Four Things To Have For An At-Home Business

March 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

Being able to have an at-home business is something that can be seriously liberating. You can be your own boss and set your own hours according to what works best for you. Here are four things to have for an at-home business.

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An Office Set-Up

Firstly, you want to be working in the right environment as it can certainly matter in terms of the mindset you need to get in when working from home. There are a lot more distractions when you have a home office, and if you allow yourself to procrastinate, you’ll likely get very little work done in the process. So starting yourself off with the right office set-up is a must. Think about what you need in order to allow your business to function at its best, and that might mean you need to invest in a few things with your money before you can start. Investing in a business, regardless of where it’s located, is important. Make sure you have money to invest before moving forward so that you can properly set yourself up with the essentials like a desk, computer chair and computer. That way, you won’t be working uncomfortably on a dining table chair or sofa.

 

A PO Box

Personal addresses are something that you shouldn’t be giving out to everyone and anyone. And instead of using your personal address for business correspondence, you might want to get a PO Box in the meantime. There are lots of cheap online po box services available, and these can also make your business appear more professional until perhaps you have the ability to move your business to a commercial space that’s not your own home.

 

Know The Legal Requirements Needed

Some businesses need to be considered in terms of their legality, and that’s something that you should consider when working from home. If you’re making your own alcohol, for example or producing your own skincare or beauty products, there’s going to be a lot more processes that you need to work through. When it comes to your customers using it on their body or ingesting it, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve done everything you should have done to protect yourself legally. 

 

Have Space For Any Inventory

A space for your inventory is important when you’re selling products. In your home, you might have a limited space to work with, so it might be worth expanding your property through a loft conversion or hiring some outside storage space to keep your excess stock in. As a business, you’re going to want to have a backup of inventory ready in case your company gets very popular overnight and starts accruing masses of orders.

 

Having an at-home business has its challenges, but if you have a great idea for a business and can work hard, it can provide you with a very satisfying and fulfilling career. Use these tips to set you up properly from home so that you can go forward with an organized attitude.

 

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Different Options To Consider When Decorating Your Bedroom

March 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

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If you are moving home, you need to put your own stamp on it. You want to feel as comfortable as quickly as possible, and this starts with the bedroom. With that being said, read on to discover some different options to consider when it comes to decorating your bedroom.

 

The benefits of leather bedsteads

 

There are lots of different types of bed frames available on the internet and all over stores. Picking the right one is highly important because it will play a huge role in determining the entire look and feel of the bedroom in which it is placed. Therefore, there is obviously a lot to think about when deciding what bed to buy when moving into a new home. One of the most popular options at the moment is leather bedsteads. In the past few years, this type of bed frame has soared in popularity. This section of the article will reveal what the benefits of a leather bed frame are in order to give those looking for a bedstead a helping hand.

 

The first reason why so many people seem to be fond of leather bedsteads at the moment is because of the sheer style that they possess. No other bed frame has the look of class and style that a leather bed frame does. Its look is one of sleek sophistication and it can instantly rejuvenate a room and add life into it. Furthermore, there are lots of different colors and styles of leather beds available and therefore there is bound to be something that suits all tastes and all styles of beds.

 

Another reason why leather bed frames are so popular is that there are cheap deals to be found. A lot of people tend to think that leather bed frames are an expensive option and this is why they deter from buying them. However, if one searches around online then they are guaranteed to find a good and affordable deal. Therefore, there is bound to be a leather bed to suit all types of budgets.

 

A final point worth considering is that leather adds comfort to a room. This is obviously something which is highly desirable in any bedroom. The reason that leather adds an element of comfort is all to do with its soft and snug touch.

 

Mix it up with white leather

 

At the moment, white leather beds are very much at the forefront of the top fashionable furniture pieces. The mixture between the white coloring and the leather material is something which is highly desirable for a whole host of reasons. 

 

The color white is great because it adds freshness to the bedroom it is placed in. It also alludes to purity and innocent which are obviously great qualities. A further point worth noting is a white leather bed will look well suited in any room due to the versatility of the color.

 

Leather is a great option as well because it gives off a classy aura. Anybody looking for something sleek and stylish should certainly consider a leather bed as it adds a level of luxurious glamour and class to the bedroom.

 

All in all, a white leather bed is certainly an attractive option for anybody looking to rejuvenate their bedroom’s appearance.

 

What about metal bed frames?

 

When deciding on which bed frame to go for there are obviously a lot of elements you need to take into consideration, such as: Will this style of bed frame look good in my bedroom? Is this material a sturdy and long-lasting one? Is this product something which is value for money? The list is endless. 

 

The two most popular types of bed frames at present are wooden bed frames and metal bed frames. The former has been popular for many years now. However, the latter emerged a lot more recently and has experienced a massive boom in popularity over the past few years. This obviously bodes the following question: Why are metal bed frames becoming the most attractive option? 

 

First and foremost, one of the most crucial reasons is that metal bed frames tend to be a lot cheaper than other available materials. This is obviously especially important when you consider the current economic climate and the consequent need to be careful with our money. 

 

Many people worry that when they pay less for a product it indicates that they are going to suffer from a lack of quality. Whilst this is a very valid argument, I can assure you that that is certainly not the case when it comes to bed frames made out of metal. In fact, metal bed frames tend to have a much longer life than wood and other materials. They are made to last you a lifetime. Furthermore, they require little to no maintenance and thus you need not worry about spending extra time and money maintaining their appearance and durability.

 

Furthermore, metal is an extremely versatile material. There are thus so many different styles and designs when it comes to choosing your metal bed frame. This is great because it ensures that you will find something which suits your room, your taste and your personality. There is literally something for everyone.

 

Choosing the right headboard

 

As the bedroom is the room which is the most personal to the person who owns out of the entire house it is absolutely crucial that it excludes warmth and personality. One of the main ways to do this is through the design of the bed that is chosen, this is because the bed is the main furniture element in the room.  

 

The most expressive part of a bed is the headboard. There are tons of headboards for beds available in furniture shops today and picking the right one is absolutely crucial. First and foremost, the person buying the bed needs to decide what material you want, such as, wood, metal or leather. They then need to decide on the color of the headboard and the style or design they wish to go for.

 

The key to getting the right headboard is to simply find something which is in keeping with the room’s present look, that is in alignment with the owner’s personality and that also has a warm and welcoming feel to it.

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What Should You Be Considering When Looking For Your Next Home?

March 12, 2020 Leave a Comment

Moving is certainly an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. There are several different things that you need to think about before you even start looking for your perfect home. You may already have a detailed list of everything you need to think or you might have only just decided to start looking for your next home. 

