Category: Real Estate
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Buying a House vs Renting an Apartment: Which is More Affordable?
There's a knock at your bedroom door. It's accompanied with a shrill nag: "Get out of bed! It's already noon, you lazy butt!" That's your mom. She has plans to convert your room into a yoga studio. Dad wants it for his home office. And all you want is for the sun to stop peeking through the curtains. Time to move out. But there's something you have to consider first: buying a house vs renting an apartment. If you make the wrong choice, it could leave you homeless and broke. Is there a different option? Of course, there is. Find out how to choose wisely by moving on to the blog. Buying a House vs Renting an Apartment: a Time Investment: The first thing to consider, well before financial cost, is time. A broad question to mull, "how long do you plan to stay in one spot?" Each decision, renting an apartment or owning a home, is a commitment to time in a single location. They're both contractually binding; but, you're signing up for different longevity. If you don’t see yourself in the same place a couple of years from now: check apartment app and rent. If you love the area, and you'd like to set up a permanent residence: buy a home. Time investment is a crucial variable in calculating costs. Love the Neighborhood? Owning a house is a wise decision if you plan on staying for a while. Before moving forward (or out of your mom's house), check if you afford a house in the area of your choice. It's a good idea to get a gist of the quality of homes within your price range using Hommati. It might surprise you what you can or cannot afford. This might persuade you to rent instead or move elsewhere. You love the area. You love the house. I hope you love your neighbors. Let's talk about money. Conventional home-buying wisdom would say to make a down-payment of 20% on the house. If you can't afford 20%, there are government or less traditional loans to fund the mortgage. However, there are advantages to the former: You'll pay less in the long run. If you knock out 20% of the home's payment from the start, you'll have less of a principal that accrues interest. Having a higher down-payment is a show of good risk. Banks will loan you the money at a lower interest rate if they think you won't default. Loaners require private mortgage insurance (PMI) if they think you're a greater risk. This is insurance for them, which you'll be paying. If you can afford the housing costs, start working on your lawn tidying skills. How About a Bachelor's Pad, Instead? If you want to get outta Dodge for a couple of years or dip your toes into adulthood, an apartment is your best bet. If you don't like it, an apartment is less of a ball and chain. Breaking a lease is less costly and less headache than reselling a home. Usually, it only costs a couple of month's rent to ditch the apartment. The biggest downside to renting an apartment: long-term cost. Remember, renting an apartment shouldn't be more than the short-term. Lease payments are typically more costly than mortgages. In the long-run, it's best to buy a house. Weird, right? Something else to think about: you don't own an apartment. You do own the house and are the owner of any profit it may generate. Rent is pricey. It's subject to frequent changes at the whim of the market. Don't do it for long periods of time. Get a Move On! When moving out, buying a house vs renting an apartment is your biggest conundrum. Each has its caveats. Each has its benefits. Both share a relationship with time. If you want to live somewhere for long, buy a house. It's cheaper month-to-month, and it's an investment piece. If you don't want to live in the same spot indefinitely, rent an apartment. The same is true if you can't afford the down-payment. It's more expensive monthly, but it's less binding financially. Get moving into your dream house or sweet pad. Let us know if you make it outta your mama's house. Read Also: Best Home Buying Tips For First Time Buyers 7 Helpful Tips During An Emergency Moving Process Why Renting A Duplex House May Be Right For You
READ MOREDetails7 Expert Tips In Finding The Best Mortgage Broker In Vancouver
Planning for your home purchase or starting your own business requires that you find the right mortgage broker to work with. Working with a legitimate broker allows you to access the best loans and meet your financial needs. If you proceed to apply for loans on your own, you may be limited to only your direct contacts and present resources in Vancouver. Here are the best tips in looking for the best mortgage broker if you’re based in Vancouver: 1. Ask recommendations from people you know and trust: There’s a good chance that one of your friends or relatives may have already transacted with a reputable mortgage broker in your area. When making plans for your house construction or business, the first thing you should do is to ask around and consult your friends and relatives about their mortgage broker recommendations. Your personal contacts may have experience in broker-hunting, or they may have reputable connections in the industry. In Vancouver, a highly-recommended and reputable mortgage broker company is GLM Mortgage Group. 