Category: Guest Author

Why should you choose Home Automation?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

 

Imagination has been the driving force for all the technological developments, which exist around you. In fact, the scientific revolution has its very base on the entity of imagination, and imagination comes from nowhere, but your mind. So, why not imagine a home, where you can control things by a single touch. Imagine a home, which plays music to match your mood, and calms you senses. Imagine a home, where lights get adjusted to your party theme, and you just have to worry about nothing, but enjoyment. All this creations of imagination have now turned real with Home Automation.

What is Home Automation? Home Automation is a concept which involves aggregation of several technologies that convert your ordinary homes into Smart Homes. For instance, when you return home tired from a hard day’s work, you will find it stressful to switch on the lights. All you want to do is slouch over the coach, and listen to your favorite music or watch television. However, the ordinary light switches and the typical television set snatches away this luxury from you.

Security is one of the leading concerns when it comes to protecting your home. Security alarms and locks play a key role in keeping your home secured, but they are not full proof. Similarly, you have to check them each time when you have to leave your home. Moreover, these systems cannot be interfaced together with lights and fire alarms and need individual operation. Now, who will like to worry about each and every alarm and lock when you have a sophisticated system like Control4 at your disposal? Control4 smart home system is a single system which controls home theaters, lighting, temperature, intercom and security in your home. It also provides a variety of controllers like remote, keypad or touch screen. If you are comfortable with handling controllers, then its easy-to-use Android or iPhone app is always a handy option.

Now, what if you want to spend the rest of your weekend enjoying the ambiance and climate of the tropics? You can shirk your worries, and rejuvenate your mind and body by bringing the tropical sunshine and breeze right at your footsteps with Lutron Lighting Automation system. Lutron system from RSI is specially made to address your entertainment needs. It combines together audio, video, security and HVAC and requires simple A/V Installation. This system will give you the privilege of tuning the lights to match the bright sunshine of the tropics, and adjust your air-conditioner to get the touch-and-feel of the tropical winds. The system is highly intuitive to detect the daylight changes and temperature changes and adjusts the indoor environment without you having to touch the controls. So, why not layback and sip your favorite cocktail when you have Lutron to simulate the tropics?

Now imagine a scenario where you have to host a party at home, and your local DJ is running a tight schedule. Now, how do you plan to play the party music, and groove with the beats? For such times, the Steinway Lyngdorf digital sound system is the best. Unlike the other Home Theater systems available in the market, Steinway Lyngdorf is different due to its intuitive playback and music delivery. This system from RSI promises you high performance all the time, with no cracking of speakers or loss of woofer. You can play any kind of music on it, and groove to the tunes played. Moreover, the music can be synced with one of the Lighting Control systems from RSI, and your hall room will get converted into a full-fledged disco. Now, who will like to buy costly disco passes when you can host a disco at your place?

Like these, there are many instances that will challenge your imagination. So, why not convert your imagination to experience comforts into reality by opting for Home Automation systems?

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When Do Renovations Actually Add Value to Houses For Sale?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Two of the most common questions a seller has when they put their house on the market is which home improvements or renovations will actually add resale value and which will end up being a waste of time and money. The answers, of course, may vary from home to home, but there are a few projects that most in the real estate industry would agree a seller should invest in if it’s needed or stay away from if the added value is uncertain. Simple improvements and repairs can go a long way with potential buyers when they are doing a comparison of many houses for sale.

Upgrades That Add the Most Value

Kitchens and bathrooms are known to be the focal point for most buyers when they’re doing their initial walk-throughs of houses for sale, so these are two rooms that should almost always be updated if they demand it. It’s important for kitchens to be clean and have a generally modernized appearance. This can be done by upgrading to brand name, energy-efficient and matching appliances, installing new sink and lighting fixtures and giving the cabinets a facelift. The cleanliness of bathrooms are just as significant as the kitchen, and should also have newer appliances, flooring and paint. If it’s in the budget, adding on another full or half bathroom can lead to an even bigger return.

