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Keeping our homes safe and secure from intruders is one of the most pressing challenges that many of us face on a daily basis, yet it is also something that we tend to ignore or put our heads in the sand about. Naturally, you do not need to go overboard and install CCTV cameras throughout your home and garden, but there are some basic changes you can make in your daily routine to give you peace of mind that you have done everything possible to prevent a break-in.  Image via Unsplash
Change the locks on the doors. When we move into a new home, it is common for us to pay little attention to who might be in possession of a set of keys that will allow us to enter. The previous homeowners or tenants may still have one in their possession, and they may have given copies to neighbours, family members, and acquaintances as well. When you move into a new home, one of the first tasks you should complete is having the locks changed, preferably to a Mul T Lock deadbolt. In an ideal scenario, you should be performing this procedure every time you lose a set of keys or every couple of years simply to ensure that there is no outside entry into your home. This appears to be an overreaction on your part, but it will keep you safe in the future if you follow through. Take a look at the windows and doors. Door and window entry are the most common points of entry for intruders into a house or apartment. Consider using window locks, if you have them, to ensure that your windows are properly secured every time you leave the house and at night. The time has come for you to consider having your windows and doors replaced if you have noticed that they are not closing as cleanly and quickly as you would like, or if a simple push can get you into your home (which is convenient if you are locked out, but not so convenient if other people can get in). Install a home security system When you are away from your home, a home security monitoring system can provide you with peace of mind. It monitors your home around the clock, and if something triggers the alarm, you will be notified, and if it is someone who should not be in your home, the appropriate emergency agencies will be notified. Make an effort to avoid following a predictable pattern. Although the thought may be disconcerting, you never know who is keeping an eye on you at any given time. The vast majority of break-ins are carried out under the presumption that you are not at home - but how can they determine this? Some burglars will keep an eye on your home and take note of the times you leave and return to the property in order to piece together a picture of your daily routine with your permission. Obviously, work schedules and other obligations such as school runs and shopping trips make this difficult, but if at all possible, invite a neighbor or a friend to drop by at odd points during the day to help break up the monotony a little. Although you can never completely eliminate the possibility of someone breaking into your home, there are steps you can do to reduce the likelihood of it happening.
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When you’re investing a lot into your home, it’s easy to become more conscious of how safe your property is from damage. Like most things, your home is vulnerable to weather damage, and will naturally see some small issues over time. There are a lot of things that can be ignored, but there are also a lot of things you should be actively trying to prevent and have checked. While it might feel solid, your home isn’t indestructible, and you should ensure you’re giving it the care it needs to remain secure, and hold its market value should you ever deice to move away.  Source
Check the gutters First of all, if you’re going to prevent your home from water damage, one of the first places you should check is your gutters. The gutters help to keep rainwater that lands on your roof away from your home. Too much water running into where it shouldn’t eventually leak into your home, and even a small crack in your gutter can be an issue. You should check out gutters and soffit if you suspect it’s time for new guttering. Get a roof inspection Your roof isn’t going to last forever, no matter how good of a job the person who installed it did. Heavy rains and wind will slowly wear away at your roof, and rain will get underneath the tiles when the wind is strong enough. You want to make sure that when the weather is rough, your home is protected from it. There are services that will inspect your roof thoroughly to make sure there’s no damage being done to your home. In a lot of cases, these services that carry out the inspection will often recommend what you should do and will handle the problem for you if you pay for their services. Alarms Security alarms are an important addition to any house, and they help to protect your home from intruders. Even the sight of an alarm can help to deter someone with ill intent, and you can rest easy knowing that your home is secure. Most people won’t get any use out of their alarm, as having it there is enough security, and burglars aren’t looking for a challenge. You can alarm your windows, your doors, and any other possible openings to prevent intruders. Alarms can come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to worry about them interrupting your home’s design. Invest in new windows Alarms might not be enough, and in any case, you should make sure that your openings are up to date. Older houses might still have old windows installed, which are very easily broken and do a terrible job at keeping the weather outside. A newer window with thicker glass and at least double-glazing will help to keep the house both warmer and more secure, so it’s very much worth your investment. You also won’t have to worry about any water coming through the seals when it’s brand new. If you're looking for a way to add a touch of luxury and modernity to your backyard, consider bringing the indoors out. By transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space, you'll have a place to relax and entertain guests all year round. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and ideas on creating the ultimate modern backyard!  Via Pexels