2. Do your research thoroughly: Once you have your requirements prepared, you should start doing research in order to collect a good number of options as well as to protect your interests and ensure that you work with a competent and legitimate broker. Here are some things you can do: Go online and search for possible mortgage groups in Vancouver. Excellent mortgage brokers would have a strong online presence. Gather all the information that you can, and then make a shortlist of the brokers you’re most interested in. Focus on important details such as the company’s network connections and affiliations. A mortgage broker with the most number of quality connections would have the flexibility to give you more options, with better terms and rates. Search for customer reviews about the mortgage brokers you’re strongly considering. Check review sites and forum boards to see if your potential brokers receive good or bad client feedback. In this day and age, it would be difficult to suppress negative reviews from dissatisfied clients. 3. Set up meetings with these brokers: It’s important that you meet with your potential brokers. During your first meeting, you’ll get a firsthand feel about how the broker meets your expectations of a successful deal. Here are some pointers to guide you in your meetings: Observe how the mortgage broker asks you questions. He should be sincerely interested in what you have and what you need. Assess the types of questions a potential broker asks you. The broker should be able to get the relevant information from you in order to find the best deal that will answer your needs. Observe how thorough a broker is in interviewing you. Thoroughness is likewise a great indicator of the broker’s experience and interest in closing a successful deal for you. Getting a full picture of your position can aid your broker greatly when negotiating with potential lenders. 4. Be honest with your potential brokers and tell them exactly what you need: On your end, be sincere in your meetings with prospective mortgage brokers. The best brokers will give you multiple options to choose from. All the information that you give them will be used to get you the best arrangement and terms with lending companies. The broker’s job is to close the connection between you as the borrower and the lender. By being fully transparent with your broker, you’d be helping him seal the deal faster and more smoothly. 5. Gauge how cooperative and flexible each broker is to your requests: After you share your needs for your upcoming investment or project, assess how each broker tries to accommodate your preferences and address your concerns. For example, if you have concerns about the capacity of your personal income to get you a substantial loan, check out the video below on how GLM Mortgage Group can help you compute and declare your stated income so that you get better deals with lenders. Watch this video for more insight:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtGtLcrRo4Q Moreover, inquire about all possible rates, fees, and terms. There are small differences in these details which can lead you to close much better arrangements in the end. 6. Ask to speak to a former client of the broker: While you may not actually have the time to meet with your potential broker’s past clients, you may pose this question to see how confident your broker is about his services and the satisfaction of his clients with his services. If your broker is reluctant about declaring his references, you may want to continue searching for good brokers. However, if the mortgage broker you’re meeting with can give you names and contact details confidently, it means that the broker has happy clients who’d gladly refer him to others. If you do meet with a past client, here are some questions you may ask: How clearly did the broker communicate with you during negotiations for your loan? How were you informed about each step of the brokering process? How satisfied were you with the loan your broker arranged with you? Did your loan meet your financial needs? How much did you pay for? Were all charges explained clearly to you from the start? Were there any hidden fees you suddenly had to pay? Would you recommend your mortgage broker to me? 7. Compare between two or more potential brokers: Once you’ve met with several brokers, tabulate the details you’ve gathered about each one and then do a comparison. Remember that lower interest rates don’t always guarantee you the best deal. You should be able to select from various combinations of rates, fees, and other charges. Conclusion: Once you have all the important information you need, make a decision and meet with your chosen mortgage broker to close the deal. Before you make a final choice in the broker you’ll work with, shop around and study your options thoroughly. Doing so can save you a lot of money in the long run. Read Also: How To Become A Sub-Broker? Real Estate Syracuse NY Investment: Flipping Houses And How To Make Money From Them
READ MOREDetailsBest Estate & Asset Planning Tips – Secure the Future Today!
