The Benefits of Owning an Older Home

Author: Connor R Sullivan
Source: ezinearticles.com

When you begin shopping for a home, you may have an idea in mind of exactly what you are looking for. While it can be helpful to be prepared and know what you want, it can also be a problem if you are unable to find what you want. Most real estate agents and those familiar with house hunting will tell you there is no perfect home and those looking for the home of their dreams will need to compromise. If you are unwilling to lift a finger other than paying your mortgage, this may be true. You probably will not find exactly what you want and you will need to sacrifice a few things to get a home that is at the least, tolerable. For instance, you may be looking for a house with three bathrooms and bedrooms, a fireplace, hardwood floors, an in-ground pool, and central air conditioning. This is a lengthy wish list, and you might find that as you search, depending on your budget, you will need to scratch off a few things.

To get the bedrooms and bathrooms, you might need to get a home with carpet or without a pool. You can choose an option like a modular home and this will give you the option of designing something a little closer to what you want. Custom modular homes can be located on land just about anywhere you want it, and many of the features you may be looking for can be built into the style of home you choose. However, this option may not work for everyone. If you would rather search for an existing home instead of having one built, consider finding an older home for a lower price that you can truly make your own.

Buying an older home is a big commitment but it works for a lot of families. Taking something that has good bones and is in a location you love gives you a great place to start. It also helps you develop pride in your home because you are building it yourself from the bottom up. You will be creating a unique, one of a kind, personalized living space that is suited for you and your family. Renovating an old home is a lot of work, but it gives you the opportunity to really get to know your home. If you are in there fixing and building things yourself, you are going to have a familiarity with the structure others will not have. It will make you the best caretaker and the best salesman, when and if the time comes. Plus, by renovating an old home, you get a building with true character that will also be precisely what you want. You can add bathrooms, change flooring, restore fixtures and windows, and still mix the original feel of the home with updated, modern conveniences. If you are looking for the perfect home, but you have been unable to find it in a newer home, consider buying and restoring an old house.

Connor R. Sullivan has noticed an increase of custom modular homes being built because of their low cost. He and his wife purchased a modular home to use as a vacation home.

How Should I Use These NABERS Ratings For My Premises?

Author: Paul Randle
Source: ezinearticles.com

The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is a comprehensive post construction rating tool. Designed for assessing existing building, not for evaluating designs under development, NABERS has been developed for the rating of residential and commercial office buildings by tracking the impacts they have on the environment, both directly and indirectly.

Property owners will be forced to have an energy efficiency rating attached to their buildings within months or risk facing hefty fines under a proposal by the Federal Government. However, Landlords could slash waste and save thousands of dollars by having their buildings rated before the scheme becomes mandatory, according to one survey report.

The national building energy efficiency disclosure scheme is being debated in Canberra. Apart from minor details, it has bipartisan support, and it expected to start between October and December. The scheme will make it mandatory for all commercial buildings with a net area of 2000sqm or more, which are sold or leased to a potential purchaser, tenant or subtenant to have a registered Building Energy Efficiency Certificate.

The certificate will contain NABERS rating from zero to five stars, based on the building’s environmental performance in terms of energy, water, waste and the indoor environment. A landlord could be fined up to $110,000 for every day withholds this information. Some buildings, including retail premises, will not be included in the scheme, while new, strata or special purpose buildings could apply for an exemption.

NABERS is a voluntary environmental rating system for office premises.

Building owners and managers will be able to report on those aspects of the environmental performance of the building that are in their control, for example, landlord energy use like lifts, air conditioning and so on, water consumption and more. Building occupants will report on the environmental performance of the aspects of the building that they control light power in their tenancy, transport to and from the building and so on. This NABERS rating will definitely help for small businesses. For more information and details, please do not hesitate to visit their valuable website.

Are you in search of NABERS Tenancy and NABERS Rating. Please visit us online.