Organizing The Space The first step is to declutter your outdoor space. This means getting rid of any extra furniture, knick-knacks, or décor taking up valuable space. Once you have a clean slate to work with, you can start thinking about best utilizing the space. Creating A Living SpaceOne popular trend is to create an outdoor living room. This can be done by having an arbor installation provide some shade, adding some comfortable furniture, and stringing up some lights. This will give you a space to relax and entertain that feels like an extension of your home. Making The Space Feel Warm And Inviting One thing that can set your backyard apart is making it feel warm and inviting. This can be done in several ways, but one of the most important is creating a cohesive design. Think about the colors and materials you use in your home and incorporate them into your backyard. For example, if you have a lot of natural wood elements in your home, consider using wooden decking or furniture in your backyard. Or, if you have a lot of stone features, use stone pavers or gravel. By installing the correct lighting, you can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your backyard. Try string lights, torches, or even candles. Creating A Garden Another way to make your backyard feel warm and inviting is by adding greenery. This can be done with potted plants, hanging plants, or even a tiny garden. Not only will this add some color and life to your backyard, but it can also help to create a natural barrier between your neighbors and your yard. Consider adding a minor water feature like a fountain or a birdbath if you have the space. The sound of running water is very relaxing and can help to mask any unwanted noise from the outside world. Also, adding some greenery and a water feature is a great way to create your little oasis right in your backyard. Furniture Is Key The first step in achieving the perfect modern backyard is to select the right furniture. You'll want pieces that are both stylish and comfortable, as you'll be spending a lot of time relaxing in your outdoor space. Keep in mind that while wicker and metal furniture can add a touch of elegance, they may not be the most comfortable options for lounging. Instead, opt for plush fabric-covered chairs and sofas that you can sink into. Another important consideration is to make sure your furniture is weather resistant. You don't want your beautiful backyard set to be ruined by a sudden rainstorm! This is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, and with a few strategically placed plants and some comfortable outdoor furniture, you can create your private oasis right in your backyard. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your modern backyard today! When you are in the process of moving there can be many obstacles that stand in your way. Unfortunately, moving can be one of the most stressful events in your life so it’s important that it goes as smoothly as possible. There are many things that you can plan and prepare to make it as easy for you and your family as possible.  Pexels CCO License
Buy Or Rent One of the very first things you need to think about is whether you want to buy a home or rent it. There are pros and cons associated with both of these options and they are: there is less flexibility when you buy a house compared to renting as you are tied down with your mortgage payments. Renting is much easier as you can move around as much as you want. A huge bonus to buying your own home is that you have something to call your own after all those months of payments. How Much You Have To Spend Now you have to decide what your budget is for whichever option it is you went with. The general rule is the same for both renting and buying. You need to sort out your finances before you can do anything. If you work out your incoming and outgoings then this will help you decide how much you can afford for the monthly payments. If you decide to buy a property then this will also help you to work out how much of a deposit you can afford for your mortgage. You also need to make sure that any debts are taken care of and are under control as your credit rating will be looked at. If this is low then you may be turned down which will be a huge disappointment. Type Of Home So you have a figure in mind for moving, now you have to decide what type of property you want to live in. There may be a couple of options that spring to mind when you think about this, either apartments or houses. There are of course pros and cons to both of these and they include: houses offer much more space and privacy, however, they are also on the pricier side compared to apartments. Apartments offer much more security, however, they can be noisy due to all the neighbors in the block. You also need to work out between you if you want a new home or an old existing one. The benefit to new builds is that you can put your own stamp on them. You might be interested in new apartments, these are pristine and you can do what you want with them. However, older builds tend to offer much more character to them. We hope you found this article helpful and it gives you some ideas and insight into considerations to take when moving to a new house. Remember, when you are thinking about moving it is important to consider the area you are moving to as much as anything else. Do your research before setting anything in stone.  Image credit