Outdoor renovations are also usually a good idea since the exterior of your home will be making the first impression on any potential buyers. Your home’s curb appeal can have an extra positive impact on viewers if the landscaping, siding, front door, windows and garage door are all spruced up. In addition, buyers will expect the roof to be in good condition, and if it’s not, it could mean a big chunk of profit that you lose out on in the final sale price.

Upgrades That Can Decrease the Value

The goal for home improvements or renovations is not to put a whole lot more money into them then you’re going to see returned in the sale. It can be confusing for sellers to distinguish what adds or detracts value if they begin to think of their personal preferences and not the buyer. Examples of this can include a swimming pool, garage conversion and luxury upgrades (marble flooring, sunrooms, movie theater, etc.). While some of these features may be at the top of your dream home wish list, they won’t suit everyone that is looking for a new house and can end up being a deterrent.

More Factors That May Influence Value

There are numerous factors that can influence the value of houses for sale, and there is no guarantee on a return no matter which improvements or renovations you invest in. Before you start devoting time and money to any projects, consider a few more circumstances, such as the appearance of other houses in your neighborhood, the age of your home, if the improvements will keep your house in the same price range as others in the same area and if the upgrades will seem out of place with the rest of the home.

To learn more about the general rule of thumb when it comes to making valuable improvements on your house for sale, speak with an experienced real estate agent in Orlando.

About the Author

Tiffany Olson resides in beautiful Northern California and blogs full-time on a variety of topics including home and real estate. When she’s not writing she loves to take weekend road trips, cook, and read.

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Investing In Real Estate

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

There is no better time to invest than now. Investing doesn’t happen after paying the bills or funding your child’s college education – it happens with whatever money you have right now with you.

While investments come in many forms like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, gold buying, and more, there is nothing like real estate to really start a GOOD and stable investment.

Real estate is an investment opportunity. It yields more gain than any other type of investment.

Advantages of Investing in Real Estate

·         Slow Reactions. Other forms of investments crazily fluctuate. It has its share of ups and downs but changes take slowly providing you with time to sell off properties and avoid losses.

·         Large Profit Opportunities. When the market is down, you can buy properties at a lower price. This is a large profit possibility.

·         Leverage. When buying a property, you can borrow money to purchase it! You will not see this leverage with other investment options. You can easily pay this off in installments.

·         Tax Advantages. Real estate investments give investors the chance to save a lot of money of their taxes on their mortgage payments

·         Value Control. You can control the price of your investment! By doing repairs and improvements on the property, the value can be increased. 

Now, are you ready to invest? Here are a few tips:

1.       Remember all investments involve risks. Weigh the pros and cons. Make intelligent choices. Seek help. Trust your instinct. Don’t let the risks scare you from a potential investment but be prepared and responsible for the consequences.

2.       Research. A good way is to obtain information from property management companies. Real estate brokers are good as well, they can advise you on the real estate market of your targeted area.

3.       Know your market. You must buy property according to your requirements and target customers/buyers/renters

4.       Forecast. Think ahead. Keep an eye on lucrative property markets. These usually cost so low before they hit a high when they become in demand or popular. Think of areas where highways, malls, schools, and potential housing units are planned – lock your eyes there.

5.       Assets. Before you buy, make sure it has potential for growth or value. Economic and social factors are weighed in. Do you see the neighborhood getting better? Think about those things.

Orlando Real estate is a long-term investment. With careful research, planning, and forecasting, you will have a very valuable profit in the years ahead.

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Real Estate Purchasing Tips and Guidelines

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

First-time homebuyers of homes tend to miss out on vital clues on the market, thus leading to bad decisions. The following tips will give you the necessary hints to pay attention to so you’ll make your purchase safely and prudently:

  • Check out the prices of homes around the area you’re aiming for. You can do that through a number of easy-to-use websites around the internet. On the other hand, you can contact realtors there the old-fashioned way for more hands-on information.

  • Choose the ones you need based on their affordability. You should do a fair bit of calculation just to make sure you have your finances checked out and on track.