The Headaches of Being a Landlord

Author: Joshua Lust
Source: ezinearticles.com

A lot of people want to own rental property and use it as an investment. In all actuality, owning a rental property can be a very worthwhile use of money, but it can also be a nightmare if you are either new at it or do not like it. Even in the Michgan housing market, being a landlord is something that not many people like to do, but it is also something that you are going to be saddled with unless you want to hire a property manager. Actually, hiring a property manager is a good way to deal with the headaches of being a landlord. A property manager will collect rent, stay abreast of maintenance and keep your affairs in order for a reasonable price. This is an especially useful service if you live quite a distance away from your rental properties. Imagine living ten hours away from your rental and getting a call on Monday from your tenant informing you that the air conditioning and heating system has completely stopped working! This might be a simple matter that you could fix yourself, but do you really want to dive ten hours to perform this basic maintenance? But that is only one of the headaches that a landlord must face.

Gathering rent can be another potential headache. You may think that gathering rent is as simple as getting a check in the mail… well, it is often not. Do you know what to do if you do not get paid? Well, you might call your tenant, but what if they do not answer? What if you go knock on the door three weeks later and they are not at home or do not answer? This is a serious mess that a lot of landlords have to deal with… but unless you know what you are doing, you will not be able to seriously deal with the situation.

Another headache that a landlord can be stuck with is that of tenant complaints. Some tenants call every day with some kind of complaint or report! Maybe the air conditioner does not feel cold enough, or maybe the front door has peeling paint, or maybe the appliances are not working right, or maybe the heater is making a funny sound, or maybe they think there is an animal under the house, or maybe they say that the locks on the doors are not secure enough… whatever the case may be, a landlord will need to address these issues as they come in. That is another reason why it might be a good idea to hire a rental property manager. Part of a rental property manager’s job is to address issues like this, giving you more time to do things important to you.

Being a landlord is not an easy thing, especially if you have not done it before. This is the kind of job that will take its toll on you, both mentally and physically. Property managers, however, do it all the time. It is better to just hire a good property manager and to let them do what they do best.

If you own a rental property in Michigan and do not want to deal with these headaches, contact One Step Realty, Inc. for Michigan property management at (866) 611-3766 today!

Recipe For a Successful Real Estate Investment

Author: Ki Gray
Source: ezinearticles.com

There are a few wants that home buyers perceive as needs when shopping around for a home. As you’re shopping for your next home, you may not have any idea how long you will live there as you may need to sell at some point. With that in mind, consider some practical features potential home buyers look for when buying their next home. That way yours will be positioned for quick sale if or when you decide to put it on the market in the future.

Basic Functions

When you bought your first home, things like central air, a newer roof and a fenced in yard may not have been tie-breakers or even something you thought were important. As you progressed to other homes, however, it probably became more evident that certain offerings in a home are basic to your family’s needs. Functions like air conditioning, a basement, a back yard/fenced yard are now often aspects that buyers shopping for their next home require. Other basics you’ll want included in your next home purchase are a newer roof and central heat and air system. Bypass a home with any system over 15 years old, unless it’s a bargain and you can afford to upgrade. Although ten years will do, five years or less is the ideal, which will help mitigate negotiations in the future sale of your home.

Stellar Storage

Don’t know if you’ve noticed it, but buyers like their storage space. That includes a double- or triple-car garage, walk-in master closets and additional storage areas – the more storage the better. If your next home doesn’t have an abundance of storage space, but fulfills the other needs of your family, build a large shed in the backyard. That may suffice for extra storage needed by the next buyers of your home; although, attics can also be transformed into living space and storage.

Green Living

If you’ll be building your next home, instead of buying an existing one, consider home builders that build green. Eco-friendly trends receive high marks from almost half of the nation’s consumers shopping for their next home. There are green products that can be used to build the structure of the home. Central air and heat units come in conservative models that limit emissions. Solar panels absorb energy and translate it into energy for use in the home. Energy efficiency is the order of the day, and the trend seems to be taking off.

Location, Location, Location

Sorry, someone had to say it. Although living next to a railroad tracks may not bother you, it is not the ideal for many of today’s home buyers. Does the home sit on a four-lane busy city street or back up against businesses? Does the neighborhood consist mostly of retirees, or are there predominantly younger families living there? Are there huge power lines or airports in the immediate area? These are a few of the questions you’ll want to ask when shopping for your next home. Consider safety, neighborhood amenities and close proximity to schools and neighborhood parks. A family often has different needs than seniors or a single person when it comes to services available in the immediate location of a home.