Photo by himanshu marathe from Pexels

 

Have a look below at some of the key things you should consider when looking for your next home: 

 

What Are Your Requirements? 

 

When looking for a home you are going to have certain requirements on your list. Some will be needs and some will be the wants that you are able to compromise on. You need to think carefully about everything you put on your list. Unfortunately, it’s quite unlikely that you will find a home that has absolutely everything including your wants too but it may be possible to find one that has the potential to grow into your perfect home. Some of the things to think about include: 

 

  • The size of the home you need.
  • How many bedrooms do you need? 
  • Do you need it to be accessible? 
  • Is it close to good schools? 
  • Can you commute easily to work? 
  • Does it need to have work completed or is it move-in ready? 
  • What size of garden are you after? 
  • Is there car parking? 
  • And others.

 

Once you have our list of requirements sorted into to needs and wants you can start your search. It’s a great piece of information to give to people like estate agents and property developers like AVID as it can help to narrow down your search. 

 

What’s Your Budget? 

 

This is one of the most important areas that you need to think about when searching for your home. You need to be well aware of what you can afford on a monthly basis and not skint yourself out. You need to think about what you are going to able to live with and cope with. Sit down write out your monthly incoming and outgoings and really think about what you can afford to pay out each month. It will help to prevent that risk of you missing payments in the future. It’s a good idea to make an appointment with a mortgage advisory who will be able to look at your monthly budget, your income and credit rating to find you the best mortgage deals and inform you of the maximum amount you can borrow. It’s sensible not to borrow the maximum amount but if it’s going to get you the home that you want then it’s a consideration that you should make. Once you know how much you can borrow you can limit your search to the houses on the market that you know you can afford. Bear in mind that you can barter on prices on the market on occasions so always ask if there is deal to be made. 

 

Are You Willing To Take On A Project? 

 

Before you start the search for your home you need to consider if you are willing to complete any work on your new home or not. There are always two types of people when searching for a home. Those who are willing to take on a working project and those who want something that is move-in ready. You need to think about where you fall as it may affect the homes that you view. You may even find that you start off thinking you want to take on a project but after viewing a few houses and working out your budget, a move-in ready home slowly becomes more appealing. Taking on a home that needs a lot of work, however, can help you to achieve the perfect home for you. It enables you to make changes and put your own stamp on your home right from the start. You should always take any work needed into consideration when working out your budget for your mortgage as you may need to spend less on your home so you have the funds available to complete any needed tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for more than one viewing and make sure you arrange a property inspection on any home you re buying. On the other hand, moving into a home that is move-in ready can give you a good year or a few years before you need to start taking on any big projects. Often these type of homes have a usable kitchen and bathroom and don’t need any immediate decorating unless you need to change to more your taste. 

 

These three areas are important for you to consider when looking for your next home, do you have anything else that should be considered? Please share them in the comments below.

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Preparing Your House For Spring

March 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

As Spring rolls in, it’s time to start thinking about the cleaning you need to get done. It takes so much more than just whipping out a mop to get this one done, though. Winter may bring through those freezing cold temperatures, but Spring is going to thaw that out pretty quickly and offer a few extra concerns.

 

When Spring has sprung, the ice pulls back and begins to melt. The gutters need your attention, and you may need Pest Control to come to the attic and clear away any winter guests who used your insulation to set up home. It doesn’t take much to get your home ready for the calm of Spring, but you can take the time to implement the measures below and make Spring a beautiful season instead of one that is filled with stress!

Image Source: Pexels

  • Reseal Your Windows

The windows take a battering in the wind and rain of winter, and the ice that settled on the windows can cause sealant to break or crack. So, you need to reseal those windows and fast, before the Spring showers start once more.

  • Replace Your Screen Doors

During the winter, the insects that you keep out with your fly screens all go away. The problem in Spring is that they come back, and they look for a new place to nest. Instead of worrying about it, get online and buy some screen door repair kits. You can have pest control check for bug infestations through the Spring, too, just in case!

  • Sort The Chimney

Traditional fireplaces are wonderful in the winter months, but in the Spring you need to seal the vent. You need to make sure that the cool air can still escape while stopping birds from flying into the home. This saves you so much money in damage caused by unwanted guests, and you can also stop any birds nesting! 

  • Seal Off The Crawl Spaces

Speaking of birds nesting, the last thing that you want to deal with in the house is a pest infestation under the floors. If you have crawl spaces in the house, you need to check for broken pipes, faulty wiring and any torn insulation. This will tell you if you have any extra animals around. Do it before the mating season begins in the Spring, and make sure that you have pest control on standby!

  • Check The Roof & Gutters

Winter brings extreme weathers that can damage your roof and ruin your gutters. If you are looking for a final fix for the Spring, you need to look at the roof. Bring out the professionals here, as you need to ensure that the roof has all of its tiles and the gutters are cleaned out.

 

With Spring just around the corner, you need to think about all the changes that it will bring for you and your home. Prepare your house wisely and you can be ready for the warmer weather as early as possible. Take time to prepare your home and you can ensure that you enjoy every moment of the warm season.

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How a Calm Home Can Reduce Your Daily Stress

March 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

You’re very familiar with the feeling of stepping through your front door and being confronted with chaos. Your stress levels soar through the roof as soon as you see dirty dishes, broken appliances and clutter all over the house. The truth is, you know you need to work on creating a calmer home otherwise your worries are going to get out of control. Whether you want to feel safer, calmer or more relaxed, there are so many ways that a calmer home can reduce your daily stress.

 

A Tidy Home Equals a Tidy Mind

 

A tidy home doesn’t necessarily consist of clear floors and spotless counter tops. You need to delve deeper into your home and make sure everything is in working order. If you have a specific appliance in your home that always causes you trouble, it is time to get it fixed once and for all. Whether you need to get in touch with a heating system repair company or you need your air conditioning system checked over, this will definitely help to ease your stresses. There is nothing more irritating than a fundamental part of your home being broken for a prolonged period of time. Get these issues seen as soon as possible and make sure you keep up with their maintenance.

 

A Stress Free Environment

 

A stress free environment can mean something different to everybody. For some people it can be a calming color scheme and for others it can mean a soothing scent. You need to figure out what element has the power to eliminate your stresses. Then you can incorporate it into your home to induce a sense of calm.

 

Happy Home Comforts

 

Home comforts can definitely make you happier, so why not use this to your advantage? If you absolutely love reading, you could create a cozy reading corner with all of your favorite books. If cooking is your thing, make sure your cupboards are always stocked up and your appliances are in working order. Pinpoint what makes you happy when you’re at home and use this to reduce your stresses.

