5 Ways to Refresh Your Space

October 26, 2021 by Lisa Jones Posted in Property Insurance

With springtime comes a sense of renewal, and a desire to clean, organize and refresh – especially if you’re spending a lot of time at home. Get your creative gears turning, and whip your space into shape. You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook.

1. Embrace natural light

Create the feel of windows with large mirrors. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

With warmer days comes more sun, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine light the way. The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.

Don’t have many windows? Fake it by using large mirrors to reflect light and brighten up your room. Bonus: mirrors also give the illusion of a bigger space, making your home feel brighter, larger and clearer.

2. Give your furniture a clean slate

All-white furniture creates a spring vibe in a living room. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

Spring is the perfect time to break out all of your lighter and cooler clothes – and this also goes for furniture. A white, beige or light gray couch is the perfect nesting spot.

Light neutral chairs set the tone, reflect light and keep you from getting too warm. If desired, you can keep these pieces out year-round to invoke springtime memories and stave off wintertime blues when skies are gray. If you don’t want to commit to white furniture, invest in slipcovers that you can use seasonally and remove once colder temperatures return.

3. Let nature be your guide

Wickers and wovens are materials that work through spring and well into summer. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

Incorporate lightweight natural materials into your decor – think wicker, woven baskets, light wood grain and cotton curtains. Keep it airy and light, leaning on nature to inspire you.

Switch out heavy blankets for summery throws, and pack away heavy, dark decor items in favor of woven baskets paired with colorful or nature-inspired accessories. By adding earthy materials to your home, you invoke nature inside and out for a fresh and renewed feel.

4. Pack some punch with pops of color

Spring is the perfect time to ditch all those moody blacks and grays of winter, and trade them in for something a bit cheerier. Oranges, pinks, yellows, purples, blues and greens are all colors that recall spring and sunshine. Pick your favorite hue from the rainbow and run with it. Try a few peachy throw pillows, springy green candles or periwinkle decorative bowls.

Step out of your comfort zone and try a bold statement, or keep it cool with subtle hints of something you know you love. You’ll be surprised how much your mood lifts when you’re surrounded by a sea of pretty shades.

5. Go green and breathe deep

Adding potted plants, bouquets of flowers and herb gardens to your home is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Not only do they provide beautiful focal points and improve your mood, they also give off little hits of oxygen – so breathe deep.

Hit up your local farmer’s market for pretty blooms on the cheap, or grow herbs in windowsill pots. And for all those black thumbs out there, faux plants will still give off a fresh green look, but without all the hassle and maintenance.

Whether you’re looking to freshen up a couple of rooms in your house or overhaul your whole space, there are easy steps you can take to get your home spring-ready. Give yourself a new outlook and a fresh perspective by taking the time to rejuvenate your space and your mindset.

From mixing up colors to looking to nature for inspiration, you can completely transform your home into a sunny, light and airy space.

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Originally published March 2016

‘Where Should I Keep My …?’: Solving the Ultimate Small Space Dilemmas

October 26, 2021 by Lisa Jones Posted in Life Insurance

When you’re in a small space – especially if you’re sharing it with others, and you’re spending a lot more time there than you ever have before – you’ve probably come to realize that square footage is something to be savored, not squandered. If things are feeling a little crowded, this may be a good time to assess your organization methods.

Whatever your hobby or collection, there’s an organizational hack to help you store it. Here are some clever storage tricks for six of the toughest, bulkiest space-takers you may own.

Offseason wardrobe

Tuck those bulky winter sweaters (or shorts and flip-flops) in plastic bins under your bed. If your bed’s too close to the ground, lift it up with sturdy wood blocks. Even a few extra inches create enough space for a sizable storage container.

If elevating the bed isn’t an option, maximize your closet space with a few sets of cascading hangers. Put blouses on one set and T-shirts on another, and you’ll most likely double your closet space.

Extra linens

Extra pillows, comforters, and bedsheets are great for guests, but not so great for your small space. Try vacuum storage bags – stack your items inside, and use your vacuum cleaner to remove the air. Your items will shrink significantly so you can store them under your bed or on a shelf.