Whether your estate is worth $10,000 or 1 million dollars, you’ll want to have an estate plan in place to make sure your assets go to the right people. If you die unexpectedly without a will, much of your estate will get eaten up in taxes and lawyer fees to settle the estate and the money may not end up where you intend it to. Keep reading for five easy estate planning tips to make sure your affairs are in order should anything happen. 5 Estate Planning Tips You Should Take Now Did you know that more than half of all Americans don’t have a will? As unpleasant as it may be to think about planning for your death, it’s necessary to protect your assets and your family. Take steps now to make sure your family doesn’t have to stress about dealing with your assets upon your death. Here are some estate planning tips to make the process easy and painless. 1. Determine What Assets You Have: Before writing your will, going to an attorney, or planning your estate, you need to know what you have. Take an inventory of all your assets and liabilities to determine your value. Property, retirement accounts, bank accounts, investments, and life insurance policies. You’ll need to list all your assets to determine who gets what and how much they get. Some assets, such as a business, will require special consideration in your will or estate plan. 2. Decide Who Gets What and How It's Distributed: Now that you know what you have, you’ll need to decide who (or what) your beneficiaries will be. Spouses, children, other family members, charitable organizations, etc., who get any part of your estate will be designated. Not only do you need to decide who gets your assets, but you will also need to specify how much or what percentage they get. If you have life insurance through your employer or another policy or other retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, make sure you keep those updated. If you get married, divorced, or have more children, you may want to modify the stated beneficiaries on those policies. 3. Take Steps to Minimize Estate Taxes: If there might be significant taxes that your beneficiaries will owe, you can take steps to minimize these taxes ahead of time. You could leave taxable assets to charities or other non-profit organizations, take out life insurance policies to cover any estate taxes, or gift money to your beneficiaries before your death. 4. Choose Who Will Run the Estate: You’ll need to choose an executor of your will. This could be a family member or an attorney, depending on the complexity of your estate. Choose someone whom you trust. You also will want to select someone to have the power of attorney if you become incapacitated. A health care directive is also smart to have, as this will allow your beneficiary to not make major medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to. 5. Consider Hiring an Estate Planning Expert: Consider hiring a probate attorney to handle all of this for you. They will walk you through the process, advise you on the best course of action, and then handle any issues with the estate after your passing. How to Asset Plan for your Business Sometimes an estate is not all what we earn, and if you are someone with a standing business, keeping it standing once you are long gone is also important. So, how can you plan for the business well? Understand the Value of your Business First, you’ve got to know what your business is worth. And we’re not just talking about how much cash is in your bank account or the equipment you own. It’s everything that makes your business a whole. What are your total assets? Do you have intellectual property? A ton of loyal clients? These things are all part of the parcel. By knowing this, you’ll be able to make better decisions about where it goes after you. Decide a Successor Who will take over when you're no longer at the helm? It’s a tough question, but one that needs answering. A succession plan outlines who will step in to manage your business. Whether it’s a family member, a trusted employee, or an outside party, having a clear plan ensures a smooth transition. Start by identifying potential successors and involve them in the business early on. Train them so they understand your vision and can carry it forward. Set Up a Buy-Sell Agreement If you have business partners, a buy-sell agreement is essential. This agreement specifies what happens if one of the partners leaves the business, whether due to retirement, disability, or death. It ensures that the remaining partners can buy out the departing partner’s share without disrupting the business. It also sets a fair price for the shares, so there’s no confusion or disputes later. Consider Life Insurance Life insurance can be key in business asset planning. Life insurance proceeds can provide the cash needed to buy your interest in a business if you pass away. Similarly, you can also use these life insurance proceeds to pay off any personal or business debts. Thus, preventing a liquidation of assets that could cost your beneficiaries their livelihood. Finally, a well-structured life insurance policy will not have an immediate negative impact on your credit rating. In fact, lenders may be more willing to extend credit to a solvent estate and business. Reviews are Important Review and update this plan at least annually as circumstances change over time. Business planning isn’t a one-time thing. As your business grows and changes, you should update your plan to ensure it always reflects your current direction. Perhaps you’ve introduced new assets, or your successor has changed. Updating also allows you to identify what’s next on the horizon! Share Your Plan Finally, communicate your plan to those who need to know. Your family. Business partners. Key employees. Only when you put it in writing and communicate it clearly can everyone know what you intend. Finding every opportunity to get rid of misunderstandings is crucial. The Bottom Line: Although no one wants to think about their death, making sure your assets are protected and that your beneficiaries are taken care of is a smart move to make. Use these estate planning tips to get yourself started. For more lifestyle tips and resources, explore some of our other blog posts. Read Also: The Best Strategies For Retirement Funds Distribution How Do Law Firms Help Companies With Their Real Estate Issues?