 

Wonderful Workspace

 

Working from home can turn your house into a very stressful environment without you even realizing. Instead of spreading your work all over the dining table, you need to keep it contained within your chosen work space. If you want to succeed at working from home and maintain a stress free environment, this is definitely something you need to consider.

 

Hopefully some of the ideas mentioned above will really resonate with you. Everybody’s home environment is completely different so you need to find the calming strategies that work for you. Whether you’re tidying up on a regular basis or revamping your work space, you will soon be able to create a soothing and calm space where you live. Remember that in order to soothe your stresses, you need to create a happier home environment. Soon enough you will be able to achieve this and you will be much calmer as a result.

Image from Pexels – CC0 Licence

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The Parts Of Your House That Need A Deep Clean

February 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

Deep cleaning is something that’s much easier to do than you might think. Sure, you might need to block out a week, or you might need just a couple of hours to get things moving, but considering the spring is here and you’ve got a house to clean, there’s no time like the present!

 

So, your house might need a deep clean round about now. It’s been through a lot over the years, and when it comes down to really thinking about it, when was the last time you were able to really get down and scrub the floors? 

 

Because now could be your chance to get a checklist together and whip around your house in an afternoon; we’ve listed below the most crucial parts of your home that’ll need a good clean, so why not use them as inspiration for that free weekend you’ve got coming up? 

Get the mop or the broom out; a deep clean is better suited for certain parts of your house, so it shouldn’t take you too long! (Pexels Image – CC0 Licence)

 

Inside Your Kitchen/Wetroom Appliances

 

Your kitchen is a well used and well loved room in your home. It’s a place where you cook up a storm on a daily basis to feed your family, and it’s probably a good room for hosting guests when they come over too. However, it can also be a very filthy part of the home, and knowing how to clean it (and clean it properly!), is key to maintaining good health and happiness in your house. 

 

Most particularly, you’re going to want to clean inside your appliances. You’re going to want to get your gloves on and scrub the inside of your oven, your fridge, and even the inside of the washing machine you may have in there as well. 

 

The fridge can hold all kinds of raw foods in it at one time, and if you know your kitchen hygiene rules, you know that anything that can drip goes on the bottom shelf to reduce the chance of contamination. Well, if you’ve had some raw meats or something runny in there recently, you’re going to want to whip that bottom shelf out and disinfect it. 

 

The oven can get all kinds of materials burnt into its edges; make sure you’re taking out the grills once a month and wiping them down, and then make sure you can lift those burnt bits and all of that grease off the bottom of the oven itself. 

 

And finally, the washing machine: make sure you disinfect the inside of the drum every once in a while, especially if you’re prone to leaving wet washing in there for hours on end. Also, wet washing is a great environment for germs to make their home and start reproducing, so if your laundry has been in there for a while, it’s best to put it on again! 

 

What’s Inside Your Handbag

 

If you own and use a handbag, think about what’s in it right now. You’ve got your wallet and your keys, of course, but you’ve probably got a collection of other things in there too. Maybe something your children have asked you to carry for them, or something like a lipstick you use to touch up when you’re out and about, or even just your phone. No matter what’s in there at the moment, go to your handbag and empty it out, and give each and every item a good clean. 

 

Get some disinfectant wipes out and get started! Your wallet could be built up with germs, and fraying at the seams – in this case, throw it away, and transfer your items to a newer, sturdier, cleaner case. Make sure that lipstick or lip balm is still in date, as you don’t want to be using something past its shelf life. Wipe down your phone screen, most of all, simply because so much grease and dirt from a day’s use can build up on it. Your phone screen really can be a breeding ground for bacteria when left unchecked! 

 

The Carpets Around Your House

 

Your carpets could have years of dirt built up in the materials, and the deeper or thicker the pile of the carpet, the more chance of dirt and bacteria within it. After all, how often do you tend to clean your carpets, if you have any in your house? If you haven’t washed them down since you moved in, it might be time to get your deep cleaning gloves on! 

 

If you already have a steam cleaner, this job doesn’t have to be too difficult for you. But if you don’t, don’t worry! You’re in luck – there’s plenty of ways to deep clean without needing to invest in more cleaning machinery; simply get your regular dish soap or a bit of baking soda, and an old toothbrush, towel and bucket from outside, and then follow the steps here to make sure you can scrub away those darkened areas of the carpet you’re sick of looking at. 

 

Of course, you don’t have to undergo a hefty deep cleaning job like this alone, or even do it yourself in the first place. Companies like Chem-Dry of Columbia exist to help homeowners keep their home clean and tidy, without needing to quarantine an area for cleaning and drying for hours on end at a time. 

 

The Computer Desk

 

And a final quick note to finish. If you have a computer desk in your home, and/or a home office to make use of, you’re going to want to clean up your mouse and keyboard, and probably give the monitor a rub down as well. If you eat at your desk, or even just use it on a daily basis, all kinds of skin cells, hairs, and dirt from outside sources can build up here. 

 

Your house could do with a deep clean in some areas; make sure you know where to start with your efforts for a happier, healthier home!

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8 Ways To Handle A Home Emergency Like A Pro

February 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

Suffering a home emergency can be tough, so knowing how to handle it is key. This is especially important if you live with kids and pets, as you’ll want to keep everybody safe. Of course, how you handle the situation will depend on what is going on, but in general, you should take the following steps or similar to ensure that everybody is as safe as possible. 

 

  1. Call An Emergency Service To Help You 

Don’t waste any time – call an emergency service to help you clean everything up. The sooner you do this, the better, because otherwise you may be waiting even longer for them to show. If you can call them before doing anything else, you’ll be able to get everything sorted out much faster. Look for companies that cleanup sewage, or another company that suits your needs. There will be a company in your area that can help you. 

 

  1. Find Somewhere For Your Kids And Pets To Go 

Ideally, you want to get your kids and pets out of the house so they don’t hurt themselves or try to explore the damage. Send them to a friend or family member’s house if you can. If you can’t, then give them strict instructions to stay in one room – only if it’s safe to stay in the house. 

 

  1. Only Remove Valuables If It Is Safe 

You may be worrying about your jewelry and other items, but you should only remove items like this if it’s safe for you to do so. Never put yourself in harm’s way – hopefully, your insurance will cover things like jewelry. 

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  1. Stay Calm 

Always stay calm in an emergency. This can be tough, but the rest of the family will take the lead from you. If you panic and get stressed, they will do the same. This will make the situation even harder to handle. 

 

  1. Call Your Insurance Company 

Call your insurance company. You may have home emergency cover or even just home insurance cover. Get an idea of what you are covered for so you can start putting plans in place and inform them of what has happened. 