Ask your realtor questions about available services, the demographic of the neighborhood and neighborhood amenities. Find out from your realtor what the most sought-after features are in the real estate market in which you are shopping. Always consider resale when buying your next home, and diligently research the area. Do it effectively, and you’ll set the stage for a recipe for a successful real estate investment.

Ki maintains a website, which works as a clearinghouse of information on Austin Texas real estate. There, future homeowners can search available Austin homes. Ki has worked with Austin buyers for over three years. He also maintains a blog for people that want to keep up with the market and activity for Austin real estate.

Five Things Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know

Author: Patrick Esposito
Source: ezinearticles.com

As a real estate investor, there are many things to know and remember at any given time. Even if you own one investment property, it is still not difficult to forget certain things. If you own more than one property, then you are juggling multiple responsibilities and have various amounts of information that you need to be aware of at any given time. Sometimes the most important things can take a back seat to things that are more immediate. With the economy in its current turmoil, it is easy to put things off until things get better. Sometimes they do get better with time; other times, we run out of time before it gets better. There are many things that, as an investor, you need to know at any given moment. Here are five things to consider today.

1. Is your insurance up to date? Insurance is the necessary evil. It is one of those things that you hope you never need, but you must have just in case. Insurance is not cheap, so you never want to pay for more than you need. You do want to make sure that you are adequately insured. If your house has appreciated in value, you may want to have a talk with your insurance rep.

2. When was the last time you did your annual maintenance on your air conditioner? The cost of maintenance cost less than the cost for repair. If you maintain your air conditioning system with regularity it will run more efficiently and last longer. Of course, change the filter once a month. If you live in a state where you use your air conditioner year round, such as Florida, it is recommended to have it serviced and tuned up one to two times a year. You can of course stretch this out; it just won’t run as efficiently.

3. What is the current value on your property? In many locations, there have been wide price swings. Your house may or may not be worth what it was a year ago. It may not even be worth what it was six months ago. Based on the current market value, you may want to change your plans for this house. You may decide this is the time to sell, or you may realize that you cannot sell at this time and realize a profit.

4. What is your current mortgage balance, and how many years are left? At least once a year, you should check the numbers and see where you stand. Confirm what the outstanding balance is on the mortgage, and how many years are left on the loan. Most of the time, this information should be motivating.

5. When is the right time to sell? When you first purchase a property, you have a game plan and a time frame to hold onto the property or resell. Situations, like market values, may change. As things change, you may reconsider your game plan. You may decide to hold onto the property longer than originally planned, or you may decide to sell now and reap the profits, or cut your losses. Consider information such as price paid, current property condition, and current market conditions.

There are of course, many other things to know and remember. Always strive to be an informed real estate investor to maximize your investment.

Pat Esposito has been involved in real estate for 28 years as an investor, trainer, and consultant. He is the author of The Best Investment You Can Make, and The Informed Real Estate Investor and is the founder of http://www.theinformedrealestateinvestor.com

House Shopping? Learn 4 Ways to Spot a Home That Can Save Money on Utilities

Author: Kathy Davis
Source: ezinearticles.com

When shopping for your next home, it’s not all about location, room sizes, or granite countertops. Yes, those items can be important, but so is finding a home that has long term money saving potential. Some homes will save you more money over others because they cost less to heat and cool. Do you know how to spot them? You will with our list, a digital camera, and a notepad to take good notes. Here’s our list of 4 tips that will point you towards a home where you can save money on utilities.

1. What color is the roof?
Along with noticing the condition of the roof, its important to note its color. Tests have shown that a dark colored roof on a hot, sunny day in the south can reach a temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, while a more reflective, light colored roof will be around 110 degrees F. A recent study compared both a light and dark colored roof on the same home in Florida. The results indicate that a light colored roof, which reflects more of the suns heat, can save homeowners up to 20-25% on their annual cooling costs.

2. What’s in the Attic?
One of the most important things to look for in a home is proper insulation and ventilation in the attic. An attic that is properly insulated and ventilated will be cooler in summer than one which is not. A cooler attic radiates less heat to the homes interior, which helps to reduce your energy bill in summer. In winter the reverse is true. Insulation prevents heat from escaping to the attic, keeping your nice warm air where you want it to be, in your home. Look for at least R-19 (6 inches of fiberglass) in moderate climates, with up to R-38 (12 inches of fiberglass) in cold climates.