Buying a home is a huge investment. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a home, however, it is not just the physical appearance that you should consider. While that will contribute to your final decision, you want to ensure that you are making a good investment, and don’t run into a ton of problems after you have signed a contract and tied yourself in, as it is a huge obligation. Here are some of the most important things you should look for when buying a new home. An expert in the area Regardless of whether you live in the area or are looking for a new country to reside in, it is important to enlist the help of estate agents to help you with your searches. They will be able to provide you with a fresh perspective of the area, and their wealth of experience. You can also provide them with all the details of a property that you are searching for, and they can take the hard work out of the search for you, and make it much easier and more personal. This way you can guarantee a nice place to live. Visit the property more than once (and take pictures) When you find a property you like, it is difficult to see potential problems. This is why it is important to view the property more than once and take pictures, as this gives you more chances to get familiar with the property and spot any problems. If it is possible to do so, try to view the property at different times and on different days, so you can also get a better idea of the environment and surrounding noises. The structure of the property Take some time to review the exterior of the property. A good property should have a solid foundation, free from issues. Structural integrity is vital if you don’t want to be dealing with safety problems and costly repairs in the future. Check for any hairline cracks in the walls, dampness and mold, broken tiles on the roof, blocked or broken guttering, and generally any signs that something is not right. You can also get an additional expert, like a surveyor to review the property for you. Appearance, and smell Unfortunately, some sellers may try to cover up problems in the home so they don’t appear obvious when people are viewing the property. So while you check for any physical signs inside the property for dampness or damage, you should also be aware of any unnatural smells in the property. While this may seem odd at first, it can be important to identify any problems. This is because the paint will be able to temporarily cover up problems with cracks or dampness, but issues typically give off a musty smell to them. This could be a sign of a problem worth investigating. Buying a property is a big investment, which is why you should be thorough with your search and ensure you look for all the right things. The last thing you want is to invest all your money and be left with lots of problems that cost you time, money and your wellbeing.  Unsplash - CC0 License Finding a forever home seems like a massive challenge. However, there are often signs that you’ve done the hard work and you’re ready to move in. In this post, we take a look at what these signs are so you can figure out whether you should go ahead and make the purchase or not. You’re Planning A Massive Kitchen Renovation If you’re thinking about spending a lot of money on your forever home (such as a kitchen renovation), then it’s a sign that you’ve found the place that you want to live. You’re willing to invest in it, suggesting that you plan on staying for a while. The same goes if you’re thinking about an extension or perhaps adding a conservatory at the big. Large-scale projects like this indicate that you’re ready for the long-haul and planning for the future. The Price Doesn’t Bother You Another sign that you’ve found the home of your dreams is that the price doesn’t bother you. Yes, it’s a little above your budget, but that doesn’t matter – you’ll make it work. It’s more important that you move in and get on with your life than prioritise your finances. You Have A Gut Feeling About It  Unsplash - CC0 License
All of us have a picture in our minds about how we would like our perfect forever home to look. For some of us, it is a detached property with space at the front and the back. For others, it’s a large apartment in the middle of a city, close to all the amenities that we want to enjoy. Whatever the case, if you think that your home looks idyllic, then it is a sure sign that you see it as your forever home. You want to return to a property that just “feels right” after a busy day.  