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Farm Land for Sale – Tips on Investing in Real Estate
When I was looking at some farm land for sale some time ago (I had the idea of retiring to the country when the time comes), I was so surprised at how low the prices were for some of the ranches available that I decided to buy two, to see if I would be able to make any money back on my investment. My history of investment centered largely around stocks and shares so this was an altogether new venture for me. It didn’t take long for me to decide that this was indeed where my investments should have been going, and here is why I believe that you too can profit greatly from investing in real estate.
Stability
In comparison to the stock market the stability of the real estate market is absolutely incredible and very rarely volatile. This means that you can invest with a great deal more confidence in real estate than you would do in stocks and shares. Equally you can feel safe in the knowledge that even if the prices of properties were to dip, it is a very resilient market and one which is likely to bounce back in no time at all.
An Actual Asset
The property that you buy is the investment, it is not money on a screen nor is it a fictional investment, but rather a set of bricks, mortar and land that is yours, and nobody can take that away from you. The worst thing that could ever happen here would be that the property is destroyed by fire or the elements but smart home owners insurance will cover you for the full value of the property. The fact that you have a tangible asset makes it a far more worthwhile investment than stocks, shares or anything else.
Constant Increase
History has shown that eventually, every property price will increase and as long as you have patience with the market, so will yours. The appreciation on real estate is something which you can always count on and if you are flexible and make smart moves, you can really make the most out of this appreciation.
Diversify
Any accountant worth their salt will tell you that you must diversify your portfolio in order to minimize your risks and your exposure, and real estate can make up a very important part of a diverse portfolio. This investment can serve as a safe part of your portfolio and allow you to take calculated risks elsewhere.
Options
When you own a property you have multiple options which you can use to make money, you could focus solely on renting out the properties for regular cash flow and to reduce the debt on the property, you could also look for short term rental until the price of the property increases. Finally you could even look to flip the property which means getting a place for bargain basement prices, giving the property a makeover, and then selling it quickly for a small profit.
Regular Household Maintenance Tasks To Keep Your Home In Good Shape
If you and your family are comfortable in your current home, it makes sense that you’d want to work hard to keep the comfort going. Regular home maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your property and give you a chance to pass the property on to the next generation.
If you’re looking for things to do to keep you busy during your forced “staycation,” home maintenance could be what saves your sanity. Take a look at some regular household maintenance tasks to keep your home in good shape, so you and your family can live in it for many years to come.
Check on the status of your air filters
The air filters in your home are vital to maintaining the function of your heating and air conditioning unit. You should replace the intake filters inside your home once a month to keep from placing unnecessary lag on your HVAC unit.
Dirty filters place strain on the unit. The filters are simple to change, so it shouldn’t be a troublesome task to complete. Just make certain you have a filter that fits your unit properly.
Tend to the outside of your home
There are things on the outside of your home that will make a huge impact on the inside of your home if you don’t tend to them properly. For instance, you’ll want to check for cracks in the concrete foundation of your home.
Keep garden bedding like mulch from being right up against your home, as it provides a comfortable spot for termites to breed. You’ll bridge the gap for an invasion by lining your foundation with mulch.
Check for air and water leaks
While everything is closed up tight, inspect the inside of your home for air and water leakage. Water is one of your home’s worst enemies, and it’s crucial to catch drips before they turn to something more.
The same goes for air leakage in your home. Your energy bills will be much higher when your home isn’t properly sealed. Check around windows and doors to make sure the seals are still keeping the outside from coming inside.
Get the chimney professionally cleaned
If your home has a fireplace, it’s wise to clean the chimney at least once per year. You don’t want buildup in your chimney, as it is a heightened fire risk to your home.
Have professionals come and clean the chimney at least once a year to make certain it’s prepared to keep you and your family warm throughout the cold months.
Thoroughly clean grouting in bathrooms
Maintaining the grout in your bathrooms will help it last longer too. A simple scrub from time to time will keep mold and mildew from making a home in your showers and tubs.
How to Update Your Family Room
Everyone wants their home to be a special place, but when you are raising a family, you need your family room to be relaxing and functional but able to withstand the chaos of children, but should that mean it can’t be stylish too?
The answer is no. You do not have to sacrifice your interiors style for the sake of practicalities. You want your den to be comfortable enough for the kids to relax in but polished enough, so adults enjoy spending time in it too. With these tricks and tips, you can have the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. It just needs you to think outside of the box.