 

  1. Never Put Yourself In Danger 

Don’t put yourself in danger during a home emergency. There are various situations that could be dangerous. Flooding can be dangerous, but a fire or a gas issue can be especially dangerous. Don’t try to fix these things yourself. 

 

  1. Shut Off Main Water Valve/Electricity 

You may have received instructions from the emergency company you have called. If not, ask them if you need to turn off the main water valve, electricity, or do anything else to help the process along. 

 

  1. Do A Little Clean Up If At All Possible

Make sure you only attempt this if it is safe to do so. Check with the emergency service provider if you’re not sure. Getting rid of excess water will help to prevent mold and mildew, for instance. 

 

Handling a home emergency can be tough, but the faster you act, the less damage to deal with.

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Protect The Health of Your Family and Home with these Tips

February 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

There is nothing more important than making sure that your home and family are healthy, safe, and secure. This can be done in a great many numbers of ways. The way the house is set up has a great effect on mental and physical health, so neglecting the home can cause issues. So it is important that you ensure that you cover all the bases in terms of health and safety. Problems may not arise immediately; however, over time, you can start to see the detrimental effects of certain things you have overlooked. At times, this is not your fault, as many dangers are hidden, and you may need to do a bit of research. However, as we know that you are busy and have other things to deal with, we have come up with some home improvement tips and advice about safety to help you out.

Image from Pixabay

 

Natural light

If your home does not allow in much natural light, over time, it will start to have a negative effect on your mental health. Natural light is a mood enhancer and can ward off some mental health illnesses. If your home is quite dark, think about moving any bulky furniture away from the window, so the light you do have is able to travel into the house better. It may be an idea to put mirrors up strategically in the home so that the light can be reflected and rebounded around the home better. This will also give the impression of more space so that you feel less oppressed. Overall the more light you allow in, the better you will feel.

 

Safety and security

If you do not have any instruments in place to protect against intruders, you should do so. Not only will this protect you, but it will give you some much-needed peace of mind if you happen to go away and the children are at home, for example. Think about investing in security lights and a burglar alarm to deter anyone if they tried to break and enter. Also, do you secure your door with a deadbolt when you are inside if not, you should? It may be worth getting a video security having the ability to watch the safety of the house from your phone. Also, you definitely need insurance. It would help if you had this on your house, contents, and car, you may want to have a look at the auto insurance comparison, to get a better deal. 

 

Don’t allow dust to build-up

You may think of dust as just a harmless annoyance which every so often you have to wipe away with the polish cloth. And for the most part, that is true. However, dust can cause allergies, especially in young children, so it is not as harmless as you may think. Also, it may also contain some other nasty surprises that are best kept at bay. These include some toxic particles and some chemicals as well, including things such as lead, asbestos, other fire retardants, bits of plastic, and pesticides, along with a whole load of other things. Over the year, the house, especially if it is old, will have accumulated a lot of dust from various sources, and in the past, the rules were not as tight as they are now about things. Many of these harmful chemicals pose a significant threat to babies and young children due to the fact that they are still growing. It is in your best interest to consider removing carpets and having a non-carpet alternative laid down if your home does have a dust problem. Failing that, it is best to buy a state-of-the-art dust eliminating vacuum cleaner. 

 

Test what you don’t know

The good news is that in this day and age, there is a test for everything. So if you are concerned about toxins and chemicals, then you do have a line of defense. They are not particularly expensive, and you buy them at the local hardware store or on the internet. One of the main particles to look out for is lead. Prior to 1978, lead was used in paint, so houses renovated or made before this year may still have coats of lead paint. If you have any areas where the paint is thicker than usual, then old paint may have been painted over, and the under layer may contain lead. So it is best to check it out. As the paint ages, it will flake, and tiny pieces of dust-sized lead paint will merge with ordinary dust and be breathed in, etc. Lead is of particular danger to the unborn child of pregnant women. If the Mother inhales too much lead, the fetus may suffer some irreversible side effects, such as brain damage. Also, if young children are exposed to too much lead, they can develop developmental issues as well. If you think that lead may be an issue in your home, don’t think about it, get it tested, and get it removed. Another major concern is radon gas. This problem can affect any home of any age, size, etc., it is a very non-discriminatory poison. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can cancer and is the second-largest cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is a byproduct of certain geological processes that go on under the ground as soil and rock degrade. You can buy a test kit if you are worried. Another thing you should probably test is the water. Although water out of the tap does go through some filtration, if there is something in the old pipework, then you need to test at home. If you do discover something, maybe purchase a specialist water filter, or drink only bottled water. It may even be a good idea to test for asbestos on ceilings. If you know what is in the house, then you can make a well-informed decision about what to do going forward. The health and safety of everyone in the home should be your primary concern. 

 

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4 Tips On Buying Your First Home

February 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

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So you’re considering buying your first home? Ahead lies an exciting time full of new beginnings, investment gains, and home decor fun. Before you get to all the perks, it’s time to get the red tape out of the way and deal with the practicalities. 

 

1 . Saving early 

 

Rule number one, if you’re looking to buy, it’s well worth saving early. You may not be entirely certain that you want to purchase a home right now, but if it’s something that you wish to do in the future, you definitely won’t regret saving early. Remember, it’s preferable to put down as large a deposit as possible.

 

  1. Assess your budget 

 

When you are looking to get on the property ladder, the first thing that you need to do is assess your budget. You can have a go at doing this yourself with the use of a budgeting app. Mint, for example, is a top app that allows you to track all of your financial accounts in one place from your general bank accounts to credit cards, investments, and loans. Mint uses your income and expenses to create a budget for each category and help you to determine how much you can stand to save.

 

  1. Mortgage shopping 

 

Once you have a good idea of your budget yourself, you should also make an appointment with a mortgage adviser so that they can give you a professional assessment of how much you could potentially borrow. Ensure to take all of the appropriate documents when you go to meet your mortgage adviser, including payslips, details of credit commitments, and various forms of ID.

You should certainly shop for a mortgage before you begin the process of viewing houses. The last thing you’ll want is to find your dream house to then miss out because your mortgage is not yet finalized. Your mortgage lender will complete a credit check to assess your options moving forward. Remember, the sooner you get a mortgage in place, the sooner you’ll be in the best position to start making offers.

 

  1. Must-haves

 

With a mortgage sorted, you’ll be ready to get house hunting. Before you do so, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly what you are looking for and define your ‘must-haves.’ Ask yourself what is most important to you, be it the cost, the size, garden space, or even the neighborhood. If you’re looking to keep costs down, you might be looking for smaller Apartments for Sale as opposed to going for a house on your first buy. Perhaps you’re particularly interested in a new build home that is fully energy efficient? Maybe it’s important to you to be close to a station to commute to work? Whatever your needs are, be sure to define them before you start looking.