Shoe collection

A burgeoning shoe collection can take on a life of its own if not properly corralled. Take it back to dorm-room days with an over-the-door shoe organizer. These college favorites are popular for a reason – they store a dozen pairs of shoes or more, plus scarves, baseball caps, belts and chunky necklaces.

Bikes

Bikes can be one of the most difficult belongings to stash, especially if you don’t have a deck, garage or basement. Try installing a strong hook in the wall, and hang your bike by the front tire. Pro: It’s a great way to get the bike off the floor. Con: It still protrudes into the room.

For a less invasive option, hang your bike flush against the wall – like you’re hanging a piece of art. The hardware can be as simple as two wooden dowels that support the bike’s horizontal bar. (Just make sure you anchor the supports in the wall’s studs so they can hold the weight.)

Exercise equipment

An inflatable exercise ball is a great workout aid – and a real space suck. You could always deflate it, but the hassle probably isn’t worth it. So, why not get creative and make it a usable piece of furniture?

Repurpose medium or large exercise balls as dining room chairs, and store them under the dining table when you’re done.

No room for a dining table? The bike trick applies here, too. Install a couple of dowels high up on the wall, and set the ball there until you’re ready for a crunch session.

Decorations and keepsakes

Have a collection of things you just can’t get rid of? Maybe old photo albums, holiday decorations or crafting supplies? Strategically placed shelves are your storage lifesaver when seeking space for infrequently used items.

There’s often a wealth of unused space above and behind your hung clothing in bedroom and hallway closets. While shelves in these locations may require a footstool or flashlight to access, it won’t matter if you only need the items a few times a year.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

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Originally published August 2017

DIY Floor Installation Tips That Can Help You Get Your Floors Installed Right

October 4, 2021 by Cristina Hart Posted in Real estate

Rising real estate investment in residential property has seen significant demand for professional floor installers. In 2021, the floor installation industry in the US grew by 5.4%. Experts predict that the installed market will increase by 3.2% by 20 1923. When it comes to installing flooring, you should possess basic skills, expertise, and tools to get the job done right.

Some of the tools needed when installing flooring include an adhesive gun, floor planer, sweep, buffer, bucket, and a trowel. You will also need these tools when preparing for the installation: scissors, knives, rags, sponges, mop, water, dustpan, and a rug. You may also need some additional equipment such as nails, hammers, cement, screwdrivers, an electric drill, rotary tool, a level, and a hand saw. Once the floor installation services contract is signed, you can hire sub-contractors who can take on the project as needed.

Most of the time, floor installers have an installation date fixed before starting work. If you are hiring a floor contractor to install your hardwood or laminate flooring, then you should be aware of the installation date. This is especially important if you are going to have someone construct the room over your existing hardwood floor. To protect your investment, make sure that you know exactly how much work will be required before starting your project.

When you hire professional floor contractors to install your ceramic tile or hardwood flooring, make sure that you are given a list of sample planks. Ask for samples of different planks so you will be able to choose the best one for your home. Make sure that you get a planks that are made from the same material as the floor covering you want to install. By getting a good idea of the different types of planks available, you will be able to get the perfect piece for your home. When you receive your planks in the mail, inspect them immediately for damages and flaws that could cause damage to the floor you want to cover.

Most people worry about the quality of their new floorings after they are installed. The problem with ceramic tiles and wood floors is that they are highly susceptible to moisture. There is a possibility that you could accidentally spill drinks on the floor. Even when you are careful to prevent spills on the floor, there is still a chance that a drop or two may land on your newly installed hardwood floor. If the damage is not contained in one area, it can affect the entire floor. Therefore, a floor installation process may be started in one location and then completed throughout the house.

A professional installer will be able to offer advice on how best to deal with any issues that you encounter with your floor. When you have your floor laid, the installer will probably be able to protect your floor by installing special tools that protect it from moisture and scratches. You should avoid placing heavy objects on top of your hardwood floors. However, if you must, place heavy objects on top of the tile, such as a picture frame. If the vinyl flooring installation process leaves scratches on your floor, a professional installer can use special tools to fill the scratches in the tile.

You may not have the experience or the money necessary to hire a professional installation project. In this case, you should purchase unfinished diy floor installation products. The price of unfinished products is often cheaper than that of finished products. You should make sure to buy a good amount of these products because you will need them. This will allow you to complete a DIY floor installation project in a matter of hours. It will also allow you to practice your skills at installing vinyl flooring.