Unsplash - CC0 License Picking a home is a big decision. In fact, it’s probably one of the biggest you’ll make in your life, besides choosing a spouse. In this post, we take a look at some of the factors you’ll want to consider when picking a home. Check them out below. Check Whether It Requires Renovations Some people want to move into homes that meet their needs from day one. Others want properties that are fixer-uppers: low cost to buy upfront but that have massive potential. Your job is to decide which side of the fence you want to be on before you go ahead and buy. Do you want your property to be perfect when you move into it and pay a premium for the privilege? Or do you want to go in at a lower price and do all the renovations yourself? Imagine You Live There Already Most people take used cars for a test drive but don’t do the same for homes, usually out of politeness. However, this approach is actually damaging the market. People are winding up buying the home equivalent of lemons and then having to spend a small fortune on fixing up their properties. The trick is to imagine that you live there already. Go to the bathroom and flush the toilet. Unfold the ladder that leads up to the attic. Try turning the locks on the external doors to test whether they are working currently. By checking whether things work, you’re saving yourself time and money. You’re also putting pressure on the owner to fix the problems themselves. Think About Your Long-Term Needs Most people plan on staying in their properties for fifteen years or more. However, most only wind up staying about six before moving on. The reason for this is simple: they’re not considering their true long-term needs. Most buyers overestimate how much their lives will change in the next two years, and underestimate how much they will change in the next decade. Think carefully about what you want and how much space you’ll need. Remember, choosing the right home today is considerably cheaper than moving around multiple times. Get A Property With Enough Storage While the majority of apartments near me come with plenty of storage features, it’s not standard throughout the industry. You can sometimes wind up in a property that simply doesn’t offer you all the space you need. Before going ahead with a purchase, check that you have space for all your possessions. If you don’t, then you’ll be constantly fighting an uphill battle regarding where to put everything. Check Other Properties In The Area  Unsplash - CC0 License
You can often tell a lot about a location by the way that other people present and maintain their properties. If most of the houses look dishevelled and as though they’ve seen better days, then it is a sign that you’re looking in the wrong area. However, if the accommodation looks good, you might be onto a winner. So, in summary, always do your checks before picking a home. They could save you a lot of time, fuss and money. Renting out your property for extra money provides you with much-needed financial flexibility and security. If you inherit a lot of money or get divorced, you might want to become a landlord. Even as you chase your ambition, keep in mind that there are other properties for rent on the market. If your home doesn't stand out, it can be hard to get someone to rent it. The aesthetics and usefulness of your property are important factors in attracting your first tenant and boosting the value of your home over time. Making your home rentable takes planning and attention to detail. The following tips will help you rent your home faster:  https://unsplash.com/photos/EeI2kJY3L5A
Put safety first. No one would rent a property with safety issues. Safe and secure rental homes are always in demand, especially when families with children are involved. Install safety features like smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. You should always make sure your fire doors have correctly fitted gap fillers too. If you can, build a fence around your property to provide an additional degree of security. Additionally, consider adding a clearly visible emergency exit path. Enhance the exterior The exterior of your property is one of the simplest ways to make it more appealing. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint, a well-trimmed fence, flowers, or well-paved walkways to transform a space into something special. The first impression is critical, and hardscape is the best way to make it. But don't overdo it on the hardscape. Avoid dramatic renovations and intricate changes that may create the impression that your home is extremely pricey. Many potential renters are put off by high upkeep costs. Home renovation Numerous issues, ranging from leaking faucets to a clogged toilet, could put a damper on your plans to become a landlord. Renovating your kitchen may be the key to attracting those hard-to-find tenants. Verify that all of the property's fixtures and appliances, such as the doors and windows, are working properly before tackling any repairs or replacements. Before allowing visitors into your home, thoroughly clean it and make sure everything is working properly. The previous occupant's rubbish will deter any reputable tenant. Be deliberate in your marketing efforts. Typically, properties are developed with certain market categories in mind. As a result, make sure your adverts are well-targeted to your ideal tenants. Don't forget to include important information about your property and location. Include surrounding social amenities and public facilities, such as retail malls, schools, and even the distance from the town center. A compelling advertisement may be all that is required to persuade a prospective tenant. Promote your dedication with professional images or films. Describe in detail with colorful language and beautiful photos. Choose the best way to get your message across to your audience. A permit and insurance are required. It is not sufficient to repair and renovate your property prior to listing it. If you don't receive authorization from the local authorities, your efforts will be in vain. Schedule an inspection and approval for your property. Get landlord insurance as well. A good tenant will help you achieve your goal of becoming a landlord. As a responsible landlord, make necessary repairs and updates to your property and engage in creative advertising.  Pexels - CC0 License