READ MOREDetailsHow to Choose the Right Commercial Collection Agency
It’s a scenario no business likes to be in, but one that may end up experiencing: having to collect money from late-paying customers. The bottom line is that your business isn’t a charity, and you need every dollar account for in the revenue flow if you want to succeed and expand. But how do you go about collecting money owed to you in a way that doesn’t alienate or spook a potentially longstanding client? It is a tricky question, and one best solved by a commercial collection agency. But before you go outsourcing collections to the first agency you find – who may very well use intimidating tactics that could spoil your customer relationship – consider the kind of agency you want. This article will help you in your decision, listing a few key indicators of a successful, non-disruptive and worthwhile commercial collection agency. Look at Their Recovery Rate Before this article gets into matters of how a collection agency collects (which is an important consideration for your business), it is perhaps best to judge them on purely statistical merit. The best way to go about doing this is to look at their “recovery rate” – the amount of debt in a given time, divided by the amount of debt returned – and compare it to the industry average. For instance, an industry leader like Summitcollects.com has a recovery rate double the industry average, a clear indicator of performance and success. Diplomacy is Key Debt collection has a negative reputation, thanks in large part to some agencies who collect unethically, and who use strong-arm tactics to meet their bottom lines. This is not the kind of commercial collection agency you want to fraternize with – their blunt and abrasive approach is likely to tarnish your organization’s hard earned reputation. Instead, choose a commercial collection dedicated to diplomacy, one who understands the first-party collection just as well as third-party, and understands the value of maintaining your reputation. How Do They Make Their Money? Most commercial collection agencies worth their salt will post this loud and clear on their website; if they don’t, be wary. Do they require upfront costs and ongoing work? If so, give them a pass. If, on the other hand, they run a contingency model – where they get paid from what you get paid, if you get paid –that’s the sign of an honest, confident agency. Issues of Transparency You as a business have a right to know how your case is doing. To that end, try and find a company that strives to keep you updated, preferably via real-time software, on the status of your case. The best agencies have nothing to hide and will be more than happy to oblige in this request. Needing a commercial collection agency is not typically a situation businesses plan to be in, but it is sometimes necessary. To avoid overpaying for an ineffective, avoidant, reputation-tarnishing commercial collection agency, follow the tips above, and regain the money owed to you. Read Also: Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency To Find Your Next Medical Job Top 7 Reasons To Hire A Private Detective Agency During Divorce Cases How To Start Social Media Agency In India
READ MOREDetailsSeven Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Conveyancer
You need a conveyancer to help you with the buying and selling of real estate, but you might not know how to choose someone to help you. Ask all these questions when you are shopping around for an attorney. When the attorney gives you the service that you need, they will help you buy and sell property in a way that is far simpler than what you would have done on your own. 1. Do They Work On Retainer? Conveyancers Sydney work on retainer most of the time. You can make a retainer payment that will pay for a little work up front, and you will be happy about that they can answer the phone any time you call. You should get someone on your side while you can so that they can step in if you have any issues at all. 2. What Do They Charge? The conveyancer should charge an hourly rate that you find to be fair. You need to ask them how much they charge for special services, and you must have a look at what your options are when they are charging for filing papers or completing a sale. All these little things add up to a service that you find gives you value. 3. Can They Hunt For Properties? You can ask your conveyancer to hunt for properties on your behalf, and they could get you into some properties that will have a good price and remain cheap while you try to work out the details. They might even get you a quote on the home or property so that you can see where the negotiation is going. 4. How Do They Close Deals? The conveyancer will close deals in their office with the help of their staff. They use all the tools at their disposal to give you the results that you need, and they can handle all the cash and extra funds from the sale that include commissions and payments to banks. 5. Do They Work With Banks? The conveyancer is an expert in working with banks. They know the legal hangups of certain things, and they will be very careful to have a look at all their options so that they can give you the best loan or funding. They will contact the bank on your behalf, and they will let you know what the bank can offer you. 6. They Know People In The Industry: The conveyancer that you are working with should know people in the industry that they can contact for help with your job. You must be sure that you have gotten the right information on the sale along with property records. You need the lawyer to do all the research, and you should ask them if they can give you all these records before you complete the sale. 7. Can They Work Out Of State? You need to ask your lawyer if they have another office that can service you in another location. All these things add up to a much better lawyer who will give you all the services that you need. Read Also: How Can Conveyancing Services Help You? Choosing The Right Conveyancing Solicitors For You How To Sell Your House Fast?! Five Must-Know Tips To Move Your Property!
