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Real Estate

Top Checks You Should Consider Today To Ensure Safety In Your Property

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It’s important to feel safe and secure in your home, so you should take the time to identify ways of increasing protection. From checking moisture levels to ensuring door security, today we will cover a few different checks you should consider when you want to improve the safety of your property. This will give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should and you may even be able to increase the value of your property.

Moisture Levels

Controlling moisture levels in your property is crucial so that you can prevent mould from growing in your home. Although mould is quite common, it can cause harm to your health, so you should be careful when removing it. If you have noticed mould on your walls or ceilings, it’s important to get to the root of the issue. This is because getting rid of mould will require a lot of work and it might also be costly to deal with. Moreover, excessive moisture may also attract rodents, which can be another major health hazard. To find out if there is too much moisture in your property, be sure to check for condensation on the windows and ensure there is enough ventilation around the property.

Fire Safety

There are many things you can do to protect your home from fire. For example, you can arrange a fire alarm test to ensure that everything is working properly. At Trade Facilities Services, you can find out more about how a fire alarm test can help you improve fire safety. You will also learn more about fire alarm inspections and what you will need to do before an electrician arrives. Upon completion of your fire alarm test, you will be given a fire alarm certificate, which you should keep in a safe place. Getting your systems checked by skilled electricians, such as the ones at Trade Facilities Services, will ensure that any problems can be detected as soon as possible.

Roof Inspections

Regular roof inspections are the best way to ensure there is no roof damage on your property. This way, you can identify any potential problems early on so that they can be fixed before they turn into more serious issues. Not only can roof inspections save you time and money, but they are also essential for safety purposes. A well-maintained roof provides a variety of benefits, as it can help you ensure that everyone who lives in the property is safe. If any problems occur, the people who live in the property are always the first ones to suffer the consequences.

Door Security

Another key factor to consider is the safety of your external doors. It might be beneficial to install new doors, that are made with solid, heavy-duty material. In terms of your locking mechanisms, you may want to upgrade from a standard lock to a multi-point locking system. Due to technological advancements, it’s now possible to use smart locks, which can be controlled using your smartphone. They are also designed to lock automatically as soon as you leave the property.

Simple Tips To Follow When You Are Looking For The Best Real Estate Agent

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Real estate transactions here in the UK or any other country for that matter are lengthy, complex, and time-consuming processes. This is the reason why you should always seek help from real estate agents when you are trying to sell your home, buy a home or rent a property you already own.

Since the internet is packed with real estate agents and agencies who claim to be the best, how can you choose the one that can meet your unique needs?

Well, that is easy.

All you would have to do is follow the tips mentioned below and you will be sorted –

Make sure that the agent or agency is backed by class-leading credentials

Wirral estate agents or any other professional associated with the real estate sector has to be a member of ‘The Property Ombudsman Scheme’ in case they want to legally carry out their business in the UK. In case the professional or agency you have selected is not a member of the aforementioned scheme then you won’t be able to launch a complaint against them in case of a mishap.

Furthermore, you should also make sure that the real estate agent or agency that you have chosen is also a member of the following renowned organisations –

  • NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents)
  • Guild of Property Professionals
  • RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Invite all shortlisted agents to appraise your property

After you have shortlisted the real estate agents or agencies, ask each professional or agency representative on separate days to come and appraise your property.

Now, your initial motive could be to choose an agent that offers you the highest price for your property but that would be an unwise decision. You see, a real estate agent who can offer their expertise all the while making sure that their appraisals and work are backed by fairness and honesty should be the ideal pick.

Hence, proceed with caution.

Make sure that the agent or the agency has been in the sector for a while

You must hire a real estate agent or an agency that has been in the business of helping their clients to buy, sell or rent the latter’s respective properties for a while.

It is a known fact that experience matters the most when you are looking for guaranteed results from a professional hired to help you in sensitive matters such as a real estate transaction. Hence, if you want to make sure that the real estate agent will not leave you out in the open, hung to dry, just remember to hire a professional or an agency that has been in the real estate sector for at least 5 years.

Apart from following the tips mentioned above, also make sure that the real estate agent or agency you have chosen to help you with your real estate transaction will be advertising your property in both traditional as well as digital mediums. Furthermore, also make sure that a representative of the real estate agent will be present on-site when buyers or tenants will be coming in to view your property. For more details about how a real estate agent or agency can help you with your real estate transactions, click here.