3. Does the property have trees?
How many trees are on the property, and do they shade the home? Trees are not only beautiful, but they can help reduce your energy bill by shading your home in the summer, preventing the sun’s rays from heating the roof, walls and windows. According to the Dept. of Energy, homes with trees in the right locations, can save $100 – $250 annually. Look for trees on the west side of the home, followed by the east side. If trees are planted in these locations, you can save money on utility bills.

4. How many stories high?
Is the home a one or two story? A two story home with one AC system or zone can be a heating and cooling challenge. We know from science that heat rises. If the thermostat is located upstairs, where the heat is, the thermostat will register the hot air temperature, and turn on the air conditioning frequently in summer. The reverse occurs in winter, where the cool air is downstairs and warmer air up, again providing a challenge for the energy system. A two story home makes it tough to manage both levels to the same interior temperature. What does this mean to you? Well, it may mean that you end up with increased energy bills. You can eliminate this challenge by buying a one story home. You will be rid of the extreme temperature differences upstairs versus down, have smaller utility bills and not have to climb the stairs!

For more Money Saving Ideas, visit http://www.Frugality-Coach.com where you will find how to articles, viewer contributions, frugal recipes and step-by-step instructions.
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A Home Inspection is a Must Before Buying an Unoccupied Home

Author: David Haigh
Source: ezinearticles.com

You’ve found that little place in the country you’ve been dreaming of, but it hasn’t been lived in for a while and needs some work. Or maybe you’ve found a place in town that has caught your eye, but it’s been vacant for months or years. Whatever the case may be for you, you owe it to yourself to have the home inspected by a qualified home inspector.

Homes that haven’t been occupied for a period of time can present particular problems. Often homes aren’t that well cared for even when they’re lived in continually. Many things a home inspection reveals are the result of neglect or lack of routine maintenance.

When it comes to a home that’s been vacant a long time, a home inspection is a must in order to reveal the condition of the home. Such problems are very prevalent in today’s market with foreclosures, short sales, and bank owned properties. While such properties represent opportunities for home buyers and renovators, buyers should always be aware of the potential problems and dangers when purchasing a home in today’s market.

It’s a home inspector’s job to inspect the structures and systems of a home from top to bottom. Over time everything decays or breaks down. Time has a way of magnifying problems that already existed. How long a home has been vacant will play a role in the condition of the various components of that home.

Here are some of the problems you can anticipate when a house has been unoccupied over a long period of time. Some are what you might expect, while others may be hidden from plain sight.

* When a house has been closed up, mold growth can increase. The potential for mold is aggravated if moisture leaks into the basement. Mold may accompany water damage from broken pipes or a cracked water heater tank.

* Valves, gaskets and appliances that go unused develop problems. For example, gaskets and hoses may dry out and result in leaks or flooding.

* Sewer traps may dry out and loose their seals. This would allow methane gas to get into the house. Sewer gas is both unhealthy and highly flammable.

* Damage or blocked waste and sewer lines are common in vacant homes.

* Un-welcome guests, namely vandals and thieves, will likely remove salvageable items from the home. For example, they may steal copper pipe, copper wiring, and air conditioning refrigerant lines. Expect chemical spills and burn damage if the house has been used as a meth lab. Of course, there may be a number of broken windows.

* Insects, rodents, and small animals can infest a home and do their share of damage. One example is termite infestation, which ruins wooden structures. Animals can leave fleas and droppings, causing unsanitary conditions.

These are just a few of the things home inspectors have encountered in today’s market. While there are many things to consider when buying a home, without a home inspection, you won’t be able to properly judge the condition of the house. Your home inspector’s report will help you decide whether or not you really want to buy the property you have in mind.

You’ve carefully selected the home you’re buying. Make sure you’re as careful when selecting your home inspector. Don’t get stuck paying for repairs missed by a quick home inspection. Author David Haigh is a professional home inspector in NJ. Click now to view a free sample report of a New Jersey home inspection.

