Buying or Selling a Home in Seattle?

Published on: 23 June 2017 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
image001

Regardless if you are new to the Seattle area or just looking to find a new place to live in the city you already love, buying a home is a big deal. You aren’t simply making a purchase, you are making an investment. An investment that by all means should end up being a part of your identity, a member of your family so to say.

Read also: The Glitches Arrived In Travelling To New Place

Why Seattle is the place to be

Seattle has become one of the most popular places to live in the Northwest. Despite what you have heard about the weather, there are plenty of cities throughout the United States that accumulate more rainfall than the Emerald City. New York City, Jacksonville, Raleigh, and Hartford are just a few that might catch you by surprise.

There are several parks and scenic getaways throughout Seattle to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. A weekend mountain getaway is just a matter of thirty minutes away. If that isn’t enough to talk you into making the move, you are always just a block away from the best cup of coffee you have ever had.

Because of these factors and many more, there has been a significant rise in the price of houses on the market in the area. Because of this, realtor services such as Findourpad have distinct advantages over trying to find a home on your own. This particular service will update all of the current listings throughout the Seattle area as often as every 15 minutes.

Easy to access information

They make it easy to find a home matching exactly what you are looking for when it comes to area, price, and size. Trying to find this information on your own would take days, if not weeks. By being able to see current listings, images, and details at the palm of your hand, you save yourself valuable time over visiting site after site, looking for the perfect match.

Services such as Findourpad allow you to compare listing on the market in different areas, by different realtors. You have the ability to compare how much home you are getting for your dollar compared to other options, providing you the opportunity to find exactly what you and your family are looking for.

image002

You will have information at your fingertips concerning the type of view from the home you will enjoy, the school district your children will attend, the annual amount that has been spent on taxes for the property, even the type of vehicle parking the home provides. With the simple click of the mouse, you can request even more information about the home or schedule a viewing to see the place for yourself.

If you are currently or will soon be selling a house, the service can be just as valuable for you, if not more. By listing your home on the website, you will put it in front of thousands of eyes that may not be able to see the property otherwise. Regardless of which end of the market you are in, Findourpad makes the task of buying or selling a home much easier for everyone involved.

Read also: Why Should You Consider Security Doors For Your House?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Brunswick Apartments

Brunswick Apartments For Sale: 4 Inspection Tips For Buyers

Buying an apartment for the first time can be thrilling. Especially with so many choices and each one has unique features and lovely decorations to consider. However, the design of an apartment shouldn’t be the sole factor when purchasing. Purchasing an apartment in Brunswick is a massive undertaking especially with your finances. Therefore, you need to consider that the property should have undergone a thorough inspection. This will help to identify possible problems that can occur. To avoid disappointment later on, here are some inspection tips that you need to conduct before buying an apartment: 1. Consider the Location of the House: Before going inside and inspecting the inside of Brunswick apartments for sale, you should first check their location. It’s vital to be near lifestyle attractions such as cafes, parks, shops, and transport. If the property is near said attractions the value of the property is higher, especially when you plan to sell it in the future. On the other hand, if the location is poor, you may have to sell the house at a lower or discounted price. Moreover, your future property may even take longer to sell. However, if the location of the property is too close to petrol stations, busy roads, train tracks or any other dangerous things, you should reconsider. Having this kind of location may be unattractive to potential buyers as it’s deemed ugly and hazardous. Most importantly, you should choose a location that's suitable to your lifestyle and adds up to your investment. 2. Inspect the Exterior: After considering the property's location, the inspection must start from the exterior of the house. You must check the conditions of the fences, outbuildings, gates, weatherboards, and roof. The exterior is the first part of the house that can give an overall appeal of the home. Whether it’s taken care of or not, it can also show years of usage and whether it’s still livable. Therefore, you need to check on the following exterior of the house before going inside. Here are the things you need to inspect outside of the house: Any cracks on walls might indicate faulty taping or structural problems that may be hazardous. Signs of leaks or rain damage could pose fire threats from damaged wires or health risks from mold and mildew. State of wiring when in a bad condition can cause expensive replacement or installations aside from being a fire hazard. Blocked drains, bathrooms and other outlets can cause accumulation of stagnant water in pipes that serve as the breeding ground of mosquitoes or other insects carrying diseases and germs. 3. Check for Interior Issues: Going inside lets you see what issues are in the house, whether these issues are fixable or irreparable. You should start inspecting from the basement as it’s a critical area that can have the most significant problems such as the heating system, plumbing pipes, foundation, and structural support of the house. Therefore, if the property is being sold as is, there may be issues around. So thoroughly inspecting the inside can help you decide whether to continue purchasing it or not. Also, the interior can show you the floor plans of the apartment. Floor plans are indications of an apartment's interior as it communicates the flow of the apartment's space. Here are ways to check the most major interior issues of an apartment: Heating system - check whether the heating system is past its life expectancy. This can be done if it’s emitting strange noises or smells, or blowing inconsistent hot or cold air to the temperature settings. Boiler - examine the bottoms and sides of the tank to check if water is leaking or if the boiler is old and cracked. A leaking boiler can cost expensive repairs and can cause a short circuit. Foundation - cracks in the structural foundation can cause fracture or crumble of the property when not immediately repaired. Warning signs include windows won't close or they stick completely. 4. Review Titles: The Title or Certificate of Title is something else to check before buying. Check the title that should contain the registered owner, its mortgages, covenants, easements, etc. Other details in the title that you need to check are easements or restrictions to the property, or caveats as it may mean that someone may claim the ownership. This is why it’s important to check first before buying. Conclusion: Buying a Brunswick property doesn’t rely on the physical appearance of the apartment in the listings. When you buy a condo without personally inspecting it, you can end up spending more than what you’ve paid. Therefore, these inspection tips will help you choose apartments that are worth your money. Read Also: Preparing To Stay In A Luxury Apartment On A Vacation A Quick Guide To The Legal Steps Of Buying A House