READ MOREDetailsInvest Real Estate in Detroit: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Investment
Making your first investment can be a complicated and confusing process to understand. Although you know some people who have found their fortune in real estate investment, there are still several risks linked with it. You need to take extra measures to make sure you earn something from what you’ve invested. If you’re looking to get the most out of your first investment, here are seven things you need to know before buying one in Detroit: 1. Conduct research: Purchasing your first real estate investment isn’t easy. You have to do thorough research to make sure you target the type of clients you hope to do business with in the future. This process, for instance, is all about the economic side of your investment. As you’ll shell out a massive amount of money, it’s vital that you do proper research and use a useful analytical approach to determine the property that will entice your target clients. Instead of thinking about your personal preferences, it’s a good idea to study the financial factors of the specific place where the Detroit property is located. If you’re searching for real estate investment options, visit bestrealestatedirectory.com for more information. 2. Pay a down payment: Typically, properties subjected to investment ask for higher down payments than a regular building. If you buy your first real estate investment, you might need a considerable amount of cash on your pocket to accommodate at least 20% down payment. This is much greater than the 3% down payment you pay for the house you’re living in. Also, investment properties require strict requirements for approval, and you also need to spend much money for the renovation before paying the down payment. 3. Estimate the profits and expenses in advance: To make sure you make the right decision, it’s a good idea to determine how much money you currently have as well as the money you plan to borrow for your first investment. Once you’ve come up with a computation, start estimating the amount of money needed to buy and renovate a property and the corresponding operation costs. From there, assess the price you want to sell your property for and subtract the expenses so you can get a calculation of your potential profit. While these figures might not be accurate, having an estimate beforehand will help you stay on track with your finances. 4. Shop around for investment loan options: If you have limited funds to get started with your first investment, you can look for investment loan opportunities that can help you collect more money. All you need to do is find the right option that can change your current financial situation. While different options offer various benefits, be sure you choose the one that fits your circumstances. Moreover, try to check the features of each option such as if it allows you to split your repayments for a specific period of time. 5. Clear up all your debts prior to investment: As you might need more money to fund your first real estate investment, you’ll end up considering some investment loan options. However, you can’t get the most out of these financial options if you’re still carrying debts. Most financial organizations will assess your ability to borrow and pay debts, and if you fail to pay your accounts on time, chances are they’ll not approve or grant your application for a loan or any financial solution. That’s why it’s important to pay off all your debts before starting up a real estate investment. Most investment success stories would agree on this tip. 6. Go for a low-cost home: Although you’re prepared to spend thousands of dollars on your first investment, it’s wise to choose properties that are offered at a low price. After all, you still need more funds for the renovation of the real estate before you get to sell or rent to your target clients. Additionally, if you want to keep yourself in the safe zone, make your investments as low as possible by looking for low-cost properties in Detroit. Bear in mind, the lower your investments are, the higher chances of earning a high profit from it. 7. Don’t let emotions affect your decisions: When buying for the first investment, think of it as a business investment and not as a personal one. Don’t allow your emotions to overpower your decisions and goals since a substantial financial investment will be at stake here. Instead of letting your emotions affect your plans, treat it as a business in a way that you have to negotiate to obtain the most favorable price. Conclusion: Buying your first real estate investment can be a risky financial decision you can possibly make. Without proper planning and preparation, your investment might become a terrible experience. However, if you keep the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be able to gain more money and be on the winning side of the game. Read Also: How Do Law Firms Help Companies With Their Real Estate Issues? Real Estate Syracuse NY Investment: Flipping Houses And How To Make Money From Them
READ MOREDetailsBrunswick 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 MOREDetails10 Rights You Have as a Tenant That Your Landlord Won’t Tell You About