Statement furniture
Just because it’s the room where the kids hang out, doesn’t mean you can’t have a statement piece of furniture that makes your heart sing. An upholstered ottoman or a new sofa in a fabric that you love can make all the difference, especially in a neutral themed room. There are some great offers online, so check out this Wayfair promo code – it can make the unaffordable suddenly oh-so affordable!
Accent Wall
Painting and decorating a whole room can be costly, but a single wall? It’s much more affordable. Add a splash of color and an area of interest to reenergize a room. Don’t be afraid about using a bold color – this is your opportunity to let your personality shine – just make sure that you have soft furnishings that can coordinate and balance the room.
If you want to add texture, explore different wallpapers. Contemporary wallpapers can give you a designer look without the expensive price tag.
Soft furnishings
There is no more natural way to update a room that adding some new soft furnishings. A new rug, curtains, and throw pillows can transform a room from drab to fab, but remember, don’t go overboard; sometimes less is more.
You have two options: to add complementary colors to your interior scheme or go for a contrast. A mood board is a useful implement to help you decide on the colors that will best suit your room. Remember, sometimes less is more!
Wall art
The images you display on the wall of your den can change its vibe dramatically. For a fun atmosphere, hang graphic prints in vibrant, bold colors. For a more traditional family feel, display family framed photographs but give them a modern twist by creating a multi-frame gallery. This is such a low-cost way to make a significant impact.
Thrift stores always have a selection of framed pictures that you can pick up for a bargain price. However, it’s not the image that you are after – it’s the frame. Frames can be expensive, so if you spot a bargain in the store, buy it – you can put your own picture in!
Your family room is, after the kitchen, the heart of the home. It’s a space where, as a family, you can relax together, and with these tips, you’ll be doing it in style.
6 Decorating Tips for Maximising the Space in a Small Bedroom
Not everyone has the luxury of having a spacious bedroom. But, it doesn’t mean you cannot maximise comfort and style if your bedroom is small. These days, there are many smart ways you can design and decorate a room to make it look bigger and less cluttered. Let us discuss some of these ideas so that you can decide which you can incorporate for your next redecoration project.
Focus on a simple floor layout
The layout of a small bedroom need not be complicated. Interior designers suggest placing the bed in the middle so that you have room on either side to move around. You might think that pushing the bed against a wall creates more space, but it only disrupts the natural flow of the room. The layout should also accommodate key pieces of furniture, such as a bedside table, a chair, and your wardrobe. Adding more than these basic pieces will only make the room look more cluttered.
Opt for a fitted wardrobe
Another excellent way to maximise space is by opting for a fitted wardrobe instead of a freestanding closet. Built in wardrobes come in a range of sizes and designs. The construction of a fitted closet makes use of any awkward space in your room, such as a corner with a sloping ceiling. Moreover, you get to choose how much hanging space you need versus drawers and shelves. A built-in wardrobe is highly customisable depending on your storage requirements.
Bring in plenty of natural light
A consistent source of natural light will make a small room look airier and less claustrophobic. If there is no way to bring in natural light, you can experiment with light fixtures such as recessed bulbs and alcove fittings that will look cleaner and sleeker. A small pendant light or sconce will be perfect for corner lighting as well. You can also add mirrors to reflect light and create an illusion of a bigger space.
Remove clutter
The last thing you want in a small room is clutter. Take stock of every furnishing and accessory in your room and consider removing what you don’t need. Keep only the essentials and maintain a simple décor all throughout.
Create the illusion that your room is bigger
There are tricks you can try, which are effective in creating an illusion of a bigger space. For instance, you can hang drapes close to the ceiling and choose prints or colours that blend with the wall. Too much colour contrast will make the room look too busy and distracting.
Consider using multi-purpose furniture
A popular and trendy way to decorate small spaces is using multi-purpose furniture. For example, a bed with extra storage space underneath can help get rid of unnecessary clutter. A bed that folds into the wall, or a daybed that can also be perfect for daytime lounging are some options you can consider. Hanging shelves for your books and other knick-knacks can also free up floor space, which can make moving around much more comfortable. The key here is to minimise clutter while at the same time maximising the function of each carefully chosen furnishing item.
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/Sh22mtTd2GA
How to Plan for a Successful Bathroom Renovation
Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in any home, second only to a kitchen. Other rooms like bedrooms or living rooms can easily be changed around and redecorated as you feel fit. But bathrooms and kitchens? Those require high-budget renovations to completely transform, which is why you need to be careful when designing and planning your bathroom renovation.
For some, this might just mean updating to modern fixtures. For others, it will need to be more strategic. If your knee hurts now and you have the first hint of arthritis, then you don’t want a step-in tub. You want a wet room so that you can easily enjoy spa-like facilities throughout your life.
Your bathroom needs to look great and function perfectly, so follow this guide to help you plan.
Save Ideas over Time
First things first, you need inspiration! Go through home design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media pages and blogs to find and collect inspiration. At the start, don’t worry about choosing designs that look similar. Go wild! Collect and store all the ideas you want either digitally or in a scrapbook.
As time goes on you should see a pattern in the designs you choose, and be able to pick out the elements you really want in your bathroom. Mix and match and come up with the perfect design.
Prioritize Need Over Aesthetic
Before you get your heart entirely set on what you have saved, you will also want to research the functional options that bathrooms can offer. Those with poor mobility, for example, will want to add either a wet room or a walk-in tub instead of more traditional options. Those in wheelchairs will also need the entrance widened and accessibility features added. Prioritize these types of needs, and then choose the design options that work with them.
Create a Custom Bathroom Design with Professionals
Having all the ideas in the world and a rough sketch of what you want is great, but you will always want to have a professional like Beautiful Bathrooms of Letchworth to take your vision and create a workable plan. They are experts in knowing what can and cannot work, and more importantly, how to make it work with your space. Only once a professional helps finalize your design can you finally say you have your dream bathroom.
Budgeting and Financing
By designing your bathroom with a specialist, you will have a workable design and a cost estimation. Save the down deposit if they offer financing, or find a short-term loan option that works best for you. You wouldn’t want to pay for a renovation and then run out of all your savings, so make sure you have a buffer to live comfortably on.
Bathrooms need more care and attention than many give them credit for. They are so much more than a place for a toilet, shower, and sink. They are places you can go to relax and unwind. They are private spaces that you deserve to be comfortable in. As one of the most-used rooms in your home, they deserve to be properly planned and budgeted for, so follow these steps and see your dream bathroom come to life.
Tips For Making Your House A Home Over The Holidays
The holidays reserve time for us to spend with family and friends. When you take the time away from the stressors of work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you get a chance to see why you put yourself through it all.
One of the best parts about the holiday season is coming home to a warm and cozy space. Making your house a home over the holidays will grant one of the most important gifts of all; togetherness.
Live foliage will “spruce” up your home
It’s never too early to start thinking about next Christmas, and a live Christmas tree is one of the best ways to get your home ready for the holidays. There’s more than one type of live Christmas tree from which to choose, and your decision doesn’t always have to be traditional.
Mistletoe and other vine foliage are also great for adding joy and decoration to a space. Your whole household will be able to feel the difference in the air when you liven the spot with foliage.
Smells have a powerful effect
The scents you choose to fill the air in your home make a big difference when the holidays roll around. Everyone has smells they associate with the comfort of Christmas.
Cookies, warm pie, crisp pine, and a well-cooked ham make a house feel like a home during the holidays. If you’re not big on baking, find quality candle scents to fill the room.
Wash all the linens and throws
If you’re expecting company for the holidays, it’s time to do some laundry. Wash all the bedding and linens you’ll need for everyone to sleep comfortably, and give the couch throws a good cleansing.
There’s nothing more comfortable than to snuggle your face into a blanket or pillow that smells like clean laundry. Cleaning the linens will also make your company sleep soundly knowing that their bed is fresh.
Get organized for the chaos
One of the most important parts of preparing your home for the holidays is organization. Get your home organized before a long list of family and friends come trailing through your space.
The peace of knowing that everything is in order will help you focus more on the little moments created when everyone comes together. The extra effort you expend before everyone arrives will pay off with priceless memories of the holidays.
Dust off the decorations
Decorating is fundamental. No matter the holiday you’re celebrating, you have the task of dressing up your home. Christmas is the best time to go overboard with the decorations. You don’t have to worry much about turning people off with an awesome lighting spectacle.
How to Live in a Fresh, Clean and Comfortable Home
Your home is where you should feel most at rest. It is where you find comfort after a long day of work, or enjoy your time with your family in warmth and laughter. Often, we decorate our homes and do the odd feather dusting, but we’re rarely reminded that things can be ordered another way – or that it’s time to change some things for the better. Sometimes people even forget what details they have in their home. Can you remember what is on the walls of your living room? Changing something about your home can be a step to changing your mood in a positive way. To turn your home to a refreshing arena of your life, start by following these simple steps.
Green is the Color
There is a long-term connection between people and the environment. For hundreds of thousands of years, humans were surrounded by green spaces, being constantly in touch with nature. Regardless of whether you live in a big industrial city or a village, adding some green to your home can have great mental health benefits. Green is a calming color associated with nature and so you may wish to add a few plants into the spaces of your home. This will give it a refreshing and vibrant feel and add to this feeling of bucolic bliss.
Tidying and Cleaning
Keeping your home clean and tidy might feel like a chore – but it’s the key cornerstone to being comfortable and relaxed in your most precious and safe space. Being proactive is key. Gradually, you can teach yourself to clean the dishes right after you finish eating. Once the trash is full, take it out. Making a mess in the living room should lean you to spend a small amount of time to clean it immediately. Keeping yourself organized in that manner will prevent responsibilities from accumulating into a burden on your shoulders. For bigger cleaning projects, you can hire professionals who have tools that help them do things more quickly and efficiently, allowing you to free your time for something else. If you’re a London-dweller, for instance, you can hire West Kensington carpet cleaners to take care of the huge task of cleaning the carpets. Both in big and small house cleaning occasions, keep up with the task right when it emerges in order to maintain a clean refreshing home.
Space to Breath
While decorating your home, keep in mind that how you order things reflects into your mind. Over-stacking things you don’t use or need can make you feel overwhelmed. You may develop a negative mindset, dodging many obstacles to your movement that could be recycled or stored more efficiently. Keeping space in the house and allowing light to pass through it can bring many positive benefits to the psychological situation of yourself and your family. Keep space in your house for yourself – and curate a space to feel truly at home in.
Your home reflects who you are. Giving yourself some time within that space to feel comfortable and relaxed can pay off through other aspects of your life – and this article details ways in which you can achieve a sense of calm belonging when at home.
5 Quick Ways to Cut Down on Your Energy Bills All Year-Round
Everyone worries about their bills at some point and household energy bills are often one of the big expenses in any household. That’s why it’s important to keep them affordable as much as possible. Luckily, there are many things you can do to ensure your bills are kept under control, and it usually means just making a few small changes to your lifestyle.
- Get a smart meter
Around half of households in the USA have a smart meter, so if your home hasn’t had one set up yet, it’s worth considering. A smart meter is a good way of seeing how much you’re spending every time you run the dryer, cook dinner, or take a hot bath so that you can budget appropriately.
- Turn down your thermostat a couple of notches
You probably wouldn’t notice if someone turned your thermostat down a couple of Fahrenheit, yet you can save about 10% on your bills by having your heating turned down just a little. Many people are used to wandering around their house in t-shirts, even in the middle of winter, so keep yourself bundled up, and you won’t have to spend so much on energy. Wear slippers and have a blanket nearby on the couch, so if you feel cold, try snuggling up first, then turning the heating up second.
- Get your appliances serviced
As appliances age, they become less energy efficient, but there’s usually no reason to replace them. Get things around your house serviced regularly, and they’ll last for longer, as well as giving you peak performance. For example, find an air conditioning specialist to carry out a service, and your system will work more efficiently and cost less to run. It can help you avoid those costly summer energy bills from running the air con all day.
- Check your insulation
Poorly installed insulation could mean money is escaping from your roof and walls every day. If you often feel drafts and have to turn up the heating to cover them, or you find certain rooms are warmer than others, then it might be because of poor insulation. Newer homes usually have better insulation than older properties, but you should still check it every year and replace it with thicker insulation if needed.
- Unplug appliances if not in use
It’s easy to get in the habit of keeping things plugged in all the time, even if you’re not planning on using them any time soon, but unplugging unused items can save energy and save you money. Unplug everything from the TV to the toaster when not in use, and you’ll soon notice the savings on your energy bills. Even a few cents soon add up over the year.
Saving energy doesn’t mean you have to sit in a cold or boiling hot house and not enjoy your life. You can still save money on your bills while living comfortably, and if you follow the above tips, you won’t notice much difference, other than the smaller bills coming through your door.
4 Ways to Make Your Property More Inviting
If you have been living in your home for the past few years, it can start losing its physical appeal if it lacks maintenance. Old houses can look dull and boring, especially if owners are not making much of an effort in making the place look more appealing to others. If you are planning to sell your home in the future or you want to make a good impression, there are many ways to make your property look beautiful. Here are four things that you can do to boost the appeal of your property quickly.
Beautify your surroundings
If you want people to notice your house instantly, the best thing to do is to plant some colourful flowers and plants all around your garden. You can also install a tiny fence to protect your plants from wild animals. However, before doing that you should check out the services of a party wall surveyor Manchester offers, to ensure that your fence will not go beyond your neighbours’ property.
Accentuating some parts of the house is also a great idea by adding plant boxes near the front windows and some hanging plants by the doorway. Plants can give the house a more refreshing look which most people would love to see.
Keep your lawn well manicured
You do not need to have green fingers to make your yard look like something you see in magazines. You can take care of your lawn by using a lawn mower at least once a week. Install a water sprinkler in the middle of the garden to ensure that the grass and plants get an adequate amount of water every day. Find time to remove weeds and dried leaves from the area. If you find it challenging to maintain real grass, then you have an option to replace it with artificial options.
Make your front door stand out
One of the first things that most people notice when they come by your house is your front door. Many homes have front doors that are less appealing to the eye. Instead of replacing your door, why not paint it with a more vibrant colour for a change? If you are scared to try out new colours, then maybe now is the time to go bolder with your choices. Remember that making a safe choice is good, but it is not always the best.
Do not forget to replace some lighting and fixtures
Make your guests feel welcomed by lighting up the entrance of your home by installing a few lamps right at your front door. You can replace some of your old bulbs with LEDs to make the area brighter, and they last longer. Choosing the best lighting fixtures will give an impression of a bigger space. Avoid using dim lights in your living room, dining area, and the kitchen because it provides the house with a lazy vibe.
There are many ways to make your home more attractive. There is no harm in trying some DIY projects for a change.
To read more on topics like this, check out the home decor category
2019 Furniture Trends to Inspire Your Home Décor
Furniture trends come and go, and while some styles are considered classic and trendy every year, there are some that are no longer in fashion. Outdated furniture can make a home look boring. But since buying new furniture can be a significant expense, you can get inspiration from current trends and incorporate a few of the elements in your home’s existing interior. If you are looking for ideas, here are the top furniture trends for 2019.
Natural and sustainable materials
Sustainability is a concept that infiltrated the furniture industry with the ultimate goal of ensuring that materials are ethically sourced from local and sustainable sources. Many furniture manufacturers sell sets, like the Ashley furniture Flynnter collection, to give customers the option to buy several pieces at a more affordable price. Furniture sets are not only economical but also help reduce waste by buying from one source with the same quality and consistency in craftsmanship.
There are also many furniture manufacturers that experiment with new materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood to create architectural pieces that are sure to be a conversation piece for any home.
Custom and handmade furniture
Bespoke furniture is once again trendy as more consumers are willing to support small businesses and promote their work. Custom pieces are pricier, but the quality is excellent. You can also collaborate with the furniture maker in designing a piece that reflects your design aesthetic.
Velvet upholstery
Velvet is slowly making a comeback and is popular for creating an interior with a more dramatic effect. Velvet is plush and luxurious but also tricky to maintain. It is not a recommended fabric for individuals with young children and pets.
Metallic accents
Combining soft upholstered pieces with metal frames is a furniture trend that is bound to become more popular in the coming years. This style is both contemporary and classic which is perfect for homes looking for a transitional design.
Floral patterns
Floral patterns are making a huge comeback this year, but with a more modern approach. If you want to incorporate florals in your interior, you can add small accents such as throw pillows or chintz curtains for that rustic, yet modern, take on a traditional design element.
Canopied beds
Wrought iron canopy beds are back in style. Look for simple, clean lines that are not too bulky. An updated take on this trend is to use darker colors and simple designs. A four-poster bed is indeed the epitome of luxury for bedrooms.
Mixed materials
Mixing different types of metals and materials to create furniture is another significant trend for this year. You can attempt to recreate this trend by adding gold light fixtures and chairs with silver legs. To avoid a cluttered appearance, focus on one area of your house to incorporate this design.
High gloss furniture
High-gloss furniture took a backseat during the last couple of years but is making a comeback. High-gloss décor lends a modern appearance to a room, but be careful not to add too many high-gloss pieces. Choose a few pieces strategically placed to catch the light and make the room look brighter and more spacious.
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