When it comes to securing our homes, most of us know there are certain given staples that we should put in place. A secure front and back door with strong locks, for instance, should be the baseline consideration, while making sure that our windows are locked and structurally robust is also key. Yet depending on where you live, the house you live in, work that might be conducted, and your daily conveniences and preferences, you may wish to enact a more worthwhile security plan that can help you keep your home safe without you having to think about that much. For instance, what if you live in an area where porch pirates seem to focus on stealing packages more frequently? What if you live in a busy environment, or what if you live in a home with a lot of land surrounding you thanks to rural life, offering you less of an immediate police and neighborly response should something go wrong? These questions are worth asking and answering as appropriate. In this post, we’ll try to do that and offer more. Consider Your Unique Build & Surroundings Your unique build, its location, and its surroundings may detail how better to handle your home security. For instance, if you have a tree next to your household, with branches that move incrementally upwards (as trees often grow), could it be that an enterprising trespasser could climb up this tree and stand on an overhang, giving them access to window? Might it be worth chopping those branches? Or, perhaps a side alley provides unseen access to the side of your house, providing an ideal point for someone to jump the fence without being seen. Floodlights or a camera might work well there. Inspect your home, and look for weak points. You’ll no doubt find a few. Convenience In Security It’s important to make sure that your security isn’t overbearing or hard to maintain, because you won’t use those systems if they are. This is why searching for ‘Home security near me’ services can help you more accurately install alarms, locks, and interlinking systems to help identify and report intruders or other security issues. For instance, door cameras that record footage when they notice motion can save you storage space, time, and grant you immediate access. Run A Checklist Make sure to run a checklist of everything your house uses to protect itself. From making sure your roofing system is intact to gauging the strength of the windows and doors, to making sure the garage door is secure and the opening chain is still in great condition, to keeping your garden fence properly maintained as well as managing your privacy fencing, all of this makes a difference. Perhaps you’ll notice that people on the street can look in and see your living room at night, thanks to having no blinds or leaving your curtains open. As you can see, a careful balance here is essential. With this advice, you’re sure to define the home security your house needs, and expand it where possible. Buying a new development home can be extremely tempting. Knowing that you are the first people who have ever lived there, knowing that the house was constructed with the most modern techniques and designs in mind, knowing that there should be nothing wrong with the home, at least for the next few years, along with many other benefits. However, benign a ti be constructed home can come with certain problems you need to consider. So, to help you out, here is some advice on purchasing a new development home.  Image from Pixabay
Educate Yourself This is your investment on probably the biggest purchase of your life, your home, so you need to do your homework. So do some investigation because if you don’t have the right strategy, the team around you, and the correct knowledge, you could lose a lot of money. Ensure you understand the neighborhood details and what the plans are for the future. This will help you decide if this development is right for you and your family. You really need to create a list of personal priorities and go from there. Make sure you do your research in the developer too. What is their track record, etc? Take a look at their website, such as Rockford Homes, and do a Google search to see if there are any articles about them. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to deal with such a transaction. The Mortgage Lender The right mortgage lender can save you thousands of dollars, so you need to shop around. Additionally, you need to consider them as a team and teammate. The right lender will offer you some valuable advice too. Ask at least five lenders minimum for their rates and options. The Realtor The agent actually gets paid from the builder, so it is a no-brainer to hire a realtor who is able to get the best deal possible for you. It is wise to choose a realtor who is experienced in dealing with these sorts of transactions. You will want someone who you feel you can get along with and is prepared to tell you the truth no matter how good or bad it is. Once you have the realtor, you can develop a plan of action together. Negotiations When it comes to the negotiation having an expert realtor on side is a must. They will be able to negotiate certain upgrades to the property for you. If you want the space to be a little more luxurious and to your tastes, you are able to do this at the tie of negotiation. That way, the builder will keep the same asking price and get a little more for your money. Get Everything in Writing Verbal contracts are, of course, worth the money they’re printed on. Get everything in writing, every upgrade, the costs, timescales, everything, and signed and dated. The onus is on you to get this sorted. It is going to be your house after all. Also, create a copy of the builder so they can keep at the forefront of their mind what needs to be done. |
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