Is it a good idea to invest in real estate and buy a house in 2020?

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This is the year for the presidential election in the United States. What makes it even more interesting is whether Trump will be re-elected into office or not. The intensity of this year’s election will generate instability in the real estate market. So the best time to buy a house would be during the first half of the year before the political campaigns.

The markets look different every year; several factors determine whether you will get an excellent deal for the homes in real estate or not. If you are keen on the market factors that influence the real estate industry and invest at the right time, then you might save millions of dollars.

The big question is, will the year 2020 be the year to make that real estate investment that will save you millions? 

“One of the questions I get asked is if 2020 will be a great year to invest in real estate?” The CEO of a real estate listing based in New York said in an interview. So many consumers are speculating on how the real estate industry will be in 2020.

Buyers will dictate the market.

signing a document
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Unlike other years where sellers have the upper hand while negotiating for the houses, this year will be different. The supply for homes has gone up; many people are looking to sell their properties, while at the same time, the demand has gone down. So it means that buyers will have the upper hand while negotiating for houses. Real estate companies such as UpNest will see a rise because sellers and buyers will be looking for a platform where they can get connected and get great deals. The amount the buyer is paying upfront will be lower compared to other years, and the mortgage will offer homes buyers a better deal. So 2020 will be a great year to invest in real estate. 

The Coronavirus Crisis.

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At first, everybody thought that the impact of coronavirus would be felt in the short run. It seems that the virus is only spreading by the day, and real estate is not the only industry that has been affected. For example, the cryptocurrency market opposingly benefits from the crisis and people buy BNB, Bitcoins, Litecoins etc. more and more the further it goes. So it is fair to say that the coronavirus effect has hit every sector around the world. 

Mortgage rates have hit the lowest due to the coronavirus crisis and banks and lenders have reduced the interest rates to encourage home buyers to invest. This is the kind of situation that every buyer should take advantage of, even though nobody knows when the coronavirus scare will end. If the mortgages are charging low-interest rates, it means that every home buyer can make one hell of a deal in 2020, a deal where they will pay a lower interest rate and maybe pay a lower upfront fee while buying the house.

China is the country that has been affected the most by the coronavirus, but the same effect has rippled into the United States Real Estate Company. Some of the biggest home buyers in the United States are actually from China, so it means that the demand for homes has declined, and this has led to the decline in interest rates to encourage home buyers to make their offers.

5 Trends in Commercial Real Estate In 2018

The commercial real estate market is very dynamic. These changes dictate the needs of customers that need to be catered for by real estate investors. Investors that don’t embrace these changes are bound to fail with a thud. As a matter of fact, the impact of emerging trends in 2018 is felt all around the sector. Although the majority of trends last only for a few years, there are some that have passed the test of time. Despite the fact that there are many trends in the marketplace, a real investor must choose the changes that matter the most to potential buyers. On the other hand, a property that comes with the latest trends will command a higher price tag. Below is a list of trends that will shape real estate in 2018.

Commercial real estate

  1. Online Presence Still Wins

It’s obvious that there is stiff competition among real estate developers. This is because new entrants will continue to flood the market. However, it’s the brands that are seen the most that will continue to attract more customers. In fact, most real estate companies will continue to optimize their websites to increase their chances of coming first in the search engine results.

The buyers have also embraced the internet as a reliable source of house deals. In this day and age, buyers are no longer searching for homes in newspaper classifieds. They prefer to use the internet to check the latest listings in real time. The advantage of using the internet is that buyers and sellers can get information at the click of a button.

  1. Social Networks are here to Stay

Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest will continue to be used as the main channels of marketing. This is because they offer unlimited opportunities to create awareness of a brand. The advantage of social networks is that they provide a ready market for products and services. In 2018, more and more agents and property managers will continue to use social networks to market their services. Besides that, the potential customers will be alerted about new listings via social networks. Facebook, in particular, will remain as the undisputed champion because it has the highest number of users.

  1. Smart Homes will Rule the Market

Smart homes have actually become a phenomenon. Buyers now want homes that come with smart security features such as doorbells, surveillance cameras and lights. At the moment, smart homes are a preserve of the rich. But the situation is bound to change as these features become available in houses that are reserved for low-income earners and middle class. Investors that target middle class will incorporate these features into their properties in an attempt to get an edge over their competitors.