READ MOREDetails
commercial and residential construction

Commercial and Residential Construction: Key Differences

When it comes to construction, many business owners, who have faced residential projects before, are surprised at how different commercial projects are. The difference between commercial and residential construction approaches is big, starting from the volume of work and ending with regulations We’ve turned to the experts to list the key differences between commercial and residential construction. Knowing them is especially important when choosing general contractors and checking their portfolio, permits, and credentials. Commercial vs Residential Construction: Definition Before we go further, let’s define commercial and residential construction. When we are talking about commercial construction, we mean creating a building for commercial purposes. It could be a store, office, school, factory, storage facility, warehouse, and more. When it comes to residential construction, it involves building something for residential living, including houses, apartments, condominiums, etc. At first glance, it may seem as if the approaches to these two types of construction are similar. However, they vary substantially. There may be a certain crossover between the skills of commercial and residential construction experts. However, a company that focuses on commercial construction may not have what it takes to deal with residential projects and vice versa. Regulations and Permits According to construction experts from afsgeneralcontracting.com, the key differences between these two types of construction are codes, regulations, and permits. Any kind of construction project requires special permits to be completed. For commercial projects, the number of these permits and codes is much higher than for residential buildings. Safety codes pertaining to parking lots, elevators, fire safety, and more are different for commercial properties. General contractors must have extensive experience following these codes since failing to do so could result in the entire project being done in vain. Commercial buildings come with elaborate concerns for electricity, IT, and parking. That’s why the level of complexity for working with such properties is much higher. Building codes and standards don’t just vary from residential to construction projects. They can be different in each state or even city. That’s why it’s important to check whether the general contractor you’ve chosen has experience working in your area. Materials As soon as there is a building design in place, it’s important to identify materials needed for the construction project’s completion. Usually, materials required for commercial construction are drastically different from what you would purchase for a residential construction project. For example, an average residential building requires more wood since it uses a timber frame construction. Such an approach is considered to be cost-effective and well suited for buildings of smaller size. Even though some residential building owners prefer a steel frame for integrity, not too many agree. The reason is a much higher cost. Requirements for commercial construction project materials are stricter. The design is usually more complex than for residential needs. Timber framing often doesn’t cut it for large commercial buildings. Steel is the preferred material for companies building commercial properties. It’s resilient and allows for higher integrity and longevity of tall buildings. Obtaining large amounts of steel for framing requires an established relationship between a contractor and supplier. It may be easier for the residential owner to purchase timber directly from the vendor. However, in both cases, it’s better to rely on the contractor to find the right materials. Equipment and Training No matter how large and complex residential buildings can be, they are small and simple compared to some commercial projects. The large size of commercial buildings requires special equipment and workers’ experience. Operating tall cranes is different from working with aerial lifts. Meanwhile, the cost of such equipment, even if it’s rented, is much higher. Height-access equipment for commercial projects require specially trained operators. It’s also harder to find than aerial lifts for residential construction purposes. Some parts of residential construction projects are sometimes done by owners themselves or contractors using “How-to” videos. Even though it sounds questionable, these people often reach satisfactory results since the tasks aren’t hard. However, such an approach can never work for commercial projects. Mistakes that construction workers make with residential projects are much easier to fix than those occurring with commercial construction are. Meanwhile, commercial construction errors are likelier to result in a lawsuit. In most cases, residential construction workers need additional training to deal with commercial projects. Deadlines Commercial project deadlines are usually much stricter than their residential counterparts are. Higher construction costs and better-organized workflow usually mean that commercial construction tasks are executed much faster. For a company, a faster construction process means lower costs for labor and reduced financial investment. This motivates commercial construction workers to complete the project quicker. When it comes to residential projects, homeowners have a tougher time setting deadlines since they are prone to making changes. Meanwhile, some homeowners experience financial problems during the construction project, which may hinder deadlines. Residential construction projects require fewer workers than commercial construction does. This may also slow the process down. Costs The biggest difference between residential and commercial construction is cost. It doesn’t just stem from materials and compliance standards but depends on the costs of labor and equipment. The number of workers, as well as their experience and training, may reflect on the project costs tremendously. So can the use of specialized equipment, which is tougher to find and more expensive to rent. Residential projects require all of the above as well. However, due to their smaller scale, the costs go down proportionally. The approach to funding is different as well. For commercial projects, funding is found through bank financing, government agency or a wealthy owner/developer. Meanwhile, the homeowner usually funds a residential project through a loan. Final Thoughts Commercial and residential projects can be drastically different. The key differences between commercial and residential construction are materials, equipment, worker training, costs, and deadlines. When choosing a general contractor, the difference between the two is highly important since a company that deals with residential projects may not take up commercial construction tasks and vice versa. Read Also: Lifting and Rigging Equipment—Your Hardware Guide 3 New Age Engineering & Construction Technology All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software

