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While many people believe that working from home was a trend that would fade away at the end of the pandemic, a reported “36.2 million Americans will be working in remote positions by 2025.” This is likely due to the fact that there are many benefits associated with working from home, such as:
However, if you are going to be remotely long-term, you need to set up the perfect work-from-home space. After all, you may otherwise find yourself prone to distractions, making it difficult to stay on top of your work. Photo by Windows on Unsplash
With that in mind, here are some top tips for decorating and designing your home office! 1. Don’t work from your bedroom. If you don’t have a spare room, you’ll have to set up an office within a pre-existing space within your home. In doing so, you may feel tempted to use your bedroom. However, studies have shown that “if you work in your bedroom, your brain may start to associate your bedroom with working. This can make it harder to get to sleep at night. “ As your bedroom needs to be a relaxing space, it is far better to set up your office elsewhere, such as in your dining room or living room. You could even renovate unused spaces such as your attic or basement. 2. Embrace natural light. Various studies have explored the benefits of natural light in the workplace. For example, it is often found that natural light promotes productivity and heightened focus, whereas artificial lighting can leave us feeling sleepy and distracted. As such, you should position your desk in a place where you’ll get plenty of natural light while also protecting your screen from the glare of the sun. For example, you could install custom window treatments, such as wooden blinds or plantation shutters, so that you’re able to better control the amount of light filtering into the room. 3. Think about the color scheme. The majority of offices or workspaces are painted white. This is because neutral colors tend to be associated with professionalism, meaning they serve as the perfect backdrop to a working environment. However, you can afford to be more experimental with color schemes when decorating your own office. For example, studies have found that “blues and greens create a sense of balance and serenity to help you concentrate on the task at hand,” which means they could be an excellent choice for a home office. 4. Invest in high-quality furniture. Working from often gives you control over your work schedule. However, if you’re working a standard 42 hours a week, that’s a lot of time to sit at your desk, which means that you need to invest in your comfort. For example, you should purchase an ergonomic chair so that you receive the appropriate neck, back, and shoulder support. 5. Ask your employer for financial support. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with access to the tools and materials you need to do your job - even when working from home. This means that many companies have set aside funds to help employees cover the cost of WFH tools. For example, this could include second screens, keyboards, and ergonomic mouse pads. As such, before you start shopping for supplies, reach out to your employer. Otherwise, you can save a great deal of money when decorating your home office by shopping for these items second hand. For example, many people who are required to return to the office full-time are selling office equipment they purchased during lockdown on online groups such as Facebook marketplace. Some online sleuthing may even help you to find these items for free of charge, though you may have to pay for them to be delivered to your home. 6. Surround yourself with inspiration. If you struggle to maintain high levels of motivation when working and worry that you may be more prone to distractions when working from home (especially if you are at arm's length of your TV), try to surround yourself with inspiration. For example, you could hang up some posters that feature your favorite motivational quotes and sayings. This way, you only need to look up from your screen to find a source of inspiration. Alternatively, many people find that being surrounded by pictures of friends and family can give them a boost of productivity! Becoming a homeowner is a great accomplishment in life. However, it’s also an incredibly stressful one! After all, being a homeowner puts you in charge; if you’ve only ever rented until this point, that’s a big step to take. If you’re thinking of buying a house at this point in your life, it’s very important to understand what you’re getting into. Because owning a house isn’t just exciting; if you don’t know the length of the work you’ll need to undertake, this period in your life is going to be super frustrating! So take the points below into account. When you know what’s going to be annoying, and take a lot of effort, you’ll be much better equipped to keep your budget in check and make homeownership work for you. Pexels Image - CC0 Licence
Being Responsible for Everything If there’s a hole in the wall that needs patching, it’s up to you. If there’s a broken or cracked pipe in the bathroom, it’s up to you. If there’s a wasp infestation in the attic, it’s up to you. As a homeowner, everything is your responsibility now! You can’t call on the landlord and get a service done as part of your rent payment. You either take care of the problem yourself or have to find a tradesperson to get the work done for you. And for the latter issue, we highly recommend calling in a specialist! Being a ‘Good’ Neighbor You’re probably going to be a bit loud at times. You’re probably going to let the garbage build up because you’re busy with work. You’re also probably going to forget to smile and wave at the neighbors when you pass on the street, because you’re busy walking the dog or attending to your kid. None of these one time incidents are a big problem. You’re still a good neighbor! After all, you care about making sure you’re a good person to live next door to. Bad neighbors don’t think about any house other than their own. Don’t let this