DIY flooring installation projects are great ways to save money and get a beautiful floor in your home. However, you should not take any chances. Make sure that you hire experienced installers who have installed a variety of different floor types before. If you try to go it alone, then you could end up with a floor that is not in shape when the job is done. Hire a professional flooring installer today!

10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

September 24, 2021 by Lisa Jones Posted in Life Insurance

>You’re ready to buy your very first home! Congratulations on making this next step in your life. It comes with a bundle of emotions—you’re excited, anxious, and perhaps a little nervous all at the same time. At Taylor Morrison, we get it. We’re not just a homebuilder, we’re a resource that’s here for you every step of the way. Here’s 10 tips to keep your very first homebuying experience stress-free.

1. Know What You Can Afford

It’s fun to dream big, just don’t go head over heels for something that’s out of your league. Pre-qualify before you start looking. That way you’ll have a realistic idea of what you can borrow and a better grip on your bargaining power. Try this mortgage calculator free.

2. Check Your Credit

Blemishes on your credit can drag down your score and make it more difficult to qualify for today’s low mortgage interest rates. You’re entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.

3. Read Up On Lending Programs

There’s an alphabet soup of loan options, but most are either fixed rate for the life of the loan or adjustable (moving up or down based on national rates). Other variables include length of the loan. The down payment (cash up front) your need will vary by loan program. Know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

4. Make a List

Can’t live without a big backyard or a three-car garage? Mad about a media room? Decide your must-haves and what you can be flexible about ahead of time. Making lists of mandatories and like-to-haves will make it easier for you to evaluate the homes you look at.

5. Study Up

It’s never been easier to find critical information before you buy. You can research neighborhood and community resale values, crime rates, livability ratings, schools and proximity to the things that matter to you. Remember, the cheapest home in a great location will ultimately be of better value than an expensive home in an undesirable area.

6. Keep Score

Use your lists and research to keep score of the homes you tour. Assign numerical values to must-have and like-to-have features. Make notes of the various pros and cons of each home.

7. Weigh Price/Payments Against Interest Rates

Over time, a lower interest rate can end up saving you thousands of dollars – perhaps even enough to offset the initial higher price and monthly payments.

8. Consider the Hidden Costs

Be sure to factor in extra costs such as private mortgage insurance, HOA and other community fees, closing costs, points and property taxes.

9. New or Used?

If you’re buying an older home, you’ll also want to give a great deal of thought to cost of repairs. Replacing the roof, electrical rewiring and new plumbing can quickly turn a bargain into a money pit. With a new home, you’ll have the advantage of a builder’s warranty as well as manufacturers’ warranties on products in your home.

10. Do You Love It?

After all the practical factors and logical aspects have been considered, give some weight to your emotions. Will you wake up happy to live here? Will you look forward to coming home every day? If the answer is yes, then you’re in love!

The post 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers appeared first on Second House on the Right.

How to Sell My House Fast

August 3, 2021 by Cristina Hart Posted in Real estate

Do you need to sell my house fast? The real estate market is depressed all over the country, with many people blaming the economic downturn of recent years. If you need to sell my house fast, you’re not alone! We Buy Cash is here to help you! Many people who have bought houses in the past are looking to sell their homes as quickly as possible to get out from under mortgage payments, credit card debt, and other expenses affecting their ability to pay property taxes, utilities and maintain the quality of life their lives.

If you need to sell your house fast, you can sell your home all on your own, saving you the fees often associated with using a real estate agent. You will close the deal on your schedule in as short as seven days or even as long as several months. You have all the flexibility to sell your house according to your terms, whether you accept a fair cash offer, rent to own, or another arrangement. Your home will be sold according to your wishes, not someone else’s. Your transaction will be completely private.

You may feel more comfortable selling your house fast if repairs aren’t needed, such as roofing, carpeting, and minor appliances, and landscaping is in excellent condition. However, these repairs will need to be paid for in full before the transaction closes. A real estate agent will be able to provide assistance with the cost of these repairs, and the home selling price.