Hiring an Inspector For Your Real Estate Deal

Author: Sean R Mize
Source: ezinearticles.com

In order for your real estate investment to be profitable, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced and qualified inspector for the property you are looking to purchase. They will be able to advise you whether or not the property is worth buying for real estate investing.

An inspector can find things that usually other people miss. They can find things that can turn into a potential larger issue if not taken care of. Some of the things that they check are:

• Electricity

• Plumbing

• Heating

• Air Conditioning

• Vents

• Water

• General upkeep of the home, including the inside and outside structure

They are trained to spot problems that you wouldn’t think of. When they tell you what’s wrong in the home, you can either have repairs done or change your mind about getting the property. Inspectors can help you save a lot of money when they find things that other people don’t find when going through a property.

You can consult with a real estate agent about hiring an inspector. They may know several of them that can be recommended to you. Or, if you wish, do your own detective work and find one on your own. However, since agents are in this business, it may be better if you get a recommendation from them. It would also be quicker.

The inspector should thoroughly check the property inside and out. They should also think about what results you would want from the inspection. They may ask you questions to see what you’re missing about the process.

Having an inspector checking your potential property is very important. They will be able to advise you of the condition of the home and whether or not it is worth purchasing, in their opinion. They are an independent party, so their recommendations are usually worth their weight in gold.

However, before you sign on the dotted line, go over everything with the inspector. They will explain in detail all of their findings from the property inspection. Then you will have to decide if this is something worth investing in.

By the way, do you want to learn how to sell high ticket classes and coaching programs via the internet?

Download my new recording: “How to Sell High Ticket Products Online” here: High Ticket Selling Secrets

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Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says “If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed” Visit Sean at: Internet Marketing Coaching

As Families Needs Grow So Do Basement Remodeling Jobs

Author: Holly Dodd
Source: isnare.com

As the prices of homes continues to rise so does the need to make our existing homes larger. Many people just don’t have the money to upgrade to a larger home or they just like the location that they’re in now. The solution is to add a new room.

One of the easiest ways to add a new space to your home is to finish off the basement. When we think of basements we generally think of dark, cold and wet – the place that is more often used for storage than anything else. Basements are also now for being messy because we generally just throw something in a pile and run for sunlight.

Basements don’t have to be the “catch all” of your home, basement remodeling is one of the most cost effective home improvements you could make to gain more living space. Imagine having that office you’ve always wanted, or a guest room or even a new family room. A remodeled basement can be converted to just about any kind of extra room, just use your imagination.

Before you get started on building your new addition, consider these steps for getting your basement into livable shape.

First, basements are below ground level so even if you don’t get physical flooding in yours; it probably has a damp feel to it. A good place to get rid of any water troubles you may have is to call in a waterproofing specialist. They can assist you in making sure that once you spend money on improving your basement space it doesn’t get ruined by water damage. For just slight dampness a good dehumidifier will do the trick.

Think about the amount of actual space your basement offers. Consider this space when deciding what type of room you want to convert this to. How much room do you really need for your dream addition, will the basement space be enough? Consideration to the amount of light that comes into your basement should also be a consideration. A darker room would be perfectly suited for a home theatre setup while it might not be the most cheerful area for a playroom.

Looking at your basement right now you may think, “It’s just a basement, I can never turn this into a comfortable room”. If you just aren’t getting ideas for your basement that appeal to you call a professional. A good interior decorator or architect can help you plan to get the most out of your space functionally and they help you make sure that is comfortable and attractive too.

When your home was being designed, chances are that there were few if any heat registers or air conditioning vents installed in the basement, if any at all. These of course are necessities if you plan on converting your basement into living space. When you plan your project make sure you consider adding the proper air circulation to maintain comfort. While you’re doing that don’t forget to add carbon monoxide and smoke detectors too.

Now that you’ve cover water and air circulation, it’s time to think about the amount of natural light available to you. Basements generally leave a lot to be desired so you may want to add more. Enlarging windows will let more light shine through and it will serves as an additional escape route in case of an emergency. If security is a concern, glass bricks can be used rather that traditional glass windows.

You can add even more light by adding windows in interior walls between rooms.