stress get to you; if you think you’ve genuinely annoyed them, you can always take some brownies around to make peace later. Finding an Accurate Price for Renovation Work If you decide not to go the DIY route, you’re going to need to call a professional in. That’s going to cost you money, and if you choose the wrong person for the job, who knows how long those costs could go on for? Don’t make a mistake. It’s why it’s so important to get recommendations from friends and family. If someone has worked with them before, take their word for it when they’ve found a good tradesperson! Deciding to Sell You’ve just moved in - why would you ever want to sell? Well, one day you might have to make the decision. Whether the area is too expensive, you don’t like your neighbors, or you’ve found a dream home somewhere else, selling will be on the list at some point in your life. That is one of the most annoying things about being a homeowner. At the very least, going through the process of selling can take months, and for a lot of people it’s upwards of a year. Even with an experienced realtor like Peter Heim on your side, you might just find the whole thing overwhelming! Gardens Tend to Grow Fast And you’re never going to quite keep up with the green explosion that can happen out there. As such, it’s best not to stress too much about how to keep the grass short and the trees trimmed back. Instead, have a general gardening timeline to follow and cut back at strategic times of the year. As long as you keep things neat and tidy and you’re genuinely happy with the look of your garden, even if it’s an accidental wilderness garden, you’re not going to lose value or disappoint the neighbors. And no, that housing association isn’t going to fine you for having slightly long grass! You’ve got at least a couple weeks before the appearance becomes a ‘problem’, so calm down and get the mower out tomorrow. Owning a property is one thing. Living in and looking after that property is another. Determine your needs ahead of time using pointers like these and spend your time and effort wisely. You don’t have to be a perfect homeowner, but you should have a good action plan when it comes to DIY fixes and trying to find a reliable plumber! Pexels
Owning a home is a big responsibility. As a homeowner, there’s a lot that requires your time and attention on any given day. You may feel like you’re in a slump living in your current residence and moving may not be a practical option. The good news is that you can take actions that will help you enjoy your time more while living at home. Be happier and feel more content living in your house by implementing the following tips and pieces of advice. Make A List of the Positives Sometimes all it takes to be happier at home is to change your mindset and outlook. You should avoid focusing on the negative or what may be lacking and missing. There have to be things that you like and enjoy about your property currently. Therefore, sit down and make a list of positives and go over it regularly. You may also want to make a list of what you are most grateful for and review these items daily. For example, maybe you like your neighborhood or feel thankful that you have a big and cozy bed to sleep in each night. Practice Self-Care & Treat Yourself Be happier and more content living in your house by taking good care of yourself. Make self-care a top priority so that you feel your best and are full of energy. You may also want to treat yourself every so often. For example, you can have a spa day at home or go out and get a new piercing. In this case, you’ll want to review dimple piercing aftercare instructions in greater detail. You’ll want to make sure you take good care of your piercings so that they don’t become infected. You will feel much happier overall and be a better caretaker when you put your needs above all else. Decorate & Display Sentimental Items You may not like living in your home because you haven’t taken the time to decorate your home and make it look nice. Now is your chance to go room by room and put out items that you love. It’s also important that you furnish your rooms and have comfortable places to sit. You should also focus on displaying sentimental items that put a smile on your face daily. One idea is to make a gallery wall of family photos or trips that you’ve taken. Once you are done decorating you can also think about painting the walls a soothing color that helps you feel more relaxed and at ease. Keep it Clean & Organized A messy home can make you feel stressed and anxious. You may also waste a lot of time looking for what you need. Instead, make it a point to keep your home clean and well-organized. You’ll be happier and feel more content living in your house when you keep up with regular cleaning. You may also want to perform a deep clean every so often or with the change of seasons. Keep the cleaning supplies handy and get your family members to pitch in and help you maintain your home inside. You may also want to invest in more storage solutions so you can avoid tripping hazards and place your belongings out of the way. Create Relaxing Spaces You may find yourself around your home more often these days. It’s one reason why you might feel bored or not content living at your property currently. Don’t be afraid to create relaxing spaces that are made for you to enjoy. For example, you can create a reading nook where you can get lost in a good book. You may also want to set up a meditation and yoga room where you can retreat to and take up these practices in your free time. You’ll want to have quiet and attractive spaces you can go to when you want to regroup or take some time off from thinking and doing. Think about adding plants and outdoor elements and choosing areas that get a lot of natural sunlight. Conclusion It is possible to be happier and more content living in your house. These are some ideas that will help you achieve your goal. Consider implementing these tips and noticing what a difference they make. You’ll feel less inclined to want to move and can get more comfortable staying put and living in your current home. Moving can be stressful and overwhelming so be glad that you have some ideas for enhancing your property. Notice how much more you like living at your house when you put these suggestions into practice. Hello, dear reader! Yes, you, crammed in that corner of your “cozy” studio apartment, wondering if your coffee table should also serve as a dining table or, perhaps, a bed? Worry not! You’re about to embark on a whimsical journey to transform your humble abode into a functional wonderland where space is merely a concept. Via Pixabay