Getting on the property ladder can be a long and drawn-out process, so it’s essential to stay patient. It may take a little time to secure a great place, but rest assured, the wait will be worth it. Moving house can be a slightly stressful process, be sure to get organized early to avoid the pressure.

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Lift Any Home’s Aesthetic With 4 Worthwhile Design Tips

February 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

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No matter how worthwhile of a home designer you are, or how much effort you’ve put into your renovation, as the years and decades pass, it’s natural to want a change. You shouldn’t feel defective for wanting this, as if you’re asking too much for desiring the fun of renovation your home once more. It’s your home, and it’s more than your right to design it in a way that you and your family most enjoy.

 

Yet sometimes we can wish for a change but not quite know how to implement it. We may have an idea of making the room seem fresher or more vibrant, but we can’t quite figure out what to remove or add in order to make it this way. This is where thinking outside of the box a little and slowly adding implements bit by bit can be important, as can considering a range of different techniques that you may not have considered possible before.

 

Remember, you’re not starting from scratch, but with the learned skillset of your past efforts. With that in mind, we would love to offer some of the following, worthwhile advice. We only hope it can help:

 

Replenish Your Windows

 

Taking the time to replenish and replace your windows can be a great idea. We can often forget just how impactful natural light coming into our property is, and how our windows are the filter through which that is seen and felt. Additionally, windows that have been part of a property for too long can risk a higher chance of becoming damaged or struggling to withstand intense winter conditions. This is why you should do your utmost to search for the best window replacement services here, as ensuring you come to a custom solution for not only quality but relevance with your home design can be a valuable set of priorities to take.

 

Opt For A Lighter Color

 

Opting for lighter colors throughout the property can be a great idea for quite obvious reasons. For instance, you may decide to paint grayer tones within certain areas more lightly, instead opting for off-white or cream-colored walls. Do not fear, as this also unlocks the opportunity for you to enjoy a feature wall, be that painted blue or some other color you find the most appealing. 

 

Lighter colors can help you theme the rest of the environment to your best tastes, while also better reflecting the natural light in the environment improved by your window installations. Additionally, lighter colors can help the space feel larger, less oppressed, and more rejuvenated. It can be a great new application for your first home renovation design in 2020.

 

Try Renewed & Streamlined Adornments

 

The ornaments and adornments we decorate our home with can have a big impact on its aesthetic, and sometimes, even our best tastes can weigh the room down a little bit. For instance, it might be that in your interest of collecting things from all over the world during your travels, your living room has accumulated many photos, souvenirs, mementos, and little additions that take up space on the walls, on the side tables and coffee table, on the television stand, and maybe even on the floor itself, such as an old chair no one uses or a vintage spinning wheel you enjoy.

 

Now, we’re not here to tell you to get rid of your sentimental items nor to think you’ve made some great design error by outfitting your home with the things you love. This would be wrong to do, and it may take the personal touch from your home decorative efforts. However, it might be that renewing your picture frames with a lighter shade, or rearranging certain items, or yes, decluttering a little and distributing these items around the house or cycling them through storage that can be the most important option here.

 

Clean Or Replace Your Carpet/Flooring

 

Cleaning or replacing your carpet and flooring can be a great practical effort here, because we can often forget just how much of an aesthetic impact this surface area really is. Tearing up old and stained carpet and replacing it with something new, of a deeper or lighter shade accordingly (depending on the cleaning regularity you wish to exercise), or opting for laminate instead of carpet in your bathroom for further hygiene, or getting rid of stained linoleum and opting for something different can all change your home utility and aesthetic. Don’t rule this out. We all need something new once in a while.

 

With this advice, we hope you can lift any home’s aesthetic with these four worthwhile design tips.

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Brighten The Home With These Five Tips

February 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

January and February are often such a slog to get through. Depending on where you are in the world, they’re the coldest months of the year and while you know that you have vacations and days out planned to look forward to, you really need something bright and sunshine-y in life right now.

 

Making your home look brighter can depend on what you need to do with your home in the first place. For example, you may be currently researching companies to contact about getting new windows, or you may decide that a lick of paint is still a great idea. Either way, while we are still living in colder temperatures, it can really help to alleviate those winter blues by making the home as bright as possible. Here are five ways you can do just that.

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Add Window Treatments

You may not have many plans to replace the windows entirely, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t dress them up. Think about adding curtains or blinds (or both!) and a valance across the top. The brighter the colors, the better! Your window treatments can brighten up the whole space and give the room personality that you didn’t know you could give it.

Add Flowers

Spring is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t breathe a little life into the space with a vase or two of fresh flowers. You want to have plants that reflect how you feel, so find the brightest blooms and cut the stems short so that you can focus on just the bloom. They perk up the home, so indulge in more than one room!

Art Additions

You don’t have to be a connoisseur of art to know what a good print looks like. There are so many options in the brightest of colors that you can get mounted in the home, and you can do it in more than one room. If you’re strapped for cash, don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be an expensive investment. Plenty of prints aren’t the real deal, and they still look good!

A Statement Piece

You know that dreary old hallway table you’ve had for years? Why not give it a lick of bright paint to add a shock of color to the entrance hall? You can dispense with the brown furniture and choose a color that will look good and really draw the eye from the moment that people walk through the door.

Hang New Mirrors

Smaller rooms and spaces in the home can really benefit from mirrors being hung up. You can open the entire room with the right mirrors, and they don’t have to be static over-the-mantelpiece mirrors either. You can have full length mirror tiles if you want, or you can go for a mosaic mirror pattern in the bathroom. 

 

Brightening the home in the winter months can make all the difference to the way that you feel and the way that your home looks. Try these ideas first!

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Planning Your Spring Clean

February 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year when most of us are starting to think about a spring clean. Hopefully, the weather will be improving soon, and early spring is a great time to throw the windows open, let some fresh air in and start on those big cleaning jobs that only seem to get done once a year. 

 

There’s something about the fresh air and bright colors of springtime that makes us want to clean up at home. We’re eager to get rid of dust and dirt, and air out our soft furnishings. We want our houses to feel clean and the air to be light and pleasant. We want our houses to smell fresh when they welcome us home. We want our homes to feel as bright and fresh as those gorgeous spring landscapes, and it’s the perfect time to get stuck into some big chores that you might have been putting off. 

 

Tackle Those Big Jobs

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Start by thinking about any big jobs. Both things that get done once a year, and tasks that you might not always need at all, that you suddenly do, such as the help of a Pest Control Service. Think about what you can do yourself, and what you need help with, and make appointments with service providers and other helpers. 