  • One thing you need to focus on is the total price of the housing costs you need to cover each month. If you want to get a good feel of the sum you’ll have to deal with you should calculate the taxes and insurance as well. Depending on the area of the property you’re going for you may have to deal with taxes and insurance that outweigh the mortgage itself so keep your eyes open. Focus on checking properties in an area where you plan on living or buying and call up a local insurance company for an estimate that fits. It would be a good idea to have some information on what you’ll be dealing with once you have your property. There may be ways to take advantage of exemptions and tax laws so make sure you never miss that crucial step.

  • Check out how much you’ll need to pay when you’re closing the costs. The costs of settling should also figure into your calculations. This means you’ll need to cover fees such as settlement, Orlando homeowners insurance, taxes and lender fees as well as the title. Do a bit of research on the subject as these may have changed in time.

  • Check your budget and decide how your new house fits into all of it. Make sure you settle some money aside so you won’t have to deal with financial fallout if things go out of hand with expenses.

  • Talk to real estate agents in your area about the possible changes in the local market. You might get some very useful information that way so you’ll get to find a good reason to buy the property you need.

  • In the end you’ll need to have a solid plan that encompasses the entirety of the picture you’re dealing with. Although purchasing a property might be a great way to settle down, it also has its costs and labor involved. Make sure you keep these upkeep costs in mind and stay focused while you draw your plans.

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Five Things To Have In Place Before Buying A Modular Home

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Among the various housing innovations we’ve been witnessing of late, a modular home is the one trend that has seen quite a rise in popularity. And, why not? It’s faster to set up, cheaper than the usual house, and has high-quality control. It’s never a loss to consider a modular home as a worthy contender and a reliable option. However, before you actually make the purchase, here are five things you need to have in place first.

Finances

Finance

While it may still be a home for you, financial institutions view the whole modular home affair a little differently. The usual housing loan regulations and conditions don’t apply. Therefore, extra care needs to be taken. Check the percentage of interest they have for manufactured homes. Often, it happens that the salesman will tell you a different interest rate or percent of the deposit, whereas the bank will have an entirely different limit.  It’s best to have this sorted first and foremost; because you don’t want any confusion when you’ve finally gotten all your precious money in place. Detailed research and inquiry is essential here.

Land

First FEMA modular homes arrive in Joplin

For a manufactured/modular home, the land where you place the home is the ultimate deal-breaker or maker. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually save a lot of money, if you make the right land-buying decision. In most cases, you get to buy the land along with the modular home, which is a far better deal than buying the two separately. The percentage of down payment, as well as the rate of interest, is much lower than how much you would shell out for each of them individually. In addition, you also save up on expenses of moving the house from the manufacturing point to the property.

Energy star

Zome house using solar heating built near Corrales, New Mexico..., 04/1974

With all the time and money you’re going to save, why not try to save the environment a little too? An energy star home is always a good investment. You get to save energy costs in the long run, you may get a rebate from the power company (because, environmental consciousness is always encouraged) and you get an energy-efficient home, which is a pretty cool thing.

Upgrade

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It’s your home, or at least it is going to be, so don’t hesitate to lend it your personal touch and upgrade whatever you feel needs upgrading. You can discuss with the salesperson as to what are the things you want to see in your new home. Of course, there’ll be a higher price to pay for it, but sometimes you just need it. Things like insulation, plumbing, vents, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, and roof are a few of the most upgraded things in a modular home. These changes become necessary not only to improve the looks but also to turn it into a home you can live in till you get old.

Sign and document everything

Just like you would document everything while buying a usual home, modular homes require perfect documentation too. Get copies of the loan agreement, warranties, rent payment receipts mobile home title, property contracts etc. While applying for the loan, it’s best to have about three to four copies of everything that you’re submitting. Most importantly, have the place insured. Don’t forget to read the fine print and keep a track of everything you’ll be made to sign. It may seem like a lot of work, but you know it’s worth it.

If you are eager to have a house of your own as soon as possible and want maximum upgrades for far lesser prices, a modular home is the one option you should not forget to consider. Having said that, don’t forget to do as much research and asking around as possible.

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