1. Mirrors: Your New Best Friend First, let’s talk about mirrors. They are not just for checking out your amazing self (though that’s a perk). Mirrors are magical portals to the land of ‘My Apartment Looks Bigger.’ Strategically place a large mirror opposite a window and watch as your room not only becomes brighter but seemingly expands. Bonus: It’s a great way to check if you’ve got spinach in your teeth before a Zoom call. 2. Vertical Illusions: Walls Have Feelings Too Your walls are crying out for attention. Why waste all that vertical space? Think floating shelves, wall-mounted desks, and even a drop-leaf table that folds away when you’re done pretending you’re a MasterChef. These additions are not just space savers; they are your ticket to an organized lifestyle. Plus, you get to avoid the horror of stubbing your toe on unnecessary furniture. 3. Multipurpose Mania: The Transformer Furniture Get furniture that does more than one thing. A bed with storage, a sofa that turns into a guest bed, or a coffee table that transforms into a workstation. It’s like having Optimus Prime in your living room, but more stylish and less likely to engage in a robot war. 4. Color Me Smart: The Palette of Space Ditch the dark, moody colors. Go for light, airy hues to make your space feel bigger. Remember, every time you paint a wall dark, a studio apartment loses an inch of space. It’s science. Or magic. Or it’s just a really good design tip. 5. The Rug Revolution: Define Without Walls Rugs: not just for covering unsightly stains. They help define areas in your small space without the need for walls. Plus, they add a cozy factor. Just be sure to get the right size. A tiny rug in a small space is like wearing socks with sandals – it just doesn’t make sense. 6. Lighting: Set the Mood, Enlarge the Room Goodlighting can make a cramped space feel like a cozy haven. Use a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights to create depth and warmth. And when your mom asks why you have so many lights, tell her it’s mood lighting for your one-person parties. 7. Plants: Oxygenate and Decorate Plants are your leafy companions that make any space lively. They don’t just add color; they breathe life into your square footage. Plus, talking to your plants is a perfectly acceptable pastime. They’re great listeners. In conclusion, decorating a small space is like playing Tetris with furniture, but way more fun. Embrace the challenge, inject your personality, and remember, in the realm of tiny living spaces, creativity is king, and you’re the ruler of your pint-sized kingdom. So go forth and conquer those square feet! When you are preparing to build a new home, the likelihood is that you have hired a contractor or professional builder to do the job for you. Not everyone has the requisite skill set to complete such a large task safely and successfully, so you rely on the experts. That being said, you still need to do your due diligence and understand the basics of building to have the best outcomes and your expectations are met accordingly. Keep reading to learn more about how to be an informed consumer and partner in the building process. Image Credit Understand How Things Work You may assume that things are going to function the way you assume they will simply because an architect or builder says they are great ideas for your new home. Of course, they are experts in their respective fields, and your background may not be in the arena of building, so you rely on them. Unfortunately, that can be a grievous mistake you may regret later on. It is always good practice to conduct research yourself so you understand exactly how your choices will affect you later on when you are living in the new home. For example, if you have your heart set on a flat roof to create the perfect exterior aesthetic and clean architectural lines, you need to inform yourself about flat roof construction mistakes before signing off on the decision. A flat roof is a unique and creative choice in home building, but you need to know what you are getting into and ensure that best practices in building are followed throughout construction. Speak Up It may seem like common sense, but sometimes the whole building process can be utterly overwhelming, and you defer to the builder or foreperson. Do your best to stay informed and keep your voice throughout the build from start to finish. If there is an explanation given that seems “off” or confuses you, always ask for clarification. Bolster yourself by remembering it is your hard-earned money footing the bill for the home. They are working for you. Not the other way around. Watch this video for helpful tips on how to work with a contractor and gain a better understanding of what they do. Organize Documents and Communications There are so many moving parts, deadlines, and timeframes involved in new home construction. Unfortunately, it is easy for everyone, even the builder, to forget or overlook things from time to time. That is why keeping detailed notes of conversations and communications is essential. This way, all parties are held accountable, and there are digital and paper trails to refer back to if needed. Some vital things to track include the following:
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Take this information and make it part of your building checklist. Educate yourself on the processes, take notes, and document every step of the way. This helps to ensure you get the results you are looking for and move into your home without delay. Image Credit.