READ MOREDetails
Chain Blocks

Chain Blocks—The Way to Go in 2019

Why put people’s lives at risk if you don’t have to? That’s a question all handymen, construction managers, and site workers should ask themselves. With so many solutions available in today’s market, your options to safeguard a crew are endless. What is one of the most popular safety features in today’s market? With good reason, you’ll find chain blocks on many work sites. Yes, this is a device designed to assist in heavy lifting. But we’re mentioning this in relation to safety too: the more pressure modern tools can handle, the less chance there is of workers getting injured. So, this is how you increase productivity as well as keep your crew safe. Ready to know more? What is a Chain Block? Chain blocks (also known as a hand chain hoist) is a mechanism used to lift and lower heavy loads using a chain. When the chain is pulled, it winds around the wheels and begins to lift the item that is attached to the rope or chain via a hook. How Does it Work? At the end of the lifting chain is a grab hook. This allows a worker to easily attach and detach a load. Also, most chain hoist lifting mechanisms have ratchets or braking systems that prevent the loads from slipping back. It also allows you to lower a load by pulling the other side of the hand chain. You can see the increased control a site worker can have in a situation with one of these forms part of the equipment that’s available. Increased control affects productivity and safety. So what can you expect from the average chain blocks? Specs and Description: 500kg - 2000kg working load limit All steel construction Suitable for industrial environments where dependability is a must Weatherproof twin pawl brake The Weston style two pawl brake is designed to hold the load during the operation Industrial grade powder coating which provides a long-lasting finish designed to suit harsh environments Zinc plated hand chain for a durable finish Fully enclosed gearing protects the gears from debris and contamination Respected suppliers provide chain blocks complete with Grade 80 alloy chain and forged alloy steel hooks. You should also look for quality suppliers who provide a large range of chain blocks to suit your needs. Each construction scenario is unique, so make sure your equipment caters for your needs. Why Use Chain Blocks? Benefits You Need to Know: When you purchase the right types, chain hoists can positively affect most aspects of your project: Cost: A chain hoist will have a lower price point than an electric wire rope hoist. This does mean the capacity won’t be as high, but it will still offer you much more than a manual hoist. Flexibility: A chain hoist is usually easier to move than a wire rope hoist, meaning it can be transported between sites. This can be a great advantage for construction professionals who work in various locations. Vertical lifting: You can easily achieve a vertical lift. There is no lateral movement, as the chain is moved over a sprocket. Diverse application: Chain Hoists can be used with a wide range of lifting equipment, including jib cranes and gantries. They can be used in low headroom areas, allowing you more flexibility with your specifications. Unique Features: Understanding this range of equipment is essential to optimize your use of them. Are you benefiting from these features yet? Chain containers: This is the collection box that collects up excess slack on the chain, preventing the chain from getting damaged and stopping it damaging the load. Limit switches: An upper and lower limit switch will let you set minimum & maximum hook paths. It protects the load from human error when lifting it or placing it down. This will also protect the hoist itself when lifting a heavy load. There’s a reason there are many types of chain hoists on the market. Each has its own benefits, so don’t ignore the ones you haven’t tried. Even though manual types may require more effort than electric hoists, they still come with many benefits. Manual Chain Hoist Advantages: While manual chain hoists won’t lift quite as fast and effortlessly as electric hoists, there are many advantages: They don’t require any electricity or power source. This makes them much more portable compared to electric hoists so you can have the benefit of a hoist on remote work sites. They’re more cost-efficient compared to electric or hydraulic hoists. Not only do electric hoists cost more initially, but they also raise electricity bills. The simple design of manual hoists makes it easier to repair and maintain. No complex motors, wires, or electrical/hydraulic systems. Although electric chain hoists can lift heavier loads, manual hoists can still have working load limits (WLL) up to 20 tons. As long as what you’re lifting is below that, there’s no reason not to opt for a manual hoist. You can pick from two main styles of manual chain hoists: hand hoists and lever hoists. Conclusion: Are you up to date with the latest in construction equipment? It’s how you become more efficient and manage a safe work environment. If you have questions or feedback, please share your comment on our page or tweet about your personal view and experience about chain blocks. Let’s learn from each other.

READ MOREDetails