Creating a nice living space is not as hard as you think. Go downstairs now and take a look around. See what your imagination reveals about your new living space.

Living In Paradise – St. Petersburg, Florida

Author: Robert Lipply
Source: isnare.com

For aging baby boomers, the decision on where to retire is made difficult by so many beautiful North American venues. Historically, many have chosen to buy Florida property, particularly in the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg Florida marketplace because of the warm climate, beautiful beaches, friendly people, fine health care, no personal income tax and a variety of other reasons.

Yes, the City of St. Petersburg has experienced periods of glory, disrepair and now, revitalization. In 1875, Detroit resident General John Williams purchased 2,500 acres of land on Tampa Bay. The General had visions of a grand and vibrant city with elegant parks and broad streets, which today are the trademark of St. Petersburg’s cityscape.

Within a dozen years, the Russian aristocrat Peter Demens brought the Orange Belt Railway to St. Petersburg. The first train arrived on June 8, 1888. Shortly thereafter Demens named the city after his birthplace, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Florida’s love affair with baseball soon brought professional baseball’s spring training to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1914. Al Lang, the city’s former mayor, convinced Branch Rickey to move his St. Louis Browns to the Sunshine City for spring training.

The state’s first big growth boom in the 1920′s resulted in an invasion of tourists arriving by auto, railroad, and yacht. The Gandy Bridge opened in 1924, reducing travel time to Tampa by more than half and positioning St. Petersburg to become Pinellas County’s largest city. The 1920s also brought beautiful architecture to downtown St. Petersburg and adjoining neighborhoods. The city’s architecture reflected a Mediterranean Revival motif. Snell Isle, a 275 acre subdivision was the result of Perry Snell’s love of the Tampa Bay area. Snell Isle owes its existence to Snell first visiting St. Petersburg on his wedding trip in 1898. Upon returning the following year, his first purchase was the waterfront property located at First Street and Fourth Avenue North, now known as North Shore Park.

St. Petersburg’s makeover is evident in several Mediterranean Revival buildings including The Vinoy Hotel, the Princess Martha, the Snell Arcade, and the Jungle Country Club Hotel. Others can be seen in the Spanish castles and homes along Coffee Pot Bayou and in the Jungle Prada neighborhood.

St. Petersburg continued to have strong tourist years through the 20s. Like many other areas of the state, the real estate boom crashed during The Great Depression. But, St. Petersburg recovered, with the help of large Public Works Administration projects in the 1930s, bringing $10 million in new investment. St. Petersburg’s City Hall was built with New Deal federal funds in 1939.

The city experienced phenomenal growth throughout the 1940s. St. Pete was home to the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Bayboro Harbor as a training base for World War II troops. Anti-submarine air patrols were made over the Gulf of Mexico during WWII. The War Department later selected St. Petersburg as a major training center for the Army Air Corps. More than 100,000 pilots and trainees occupied every hotel in the city. As a result, the population grew fast and created a housing shortage with families of military men looking for a place to live. Post war, many of the soldiers stationed in the Tampa Bay area returned to live with their families or to visit as tourists until their retirement.

The 1950s and 60s were notable for the wide spread use of air conditioning, which resulted in a considerable amount of housing for retirees. Mirroring national trends, the Central Plaza and Tyrone Gardens shopping centers attracted local businesses to relocate from the downtown area. The population grew beyond 200,000. As the automobile became the prime mode of transport, streetcar tracks were removed to make way for better roads. The 1960s experienced building of the municipal marina, the main library, the Bayfront Center and the Museum of Fine Arts.

St. Petersburg’s quest for a Major League Baseball franchise began in the 1970s. It was not until 20 years later that the arrival of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998 saw the team move their permanent home to downtown’s Tropicana Field.

Today, the downtown core is experiencing a period revitalization with municipal projects that include retail shops, restaurants, and movie theaters. More than 900 community events bring millions of people each year to experience yacht races, triathlons, baseball, basketball, cycling, cultural exhibits, motor racing and music. Seven museums in the downtown district attract tourists. A state university, 10 marine institutes and more than two dozen galleries attest to the city’s commitment to education and health care. Much movement into the historic neighborhoods continues as residents invest in their communities with a great source of pride.