Realty Page

Dog training is very important for both the dog and the owner. This is especially true if your dog is showing signs of aggression. Dog aggression is typically the result of certain behaviors. By correcting these behaviors, a dog can be rehabilitated. There are likely a lot of things you could be doing to promote aggression in your dog other trainer used dog treats. In this article, you will learn some of the tips for aggressive dog training.

Tips For Aggressive Dog Training:

1. Use The Right Kind Of Reinforcement

One of the things you should be doing when you are looking to train your dog not to act aggressively in situations is to use the right kind of reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is only going to increase your dog’s aggressive behavior. To make it more likely that your dog responds calmly, you want to give them positive reinforcement. This alone can do wonders for helping your dog deal with stressful situations. In general, your dog only acts aggressively because they are responding to something. It could be a fear response or something else. You want to reassure them and teach them to respond better. This helps your dog associate the stressful situation they experienced with a good result of positive reinforcement which makes it less likely they respond negatively to the situation in the future.

2. Stay Calm

One of the biggest problems a lot of dog owners find themselves in when their dog is showcasing aggressive behavior is getting equally upset and aggressive themselves. This is the very last thing you want to do in response. Believe it or not, dogs can hear your emotions [1]. Whenever you display your emotions, your dog can understand them. Thus, if you respond equally aggressively or with an angry tone, you are only going to increase the stress that’s resulting in the aggressive response. The last thing you want to do is add to the stress response they are experiencing. Thus, you want to stay calm while dealing with the situation at hand.

3. Look For Signs Of An Injury

One of the reasons your dog could be acting aggressively has to do with an underlying medication condition like an injury. A lot of dogs get aggressive when they are hurt. As a result, you want to check your dog to ensure that there isn’t an injury that is resulting in them getting aggressive. They will be reactive when someone hurts them. Therefore, if they have a hidden injury and you touch it, they will likely respond with aggression.

4. Be Patient

One of the things you need to go into this type of training knowing is that you have to be patient. While dog training requires a lot of patience as it is, you need extra patience when you are looking to alter triggers. If they have something that is triggering them, it’s going to take a while to get them to stop responding in the same way. Because of this, you need to give them the time they need. You cannot expect them to change overnight. You want to go through your training process slowly and give them plenty of time to adjust.

5. Seek Professional Help

Unless you have a lot of experience working with aggression, you would likely benefit from hiring a professional. A professional dog trainer that has experience with aggressive dog training is going to have a much better success rate. They will know what to look for and what to do in certain situations that you may not be ready to handle. Your dog may not even be aggressive but reactive. They will be able to assess the situation to see what’s going on.

Overall, there are plenty of things you can do to deal with a dog that’s showing signs of aggression. Use the tips above and you can train them properly to avoid any bites. When you know how to train your dog to better handle aggressive behavior, you can improve your relationship with your dog and enjoy one another as you should.

Nick White

Nick White is the owner of Off Leash K9 Training. He has over 80 dog training franchise locations throughout the United States. He currently hosts the A&E show, America's Top Dog.

Heating and thawing outdoor areas are quite a tedious job. Ice is only interesting for some time until it becomes a nuisance through interfering with work. Well, you cannot lock yourself and wait for it to melt away. Thawing the ground by employing heaters is one effective way of approaching the issue. Ground heaters come in varying designs, each suitable for unique setups. Before evaluating the different options, you must first analyze your situation. Just how much area do you want to thaw? The site will guide you to an adequate machine. Additionally, check the temperature to ascertain the amount of heat and period required to clear the ice successfully. Below are some of the heaters that you can consider renting or purchasing for the job.

Propane Ground Heaters.

Propane heaters employ an open flame to eliminate ice on the ground. The heaters expose the ice directly to the flame produced, which consequently removes it. Such heaters require you to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of fires. They are ideal for construction footings, fence posts, grave plots, and utility projects. They are portable, and you can move them from one place to another within a specific site. Due to the direct flame, the heater takes minimal time to achieve the goal. They are user-friendly as only two people can set it up and get the job going. They are pretty affordable since one cylinder of propane can run up to 24 hours nonstop. You do not require electricity or generators to keep the machine running, thus an efficient thawing method.

Hydronic Glycol Heaters.

The second option, hydronic heaters, are also one of the suitable gadgets for this job. They are mobile, making it easy for movement within the area covered with ice. They suit industrial construction sites where contractors want to keep up their jobs during winter. Hydronic heaters employ a complex thawing method as the setup includes different items like a boiler, a hose, a lower fan, and insulated blankets. The first step is heating the boiler containing the glycol solution. The source of power is either propane or diesel, depending on your preferences. Lay the hose in an irregular pattern in two or three rows. Space the rows four ft apart for effective distribution of heat. Fit both ends of the hose to the manifold, thus forming a continuous loop. Carefully cover the hoses with the insulating blanket and the vapor barrier. Leaving any space will result in the hot air escaping reducing the efficiency of the machine. Release the glycol into the hoses and watch the magic happen.

Heated Blankets.

The last option is using insulated blankets. The manufacturing of the blanket employs an insulating top cover. The materials work conveniently to trap in any hot air within the blanket for a more extended period, thus removing the ice. The basket contains an internal matrix that steadily spreads the heat in the device. This approach is quite economical and also efficient. The banket is portable. However, you require a constant power supply to keep it functional. Electricity is the ideal option in this case. Spread the banket within the proposed location and attach it to power. The device will gradually charge, thus heating up and melt the ice away. There are different versions of thawing blankets for this task. It is vital to seek a professional’s help when making choices. They use a more direct and straightforward way of thawing but can also bring about inconveniences.

The different kinds of heaters use diverse methods to thaw the ground or cure concrete. The only way to ensuring you choose the best is by understanding your situation.

Herman Post

Herman Post is the owner of Heat-n-Go, which provides complete managed temporary heat services to the construction industry - removing frost in days, curing concrete or protection from deep freeze.

In Las Vegas, the summers are sweltering and the winters are quite cold. An air conditioner is an essential appliance in your home during the hot and humid summer season. It’s not a luxury anymore but a mandatory appliance in every home in Las Vegas. The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling bills make up more than 50% of your total utility expenses. Improving air conditioner efficiency is important to reduce your utility expenses during the hot and humid summer months. Improving the efficiency of your HVAC unit will help you get the most from the system while controlling the expenses. It also increases the durability of the unit. This article provides information on some of the most important no-cost ways of improving air conditioning efficiency.

Increasing the thermostat of the HVAC unit by a few degrees can help save money and energy. In fact, adjusting the thermostat by 5-8 degrees – up in summer and down in winter – helps in saving energy and money. For example, if your unit has a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature of the unit according to the weather patterns of the day. If you plan to go out of the house for several hours, you can adjust the thermostat accordingly and save energy and money in the long run.

The vents of the air conditioner system should be vacuumed and kept unblocked at all times. The indoor and outdoor vents collect dust and debris over time and decrease the efficiency of the unit. Vacuuming these vents from time to time helps improve the efficiency of the system and maintain steady airflow. Also, don’t forget to keep the blinds, toys, and furniture away from the vents so that these items don’t block the vents.

The outdoor condenser unit works efficiently when it is clean and clear of debris. Get a professional to perform an in-depth cleaning of the outdoor condenser unit to improve the efficiency of the HVAC system. Don’t forget to keep lamps and other heat-producing appliances away from the HVAC system. When these items are placed near the thermostat of the unit, the machine has to work harder to cool the air in your home. In fact, the system needs to run for longer hours and work harder to keep your family comfortable under such circumstances.

Keeping the curtains and blinds closed is important on hot and humid days. That way the direct sun will not be able to warm the inside of your home and make the AC unit work harder than usual to keep your family comfortable. Clearing the drain line of the unit is another important practice to improve the efficiency of the system. The drain line is located near the indoor cooling unit – usually mounted above the furnace in the basement. Rinse a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of water and flush it down the air conditioner drain. This will let you keep the drain line clear through the summer.

Another important no-cost method of improving air conditioner efficiency is to avoid using the oven and dryer during the hottest times of the day. Using the oven or dryer during hot hours will cause warm air to be drawn into the house. The air conditioner unit has to work harder to maintain the necessary comfort levels in such circumstances. That’s why you need to avoid using the oven and dryer when the temperature outside is quite high during the day.

The summers in Las Vegas are sweltering and the winters become quite cold. The aforementioned article provides information on some of the most important no-cost ways of improving air conditioning efficiency.

Michael Hope

Michael Hope is the founder of M&K Heating and Cooling Services. Michael’s experience has always been in the mechanical fields. In 1991, Michael moved to Nevada to work at the Nevada Test Site in the drilling operations for the nuclear testing facilities. After the Nuclear test treaty was signed in 1992, Michael retrained in the HVAC/R field and has been doing it since. Michael is currently NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certified. This is the only nationally recognized certification in the HVAC field.

When it comes to changing the look of your property, you are going to have a multitude of options available in front of you. This is why more and more people are looking at finding the best quartz countertops San Antonio TX has to offer.

It is the quality, attention to detail, and general finishing that are going to appeal to you as soon as the clear quartz has been put in.

For those who are still wondering whether or not to go down this path, it’s time to look at where clear quartz should be installed.

1. Kitchen

This is the going to be the number one spot for clear quartz and it’s going to shine right away. You are going to notice the difference as soon as you install the quartz. It is going to sparkle and there is going to be a certain refinement of the entire living space, which is what makes this such a well-noted upgrade.

Being able to walk around and just enjoy what the countertop has to offer is essential.

You are going to fall in love with all that it has to offer and how much better it looks than the alternatives.

2. Bathroom

This is another part of the house that can easily welcome a quartz countertop. You should be focused on adding something special to the bathroom because it can beautify the entire property.

Clear quartz is immaculate for all the right reasons because it is durable and looks beautiful. It is just going to have a presence to it that you are going to enjoy as a property owner.

Everyone wants to add a bit of luxury to their property and this is one way to do things properly. The quality of the quartz is going to be breathtaking.

3. Outdoor Kitchens

What about setting up an outdoor kitchen for your home?

A lot of people don’t realize this but it’s possible to change the entire dynamic of your outdoor space by adding a proper kitchen.

Let’s assume you have a pergola in place and want to make the place even better, why not go with a comprehensive outdoor kitchen? In this case, you can also add something as unique as clear quartz. It’s going to push your entire outdoor kitchen to the next level and it’s going to look beautiful at the same time.

You will know this is a difference-maker in minutes.

4. Basements

A lot of people get their basements finished and that is where a quartz countertop looks wonderful. Just having the ability to walk into the basement and looking at something as luxurious as this can be a game-changer.

You are going to notice it as soon as you look at the different options available to you.

For those who want to spice things up in their basement, you should focus on adding quartz countertops right away. These are game-changers that are going to appeal for all the right reasons.

Final Thoughts

These are the best places to put clear quartz for those who are interested in using the material. It is a premium-grade material that is aesthetically pleasing and is going to bring a smile to your face as soon as it is set up.

The goal is to make sure it is used wisely and in the right spot.

This is where a lot of property owners mess up because they don’t think about where the clear quartz is going to go and that’s what holds them back. Look at your options, compare what’s out there, and then move forward with the project.

Jason Goldblum

Jason Goldblum is the owner of AGS Granite and has always had a great passion for design, cooking and innovation. He started AGS Granite in 2007 and has been going strong ever since, specializing in stone countertop Fabrication and Installation.

There is always some uncertainty involved when considering hiring a Dallas property manager. Those with investment properties want to know that this professional can do a better job than they could do themselves. Even established real estate management companies will be hesitant to hire someone if they are not sure they will do the job just right.

You can never tell for sure if the professionals looking to manage your investment companies will be the right person for the job. Nevertheless, there are some important characteristics and qualities that are essential for any worthy property manager.

If you are looking to add a property manager to your growing company, or looking for someone to handle the minutiae of property management, here are some things to look for.

1. Extensive Experience

Obviously, if they are inexperienced, they will be hitting a considerable learning curve and you may have to pay for this important education. Be sure to ask plenty of probing questions on your first interview. Have they handled many properties before? What type? Do they have experience with floundering properties? Furthermore, an experienced property manager will have extensive knowledge on laws, codes and best practices.

2. A Mind for Money

Having a mind to make money is one of the most important things you find. This perspective allows your property manager the perspective and experience to see the bigger picture and make the judicious decisions that result in higher profits. This is not the easiest skill to determine but by far the most important. You should not dismiss a candidate just because they lack knowledge in some areas, a willingness to learn and a passion for profits is the most important when it comes to real estate investing.

3. Patience

Property management is a game of timing and calculated decisions, to say the job is stressful is a massive understatement. There will be troublesome tenants, slow contractors and investors with champagne expectations from their tap-water properties.

With this in mind, look for someone with a persistently cool and calm personality. Gauge how well they are willing to listen to comments, doubts and complaints. If they have a graceful way of speaking and explaining, this greatly improves business interactions and investments.

4. Tenacity

Along with a healthy helping of patience and congenial personalities, your property manager will also need the tenacity and aggression to bring in the cash. They will need to be strong and persistent when dealing with contractors that are behind on their work or tenants behind on their payments.

5. Communication Skills

Any good property manager will be able to communicate well through speech or written communications. They should be able to keep you abreast with everything that is happening on your property. The capacity to communicate clearly with your property manager will ensure there are few misunderstandings that can lead to serious disputes.

6. Organization

Property management is a tedious task and there are so many moving parts and details that must be addressed in a timely fashion. In order to stay on top of the leasing, releasing, schedules and important dates they will need a firm command over their time and resources. It may be a good idea to ask about the organization skills and techniques of any candidates you are considering for the position.

7. Ingenuity and Resourcefulness

The tricks and techniques involved in property management are not carved in stone and every individual situation will need a fresh perspective and clever plan if it will be brought to full fruition. It takes boundless creativity and imagination to properly manage a property. If you want someone who will make a big difference look for someone who has no problem thinking outside of the box.

Austin Sparks

Austin Sparks joined CW Sparks Management in 2008, and now serves as the company’s designated broker. He is responsible for the oversight of all marketing, management, and financial operations, as well as all licensee activities and compliance with the Texas Real Estate Commission. He is a married father of 4, with a passion for investing in businesses and real estate. He enjoys spreadsheets & high adventure outdoors.

The Maxwell Realty Company are experts in providing real estate investing tips that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each of our valued clients.

Is buying a condo a good investment?

There are many factors that play a role in determining whether any property is a good investment opportunity or a poor financial decision. When it comes to condos, there are a few of additional factors that need to be taken into account. Evaluating these factors will ensure that your condo purchase is a sound investment choice that will bring you value.

1. Location, Location, Location

Location is of key importance in real estate investing. The general area where the condo is located as well as the placement within the condo complex can both have a huge effect on the value. For example, a beachfront condo or city center condo is likely to appreciate in value faster than a suburban condo. Ground floor units with a small garden or a penthouse will be of greater value. A condo that looks directly into the building next door is however not going to be of great value.

2. Management And HOA

Condos that are well managed and maintained are far more attractive than those that are neglected and poorly maintained. A poorly managed condo is going to be a bad investment choice. The HOA (Home Owners Association) for the complex can also be a problem or a benefit. Too many or too few rules can be detrimental. However, a good HOA will add value to the investment.

3. Owner Occupancy

Owner occupancy refers to how many units are occupied by owners rather than tenants. The higher the owner occupancy rate of a condo, the greater the investment value. You should be looking at a owner occupancy of above 50% to ensure a good investment. Even if you are looking to buy a condo as a rental investment, a higher owner occupancy rate will add greater value to the condo in the short and in the long run.

4. Appreciation in Value

While condos do generally appreciate in value, they are a little slower at improving than single family homes. For example, figures for 2018 show that on average, condos appreciated in value by 3% while single family home showed an appreciation of 5%. However, appreciation can be greatly affected by the other factors that determine the value of a condo. For instance, a well-located condo may appreciate faster in value than the average for either condos or single-family homes.

5. Intended Purpose of The Condo Purchase

Do you intend to live in the condo, is it a vacation home, are you planning to rent it out or is it a fix and flip investment? There are multiple pros and cons to each of these investment opportunities. These pros and cons need to be weighed up on an individual basis in order to evaluate the worth of the investment. However, there are some general rules that can be applied:

– Buying a condo as second home (vacation or rental) is only recommended if the mortgage on a first home has already been paid off.

– Buying a condo to live in is a good investment if it is well managed and maintained. One of the greatest benefits of condo buying is foregoing ongoing maintenance, repairs and renovations that are necessary as a homeowner.

– A fix and flip investment in a condo may not be as lucrative as renovating larger properties but the cost and time expended on the project may make it a worthwhile investment.

To find out if a condo is a good real estate investment for you, contact the experts at Maxwell Realty Company.

Nancy Alperin

Nancy Alperin of Maxwell Realty has not only a keen understanding of real estate, but a genuine passion for it. She believes in garnering client respect by listening to their needs and delivering results for them.

Her in-depth knowledge of the Philadelphia real estate market plus her ability to broker complicated deals with infinite finesse enable her to navigate the challenging elements of buying, selling or leasing properties while making it all appear seamless. This is also strengthened by her years of owning, buying and selling for her own portfolio.

Committed to the health and longevity of her father's company, Nancy has helped Maxwell Realty Company, Inc. achieve its reputation for unparalleled service as well as for being an innovative and rewarding work environment for its associates.

Does your condo need to be updated and get a fresh new look? Since space in a condo tends to be limited, using it efficiently and creatively is essential. The following are some of our best condo design ideas to give your home a brand-new look and feel this year.

1. Improve the Floor Plan

One problem that many condos suffer from is having a floor plan that gives the space a cramped and cheerless feeling. Removing walls and re-doing the floor plan can do wonders for your condo to give it more of an open and spacious feeling.

2. Add More Windows

Adding more windows is another way to make your condo feel cheerier and roomier and provide more natural light as well. Upgrading your windows can also help to reduce your utility bills.

3. Establish Individual Areas

Instead of using doors and permanent partitions for all areas, you can mark transitions to various parts of your condo using things like hinged screens so that you don’t break up the overall flow of your floor plan and design. These screens can also be removed if you want to change your floor plan, so they provide a lot more flexibility compared to walls.

4. Maintain Your Flow

Having a light-filled and open floor plan allows several members of the family to use a space at the same time, someone can be eating, another can be reading or watching a movie, etc. This means you will be using the space in your condo more efficiently.

5. Transform A Bedroom Intro A Multi-Functional Area

If you have a two-bedroom condo, then there is a lot that you can do with that “extra” room. Instead of having a guest room, turn it into a multi-functional space that will get more use.

Perhaps you can still have a guest room, but have it double as an office space. You can add a desk, chair and shelving to the room, along with a bed and dresser for guests. Or you can add a corner desk, install a folding desk or use furniture that also serves as storage as a work surface. Your second bedroom can also be used for a home gym or for many other purposes depending on your needs and interests.

6. Upgrade the Fixtures and Woodwork

After your floor plan is set, you can add architectural details to provide the interior of your condo with added interest. For example, you can install hardwood floors or attractive bath vanities and kitchen island so that your condo has an interesting look instead of the run-of-the-mill one that so many condominiums suffer from. It is amazing what a difference it can make to simply change fixtures and hardware on cabinets.

7. Add Some Luxurious Elements

Having heavy trim and casements around doorways and windows, along with elegant baseboards, adds polish to the room, while other elements like bold light fixtures and louvered shutters create a living space that feels more like a single-family home rather than an ordinary condo.

8. Add Interesting Texture and Color

Your condo can definitely go beyond flat white walls. For example, you can incorporate natural-tone furnishings and wood elements for a warm tone. Or even go with bold colors like red to make your condo truly stand out. Or opt for a pastel theme by incorporating pale pinks, oranges, and blues.

9. Experiment with Your Design

Along with using different colors, you can also experiment with using various textures. Things like rustic furnishings, natural-fiber rugs, and fabric wallpaper can provide your condo with depth and richness to enhance your overall design and ambiance.

10. Always Be Thinking Outside of The Box

To have a truly unique condo design that really stands out you need to think outside of the box. This can involve using unusual patterns, colors, textures, or decorative features and more. For example, you can use one color family and then mix it with feminine florals, or classic strips or bold geometric designs. Find interesting pieces of art or other features to use as focal points to give your overall design more interest. The sky is really the limit when it comes to a unique condo design.

Don Kuhl

Don Kuhl is the principal broker at Synergy Sotheby's International Realty and owner of Vegas Verticals. His goal is to provide clients with the best in real estate representation and marketing services.

When you are planning a major event, you will often require a large covered area. The event may also be held at times when the weather is not likely to remain favorable, and it can be winter when you expect snow, or in summer when to is hot, or other times when you can expect high winds. Fabric tension structures are an ideal solution to create large covered spaces, even temporarily, and can be erected quickly, and dismantled and carried away equally speedily, as soon as the event is over.

A typical tension fabric structure will have a rigid frame over which the wall and roof elements are made up of a fabric that is stretched over the frame. Tension is created in the fabric using many different methods that impart greater stability to the structure. They can be installed quickly, and require lesser preparation and groundwork prior to their installation. Spans as large as 300 feet without any intermediate columns or support are possible, while the lengths can be as long as required. Many of the fabrics used in these structures are translucent, thus allowing for natural light. The frames can even be designed for any expected loads, and satisfy all the needs of the user.

Foundations for these structures can be of many types, and will often depend on the usage, and can be designed to cater to high winds and even snowstorms. If the tension fabric structure is for temporary use the foundations can also be of a nature that does not take long to install and can be things like stakes, anchors, posts or even ballast blocks. Fabric structures have also used weighted down shipping containers as foundations. For more permanent applications, foundations can be in the form of piles or other poured in place foundations that are designed to resist the uplifting forces that can be caused by high winds on the fabric that tend to topple the structure.

When designing fabric tensioned structures, the primary use of the building, the harshest climatic conditions expected at the site, and the stability of the soil have to be taken into consideration before deciding on the foundation that will be most suitable. These design factors will also have an influence on the frame structure and the fabric that is to be used. Tensioned fabric allows the fabric to stretch in such a way that it will cause anything thrown at it to bounce, and the resist the weight of snow or other things, without allowing the fabric to sag. High winds will not cause the fabric to balloon. Once the fabrics are adequately tensioned they can withstand even tornados and typhoons.

Tensioned fabric structures are used in industries for warehousing, for recreation and sports, in aviation for hangars, for emergency relief centers, and even on construction sites so that work can proceed in all kinds of weather. These structures are portable and can be easily dismantled and re-erected in a new location. They can be assembled very quickly and anchored to any surface with very little of bother. Most of these structures can withstand winds up to 80 mph and even heavy snow.

Heights and widths of these buildings with tensioned fabric have practically no restriction and you can choose those that are the most suitable for you, as long as you design the frame to carry the fabric, accordingly, and have proper arrangements to induce the required tension. Shapes can be versatile and are only limited by the imagination of the designer. It is important in these structures that every part of the fabric remain in tension and curve equally in opposite directions so that it has the required three dimensional stability.

Carol Fontius

Carol is the founder of Creative Tent International and began by selling engineered tents to the resort and US military markets and then expanded to manufacturing in 2004 by starting Creative Tent International Inc. with Designs by Robert Stafford.

Before granting a mortgage loan, there are certain key factors that a bank or other type of financial institution will take into consideration. Aside from specialty loans, like mortgages for veterans, there are several standard criteria that apply to getting a loan. It is important to meet the necessary eligibility criteria in order to improve your chances of qualifying for the mortgage.

1. Credit Record

If you are black listed, you will not qualify for a mortgage loan. If you have a bad credit score or history, it is unlikely that a mortgage loan will be granted. A good credit record will improve your chances whereas an ideal credit record will ensure that you meet this criteria for eligibility.

It is therefore important to take steps to repair your credit record, take care of any outstanding debt and settle as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage loan. If you are a first time home buyer and have no credit record, it is advisable to apply for a credit card and other forms of credit at least 3 months prior to applying for a home loan or mortgage.

2. Employment

You need to be employed in order to apply for a mortgage and provide details of your current employer as well as your employment history. You will also be required to provide proof of income in the form of payslips for a period of at least 3 months prior to application.

If you are self-employed or cannot prove an income with payslips, you may be able to provide bank statements detailing your income as well as tax records. Unfortunately, most banks and financial institutions will not grant mortgages to self-employed individuals.

3. Down Payment

A financial institution will require a percentage of the mortgage amount as a down payment. Generally, around 20% of the purchase price of the property will be required. However, the higher the down payment, the more likely it will be that a mortgage will be granted. Larger down payments also mean lower monthly repayments, less interest and therefore more affordable mortgage loans.

4. Price Range

A mortgage lender may take into account your expenses relative to your income in order to determine how much you can afford to repay on a monthly basis. You should take the time to calculate the mortgage that you are able to afford and apply for a loan that does not exceed this amount. Financial institutions are unlikely to award loans in an amount that you will not be able to afford to repay.

5. Security

Apart from a down payment, offering some type of additional security may increase your eligibility score. For example, you can offer an asset as collateral although this is uncommon as the property being purchased naturally stands as collateral. In other words, the bank holds the deed for the property therefore owning it until the entire mortgage amount has been settled.

You can also ask a person of good financial standing to stand surety for the mortgage or cosign the loan. This a common practice for first time home buyers who often have their parents cosign a loan. The person standing surety or cosigning the loan will become responsible for the repayments or even the full amount should you default on your financial obligation to the mortgage loan provider.

None of these factors are taken as a stand alone criteria and are rather taken in conjunction with one another to determine eligibility for a mortgage loan. In other words, if you score low on one eligibility criteria you can make up for it in another area like providing a larger down payment or providing surety.

Morris Newman

Morris Newman is a loan officer and realtor who specializes in helping veterans, firefighters police and health care professionals with purchasing homes.

A lot of people assume that luxury homes are those that have a lot of space, but there is much more to these homes than just this. There are a number of items that luxury homes have which set them apart from the regular home. Of course, the increased amount of space that these homes generally have does play a role in their luxury status. Here are some of the amenities we look for when showing buyers luxury homes in South Florida.

The Technology

Luxury homes will generally have more of the technological mod-cons than the average home. Luxury home builders are aware of this and will generally cater to their customers by including tech-trends in the houses. There are many little technological advances that are included in luxury homes, but not all luxury homes will have all of them.

Built-in smart home features such as being able to open your door with your phone or controlling your alarm system remotely are all features that luxury homeowners will look for. Wireless automation is one of the most common features of a luxury home.

The Fully Stocked Kitchen

While the kitchen is one of the main rooms in any home, the kitchen in a luxury home will be very different to the one in a regular home. Luxury homes will generally have a commercial-grade kitchen with all the latest appliances. The regular home will not have this level of opulence because there is no need for commercial-grade kitchens.

There are other features that the luxury home kitchen will have that you need to be aware of. Wine fridges, warming draws and walk-in pantries are all common features in a luxury home. The space that these homes have available is one of the reasons why they can have these restaurant quality features.

Game And Theater Rooms

When you think of a game room in a regular home, you will think about the primary living area with a games console hooked up to the TV. This is not the case in luxury homes as they will generally have a dedicated gaming room and their own theaters. This is one of the oldest features of luxury homes and has only become more decadent with technological advances.

There are some luxury homes that have taken this old concept further and now include indoor basketball courts and sport-bar set-ups. The more unique the gaming and theater experience in the home, the more luxurious the house is thought to be.

The Spa Bathroom

A luxury home will not be complete without the spa bathroom where the luxury of a spa treatment can be had in the comfort of your own home. These bathrooms will generally include a massive walk-in shower that offers head-to-toe jets. The floors of the bathroom will generally be heated to ensure that feet do not become cold when you leave the shower.

The spa bathroom will not be complete without the huge soaker bathtub. These bathtubs come in a range of different shapes and sizes, but they will all offer the most relaxing bath experience.

The Exercise Room

When people in a regular home want to exercise, they will go to the gym or pull out that one piece of exercise equipment that they have. This is not the case in a luxury home as many of them will have rooms dedicated to exercising. Luxury homeowners do not want to sweat with other people in the gym and will have their own home gym with all the modern gym equipment ready for them to use.

These rooms will generally have different exercise machines as well as a range of weights. Some will include sauna to ensure that the muscles are relaxed after a hard workout.

Josh Malenfant

Josh is a Real Estate Agent specializing in luxury homes in South Florida neighborhoods of Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach.

This post is sponsored by improvefinance.com.au

Many economists say that the U.S. economy is trending higher. At the same time, the percentage of Americans who can qualify for typical mortgages isn’t. After the Great Recession, lenders got stricter, and they haven’t completely eased off yet. Many lenders want to see good credit scores, a stable work history, and even a down payment before they will approve a loan.

There may be some alternative ways to get a home loan that can help some prospective home buyers though. Learn more about how many Americans can qualify for a home mortgage and what it takes to qualify.

Who Qualifies for A Home Mortgage?

According to a report from the Federal Reserve’s New York Bank, the number of new mortgages declined between 2016 and 2016. In addition, average credit scores for people who got mortgages was over 750, which is quite a high number. Average American credit scores are under 700. In other countries, different scoring systems are used. To get a home loan in Australia, you need a good score known as VedaScore, which is on a 0-1200 scale.

Regardless of where you live, just because average credit scores for new mortgages are high, you shouldn’t assume that people with lower scores can’t ever get approved though. There are still people who manage to get government-backed mortgages with credit scores at low as 650, but these usually require a substantial down payment or some other way to get equity in the home.

What Percent of Americans Could Buy A Home?

About 58 percent of Americans do have a credit score over 650. So, if you look at it that way, just about 60 percent of people might qualify for a mortgage program. Most people in the lower ranges of acceptable mortgage credit could need a 20-percent down payment, so it’s impossible to say how many individuals and families that might eliminate. Some folks with lower credit scores might also be able to use a program from the VA or another government-related organization to qualify for a mortgage without such a large down payment as well.

Besides credit scores, lenders look at other factors:

* They consider the amount of existing debt, especially unsecured debts. They tend to view secured debts, like those for cars, more favorably than credit card debt.

* Lenders also look at employment and employment history. People who have remained at one job or run a business for a few years may get more leeway than people with a spottier work history.

How to Find Out If You Qualify For A Mortgage

The easiest way to find out if you can qualify for a mortgage is to speak with an experienced mortgage broker. Even if your credit score is average, a good broker might be able to find you a program that helps people buy a house. If that doesn’t work out, you may be able to work to rebuild your credit or even find a rent-to-own program that works out well for you. You may also be able to make a deal with certain lenders who base their credit decisions more on the value of the home or other equity than on credit scores. Don’t assume that lenders won’t accept you before speaking with a mortgage broker.

admin

Many homeowners have questions on whether or not pests can cause certain problems in their home, and one that comes up frequently is the question of whether mice and rats have the ability to chew through the walls. These pests can be especially problematic since they can get into food, carry disease, and even carry fleas that can carry various diseases. There are few pests more hated than rats because of the huge amount of damage they can do, the health issues (especially with children around), and there’s no denying the fear, frustration, revulsion, and other similar issues from a rat running across the floor inside a house. Where there’s one, it’s usually only a matter of time until there are others, as well.

Serious Damage Every Single Year

There’s no question that rats are a serious problem that can compound in seriousness over time. They can chew through walls, insulation, wires, and cause all sorts of problems. Piles of their droppings can be a serious health hazard as well. There’s absolutely no question about their ability to chew through even strong building materials over time, and it is important to note that it is estimated that rats and mice together cause tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

This isn’t just the tunneling through walls and ceilings, cutting through insulation, and making your home vulnerable to other pests, but also health hazards from feces, fleas, special diseases most often associated with these creatures but they can contaminate food supplies, cause health problems, and even damage wiring that results in an electrical fire. Burning down an entire building is the very definition of serious damage.

Even A Problem When Dead

There are many rats that manage to get into a basement, an attic, the walls, only to eventually get stuck in an area they can’t get out of. This is often the cause of frequent scratching that people sometimes hear in walls and that can be a dead giveaway to an infestation. If they starve to death or die from other means, their corpses can cause a massive stench in addition to extremely un-hygienic and unsafe conditions within the walls.

These are not problems that you want to leave undisturbed. They will continue to get worse and should never be ignored but need to be dealt with.

Trusting Professional Pest Control Services

Generally, you will want to call in a licensed and certified professional pest control service to help you out. Rats can be tricky, they can also be nasty when cornered, and then there are the issues of disease as well as being able to get to the pests and trap them and remove them safely doing as little damage to the house or business building as possible.

Even if you could catch the rat yourself, that doesn’t mean you could figure out how it got in and what open entry points were still around. This is a very important point because if you don’t seal up the original entry way then this is a problem that could just occur again and again. Hiring a professional means tracking down the root of the problem and getting it nipped in the bud.

There are many different types of pests, but a rat infestation is one that you especially need to worry about. From damage to the house to the threat of wiring damage to the health and safety of everyone there, it’s just something that needs to be taken care of as soon as the problem is discovered. Do that and you’ll be much happier in the long run.

admin

Are you selling your home yet are unsure what fluff and polishing should be done? The great thing is that this is not a difficult task, it is something that many homeowners face and there is plenty of information on what should be done to clean and stage your home so it will sell fast. Here are five top tips on the subject:

1. Get Your House Cleaning On

The number one tip that experts seem to agree on is this one, cleaning and decluttering is crucial. In general, you either want to hire professional house cleaning service or you want to give the entire house your best professional cleaning, putting everything in its place. How do you professionally clean a house? Here are some specifics:

• Bathrooms – Make sure they are spotless and that fresh towels are out. Make sure the mirrors sparkle and the lids of the toilet and garbage are all shut.
• Air – The air must smell fresh, this does not mean light a thousand candles or use smelly air fresheners, some people are allergic to these things. Instead, open up the windows throughout the home and let fresh air in. Take out the trash, clean the litter box, wash the dog’s bed, store you pet food in a closed container, air out beds prior to making them, etc. The smell of your home is something to may be used to, especially if you have pets, but others may not like it.
• Clutter Control – There are times in which this may seem like a difficult task, however it is an important one. Try to make sure that the closest in the front hall are decluttered so guests can hang their coats up and remove as much junk off of the surfaces as you possibly can. It is important for your prospective buyer to feel as if there is sufficient room for their stuff.

2. Let There Be Light

The second most offered tip is a fix it which offers great bang for the buck: lighten and brighten things up. What this means is repair light fixtures that are broken, put new light bulbs in, move furniture are from the front of the windows, replace drapes that are dirty, open up blinds and curtains during a showing, wash windows, etc. The estimated cost associated with this fix is around $375, the expected results however could be a pop of as much as $1,550 in the price of the sale.

3. Your House: Your Stage

It is highly recommended by experts that you incorporate home staging, these include a few old fashioned tips such as making sure fresh flowers are placed out and of course some newer ones such as rearranging your furniture to provide better sightlines. There are actually realtors who offer staging services themselves, or subcontract to stagers. If this is something you prefer doing yourself than make sure to use common sense, try to only have two to three different colors of furnishings in the room. Make sure that when potential buyers walk into a room, they for not see the backs of all of the furniture. Experts claim that the return on investment can be as much as 299%.

4. Stay off the Grass

The fourth tip on our list is specifically for those who have any areas that require landscaping. Make sure that the lawn is watered and mowed, get rid of all dead leaves on your shrubs, put out some new plants as well. It may cost your around $540 to have some landscaping done, however the expected return is around $1,923.

5. Be Handy

To top off our list we have the fix it up part, make sure that all plumbing and electrical repairs are taken care of. Replace or repair leaky faucets, stop toilets form gurgling, and make sure that every electrical outlet works.

These five tips and pointers for cleaning and staging your house for sale are simple, yet when done right they can be very effective.

admin

If you have a poor credit rating and are looking for a home loan, you have limited options, but that doesn’t mean that it will be impossible to get a loan, it just means that you will need to shop around a bit more.

Most of the big, well-known lenders only want to loan to people with good credit ratings. They compete on the interest rate front, and this means that they need to be confident that the loans will get paid back, because the process of repossessing a property is a long and expensive one.

Mortgage lenders will look at how long people have been employed, how much credit they have, the payment history, and other things to try to figure out whether someone can actually pay back the credit that they have taken out. If you have a poor history of paying back your consumer debt, they’re going to be less likely to allow you to borrow, and as such they will want to charge higher interest rates.

Bad credit won’t completely disqualify you from taking out a mortgage, but don’t expect to get the best home loan available. You will need to put down a bigger deposit than someone who has a good credit rating, and you will need to be able to demonstrate that the repayment amounts are an acceptable percentage of your income. It’s hard to get a self-certified mortgage even with a good credit rating these days, but with a poor credit rating you will need to be able to provide proof of your income, so that they know that you have a reasonable chance of paying back the loan.

If you have been bankrupt recently, then you’re probably going to find it hard to get a loan, but remember that mortgages are secured on the property, and this means that there will likely be some lenders that will entertain the idea, because they know that they have something that they can get back if you default.

You might find that getting a guarantor will help you, but this person would be someone who would have to take on financial responsibility if you failed to come through on your obligations, and that’s a lot to ask of someone, unless they are a close family member and they are confident that you are better at handling your financial obligations now than you once were.

Often, the best option is to try to repair your credit rating. Look for ways to save money. Pay off outstanding debts. Clear court judgements, and try not to miss any more payments in the near future. Pay off your credit cards. Do everything that you can to clean up your finances. It takes years for bad credit marks to drop off your profile, but some lenders pay more attention to your recent history than your current issues, and this means that you can often repair your credit rating enough to get a better mortgage in just a couple of years.

admin

One of the issues that can really kill a deal is for a prospective buyer to walk into a house and notice signs of pests, such as mice, rats or roaches. Unfortunately, when a home is left vacant for even a short amount of time, critters can move in.

One of the worst problems is undoubtedly the dead rodent smell. If you have ever walked a prospective buyer into a home that has been closed up for a few days, and where a rodent has recently gone to the great beyond, you will invariably encounter a potential deal-breaker. For that reason, it’s good to know some tips on pest control that can work effectively, yet not leave a home smelling like a rat.

Professional pest control services are the best alternative you can use to solve this kind of issue. You need to find someone who can extract the mice and rats without causing dead rat odor. Here are some tips that can help you ask the right questions when choosing a pest control service:

1. Integrated Pest Management

This is one of the most convenient ways of getting rid of mice and rats without having to kill them. However, you also need to understand that is a not an easy task, and it involves pest proofing around the house. That means you will start by identifying the entry and exit point of this tiny creatures and make sure that they are sealed. Moreover, you are also required to keep your food secure and sealed at all times. Knowing the pest habits will make it easy for you to get rid of it slowly and safely without having to kill it inside the house.

2. Use Warfarin

Another way you can get rid of mice and rats successful is by poisoning them. There are various brands in the market that manufacture rodenticides and all you need to do is find the right one. Most of this toxic products cause mice and rats to die instantly, while others cause them to feel thirsty and leave your house in search of a source of water. A good example of such poison is warfarin. However, it is advisable that you handle such products with care and keep them away from children.

3. Use Traps

If you are concerned about the risk factors that are involved in handling such a toxic product, then you can always consider using traps. There are many traps available in the market, but the most common ones are the snap traps and the sticky traps. The snap traps work differently from the sticky traps whereby, this particular trap uses a spring mechanism to capture the rodent and break its neck. Sticky traps are much easier to set and you all you need to do is place the trap where you suspect the rodent might be and wait.

If a mouse runs through the trap, it sticks to it and the more it struggles to get free the more it tangles itself. Eventually, the mouse will either die of starvation or dehydration, but one thing you can be sure of is that it will not go anywhere. However, it is advisable that you keep checking on the trap so that you can get rid of any rodent that gets caught.

These are some of the best pest control methods you can rely on to remove rats and mice from your homes without causing “dead rat” odor. Some will involve more work, and cost, than the others. But when compared to the cost of losing a potential sale, it can certainly be worth the expense.

admin

There are a number of advantages you gain access to when you hire a realtor rather than trying to sell off your home yourself. Most of these are rather small, but a number will give you a significant boost when you are trying to get your home off the market and into the hands of someone else.

According to Hilton Head Island realtor, Marybeth Buonaiuto, the first advantage is that you don’t have to network so much, making it easier for more people to see your home. Marybeth mentions, “A realtor will already have a number of clients, and they will have friends who have clients as well. All of these people will be able to look at your home, have their questions answered, and get what they need out of your home.” Without the realtor, you would have to network with people and hope people notice your advertisements.

The next advantage is that the realtor is going to know the actual prices on the market for everything. When people make you an offer, you are going to be confused and lost, you might even just accept it out of desperation. A realtor makes sure that you don’t get ripped off, and that the negotiations go as long as they need to do. In a market where a mistake can cost your thousands of dollar, it is really important to know what you are doing.

Another advantage is that they will know what the policies and codes of your city and state are when it comes to selling a home. You could go to your city hall and request these, but you wouldn’t understand them the same way that a trained professional would. Closing on a house and then finding out that it isn’t legal to sell, that there are repairs to be made, or that it has a number of problems should be your worst nightmare. Many times, a small law gets overlooked and causes a large number of problems.

Selling with a realtor is going to take you a bit less time, meaning that you will get your money much faster. If you are wanting to be out of the market fast, you absolutely need to hire a realtor. It can take years for a house to sell when you are doing it yourself, making it seem like your dreams are never going to come true.

A realty agent can also help you with staging your home, making sure that prospective buyers are able to truly imagine themselves in your home. This is important, because many homes look alike, and the items in them often make the sale. An experiences agent will be able to stage a home, tell you what you need to store, and help you change the entire feel of your home within 24 hours. Looking at guides online and trying to do it yourself, it might take weeks or even months.

An agent will also ensure that you have open house events on dates that work for the community, and in a manner that helps you make a sale. They will deal with all the signs, flyers, pamphlets, and other information. All you have to do is answer questions that come your way and make sure that you home is clean.

Overall, going with a realtor is going to save you time, money, and hassle, making it easier for you to get rid of your current house and get into a new one. If you are lucky, your realty agent may be able to find you the home of your dreams in the process of selling your old one.

admin

If you’re interested in preserving the environment as much as possible, chances are you’re interested in picking a green design for your next house. While the ‘green’ phase has picked up in popularity, so too has the builders willing to design your next home to green standards. Before you design your next project or have a home built to your specifications, make sure you carefully interview a green builder who is knowledgeable about energy efficient homes and designs. You can begin by taking the following into consideration:

Find an architect who uses the latest technology- Just like you wouldn’t attempt a project without the proper tools, neither should you hire an architect or builder who doesn’t have the latest technology or equipment at their disposal. This applies to both residential builders and commercial builders.

The architect communicates clearly and shares every facet of the design with you. – Remember, your architect is not the one that has to live with the design; you do! Ultimately, you should be able to share your ideas with the architect and not have to babysit them the whole step of the way.

Ask for references- Unless the company or architect/builder has references, you shouldn’t be working with them. While it’s true that everyone has to start somewhere, you don’t want to be the first project; especially if your pockets aren’t bottomless. Go with a tried and true company who knows what they’re doing and be sure to ask for and contact their references.

The builder and the customer should communicate clearly in ensuring the project can be completed at the agreed budget. You don’t want a builder that is heedless of the budget, as this creates disappointment in the buyer once they realize they won’t be able to afford the project. Make sure the agreement is in writing and you both have copies in case things go wrong.

It’s not required, but picking an architect that is certified (and can show proof) by the LEED program means their building practices and designs have been reviewed and approved by the Green Building Council.

Having your next house or company designed by an architect or builder who is familiar with energy efficient designs is not effective in helping to preserve the environment, it’s essential to conserving and producing energy while saving you extra money. A green building offers multiple benefits including:

–              Saving money on energy bills.

–              Reducing energy waste through electricity and water.

–              Reducing waste on extra and often extravagant building materials.

–              Is wallet friendly?

–              A higher return on investment when it comes to selling or renting your next project out.

The ideal architect and builder will work with you to achieve your goals with your next project.  While the green movement may have taken the world by a storm, you don’t have to pay a fortune to get the very best designs at an affordable cost. Research a company thoroughly before signing any contracts and be sure to contact their references to make sure that the customers were happy and are still happy with the completed work.

While we at RPC may not be green architects or builders, we can personally attest to the popularity of the green housing movement. IN an effort to eliminate pollution and environmental harm, people are becoming more aware of our impact on the planet, and have gone out of their way to build or purchase a green house. As such, this has made green built properties extremely profitable. If you would like to learn more, please stay tuned to our regularly updated blog.

admin

In order to keep your ac unit to use when you need it, you ought to perform annual preventive maintenance. Annual maintenance is extremely important if you are living in a climate that may be hot all year. The final thing you desire is perfect for your ac unit to fail when you really need it the most. Looking after your ac is just not difficult, but knowing some suggestions will help make it simpler.

Change Your Filter

The easiest and quickest part in maintaining your air conditioner is beginning to change your filter. Even if you have zero technical or mechanical expertise in any way, you may change the filter within your air conditioner. Changing your filter will relieve much of the responsibility on the air conditioning system. When an AC filter is clogged and loaded with particles or dust, your air conditioner will expend more energy seeking to cool the air. Replacement filters can e bought at most diy stores or hardware stores. They may be usually inexpensive, however you must ensure these are right size and match for the system. Whenever you choose the right filter, it is a straightforward matter of removing the old one and inserting the new one. Switching your filter not just helps your body run more proficiently, but it also helps the system produce cleaner air. You ought to probably improve your filter at least one time every sixty days.

Air Conditioning Unit Coils

The coils in your ac unit will also be important to ac maintenance. Should your coils are not properly cleaned, it can lead to your body using more energy to work. When your system must use more energy, it can cause the device being overworked and eventually breaking down. It is actually simple enough to clean up the coils and fins of your system that are located outside. You simply need your backyard hose along with a broom. You may also get a nylon brush handy, too. Make use of the garden hose to wash away any obstructions, dirt, or debris. Usually do not utilize a pressure washer for this part of you system because the strong spray may harm the interior parts of the system. When the air cooling unit is inside, use a similar method to clean it before you start to work it if the weather gets hot.

Eliminate Obstructions

One of the more important elements of home air conditioning unit maintenance is usually to make it free from obstructions. An AC unit containing an obstructed filter or coils will overwork to cool and wear down quicker than normal. If your outside unit is encompassed by shrubs, plants, fencing or trees, these can block the flow of air to your unit. There must be at least a foot of space between most of these landscaping as well as your unit. This is especially true on an indoor unit. Tend not to place plants, pictures, or objects near to the air flow vents on the air conditioning unit and ensure there is no dirt or debris on the vent itself.

Adjust Your Schedule

Adjusting the thermostat on your air-con system might help reduce energy whilst keeping your computer from working too much. If you and your family are gone a lot of the day, try setting a greater temperature on the thermostat. This may stop your ac from cooling in the event it is not going to must, saving both money and wear in the unit. When your family returns home, you can just lower the thermostat to cool off the house.

Hire An HVAC Professional On An Annual Tune Up

A yearly tune-up can be a requirement if you wish your air conditioning unit to be in great condition. Perform each of the maintenance tasks above and then hire an HVAC professional to complete an intensive once over of your unit annually.

admin