Whether you rent a fully-furnished property or an unfurnished property to fill with your own furniture, or you rent furniture, there are certain inalienable rights that Indian law grants you as a tenant. Some of these rights pertain to your rights in negotiating the rental agreement, others offer protections during the rental for you and your furniture, for example, your couch or refrigerator on rent. However, in all scenarios, the law is on your side as the tenant and under no circumstances can your landlord breach these rights. Fixation of Fair Rent: As a contractual tenant, you are offered protections on the price you agreed to pay for the property rental. This means that during the contracted period, your landlord cannot unjustly increase the rental price. If the landlord believes you are not paying enough rent for the property, he or she must approach the Rent Control Court to apply a fair rent to the property. The Rent Control Court dictates that fair rent is 9% of the total market value for the building. Fit for Living: The tenant has the right to a property that is fit to be lived in. If the property becomes unsafe due to bad electrical wiring, and holes in the floor, or ceiling, the landlord must take measures to repair the property and ensure it is fit to be lived in. Peace of Living: As a tenant, you are entitled to peaceful living. This means the landlord cannot enter the rented property without prior notice and communication. Essential Services: The landlord cannot disconnect essential services like electricity and water. If your landlord is threatening to do this over late rent or any other dispute, inform them that you will approach the Rent Control Court and file a complaint against them. Points of Contact: The tenant must have the contact information, including telephone numbers, email addresses, and postal addresses of the landlord. The landlord is also available to contact at any time. Unfair Eviction: The landlord cannot evict a tenant without valid reasons. They must also inform the tenant as to what those reasons are. There are only a select number of valid reasons for which a landlord can seek eviction. These are unpaid rental payments, the tenant subletting the property without the landlord’s consent, causing a nuisance, or if the landlord has plans to move into the property themselves. Repairs: The landlord is obliged to pay for any repairs to the property. If the tenant pays for any repairs out of their pocket, they are entitled to reimbursement from the landlord. Deposit Return: The landlord cannot withhold the security deposit without citing specific, valid reasons. Building Energy Rating: Before signing the tenancy agreement, the tenant must be able to access the property’s Building Energy Rating (BER). This is the rating which informs prospective tenants how energy-efficient the property is and is a reflection on how much heating and air conditioning bills might be. Legal Heirs: In the event of a tenant’s death, all of the legal protections afforded to that tenant are immediately passed to their legal heirs. This means the landlord cannot evict the legal heir of the deceased tenant without a valid reason. Read Also: 5 Ways To Become A Profitable Landlord Benefits Of Investing In City Centre Property
READ MOREDetailsCost of living in Seattle
Seattle is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It has been estimated that the population will grow with more than 200000 people over the next 20 years. This has strongly been attributed to the tech scene as well as its vibrant culture. This collectively causes the city to become expensive. Studies by the Council on Economic and Community Relations have pointed out that Seattle is 24% more expensive than any normal city in the United States. This means that someone earning an annual salary of $40000 will have to earn $49600 to maintain the standard way of living in Seattle. These costs have been attributed to factors such as home prices, cost of transport and other essential costs. Housing in Seattle: The prices of homes in Seattle have shown to be one of the most expensive in the United States and do not seem to be coming down anytime soon. This may seem like good news to citizens who already own houses in Seattle, but it is a nightmare to those who don't own one and want to own one. Prices of houses according to a 2010 survey indicate the price ranges between $216000 and $440000 depending on the number of bedrooms. It has also been indicated that if these prices keep growing at the rate of 20%, the prices will surpass the $1 million mark in the next 25 years. Read more: Buying Or Selling A Home In Seattle? Average rent in Seattle: Renting has been discovered to be more favorable compared to buying. However, it is not a cheap venture. The average rent in Seattle has been estimated to be $2109 which is roughly 80% higher than the national average. Some neighborhoods in Seattle have shown to be more expensive than the others. For instance, a neighborhood like South Lake Union, a one-bedroom is rented at $1900 per month. Cost of food: Seattle is known for its exquisite seafood which is