On the other hand, hiring a real estate agent will help get cash quickly for repairs that you don’t need. They can also help you find qualified buyers for properties that are in excellent condition but aren’t selling because of small repairs. Real estate agents can also provide valuable information about other available homes, so you don’t have to spend hours on the phone looking for a suitable home to sell. They can guide you to potential homes, saving you both time and money on the process of selling the home yourself.

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when selling their homes is waiting until there is so much damage that they don’t want to let it go. Many homeowners feel that these houses need a lot of work, but they aren’t willing to take the time to do it themselves. If you wait too long to make repairs, then potential buyers are going to pass on the property. This is why you should always consult with a professional before making any permanent changes to the property.

A good real estate agent will be able to give you an idea of the market value of your property. They will be able to tell if it is a good time to sell, based on the current state of the market. A fair price can be agreed upon without causing damage to your house or having to compromise the condition of your rooms. When you are working with a qualified agent, they can take the time to help you find a home that meets your needs at a price that you can live with.

The fastest way to sell my house fast is by hiring a Realtor who can make the entire process painless for you. There is no reason to spend months trying to get a buyer to agree to buy the property when it is so easy to do so in the shortest time possible. An experienced real estate agent will know the market well and be able to help you find a home that is worth as much as possible. They can show your house to multiple buyers and help you reach an agreement with the highest percentage in the shortest time possible.

No matter what type of real estate problem you are facing, a professional will be able to help. Whether you need a foreclosure, need to sell because you bought a lien on the wrong property or need a home buyers market, a Realtor can help. With their knowledge, experience, and their ability to work quickly, they can help you sell my house fast and get rid of your foreclosure or other problems quickly. The sooner you sell my house fast the sooner you can move on with your life.

Naming Your Beneficiaries on Your Life Insurance Policy

June 25, 2021 by Edwin Stack Posted in Life Insurance Tagged insurance companies, insurer, life insurance, life insurance policy, policyholder

A policyholder is a person named in a policy. If you have an insurance agreement or policy, you’re a policyholder and technically known as the policyholder. You might own a policy that names someone else as your insured, but you are still a policyholder. So technically, you’re insured even if the person named on the policy is not you or the person you called on the policy. The only difference is that you should have read the agreement or policy well enough that you understand the difference between being insured and being a policyholder.

Some policies have an optional policy rider. A policy rider is an additional feature that you can add to your policy at any time. It’s designed to supplement or make more affordable a specific part of your coverage. The most common optional policy rider is the death benefit. With a death benefit, your family will get the death benefit if you die. This is a great way to save money when you have a Life Insurance Policy with a term commitment.

Some other optional policy riders are replacement cost and accelerated payment. With a replacement cost rider, your life insurance policy pays out the exact amount no matter what age you die. With an accelerated payment, the insurance company pays your beneficiaries an amount equal to the difference in your premium and the current market value of your policy within a certain period. The beneficiary doesn’t need to know that you’re alive with either rider if you decide not to payout the death benefit.

Another type of optional policy rider is the terminal illness rider. Terminal illness means that you don’t need to make payments on your policy. If you become ill and unable to work, you don’t have to worry about making your scheduled premiums. Instead, your beneficiaries will be given extra financial support until they find employment and can pay the outstanding balance of your life insurance policy.

One more optional policy rider lets you skip making premiums payments until your policy dies. The term “term” means a specified period of time. If you decide to skip making premiums payments during this period, your policy will be canceled and the insurance company won’t pay out. However, it’s important to note that the insurance company will still honor your claim if your policyholder becomes deceased during the specified term. In addition, the insurance contract doesn’t necessarily need to specify the cause of your policyholder’s death. It could be accidental or suicide.

A final optional rider that lets you skip making premiums payments for your policy is a guaranteed issue rider. A guaranteed issue means that your policy will automatically be added to your beneficiaries’ accounts as long as your policyholder hasn’t died. This ensures that you’ll always have enough funds to pay your expenses after your policyholder passes away. However, keep in mind that if you don’t have sufficient funds in your beneficiaries’ accounts when your policyholder dies, then your policy will be immediately terminated.