 

Some of the big jobs that you might want to take on include window cleaning, cleaning the oven and washing machine, cleaning appliances like the kettle and dishwasher, cleaning your kitchen cupboards and behind shelving and vacuuming underneath sofas, beds and other furniture. 

 

This can also be a great time to get your boiler serviced, and anything else looked at if it needs it. 

 

Don’t Forget the Small Stuff

 

During a spring clean, when you are busy cleaning hard to reach areas and moving furniture around, it’s easy to forget the smaller jobs that you typically do every week. You might want to leave your usual cleaning until after the bigger jobs are done, as you are likely to make more mess, but don’t forget them. 

 

Build a Schedule

 

If spring cleaning gets a bit much, stop doing it. Instead of being overwhelmed by cleaning your whole house in a few weeks, or disgusted by areas that haven’t been looked at for a year, change how you clean. Build a spreadsheet with deep cleaning jobs, and moving forward, try to do one a month on a rotation, instead of everything in one go. 

 

Write Lists

 

When it comes to a big clean, lists are key. Write down everything that you need to do and tick jobs off when they are complete. 

 

Stock Up On Supplies

 

Make sure that you’ve got everything that you need before you get started. Stock up on cleaning supplies and materials and make sure you’ve got enough to complete the job so that you don’t need to stop halfway through. 

 

Declutter as You Go

A big clean is a great chance to declutter as you go. Get rid of old junk, tidy up and make sure everything has a home. Donate what you can, sell things online if you could make some extra cash, and only throw away items that you can’t recycle, reuse, sell or donate.

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Tell Tale Signs You Have A Pest Infestation

February 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

Are you worried that you have a pest infestation in your property? Recognizing the issue is always going to the first step and must be accomplished before you can hope to handle the problem. In doing so, you will be able to make sure that you are not dealing with other issues and also understand the extent of the problem. So, what are the signs of a pest infestation? Well, there are a few that you should be prepared for here, so let’s get started.

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Will You See The Bug Themselves?

 

You might think that if you have bugs in your home, you are likely to notice them crawling around. However, this is unlikely to be the case. The reality is that if you are seeing bugs then the infestation is far worse than you might imagine. Most bugs will like to keep out of sight and will do their best to keep their hiding places secret. If you see them particularly in the light and through the day then there are far more living in your home than you would like to imagine. 

 

The good news is that you can still deal with the issue even if there is a full infestation and you’ll find it easier to figure out where they are hiding. 

 

Identifying Your Pest

 

Different pests leave unique signs. For instance, you might require a bed bugs removal service. If this is the case then the common sign will be large bite marks and lumps across your body. These can be incredibly nasty, unpleasant and they will often be itchy too. If you overturn the mattress you might find the pests themselves or you could notice bloodstains. You might also be worried that you have mice. Mice are a different type of pest but the common sign they leave behind is droppings. If you notice that there are droppings, then it’s important to contact an expert immediately to handle the issue the right way. 

 

Skins And Droppings

 

Most insects will leave behind their skins and droppings. This is usually going to be the first sign that you do have an issue with pests in your home. You can find that the droppings appear on the wall of the property. If that is the case, then you should find that their hiding spot is nearby. Look for cracks, crevices and any dark spaces where they can remain out of sight. If you do this, then you should be able to find the bugs that are causing your problems. 

 

Dealing With The Cause

 

Finally, it’s worth thinking about what brought the pest to your home in the first place. There could be a wide range of causes including environmental issues like dampness. Damp will always attract pests because they are constantly looking for a moist, dark and cold place to live. You could also find that pests are attracted to your home because there is food residue, however, this is not always the case. 

 

We hope this helps you understand the signs that you might have a pest infestation. 

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Five Tips For Keeping Your Decking Cool On Sizzling Summer Days

February 19, 2020 Leave a Comment

Decking is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking for ways to create outdoor living spaces. These areas act like rooms in your garden, allowing you to enjoy your lifestyle while getting some much-needed fresh air at the same time. 

 

But there’s a problem: decking areas have a nasty habit of getting warm in the summer. Too warm, if you ask some!

 

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to keep them fresh. Take a look at the following ideas. 

 

Invest In A Mist Fan

 

Mist fans are amazing devices – and fun to use even if summers don’t get hot in your neck of the woods. On the outside, they look similar to regular fans. However, when you turn them on, they emit a spray of fine water particles which the action of the fan turns into mist. The mist then evaporates in hot weather, cooling the air coming from the fan. It’s kind of ingenious. It is like having an air conditioning unit but outside. 

 

Because mist fans rely on evaporation, they work best in dry, arid climates. In humid areas, the effect is less pronounced. 

 

Get A Retractable Awning

 

When it comes to keeping your decking fresh, shade is your friend, at least according to Lifestyle Patios. By stopping the sun’s light from hitting the deck material, you prevent it from heating up and making your decking area uncomfortably warm. Having a retractable awning also means that you can bask in direct sunlight when it’s not too hot, giving you the best of both worlds. 

 

Invest In A Permanent, Reflective Roof

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If you really want to stop your decking from getting too warm, then your best bet is to invest in a permanent, reflective roof. As light comes down from the sun, white or reflective roofs bounce it back into space, preventing it from imparting any energy from your terrace area. 

 

Buy Heat-Proof Furniture

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Metal, wooden, and even some plastic outdoor furniture can heat up excessively in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable for you to sit on. The furniture absorbs energy contained in light, causing the material to heat up so much that it could burn your bottom. 

 

Now, though, a range of manufacturers sell so-called “heat-proof” outdoor chairs and recliners – furniture that will remain cool to the touch, even in direct sunlight.

 

Install A Ceiling Fan

 

If you have a roof over your decking, you may be able to install a ceiling fan. 

 

The way that ceiling fans work is very similar to how mist fans work. Both rely on evaporation of one kind or another. 

 

But whereas mist fans rely on the evaporation of water fed through the device itself, ceiling fans rely on your sweat. The cool breeze from ceiling fans interacts with water droplets on the surface of your skin, causing them to evaporate and thereby keeping you cool. Thus, these fans simply speed up the way that nature keeps you cool anyway.

 

So, how will you keep yourself comfortable while out on your decking this summer?

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Is it Time for you to Move House? Here’s how to Find Out

February 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

When it comes to the property market, it’s rare to find a home that you would be happy to live in for the rest of your life, as your starter home. For this reason, you need to try and move up the ladder until you can find something that you are truly content with. If you want to find out more about that then simply look below.

Your Home Feels like it is Shrinking

There really are two extremes here. You may find that your cupboards are bursting at the seams and you just don’t know what to do about it. On the flip side, you may find that you have so many rooms that you just don’t use and that you hate trying to deal with all of the cleaning. Either way, if you are living in either of these two extremes then it may be time for you to do something about this.