sold at the Pike Place Market. However, if you earn little income and survive on a tight budget, then you may not be able to enjoy the cuisines. It has been estimated that the average cost of dining in a typical Seattle restaurant will cost you $30 which is 30% higher than the average or typical price range countrywide. This goes for groceries too where it has been estimated the cost of acquiring groceries in Seattle is 11% more than the average cost of the same products. Transportation cost: Most people who live in Seattle rely on road transport to facilitate their movements. It comprises of car owners, public bus transport and even cyclists. The price range of a single bus ticket ranges between $2.50-$3.25. This is more convenient because it has been proven that Seattle traffic is one of the worst in the country. Its fuel prices are also said to be 10% more than the national average price. Other costs: According to digitalexits.com internet service providers offer options to ensure proper communication which is essential nowadays. This costs can rise to $75 per month which contribute to the monthly costs you may incur while living in Seattle. Read Also: What Are The Costs Of Our Aging Infrastructure? 5 Awesome Advantages Of Buying A Smaller House
READ MOREDetailsChoosing The Right Conveyancing Solicitors For You
Buying your dream home is something fascinating and one of the most significant purchases that you may ever make in your lifetime. You will need a solicitor to help you, and most people will turn to their colleagues and friends to give them some referrals. Without knowing what these conveyancing solicitors do and what you require of them, you will not know who is right for you. Listed below are some tips to help you find the right choice for you. What Is The Difference Between A Licenced Conveyancer And A Conveyancing Solicitor? Conveyancing is the legal process of buying and selling a property. A conveyancing solicitor is a solicitor who is legally trained and works in property law. A licensed conveyancer mainly focuses on property sales and purchases but does not have the same training as a solicitor. Both of them are legal professionals and will ensure that they handle payments and also make you a rightful legal owner of a property you have bought. Factors To Consider Costs Before choosing one, you should ask for a breakdown of all the costs, not forgetting disbursements such as stamp duty and stamp fees. If they do not tell you how much it will cost upfront, then avoid them. It shows that they are not honest in their dealings. Also, avoid quotes that are suspiciously low. This may mean that they are not well experienced and may do shoddy work. Ensure that you get one that has an affordable rate and also good at their job. Do Not Use Conveyancing Solicitors Recommended By Estate Agents You may find that some estate agents will pressure you into choosing a particular solicitor. You may think that they have your best interests at heart, but this may not be the case. Most of them are given a big commission and hence, will be doing it for business. You should know that you are not obligated to use the one that they recommend. They may suggest a firm that is not right for you and will be more expensive due to the commissions. Reviews One of the best ways to know if a particular firm is right for you is by looking at their reviews. You will need to ensure that they are legitimate to start with. One of the ways to know this is when you find all the reviews are excellent. As much as that may mean that they are good at their job, we are all human and there is always at least one client who had a minor issue. You could do more research and check on their social media reviews and those on their websites. By doing all that, you will get what you were looking for. Avoid those with many bad ratings since it means that they are incompetent. Also, those with no ratings may say that they just started the job recently. It is prudent to choose the right conveyancing solicitors for you since you have a significant investment at hand. With the above points, you will be able to select the right one for you. Read Also: Seven Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Conveyancer How A Solicitor Can Help You To Set Up A Business
READ MOREDetailsWhere Protective Machine Covers Are Put to a Good Use
In any industry where machinery is used, it is vital that it be protected when it is not operational. That is true regardless of whether it is utilized in an indoor or outdoor setting, or of what materials the various components are made. Where there is a danger of damage from rust, dirt, oil, grime, sun, wind, or other elements, custom covers from companies like Dynatect Manufacturing must be used. That way, the businesses that use the machinery can be sure that it is staying in top shape. Here are five examples of industries where these machines covers can be used. Protective Covers for Sports In many different types of sports, protective covers are needed for machinery and equipment of various kinds. Zambonis that are used for hockey games often need to be covered when they are not in use. The same is true of the components