As mentioned earlier, with many life insurance policies you can specify several different beneficiaries. However, some policies only allow you to designate one primary beneficiary. If you’re unsure what type of beneficiary you should choose, you should always list everyone on your policy. This is the same as naming several people as co-owners of your business or estate. The benefit of doing so is that you’ll always know exactly who your beneficiaries are and how much money they’ll receive upon your policyholder’s death.

As you can see, there are several different ways to name your beneficiaries on your life insurance policy. You need to consider the needs of your beneficiary and your policyholder when naming a beneficiary. You also need to keep your insurance policy in good standing and updated in order to ensure the best interests of your family, while also providing financial protection for your beneficiary. After you’ve named a beneficiary and reviewed your policy documents, make sure to keep good records of all medical and funeral expenses and you should be good to go! Remember that your named beneficiary is the person who will receive whatever your policyholder has already paid.

How to Sell Luxury Real Estate?

May 22, 2021 by Lisa Jones Posted in Real estate

If you are in the business of buying and selling luxury real estate, you know that this is one of the most competitive markets you will ever find yourself in. The market is huge and is full of buyers. It is also priced extremely high. There are many reasons for this. We’ll talk about some of these in today’s article.

The market is a seller’s market. Luxury real estate properties, even those around a while, can be hard to sell because of the difficulty of getting top dollar. Sellers often take less than half of what they have offered, sometimes less. This makes selling a property nearly impossible.

People who know how to sell luxury real estate must have a way to find these properties at bargain prices. In other words, they must know how to find the gems. This is not an easy task. Some luxury real estate owners are looking to sell their properties in order to move up in the listings. They are willing to go below list price in order to accomplish this goal.

How do you locate these gems? Most luxury real estate property is owned by someone who does not want it sold. It belongs to someone who wants to cash in on its appreciation. You cannot sell a luxury property without the permission of the current owner. If you do not have this power yourself, then you need to hire an agent or a broker. A broker will make this sale possible.

If you know how to sell luxury real estate, you may have access to the market when others do not. When times are slow, people are much more choosy about where they invest their money. When you can sell property quickly, you have instant leverage. This gives you the ability to take advantage of slow market conditions and make huge profits off of properties that would otherwise sit on the market for months.

The key to learning how to sell luxury real estate is finding the right location to target. Once you have found a property that is in high demand, you need to think about how you are going to advertise it. Do you think that putting a sign in the window of a newspaper is a good idea? Probably not.

In recent years, many people have purchased luxury real estate in order to rent it out to lower income families. Luxury homes can fetch a higher price when they are listed in good locations. They also have a better chance of selling if they are properly maintained. These properties tend to sell quickly when they are properly advertised.

Another way of looking at the question of how to sell luxury real estate is to figure out what you are willing to pay for the property. Are you willing to pay a slightly higher price to get the house? Would you be willing to pay double or triple the price in order to get a top of the line home? These are things that you need to consider before you make an offer on a home. The market will likely change when it’s time to sell. The best thing that you can do is to find a good realtor that can help you figure out what the current market is doing.

Now that you know how to sell luxury real estate, it is time to start contacting those that you would like to buy from. Call around and ask each of your friends what they are interested in owning. It’s important that you don’t end up being the person that brings the buyer and the seller to the negotiating table. You always want to set up a good working relationship with your agent. If they know that you are serious about wanting to sell luxury real estate, they will work hard to get you the best deal possible. Your agent will take care of all the details including advertising the home in the local newspaper and making offers on the property.

How to sell luxury real estate also includes working on the marketing part of the transaction. You need to come up with an aggressive marketing plan. Luxury homes usually sell very quickly and it is important to be able to show the home in its best light to as many potential buyers as possible. The agent will take care of all the details for you including placing ads in the newspaper and making brochures and flyers that can be used by potential buyers. Your real estate agent should be able to give you examples of successful real estate marketing strategies.

Once you learn how to sell luxury real estate, you may need some professional help. This can be done through a variety of different methods, including advertisements in newspapers and putting up signs in front of properties that you have identified as possible investments. These methods can be costly, though, so you may want to look into financing options to help make the transactions as smooth as possible. Working with a financing company can help you get low-interest rates on any loans you may need for the purchase of the property you are looking at buying. A loan company can make the process much smoother because they already know the type of mortgage available for you and have worked out the numbers to ensure that you will be able to pay it off once you have made the purchase.