owing the lender more than your home is actually worth, even if the real estate market tanks and negatively impacts your home’s value. Additionally, if, in the future, you or your heirs want to pay off the entirety of the loan and stay in the home rather than sell it, you wouldn’t be required to pay more than the value of the home.

#4: Flexibility in How You Receive Payments

With a reverse mortgage, the loan payments made to you can be disbursed in a few different ways. The methods in which you can be paid include:

Lump sum. In this case, you’d get the full amount of the loan in a single payment. You can receive a full or partial lump sum once your loan has been approved.
Equal monthly payments. This means that as long as at least one borrower lives in the home, the lender will continue making steady monthly payments to them.
Term payments. The lender will issue even monthly payments over the course of a term set by the borrower.

Taking out a reverse mortgage is a big decision and it can often be pretty confusing for the average person to understand and navigate. While it provides a number of major benefits, it also has its downsides. There are certain fees that come with a reverse mortgage, the amount you’re required to pay back grows over time, you’re still responsible for other home-related expenses, and you lose home equity as your loan balance increases.

That’s why, if you’re considering taking out a reverse mortgage, it’s important to consider all of the pros and cons. Do some research and weigh the benefits listed above against the potential drawbacks. If you’re still unsure, consider consulting with a financial planning professional to see if a reverse mortgage can help you in retirement.

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music.

Adobe Construction – cheap and naturally energy efficient

Adobe – or earth construction as some may call it – is one of the oldest building methods in the world. Since ever, humankind has used earth in various forms to build their homes. It has a huge number of benefits most of us modern people forgot about.

I only came to love this type of construction when working on a renovation project of an old town house in Portugal. Until then, when thinking of an earth house I had a very different picture in mind. It was something like a simple hut in an African village.

Adobe walls are naturally energy efficient and can be load bearing. Often, they are very thick, forming a natural insulation from the environmental heat or cold. Earth-based products are naturally sustainable because you are building with the materials that surround you.

Interestingly, approximately 30% of the world population lives in homes made of earth materials. That’s no wonder if you think of the many financial and environmental benefits. That’s why people like me, once we know about it, just love it. It is not only a far cheaper construction method but also has many other advantages compared with modern materials.

The composition of the adobe—or some may call it the recipe—vary according to country and local customs. Usually most of it is made of earth and or clay. Besides that, it can contain other materials like straw, maybe even small amounts of lime. Once I even read about that it can include horse hair. Not sure if this is true though.

There is even a thing they call Superadobe. It is also made from earth and organic materials heartened with lime, compressed into bags which are stacked on top of each other, each layer of bags separated by barbed wire. This method is perfect for seismically active areas.

What is adobe construction

Buildings made of Adobe are very similar to a rammed earth house. The only difference is that the earth was rammed into some sort of brick shape before it was used for the construction. Like this it is very easy to build walls with earth.

Special treatment for adobe construction

Please note that the right plaster is essential to be completely waterproof. You don’t want your wall to crumble apart after a few years. They are several products on the market that are perfect for adobe construction. We can use it for the first plaster on a new wall as well as fixing cracks in an old one. It is very important that the plaster lets the wall still breath.

Also, there can be a problem with raising damp in those buildings if they have no horizontal barrier to stop it. I saw a layer of bitumen sheet or a special plastic be put before the first layer of adobe bricks. Therefore, it is good to keep that in mind before you start building your house.

One historic local custom in my area was that the builders would leave an air gap under the house to avoid any raising damp. With some houses being well beyond 100 years now and showing no sign of any raising damp we can say that it is a truly successful method.

If you live in an earthquake zone it is also advisable to apply a net within the construction to give it better structural properties.

Adobe construction surprises

Probably the biggest surprise was when I found out that adobe was even used for the first modern architecture in Portugal. This is something I would always associate with concrete and steel.

It seems there is no limit to what you can build with it starting with simple garden walls, garages, sheds, houses and even apartment blocks.

Conclusion

Adobe Construction is naturally energy efficient and sustainable because you are building with the materials that surround you. With the right know-how it can give the same or even better comfort than a modern building method.

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Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay

Finding apartment blocks for sale

So, you’re in the market for a whole apartment block? That’s exciting news. Finding apartment blocks for sale is just one click away. If you’re serious about buying some apartment units here is a good place to start to get a first idea of what your money can buy.

Later it might be a good idea to get a qualified real estate agent who knows the local real estate market and can guide you through the buying process.

They can advise you on the real estate market in your area and financing if needed. That can help you immensely to make your dream of becoming a landlord a reality. With a real professional by your side finding a suitable building will be piece of cake.
Did you know that a typical real estate sale involves more than 20 steps after the initial contract is accepted? Real estate agents walk you through each step to move toward a quick-and-easy close. Together, you’ll create a marketing plan, set the right price and get your new real estate business in no time.

Make your homework

Of course, it is always good to do some research yourself. For example, it can be interesting to look at some property records before buying as well as rental prices. Like that it will be easy for you to find out what yield you can expect from your investment.

If you want to have the least work possible with your asset it would be wise to consider hiring a management company who will deal with the tenants on your behalf.

Newly built apartment blocks for a secure future

Nobody can resist the charm of a new build home.

The plaster does not crumble from the walls, power lines and pipes do not need renovation and the architectural style usually has a trendy and modern design. State-of-the-art materials and the latest standard characterize such a new building.

Yes, buying a brand-new home can be very appealing especially if you are planning to rent it out. You will easily find tenants and beside the usual maintenance jobs there will not be much repairs to do.

A new home has advantages in many ways

A new phase of life begins with a new house and many people fulfil a lifelong dream. The likelihood of taking a risk with such a newly built house is almost zero. Freshly build houses have the great advantages:

New buildings often consist of high-quality materials.
New build houses mostly have the latest house technology integrated.
They are characterized by a low energy requirement.
A modern architectural style is characteristic of newly built houses.

The construction quality has improved immensely in recent years, so that today there are hardly any nasty surprises waiting for the owner after years of occupancy. Therefore, after buying new apartment blocks, you can sit back and relax.

The old charm apartment block

If you lost your heart to one of those old charm apartment blocks you are not alone. Although due to age and new energy efficiency laws they usually need some works before they can be properly rented but it is totally worth it. In the end you will have something truly special and unique.

Apartment blocks for sale

You are looking for apartment blocks for sale? Have a look at

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Africa

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Asia

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Europe

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in North America

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Image: Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay