The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts
Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as
Technological innovation advances every field, taking it a step further in simplifying the process with which a product is made or a service is provided. It’s progress and it’s a continuous occurrence, one that cannot be stopped. While you might think that the casino industry has it all figured out
As we approach the next step in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, including the reopening of indoor entertainment venues from 17 May, it’s an opportunity for many to reflect on the changes life has thrown at us since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Whilst almost every industry
Accidents and damages can occur in any home, but some could prove to be both costly and risky, even as a tenant. Whilst the common misconception is that a landlord will pay for damages at rental properties, this is not necessarily the case. Whilst there was a 12% drop in
House prices have continued to soar in April, up 1.4% from March and 8.2% YTD to an average of £258,204, according to the latest Halifax index, with no sign of slowing down any time soon. With that in mind, experts at Money.co.uk have offered their expertise answering some of the
For certain kinds of business, the cost of warehousing can be significant. If you have a huge volume of stock to keep, even if it’s just for a matter of days, then it’s vital that you make the most of the available space, while still keeping enough capacity available that
Fences are often overlooked as part of a home’s property, but they play an important role. When a fence is deteriorating badly or is simply too old, it can detract from the enjoyment of the backyard. Eventually, it will come time to replace it with something better and possibly different.
Living in New York City can be a dream come true for many people. The bright lights, the celebrities all around, the city that never sleeps. But finding somewhere to live at an affordable rate can be nigh impossible, with the rent trends in New York constantly changing. One option
When the market is hot, buyers are hungry, and properties move fast. When the market is less than ideal, some extra work may be necessary to attract potential buyers to available listings. New development and construction are no exception to this situation. Regardless, developing a system to reach potential buyers
The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts like ActronAir to get more insights. 1. Deciduous Trees Deciduous trees are a common tree type, and these types of trees can shed leaves in the fall. When this happens, you’re likely to have an excessive amount of leaves blowing around your yard or driveway, which can clog up the air filter on your HVAC system. If there is more than one deciduous tree in the location, it would be best to place your HVAC system on a roof or higher level. This can prevent cotton wool or pollen from accumulating on the coils. And so before you install your air conditioner, check out for deciduous trees around the compound that may affect the airflow. 2. Shaded Location The HVAC system needs to be in a shaded area. It will keep the equipment cool and running efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills by reducing how often it has to turn on. The only time this isn’t true is if the location gets too hot or cold outside, rendering that particular spot unacceptable for placement. If you put it in a shady area when it’s too cold, there’s a risk that your HVAC system will be working extra hard and use more energy than necessary, which is costly for you as well as for the environment. 3. Keep It Off Your Dog You’ll want to put a barrier preventing your dog from reaching the HVAC system because it could get in trouble. Some dogs have a habit of chewing on cord and so they can easily be electrocuted or cut their tongue and end up bleeding out as well. Dogs also lick themselves which means there’s always an increased risk for contamination. Plus any fur that’s on the ground will be blown into your ducts and spread around. They can also urinate on the HVAC system, which will cause damage, contamination, and rust. Putting up a barrier like a fence or a hedge will work out just fine when it comes to blocking off your dog. You also need to close any possible loophole that they may squeeze through. 4. Outdoor Activities When determining the right location for your HVAC system, it is important to consider outdoor activities that will be taking place in or around your home. If you’re always in your backyard or patio, then you’ll want to keep the system away from there. If not, then choose a spot that will be most convenient for your family members or guests. You also need to consider how far away it is from the power source and water supply. 5. Blending With Your Landscape You will want to make sure your AC blends into the landscape for a seamless look. This is especially important if you are installing it on an outside wall of your home or near a window. The best way to blend with the surroundings is by painting, brickwork, landscaping, and other exterior treatments. 6. Snowdrifts Don’t put your HVAC system where snowdrifts accumulate. If you live in a region that gets heavy snowfalls, ensure you leave a space between your HVAC and the house for snow removal equipment. That way, if your equipment gets buried in snow, it won’t affect the HVAC and shut it down. 7. Side Or Backyard Placing your HVAC system in the back or side yard is a good option for smaller homes with little space inside. In these situations, it’s best that the unit not face south because this would cause the power usage to spike during summer months and run up energy bills more quickly. 8. Water Runoff Most people install their heating and cooling systems on the roof, but this isn’t always a good idea. If you have a sloped or uncertain roof, it’s possible that water will get into your unit when there is heavy rain. This can damage your HVAC system over time because of rust buildup and other problems associated with excess moisture. To Sum Up… Location is an important factor when it comes to the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. These tips will help you to determine the best location.
Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as essential as adding furniture and matching decors. If you are not sure how secure your home is, then it is time you start paying more attention to details. Read more to know some of the common safety hazards at home and how to avoid them. Avoiding Electrical Fire According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US fire department visits around 300,000 homes every year to put out fires. However, by following simple precautionary measures, you can quickly improve fire safety at your home. Check if you have a working safety switch that will turn off the main power when an electrical appliance fails. Look for frayed appliance cords, light switches, and power cords. Always keep an eye on the power points, which are located close to a water source. Avoiding Slippage and Falls According to statistics, more than one-third of the emergency visits to the hospitals are because of accidental falls and slips. From falling down the staircase to slipping in the shower, sometimes falls can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. To avoid accidental falls, you must stabilize the stairs by testing the steadiness of the handrails, fix them to the floor properly and check whether there is sufficient lighting in the area. Monitoring CO Levels High exposure to carbon monoxide can cause impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. It is impossible to detect CO by smell, making it one of the most challenging threats to see. However, there are ways to avoid carbon monoxide-related injuries at home. You can install a CO detector at your house, which will alert you if the carbon monoxide level reaches a dangerous high. Other than the detector, ensure that you keep up with regular home maintenance by having an expert service the water heater, HVAC system, and other devices every year. Choking and Strangling Hazards Creating a safe environment at home is very important, especially if you have newborn babies or kids with you. In the US, choking is said to be the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths. Small toys are responsible for the most common safety hazards at homes. To avoid this, you must regularly inspect the toys for any broken or loose parts. It is also essential to have a baby monitor to listen in to any signs of choking. Next to choking, strangling by cords from curtains or blinds is the next common safety hazard for kids. Make sure not to place the kid’s crib or bed under or near a window with hanging cords. Secure the electrical cables and trim the hanging lines in the curtains to avoid accidental strangling. If your house is missing out on even one of the safety measures in this list, it is time you immediately check it out and take the required steps. You will never know when anything can go wrong. So, practice constant vigilance and, more importantly, practice all the safety measures.
Technological innovation advances every field, taking it a step further in simplifying the process with which a product is made or a service is provided. It’s progress and it’s a continuous occurrence, one that cannot be stopped. While you might think that the casino industry has it all figured out and they’re already making enough bank, like everyone, they are trying to implement technology and bring ease of use to the customer while maximizing profits. They’ve always been on the forefront of the economy, so they’re keeping up with the times so things stay that way. The industry’s shift into the digital sphere began back in the mid-90s. Today, online casinos are chipping away at their land-based equivalents, with annual revenues projected to reach $88 billion by 2024. When you look at the options these casinos offer, it’s easy to see why business is booming. After all, they have tons of quality games that players can choose once they register. Roulette is among the most popular categories and the Casimba roulette games are supplied by some of the world’s most reputable game providers. A pleasant gaming experience is guaranteed, but you must remember to play for entertainment purposes only. In just a couple of years, new technology will unmeasurably improve the games even the best online casino has to offer, but it will enhance their real-life versions in different ways as well. Analytics and Data Modeling While on the surface the word data doesn’t sound too exciting, there is no doubt that data is invaluable. The whole online sector is fighting over it. And with so many people playing games online, there are more than enough sources from which data can be mined. These services can track your history, when you played, how much you bet, at what time, what games do you gravitate towards and so on. Remember, they have your info, so they know your gender, age, and location, and they can build models for certain demographics. Concierge Apps This is truly a brilliant idea. You check into a casino and download their app, from then on it serves as your virtual guide and assistant. You can make dinner reservations through it, schedule a massage, or see what shows you can check out. Taking it a step further, you can even be allowed to control your room’s temperature, part the curtains, set the alarm or order room service. The casino can even provide slot games on the app, and if you’re a preferred customer, they might throw a few free spins your way. Today, these apps are the norm in some luxury residential buildings. Facial Recognition While you may think that your laptop and phone have this ability too, you have to understand that there are levels to everything. There’s always been an eye in the sky on the casino floor, but modern advances have brought forward scanners that can identify perps before they even commit a crime. And, it’s not just their faces they can recognize, and records they can access, they can spot license plates and alert authorities as suspicious cars enter the premises. It won’t be long before they neutralize things like counterfeit-chips and card switching as well.
As we approach the next step in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, including the reopening of indoor entertainment venues from 17 May, it’s an opportunity for many to reflect on the changes life has thrown at us since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Whilst almost every industry was affected when lockdown pressed pause on daily life, the UK construction industry was ground to a complete halt for nearly 2 months when workers were ordered to stay at home. Not only did 80% of construction businesses have to cancel or postpone projects (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, 2020), but when construction eventually resumed in the spring, supply chain disruptions caused further issues, with many goods and services becoming unavailable. Trade and travel restrictions continued throughout 2020, as did increased operating costs, decreased demand and mandatory legislation that required employees to social distance and wear PPE on site. But with light finally at the end of the tunnel and reports showing a positive trajectory for the future of construction, attention turns to the aftermath and what is considered the new ‘normal’. Has the working landscape changed forever, and what positives can we take from these new ways of working? Employees from professional tool manufacturer Hilti share their thoughts. Michaela Hunter, Training Officer “When Covid hit, I had to work out how to deliver effective training to Hilti employees in a format that I never thought was possible. We were faced with the challenge of converting all of our material into a digital format, meaning we lost a key element of the training which was hands-on experience with the tools. It’s also more difficult to engage people digitally, so we had to get creative with activities and group work to encourage participation and help increase knowledge retention. We had a recruitment freeze in the UK too, so some of the team were redeployed to support other areas of the business, as there were less new employees to train. “Adapting to this new way of working has been a struggle for me and made me appreciate the small things in life. It’s been really tough not having that social interaction in the office, where we could have a chat over a coffee. Not to mention the technical issues that come with working digitally. On the flip side, it’s shown how people have the resilience to adapt to dramatic changes. It’s created opportunities which we can utilise even when the pandemic is over, although I’m really looking forward to running sessions in person again.” Charlie Ashworth, Implementation & Care Manager for Tool Services “My team is national based so before the pandemic, I would usually spend 2-3 nights a week away from home. Over the past year, that hasn’t been possible and I haven’t been able to join my colleagues in their cars during field rides. I’ve had to adapt the way I coach and support the team – remote field rides via Teams has meant I’m in more regular contact with each team member. “I’ve really enjoyed spending more time at home and hardly any nights in hotels, which has been great from a work-life balance perspective. Being able to join customer meetings via Teams has allowed me to be more productive too. But coaching and supporting is the best part of my role, so I’ve missed the human contact, as you don’t get the same experience with a Teams call compared to a full day in the field. “I don’t think work will ever return to normal. Teams meetings will continue and there’ll definitely be less travelling in my role, but I still intend to get back out in the field once or twice a week.” Emma Ross, Regional Head of Warehousing “Working in Logistics during the pandemic has hugely challenged us as a team, as we simply can’t do our job remotely. The biggest impact it had for me personally was the greater focus of putting people first. I have always looked to do this, but the stress and pressure the team were under gave greater emphasis to keeping them safe – both physically and mentally. Those people working in warehousing across the country are the hidden key workers. Being unable to work from home and having to go in everyday takes its toll. “We’ve really missed working alongside our office-based colleagues. Less formal communication is difficult to get right over Teams, so I’m certainly looking forward to meetings in person. We’re a very hands-on operation and like to physically show people the challenge, which isn’t as easy over a video call. “On a positive note, the small team left on site have become much stronger and closer. The worry that you might make a loved one sick isn’t easy to face every day, so we’ve been able to support each other. But, the realisation that we’ve helped keep businesses moving, and even contributed to the construction of the Nightingale hospitals, has made it a very rewarding year.” Chris Butters, Internal Sales Account Manager for Building Construction “The past year has been a weird experience. I definitely never thought I’d do an interview sat in my kitchen wearing a pair of shorts. I’ve started in a new team too, so it’s been interesting meeting new team members and doing training via Teams rather than getting hands-on with the tools. I’ve also missed the banter of being in the office, and just seeing people in general. “Despite the weirdness, I’ve loved being at home. I got to experience all of my son’s “firsts” like crawling, walking and talking – which is something I missed out on with my little girl. Luckily, I’m now back in the office twice a week, so it’s nice being able to see people and get support face to face.” Has COVID-19 forced your business to adopt new ways of working? And has jobsite productivity fallen as a result? Get back on track with Hilti’s free productivity guide > References:https://www.chas.co.uk/blog/covid-impact-on-construction-industry/
Accidents and damages can occur in any home, but some could prove to be both costly and risky, even as a tenant. Whilst the common misconception is that a landlord will pay for damages at rental properties, this is not necessarily the case. Whilst there was a 12% drop in the number of rental properties last year, rentals remain a popular home choice for many. While it is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain some aspects of the property, you could still end up with hefty bills that could leave you out of pocket. We’ve put together the top 5 costly damages that happen at home, and how you avoid any nasty surprises. What’s the financial and repair responsibility for the tenant’s damages? Whilst the landlord will be generally responsible for structural repairs of the property (as well as gas and electrical work), tenants still have a responsibility to make good any damage to the property under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act. So, what exactly does this mean? Any damage caused on your property, whether that be by you or family member, must be repaired and paid for by the tenant. Even if damage was unintentional, instances such as leaving the water on whilst away could leave you liable for damage. What are the costliest accidents that happen at home for tenants? Thankfully, many tenants and landlords never experience costly accidents during their tenancy. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 repairs in a rental property, and how you can prevent them. 1. Broken windows Whilst this type of damage is often accidental (such as kicking a football in the wrong direction!), it can be costly. With window replacements costing upwards of a few hundred pounds, it can soon put a dent in your bank balance. 2. Bad Usage of Electrical Appliance While it’s tempting to over-stuff plug sockets with appliances, improper usage of electrical goods can not only be dangerous, but it can also leave you out of pocket. Unplugging appliances when not in use and only using appliances for their stated purpose can help reduce the risk of both fires and bills. 3. Wear and Tear Whilst general wear and tear is expected with a rental property, the landlord may hold you liable for damage outside of this. Factors such as having pets (or throwing parties!) could put you at risk of a landing large, unexpected bill. 4. Furniture damage Whilst it is the landlord’s responsibility to provide furniture and white goods at 5-year intervals, responsibility for repairing damage to furniture lies with the tenant. So, it always pays to be careful! 5. Mold Mold develops in damp areas in the home and wreak havoc if left untreated. Mold removal by a professional can cost up to £1,000, so turning a blind eye to mold and mildew can be costly. Luckily, mold can easily be prevented by ventilating the property well. How to overcome and be protected against these damages? While most damage is almost certain to be the result of an accident, you could still find yourself in court. If you are found to be negligent, you could find yourself in deep water. One way to prepare for the unknown is to purchase renters insurance cover. This will protect you against any unexpected costs, fees or expenses as a result of a case being brought against you. You may never need it, but home insurance offers peace of mind for the ‘what if’ moments in life.
House prices have continued to soar in April, up 1.4% from March and 8.2% YTD to an average of £258,204, according to the latest Halifax index, with no sign of slowing down any time soon. With that in mind, experts at Money.co.uk have offered their expertise answering some of the most important questions. Why have house prices risen so much? Here are a few reasons that could have led to a soar in house prices: The stamp duty holiday extension Low-interest rates The desire to move to a new house which has also been fuelled by the pandemic The desire to live out of a city, in a larger home for a similar price In lockdown, a lot of people were able to save money and are now in a position to buy a new home What impact did the stamp duty have? After Chancellor Rishi Sunak brought in a temporary holiday to stamp duty fees last summer, to give the housing market a boost, this led to a huge increase in UK house sales and has been a major factor in pushing people to act – even though the £15,000 saving has been more than swallowed up by house price increases since it was introduced. What has happened to house prices in the past year? House prices have been steadily rising for the past year, with only a small dip at the start of 2021 when the stamp duty holiday was expected to end. There are several house price indices produced by different organisations. They use different factors when assessing house prices in the UK and therefore it’s worth looking at all of them to get the full picture on prices. The following organisations can offer you an insight into house price indices: Halifax, Nationwide, The Land Registry and Zoopla. Will house prices keep rising? The data from Halifax today predicts that prices will continue to rise for the next few months but at some point this year will begin to slow down, at the point when the government’s furlough scheme comes to an end. However, the pandemic has shown us that nothing is ever set in stone and therefore the outlook remains cautious for the housing market. “We expect the market to remain strong at least until the end of the year, with prices supported by a severe shortage of homes for sale and people wanting to make a move and get on with their lives as the pandemic finally recedes and life returns to normal,” said Mike Scott, chief analyst at estate agency Yopa.
For certain kinds of business, the cost of warehousing can be significant. If you have a huge volume of stock to keep, even if it’s just for a matter of days, then it’s vital that you make the most of the available space, while still keeping enough capacity available that you can cope with new orders without any disruption. So how might you rearrange your warehouse for the sake of maximum efficiency? Let’s take a look at a few considerations. Assessing the Floor Plan Your floor plan should make it easy for you to store as many items as possible. But that’s not the sole consideration; your staff will also need to be able to easily access the goods they need. This might mean generous walkways, and traffic being directed to make sure workers aren’t getting in the way of each other. Ensuring that traffic is able to easily flow from one section of the warehouse to the next will minimise disruption and help the entire facility to operate that little bit more efficiently. Before deciding on any changes, it’s worth taking a walk around the warehouse floor, and talking to the people who’ll actually be living with the benefits and drawbacks of any changes. Improving Inventory Management Inventory management has come a long way over recent decades, thanks to a rapid proliferation of technological tools. Nowadays, there’s no need to remember where every single item is, because a computer can do it for you. What is more, the items on your shelves don’t need to be in any particular order, so long as they’re appropriately coded so that every given item is where the computer says that it is. Your inventory and asset tracking management system should follow the Pareto principle, that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of inputs. In this case, it means that a minority of your stock accounts for most of the movement. Generally speaking, the items that are most frequently reached-for should be the ones that are most easily reached. If a worker needs to make ten trips for one item for every one trip for another, then differences in location can have a disproportionate impact on productivity over the course of a working day. Capacity If you need your premises to be able to cope with surges in demand during particular times of year, then investing in temporary buildings might be worthwhile. These buildings can be easily thrown up for just a few weeks, and then disassembled. They can be useful if you need to bridge a gap during a specific period where stock is at a high. Efficient Shelving As well as assessing the larger-scale layout of the warehouse, it’s also worth assessing the shelving more closely. Different kinds of shelves are capable of storing certain items far more efficiently than others. Think about the amount of empty space that’s going unused and look for solutions that will fill that space.
Fences are often overlooked as part of a home’s property, but they play an important role. When a fence is deteriorating badly or is simply too old, it can detract from the enjoyment of the backyard. Eventually, it will come time to replace it with something better and possibly different. Here are four reasons for homeowners to upgrades their fences. 1. Improve Appearances for the Home & Garden When you have already purchased the property and it either lacks a fence, or it is sagging badly and is damaged, it’s time for a rethink. Delineating the property line or boundaries isn’t just useful for the parcel of land; it’s also something that is visually a good thing to do for you and the neighbors. It can avoid confusion and potential disagreements over where their property line ends and yours begins. When replacing the fences or putting one in for the first time, consider what type of fence is best. They come at various price points and are available in wrought iron, vinyl, and chain-link. Each adds a different aesthetic to the backyard, so it’s worth considering how a style will fit into it. To get an idea about the various fence styles, check out northlandfence.com. 2. Increase the Value of the Home A home’s value won’t stay the same when there’s a poor-quality fence or none at all in some places. The valuation is likely to increase by as much as half of the cost of the fence. If it’s a privacy fence that reaches from 4 feet up to as much as 9 feet tall, it’ll be important to provide seclusion for you and possibly your family if you have one too. Choose a fence style that’s in keeping with the rest of the home. It’s likely to have the most upside potential for the expenditure. 3. Prevent Infestation by Termites When there’s an old wooden fence surrounding the property line, it has been susceptible to both the elements and any insects for years. A wooden fence can potentially have suffered a termite infestation because they love wood of all kinds. Even when the wooden slates were originally treated to avoid this, that won’t ward off the risk completely. It would be best to use concrete posts for your fence to make it stronger and stand against termites. 4. Let Your Dog Out with a Safe Place to Run Dogs need a safe place to run around, play fetch, and maybe do a bit of enthusiastic digging too. It’s a great thing to let them burn off some energy if you’re short of time to take them for a walk that day. Let’s face it – dogs love getting outdoors and running around in virtually any weather except perhaps snow. So, a fenced-in garden that’s too high for them to leap over allows the homeowner to let them get more outdoor time. Then they can be walked later in the day when the schedule allows for it. While it’s always hoped that a fence will be of high quality and durability with new homes, many people purchase new-to-them homes as the second owner or later buyer. Depending on the age of the home and the quality of the fences, they may not have held up. Homeowners should avoid waiting until part of the fence has collapsed before thinking about its replacement.
Living in New York City can be a dream come true for many people. The bright lights, the celebrities all around, the city that never sleeps. But finding somewhere to live at an affordable rate can be nigh impossible, with the rent trends in New York constantly changing. One option that can help with that is renting a no fee apartment from the owner rather than a property management team or developer. By-owner apartments in NYC can typically be found at a cheaper rate even in a potentially better location. Best of all, by owner apartments have no broker fees. But they can be hard to find sometimes. To make it easier, we’ve created this comprehensive guide on finding by-owner apartments in NYC. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the process far less daunting and hopefully get you into a great apartment in no time. So let’s dive right into here, here’s everything to keep in mind when looking for by-owner apartments in New York City. Finding For Rent By-Owner Apartments in NYC New York City has one of the most lively real estate markets in the entire world, so you won’t have trouble finding apartments for rent throughout the city. But the vast majority of the apartments on the market are owned by developers, real estate companies, or property developers. So finding by-owner apartments for rent can be a bit of a struggle, but here a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will make it much easier: Ask friends and other people from the area — One of the most effective ways to find apartments for rent by the owner in NYC is just through word of mouth. NYC is a big place, sure. But word travels fast, so if you put the word out there to friends and other people that you know, you’ll be surprised at how fast you can hear something. People that are looking to rent out the apartments that they own want to find someone to move in, so it works both ways. Check social media and online posting boards — Facebook Marketplace has become one of the best places not only to find good deals on items or vehicles but also for homes to rent or buy. Similarly, checking online posting boards like Craigslist will go a long way towards finding a great place. Since big companies won’t use these means to advertise, almost all of the deals you find will be for rent by-owner, making the search way easier. Use real estate listing sites — NYC real estate sites like Streeteasy and PropertyClub can be a great place to find by owner listings. Listing sites like these usually also have filters that allow you to only look for options that are listed as by-owner or no fee to skip the need to sift through all the extra stuff. Things to Keep in Mind When Looking at NYC By-Owner Apartments If you’re looking to score a good deal on a high-quality New York City apartment, then by-owner units will typically be your best bet. But sometimes people get caught up in the great value and end up being part of a scam. Here are a few things to keep in the back of your mind during your search for by-owner apartments in NYC: Ensure that the person who’s listing the apartment for rent is actually the owner of the unit. Do a quick online property search to see if you can find the current owner of the property while simultaneously confirming that the address is a legitimate place that can be rented out. Never pay cash for anything that has to do with the transaction, including the deposit. If you give someone cash because they’ve convinced you that they’re the owner, they could easily walk off with your money and you will never hear from them again. Use something that can be traced, such as a check. Verify the landlord/owner’s photo identification before making a deal and starting to transfer any money between parties. Ensure that the person you’re dealing with truly is who they’re claiming to be. Benefits of Looking for By-Owner Apartments in NYC If there were no benefits to renting by-owner apartments in NYC, then there’d be no reason to do so! Let’s take a look at a few of the key reasons why it might be worth it to look for one. Affordability By far the biggest reason to consider looking for a by-owner apartment in NYC is the lower rent that typically comes with them. As one of the most expensive real estate locales in the world, finding a deal in NYC can be tough. But by-owner apartments can often be rented for a lower price, and you also won’t have to worry about broker fees. Easier to Negotiate This one goes hand in hand with being more affordable, but it’s often far easier to negotiate rent when you’re dealing with a single landlord. The big property management companies that own most of the apartments in the city need to charge certain prices to cover all of their bills while also ensuring that they aren’t giving deals to some people and not others. That could lead to a whole slew of issues for them that they just simply don’t want to deal with. More Accommodating Landlords A single landlord is also typically going to be a bit more accommodating for their tenants. If you’re a great tenant and you end up being a day or two late on rent one month, many of them won’t mind as long as you communicate the delay and let them know. They’ll also typically have far fewer rules and regulations when it comes to living in their unit than the standards put in place by established property management companies. Are There Any Reasons for Not Renting By-Owner Apartments? Fortunately, the benefits of renting by-owner apartments in NYC greatly outweigh the potential disadvantages, as long as you’re vigilant and careful during your search. The
When the market is hot, buyers are hungry, and properties move fast. When the market is less than ideal, some extra work may be necessary to attract potential buyers to available listings. New development and construction are no exception to this situation. Regardless, developing a system to reach potential buyers is crucial for your success. This article will review several strategies to help you market new development and construction properties to increase your reach and find your next buyer. What challenges do new developments and construction properties face? The U.S. Census Bureau recently released a report showing that over 1.5 million new homes completed construction in March of 2021. This represents huge potential, especially in markets with high home values. But new developments and construction may have additional barriers to selling compared to pre-owned housing. For example, while people constantly buy homes, there is a stigma attached to purchasing new construction developments because buyers can be afraid that new developments still need to have the kinks worked out. On top of that, while the market for homes is large, finding buyers interested in new development may take some extra digging. Different ways to market new development and construction If you want to reach potential buyers for new housing, having a strategic method will increase your odds of success. Below are several ideas of how to approach marketing to potential customers about new development and construction. Professional Photography Every phone is capable of taking pictures good enough to send to your mom or best friend. But to attract real attention to your new development and construction, you should highly consider using a real estate photographer. A professional photographer has an eye for beautiful and aesthetically pleasing shots. And if their goal is to sell a property with a few photos, they will get you photos that are worth a thousand words or more. But don’t just be happy with some simple photographs. To really wow prospective buyers, consider going the extra step with drone photography which provides an incredible new perspective of the property. Virtual Tours and Staging Things are ramping up again in the U.S. after the height of COVID-19, but virtual tours and staging have become a valuable tool in the realtor toolbelt. Virtual tours allow potential buyers to view homes without needing to physically step foot in the property. The tour can be viewed on phones, tablets, computers, or even in virtual reality. Virtual staging is a service to enhance the appearance of vacant properties by adding photo-realistic, virtual furniture throughout the property in photos or in virtual tours, similar to how you might purchase furniture to put in a property while doing showings. Virtual experiences for potential buyers will only become more popular, so buying into this practice now will help attract new customers. Build your brand You may work for a large agency or be a self-employed realtor. Regardless, building your brand is essential for reaching potential buyers. This may start with building a website, sharing success stories, and even blogging about different home buying experiences. Beyond that, take a deep dive into understanding your online presence. How are people finding your service and what might increase clicks on your business website? Consider location-based targeted advertising through Google or other platforms. This service will allow you to advertise content to targeted locations. More specifically, this will allow you the ability to market new construction and developments to potential local buyers. Build your network Beyond branding yourself online, make your local presence known. Visit local cafes, stores, mom-and-pop shops, and leave a few business cards with them for customers to take. Talk to local construction crews working on-site, go to trade shows, and attend local or virtually local meetups. The more people see you and get to know you, the more likely they will be to remember you and recommend you to those in the market. Social media can make a big impact on your brand. Do you only have a website? Why not utilize some free advertising by making a Facebook page of your business. Make a Twitter account and engage with other local accounts to increase your following. Post new construction and property notices on your Instagram account (with professional photographs, of course). Build empathy The best way to help potential buyers is to connect with them on a personal level. Empathize with your client and it will make the buying and selling experience much better. Think about this from the buyer’s perspective. Maybe this is the first home they’ve ever purchased, or maybe their last home was destroyed in a fire. This is important information to know and consider when assisting someone with the buying process. It may also help you understand and relay important information and considerations of buying new developments and construction. Show that you have the buyer’s best interest at heart (and you should). Tell them, honestly, about the neighborhood they’ll be moving into. Be their advocate in the buying process. Final thoughts Now that you’ve considered several ways to market new developments and properties, hopefully, you can start developing a plan to improve your practice. Although housing markets may wax and wane, a successful strategy to connect to, network with, and empathize with potential buyers to help them purchase new construction and developments will make the process much easier.