  1. More Niche Sellers on Board

2018 will see more sellers in real estate making a niche for themselves. The agents that sell everything in the sector will be phased out. At the moment there are already agents, investors and brokers that target rich customers. This bunch of professionals sell houses that are worth a million dollars to celebrities and politicians. Besides that, there are sellers that strictly deal in affordable houses. This has made it easier for buyers to find the kind of properties that they are interested in.

  1. Generation Z has Landed

Just so you may know, generation z refers to people that came into this planet not earlier than 1995 onwards. The number of customers that fall into this category is rising every day. In fact, the majority of generation z are still pursuing further studies in colleges and universities. Real estate investors have actually recognized their arrival and they have already started developing properties that are tailored to their specific needs.

 

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Best Cities to Invest in Real Estate Right Now

The housing market is once again on the rise, so now is the time to invest in real estate. If you want to become a landlord, choosing the right city is key to attracting quality tenants and making a profit. The perfect city has a strong economy, robust employment rate, a rising population, and a thriving culture. These are the top cities in the US to invest in right now.

San Diego

If you want to move to southern California but can’t afford the exorbitant housing prices in Los Angeles, drive a hundred miles south to San Diego. America’s Finest City has on average 146 sunny days a year, including fall and winter. San Diego hosts a growing technology and biotech sector that’s adding jobs for engineers, chemists, researchers, biologists, and medical practitioners. Rent is competitive in San Diego, so landlords can keep their rentals full all year.

2 people sitting on the grass looking out over the water - Best cities in the US to invest in real estate

Chicago

Chicago remains a popular city for the young and old alike. Young people flock to Chicago for its diversified economy, which includes finance, energy, manufacturing, business services, and information technology. The Windy City is also known for its varied culture, including improvisational comedy, hip-hop, and soul music. Rent is rising rapidly, so owning a rental can give you big returns.

Memphis

Memphis is a city bustling with young people looking to rent and buy property. Considered the birthplace of rock and roll and the blues, Memphis is a hub for artists of all types. It’s also known for its southern food, namely fried chicken and barbecue.  With more young people moving to Memphis, there’s an increase in job opportunities. This makes it an excellent place to rent-out property.

Detroit

Once known as an impoverished city, Detroit’s job market is growing rapidly. Young artists, manufacturers, and business owners are moving to Detroit for its cheap housing prices. While Detroit’s economy is still recovering, investing in a property now can pull in profit later as it appreciates in value. Looking to buy from out of state? Get a commercial bridge loan and apply it to your new property as you make the transition to the Motor City.

Orlando

The theme park capital of the world is one of the South’s most bustling industries. Fueled by a robust tourism market, Orlando remains a hot spot that brings in business from across the country and overseas. Rental rates in Orlando have grown twice as fast as other US cities, and the market continues to grow. Sunny weather, endless entertainment, beautiful beaches, and scenic views make Orlando one of the most attractive places to live.

Atlanta

Atlanta is home to the U.S. headquarters of world-renowned companies like Delta Air Lines, SunTrust Bank, Coca-Cola, and CNN. It’s also leading the nation in energy and auto manufacturing in addition to being a heavy-hitter in the film and aerospace industry. As the home of over 66 colleges and universities, millennials come and stay in Atlanta for the scenic views, affordable living, and diverse economy. Manageable entry prices and declining vacancy rates make it the perfect place for landlords to invest in rental property.

Tall buildings, a line of trees and the buildings reflected in the water

Minneapolis

The Twin Cities have become a popular spot for home investors who can’t compete in more expensive cities. Renters are moving there too because of a booming economy. Minneapolis is home to five Fortune 500 companies, it’s the largest center of commerce between Seattle and Chicago. Their strongest business sectors include banking, education, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, publishing, and technology. Its scenic chain of lakes, bike paths, and parks make it one of the most beautiful cities in the Midwest.

Denver

Denver is one of the fastest-growing large cities. It’s known for its diverse job market, including private aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and bioscience. Denver also has one of the highest concentration of millennials in the country, which makes it the perfect spot to own rental property.

 

Investing in real estate can be a highly profitable venture. If you’re ready to jump into the housing market, consider buying in these cities.

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