The real estate market is a lot of things. For starters, it’s a fantastic way to make money. Property is one of the most stable investments that you can get involved in. You’re left with a physical asset that can appreciate in value, while earning you a consistent and steady income through tenants. But real estate is also a good way to work your way to your dream home. If you want to sell your current home and make as much money as possible from it, you need to make sure that it’s attractive to potential buyers. Now, if you’ve ever bought a property before, you know what buyers are looking for. But selling a home is a different ballgame entirely. So, here are a few tips that should help you get the most value out of your home.
However, some improvements are inexpensive and can add some value. The first step is to work out what needs fixing. Even if you don’t repair these issues yourself, it’s helpful to have a list ready. If the windows, door, or roof are damaged, you should repair them. Broken windows are especially noticeable and can be an immediate red flag to a potential buyer. If there are quick fixes that you can make, such as replacing broken door handles and patching holes or cracks in the walls, these are a must. Other small repairs like broken appliances and leaky faucets will also make your home look more palatable, without breaking the bank. If a buyer notices issues that haven’t been addressed, they may wonder what else you aren’t telling them.
Ideally, you want your interior decorating to impress, without overwhelming a buyer. Many buyers just want to move in quickly, or if they do want to decorate their home, they want to put their stamp on it. A blank slate with a fresh coat of paint is often the best option. Furniture can make your home look more appealing as well, so if you haven’t moved, don’t worry about getting rid of your stuff.
While your interior might be what sells the property, as well as other features that might appeal to your buyers, you should consider a buyer’s first impression. When you walk up to your home, what’s the first thing you notice? Do you see cracked or peeling exterior walls? Do you see dirty windows? Do you see an untidy yard or driveway? Do you feel proud of your home, or do you just see chores you haven’t done yet? This is what your buyer will be thinking as well. You don’t have to go all out on your exterior, but if you make it look neat and pleasant, it immediately puts people in a more receptive position when considering buying your home.
For example, a luxury home deserves luxury estate agents. If you can find real estate agents that you can trust, they will help appropriate buyers to find your home. An estate agent should help you photograph your home to attract more people, as well as recommend it to prospective buyers who are looking for certain properties. This way, you can get in touch with more buyers who are actually relevant for your property, rather than wasting time on buyers who won’t be interested. An estate agent will also help you to show people your home, or show it themselves, and ideally guide them towards making an offer so everyone is happy. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a defined style when it comes to their home interior - for some, it is something that comes with time. But if you think your time is now, here are some tips to help you find your interior style! Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
Needs What you and your family need right now might not be the same in a few year's time. Something that makes a big difference is creating something that takes everyone into consideration now and in the future. Perhaps you have a toddler now, but in a few short years, they will have grown up a little. Or you have older teenagers or children in their twenties, and they are heading toward independence. Consider things like wipeable walls or reducing the amount of storage you need; you might even look into changing the purpose of some rooms - you’re best talking to a remodeling company to check the full scope of possibilities. Slow Usually, taste and style are developed over time, and that tends to mean you should take something slow. Taking it slowly and selecting individual pieces, colors, and more will slowly create your look. You might not ever realize that your style is a work in progress and coming together as you do this. Don’t try to do all of the rooms at once because you might become overwhelmed and get tunnel vision in a style that you don’t love when it is everywhere. Inspiration Not Copying It is one thing to take inspiration from magazines and Pinterest - but another thing to take everything you see and place it exactly like that in your home. As tempting as it might be to buy everything in one go - that isn’t really your style and preference. Some people do find it helpful to look at the barebone larger furniture items and add them, then finish by adding a lot of their own creative touches. It is important to keep in mind that what is presented in magazines is made to appeal to the masses and doesn’t leave a lot of room for personalization. Real You Yourhome should be where you are free to be your authentic self. If you love rainbows mixed with animal print, with velvets and gold, then do it. It can be the case that when people are worried about what others might think or don’t want to fully commit to their vision, they stick with whites, blacks, and a few splashes of color. To really find your interior design style - don’t be afraid to be who you really are to the absolute fullest. Small to Large Sometimes, all it takes is one smaller item to inspire an entire room - and this can be the same way. Spend some time looking for an item - and it could be anything - that looks how you want the room to feel. Or an item that gives you ideas and inspiration. From there, start to build up a collection of items. And one thing to remember is the details matter: Unconventional Home Improvements for a Stylish, Eco-Friendly, and Efficient Living Space. The world of real estate is competitive and challenging, but it can be very fulfilling if you know how to satisfy clients. Should you be new to the real estate world or wish to enhance client satisfaction after years in the industry, here are some effective strategies to boost client satisfaction. https://www.pexels.com/photo/real-estate-agent-showing-property-to-a-couple-7641856/