in batting cages for Major League Baseball and the minor leagues. Pitching mounds and home plate covers protect the field from the elements, and for gymnastics, gym floor covers can be used. For MMA or boxing, there are covers for the ring, and for track and field, there are jump pit covers. Industrial Shipping and Hauling For trucks that do industrial shipping and hauling, custom covers come in handy as well. That is true for flatbed and lumber trucks, and also for vehicles used for steel hauling and landscaping. Construction tarps also fall into this category. In that area, you have concrete curing blankets, safety debris netting, building enclosure tarps, and even sandblasting containment tarps. Industrial Curtains Then there are industrial curtains of various kinds that have a variety of uses. Some of these include warehouse divider curtains, outdoor curtains composed of different materials for a multitude of purposes, and mesh or roll-up curtains. There are also wash bay curtains and airplane hanger curtains. Some of these are made of tremendously strong materials, and it takes several people working together even to lift them. Noise Control Curtains There are also curtains used by different industries, most notably construction or demolition, where the purpose is to control or contain loud noises, like drilling or blasting. These curtains and covers are sometimes portable, or sometimes they are permanently installed in locations where industrial work is being done. Fire Retardant Tarps These are tarps that are rarely specific to different industries but are more designed for their fire-smothering capabilities. They are made of vinyl or poly blends that are heavy and durable. Some of them are coated with acrylic or silicone, while others, for things like fiberglass welding, are heat-treated according to highly specialized standards. Wherever safety is a concern as well as the desire to protect expensive equipment and preserve it for as long as possible, protective machine covers have a place. The industries that use these covers understand their value, and they are more than willing to spend on custom-designed materials. They want to keep their employees safe, and they also want their machinery to have as long of working life as possible.
READ MOREDetailsHow To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office
Shipping container offices have given many a quick, long-term, and Eco-friendly approach to making an office space. Today, a lot of people are looking to used containers for their small office needs because they are very affordable, convenient, and already an established setting that can be easily constructed from within. Its popularity comes from their simplistic making of ordering, being delivered to the location, and building right on site. Plus, it doesn’t take long to construct the interior of a container. These steel shipping containers are made to be standard, durable in all settings, and easy to move around. Buyers have to prepare for everything and you want to set it up by the time the shipping container arrives. This involves preparing the doors and windows, insulation, utilities, and flooring. Get a ballpark amount of how much it would cost per square foot; the floor plan and where every little thing should be drawn up, plus plumbing and electrical areas. Making a shipping container into an office requires you to be detailed in your small room because you are making it simple. There are major considerations in this small space; think of the phrase, “Less is more.” You don’t have a lot of room, so don’t get fancy with the furniture and computers. For any office to be workable, you need proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Installing that is a major difference from what the shipping container has because it is built to be airtight in moving goods around. Now, you need to install a perfect unit that can control the temperature inside. For a large container, air ducts can be installed if the container is split up.Air ducts let the air go from one end to the other. Rooftop turbine vents and ceiling exhaust fans can also be installed. These are inexpensive and don’t require a lot of power to keep on running. Then, there is the presentation of your office from the outside where it should not come off as run down and cheap just because you are in a container. The paint job all over prevents the rust from showing. The container needs to be washed to rid of any markings and the more visible rust smoothed out before painting. It has to be as if the container was built as new. The aesthetics are important because it is en vogue for an appealing, younger sector of people who are trying their own business. You have to use your shipper container office like any other room. Home office building can provide the most money and time being saved. There is a lot to think of in creating your new home office. This is still a new trend and there will be skeptics, but the total cost of the entire project is quite easily comparable to a traditional construction in that the shipping container is the way to go. Source: Tiger Containers
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