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You Spend All the time on Moving Websites

Another sign that it is time for you to move house is if you spend most of your time on moving sites. You may find that you are dreaming of living in another property or that you slow down whenever you walk past a “For Sale” sign. Either way, all of this means that it is time for you to make a change, so you have to make sure that you focus on what you really want.

You’re Not Tidying or Cleaning as Much

Do you feel as though you just aren’t tidying as much as you used to? Maybe you feel as though those DIY jobs are now at the bottom of your priority list. If this is the case, then it may be that you have fallen out of love with your property. Save all of the little jobs for the next owner and also get your house listed on the market. If you want to make the most out of your sale then look up other homes for sale in your area to make sure that you are setting the right price.

You’re Always Talking about your House’s Problems

It may be that your home is too far away from the office, or even that your kitchen is far too small for entertaining. If you are always talking about the problems that your home has then now may be the time for you to admit that your time with your current home has come to an end and that now is the time for you to move on.

You’re No Longer Throwing Dinner Parties

Not being able to throw dinner parties can be a real shame. You may feel like you are constantly having to go to someone else’s house and that you also have to make excuses all the time. If you want to get around this then you need to try and move house. That way you can find somewhere that you can really relax and you can also feel confident knowing that you are going to be able to have everyone over.

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Your Flooring Choices for Home Renovations

February 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

If you are feeling that your house needs a bit of a revamp in the coming months, then one change that can make a difference to it all, is the flooring that you use. It can go a long way to change the look of a room, and also create a certain ambiance around a room. For example, a room covered in carpet can feel a lot softer and cozier than a room with tile flooring or with hardwood floors. Though those other kinds of flooring do have many other benefits. So with that in mind, knowing what kind of flooring will work best in each room can make a difference. Here are some things to think about.

image

 

Entrance hall

 

The hallway is a room in the home that will experience a lot of traffic and a lot of hustle and bustle with people walking in and out. Not to mention muddy boots and wet raincoats coming in. So as such, you will need to have flooring that is durable and very hard wearing. You can still have some choices that look good, though. Easy to clean choices like tiles, can be durable and low maintenance, as well look good. Read more here: https://.ehow.com/tile-clean. 

 

Living room

 

The living area is a room like the bedrooms, where creating a cozy environment is best. It is the place where you go to rest and relax, so it does make a difference when you have the right kind of flooring. Carpet from somewhere like https://carpettogo.com/ is a good idea, as carpet can be comfortable and soft underfoot, as well as for sitting on. Wooden floors can work well too in a living area; they look great! Just make sure that you have a rug or some beanbags as an alternative to sitting on the floor.

 

Kitchen

 

A natural choice for the kitchen is laminate flooring, as it is water resistant and cleans up really well. But these days there are other choices. You could go for hardwood flooring in the kitchen; yes, you heard that correctly! Hardwood flooring gives a kitchen a classic and traditional look, but there are options that are more durable than others. Tiles are another great option, but choose ones that are porous, as that can be hard for spills in the kitchen, and could make the floor slippery. 

 

Bedroom

 

Wooden flooring can look really good in the home, but for a bedroom, it isn’t going to be the most comfortable on a cold morning. So unless you have plenty of rugs or runners around the place, choosing a plush carpet is often the best choice for a bedroom. They are high traffic areas, so are generally going to avoid too many stains. For a child’s room, it could be a good idea to choose a color that is a little darker, to hide any potential marks or stains.

 

Have you got any other suggestions for the flooring that you use in your home? It would be great to hear what you think.

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Tips for Renovating Your Basement

January 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Adding more usable space to your home is a great way to add value to your property, and your family’s life. Of course, renovating a basement is no walk in the park, so if you’re thinking about renovating the space under your home, here’s a few things you need to know to get it right: 

 

Find the Best Contractor

 

If you’re having a contractor do the work, it’s important that you shop around and find one who has experience dealing with basements and a good track record. A bad job could render your renovation useless.

 

Check for Hazards

 

It’s really important to remember that a lot of basements are teeming with hazardous materials of all kinds. Things like asbestos can often be found in walls and floors, as can lead paint, and you will need to remove them before you even think about renovating. Your contractor and a good testing lab can help you with this.

 

Plan the Exits

 

Something many basement renovators forget is to plan safe routes out of the basement in case of emergency. At the very least, your basement should feature a window that is large enough for a human to escape from but depending on where you are, you may need to adhere to stricter building codes.

 

Get Rid of Unwanted Water

 

There is little point renovating your basement if it is going to be compromised by water whether that be in the form of flooding, damp or mold. That’s why you should install the best sump pump you can afford, such as the Tsurumi HS2.4S, and why you should find and fix any and all sources of water before you even begin the project.

 

Dig Down

 

If the ceilings in your basement are low, it’s usually a better option to dig down into the ground than it is to relocate pipework and wiring to give you the required height. It’s more affordable and less work to do this overall.

 

Think About the Future

 

If your basement renovation is just the first of many changes you plan to make as a homeowner, it’s a really good idea to think about the exact changes you plan to make on the rest of the house because the basement will likely need to be worked on again if you, say decide to extend your home or remodel the kitchen. If you plan ahead, you can, for example, add extra circuits into the floor plan so that when they are needed, you won’t need to mess up your basement again.

Make it Stylish

 

If you’re going to the effort of renovating your basement, then it makes sense to spend a little more time and money on making it look good. A lot of people choose the same kind of decor for the basement as they do the rest of the home so that it all gels together. However, since the basement is usually a little cut off from the rest of the home, it can be lots of fun to go crazy in there and do things you wouldn’t usually – the choice is yours!

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3 Reasons to Buy a Home in Banff

December 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

3 Reasons to Buy a Home in Banff

 

The town of Banff sits within the boundaries of Canada’s most popular national park with the same name, nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It’s the country’s highest town at more than 4,500-feet in elevation, surrounded by soaring peaks, home to abundant wildlife while offering a thriving gastronomic scene, a wide range of shops, galleries, and museums.

 

If you purchase one of the Banff homes for sale, you’ll have access to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures and much more. 

 

It’s a Year-Round Playground

 

There are so many recreational activities possible here in every season, it’s almost impossible to get bored living here. During the colder months of the year, you’ll have easy access to the slopes, including Lake Louise Mountain Resort, the largest single ski area in the country with four mountain faces and 4,200 skiable acres. Mount Norquay is a local favorite, one of Canada’s oldest ski resorts, while Sunshine Village offers nearly 3,500 skiable acres straddling the Continental Divide. As it gets more snow than neighboring resorts, it offers a long ski season that often begins in November and stays open until late May. Those who don’t ski or board can still enjoy an enchanting wonderland and a wealth of other winter sports like ice skating, ice fishing, canyon ice walks, and sleigh rides.