Offer virtual tours Virtual tours are a great way for your real estate business to interest clients no matter where they are in the world. Investing in a 360 Virtual Tour Company will allow you to showcase your homes to customers who cannot travel immediately. For example, you might have a client who wishes to see a home for a destination that is moving across the world. Therefore, being able to offer them a virtual tour will guarantee they do miss out on the opportunity and you can satisfy clients. Stage the homes for maximum interest If your homes are staged, it will allow clients to see potential in the property. For instance, creating the perfect bedroom staging will encourage clients to envision themselves living there. If the bedroom feels comforting and cozy, it might boost the likelihood of them wanting to purchase the property. If homes are messy or not cared for, it can hinder a buyer’s interest. Therefore, be sure to stage the home and make it more appealing, as this will satisfy clients and encourage them to be more interested. Always be available Although it is good to have a work-life balance, some clients might wish to ask you questions outside of business hours. Although you might not be able to respond as quickly as you can while working in the office, being available to reply in good time will ensure your clients remain satisfied. Offering good real estate customer service will ensure your clients stay interested and engaged with your offerings. Know everything about the property Some clients will have lots of questions to ask about certain properties. To guarantee client satisfaction and attain their trust, it is important to know everything about the property. Clients might wish to know about the home’s history or the possibility of building an extension. Whatever question a client throws at you, you should be able to answer. Having extensive knowledge will guarantee they trust you and the more information they have, the more interested they will become Ask clients what they want and show them properties to align with their preferences There is no point in showing clients properties that do not align with their standards or preferences. It is wise to ask clients what they want and with this information, gather listings that might interest them. It is useless to show a family a four-bedroom house if they need five bedrooms. Be sure to know everything about their home preferences so you can give them showings that will meet their standards. You will not waste a client's time and you will guarantee to satisfy them with homes that they could consider purchasing. Hey there, fellow home lovers! So, you've got your eyes on a house with a bit of a past, huh? A place with walls that could spill secrets from ages ago? Totally get it. The allure of an old home is something special. But let's sit down and have a heart-to-heart about what you're really signing up for, okay? Via Pixabay
First off, it's a pretty big deal! Picking up an old home isn't your usual fixer-upper story. It's kinda like taking in a wise old grandparent – full of life lessons and, let's be real, a few quirks and extra needs. Just be sure you're ready for what's in store. Brace Your Bank Account for a Marathon Alright, let's talk turkey – or rather, let's talk cash. When you're setting a budget for this historical home adventure, imagine a number that makes you comfy. Got it? Now, add a chunk more to that figure. Here's the deal: these charming old houses are notorious for tossing wild surprises your way, and they're not the fun kind. Then there's the rulebook... Old homes come with more rules than your grandma's kitchen. Historic preservation laws can be super strict, so brush up on what you can and can't do before you dive in. You definitely don't want the "Old House Cops" knocking on your door. Bring in the experts! Get a seasoned home inspector to give the place a once-over – they'll point out any potential money pits or hazards like wonky wiring or asbestos. Better to play it safe, right? Assemble your reno dream team.You'll want experts who really get old houses. Hunt down contractors like the best plumbers who know their way around old pipes and carpenters who geek out over original features. They'll give your home the love it deserves. Mixing the old with the new The goal is to find that sweet spot – keeping the home's soul intact while making sure you're not living like it's the 1800s. Plan smart to bring in modern comforts without losing that old-world charm. Make it eco-friendly Old doesn't mean inefficient. Explore ways to greenify your historic home without cramping its style. You'll save some cash and earn some eco-cool points! Learn your home's story Your house has a tale to tell, and now you're part of it. Dive into its history, discover the stories of those who came before you, and let that guide your renovation. Be neighborly Old homes usually mean curious neighbors. Chat with the locals, join the historical society, and keep things friendly during those noisy reno days. You never know. Your neighbors might have some handy tips and stories! Jumping into a historical home project is like starting a love affair with history. It's going to be an adventure with plenty of highs, lows, and learning curves. But if you've got patience, passion, and a good sense of humor, you'll end up with a home that's more than just a living space – it's a living piece of history. So, cheers to those brave souls ready to take on this challenge! May your walls stand proud, your floors creak with stories, and your heart is full of the joy of bringing history back to life. |
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