 

The spectacular mountains, surreal blue lakes, alpine meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls make for some fantastic hiking too. There are over 1,000 miles of defined trails here that will lead you to all of the above and then some.

 

Wildlife Watching

 

For wildlife enthusiasts, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than Banff. If you go for an early morning stroll right through town, don’t be surprised if you spot an elk grazing near the road or deer wandering right down the middle of Banff Avenue. Embark on the drive of a lifetime along the 142-mile stretch called Icefields Parkway that runs from Banff to Jasper and you’ll not only enjoy dazzling scenery, but lots of animals. There are over 50 species of mammals and 260 species of birds that inhabit the area. Just some include bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, lynx, elk, woodland caribou, and marmot.

 

Lake Louise is one of the top destinations for viewing grizzly bears – here, you might witness them feeding along the shoreline or in the meadows from above while riding the ski resort’s gondola. It’s a prime grizzly bear breeding area, with visitors often surprised to see that the campground is enclosed by an electric fence to prevent the animals from getting in. 

 

The Food Scene

 

As mentioned, Banff boasts a thriving culinary scene despite being tucked away in the Canadian Rockies. You won’t have to sacrifice good eats for scenery as there are a ton of restaurants serving a diverse array of delicious cuisine. Many restaurants serve dishes based on the succulent local Alberta beef, including Melissa’s Misstake that features Albertan Angus beef. But you’ll find everything from lobster and Canada’s version of Tex-Mex to everyone’s favorite comfort fare, poutine.

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Top 4 Tips For First Time Buyers

December 11, 2019 Leave a Comment

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When you’re a first-time buyer, you might want to dive straight into the deep end and buy the first property you find. And although this might be tempting, there are certain things that you need to get in order before making the big move. 

 

Yes, it’s an exciting milestone – no matter what your age. But it’s vital that you are fully prepared for the decision in advance of moving day. To help ease this transition, here are the top four tips that you should follow:

Location, Location, Location 

 

This might seem like an obvious point to make, but it’s nonetheless important to mention. At the start of the journey, you need to consider where you want to live – do you want to live in your hometown? Or perhaps a new location that you’ve loved to visit? This will be dependent on your budget, where you work and your bespoke preferences. Key factors that many people take into consideration, is how far the property will be from family and friends, as well as how close it will be to amenities. 

 

If you’re moving in with a friend or a partner, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re on the same page and are both happy with the location in question.

Consider the Market 

 

Unfortunately, the market is ever-changing. And because of this, it’s perhaps harder now more than ever to find a home that is suitable for your budget and personal preferences. 

 

So when you’re starting to gather the funds for your first property, it’s important that you keep an eye on the real estate market, including the trends within the area you are wanting to purchase etc. It’s also invaluable to gage the advice of a realtor, who will help to indicate what you can realistically get and the areas/types of properties that you should avoid.

Decide on A Realistic Budget

 

You don’t want to have to contact a bankruptcy lawyer as you have overstretched yourself on purchasing or renting a home (or even because you’ve gone over the top with buying furniture which was way more than you could afford). So before you make the investment, you need to sit down and consider how much you can realistically spend. Houses are expensive – no matter where you’re located or the type of property you are looking for. 

 

It’s essential that you work out how you will acquire your deposit and how you will pay your mortgage each month. If you’re thinking about buying rather than renting, you’ll need a good amount of money that you can put towards the property at the start of the process. Whether this is acquired through an FHA loan or through the bank of mom and dad, it’s a key factor into purchasing your first home. 

When setting a budget, you might also want to consider the following:

 

  • Potential costs of any renovations you want to make. 
  • How much home insurance will cost.
  • Other costs associated with moving – e.g hiring a moving van. 

What Mortgage You Can Get

Mortgages might seem terrifying, but they don’t have to be. Although they signify that you’re now an adult that can no longer rely on living for free at your family home, they indicate the start of a new phase in your life. When you’ve found your dream home, the reality that comes with getting a mortgage is something that you’ll have to face. 

 

But how do you know which type of mortgage is suitable? It’s a good idea to compare and contrast various mortgages, paying attention to the following:

 

  • What type of rate do they offer you? Do they offer a variable or fixed rate?
  • How much they cost each month.
  • The repayment terms – e.g 25 or 35 years.

If it has other fees – e.g valuation fees, advisory fees and arrangement fees.

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How to Sell Your Home Fast

December 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Pexels CC0 Licence 

 

There are lots of reasons to want to sell your home fast. Maybe you need to move for work or perhaps you found the home of your dreams, put in an offer and now need the money to complete the sale. 

 

Selling your home fast can be simple if you know the right tricks and keep an open mind. If you are living in a fast market, you might even be able to find a buyer within a few days! But there are always a few house selling tips that will come in handy. 

Know Who to Sell To

The first thing to keep in mind is who you are selling to. If you are selling to the general market, you will have to be more patient than if you are selling to a company like Gem Homes, which can offer you the close day of your choice. Equally, if you are selling on a more select market, you may have to wait a bit longer. 

 

You can help yourself by making sure that your home is appealing to the right target audience. So, if you are looking for a family to buy your home, make sure the bedrooms are all made up and child-friendly. Similarly, if you want to sell to a young couple, you might want to show off your home as a starter property and might even put out some leaflets detailing the local amenities, including bars and entertainment.

Prepare Your Home for Sale

Preparing your home for sale is a really important part of the sales process. You need to show buyers that your home could work perfectly for them. So, put your junk into storage, clean everywhere and do a few touch-ups around the house so that it is neutral.

 

You need to make sure that your home is a blank canvas that anyone could live in but you should also add some homey touches. So, while you should paint your walls in neutral colors, you might light to add some scatter cushions to your sofa, light a scented candle and put some flowers in a vase. 

Be Ready to Move

If you aren’t ready to move, you won’t be going anywhere fast! Put the things you don’t use every day into boxes and hire some storage space to keep them safe. Make sure that any valuable personal items are also stored away safely. 

 

You should also plan your budget for the move. As soon as your house sells, you will need to be able to move quickly so you should gather your packing materials together and start searching for a moving company to help you out. You might also like to prime your friends and family so that they can come and help you. 

 

Selling your home quickly is all very well but you must be ready to move once your home is sold. Getting everything ready to go is essential if you want to show your buyers that you are serious about a fast sale. The more you can do to prepare, the easier it will be to move.  

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