Guest Post - Real Estate Investing: The 5 Factors of a 'Good' Location

Any experienced realtor will tell you that location is the most important thing about a real estate property. You may find a beautiful house that has ample amenities, but if it is in a dangerous neighborhood, you may have trouble reselling it in the future.

In this article, we explain the essential elements of a good location.

1. Centrality

The location of your home determines its price. For example, highly developed urban areas do not have a lot of room for additional growth. Unsurprisingly, property prices are higher when compared to the cities that have more room to expand.

One such example is the North Carolina real estate market that is thriving amid the Coronavirus pandemic. It has seen an overall 6% rise from 2019 to 2020. The average price of real estate properties is above $214,000. The prices on the Raleigh housing market have grown 2% since the beginning of COVID-19.

2. The Neighborhood

Whether peaceful or hectic, choosing the right neighborhood for you is a matter of personal choice. However, there are a few essential features every neighborhood should have in common, including:

• Accessibility – Look for a neighborhood in the vicinity of the city’s major transit routes and that more than one point of entry. It should also be near roads and public transportation, so you can commute to work easier. 

• Appearance – You can judge the safety and popularity of the neighborhood by its visual appeal. Quality landscaping, lots of trees, renovated community spaces, and nearby parks are desirable. 

• Amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and schools are essential. Consider the quality of schools and their distance from the house, as well.

• House safety is essential, no matter if you live alone or have a large family. Choose a community that has a low crime rate and that seems inviting. Make sure the neighborhood is populated, which indicates the popularity of the community.

3. Development

Do your research and learn whether any commercial or residential developments are planned in the future. Make sure there are plans for new schools, hospitals, museums, public transportation, and so forth. Amenities increase the value of the real estate property over time. 

4. Lot Location

Once you choose your desired neighborhood, it is time to inspect the lot location. It may directly impact the price of your real estate property. For example, if the house is situated on a busy road, you will probably purchase it for a lower price. However, remember that it may be more challenging to sell it in the future, irrespective of its design and curb appeal. 

The choice of the lot also depends on your family’s needs and preferences. For instance, homes near grocery stores, gas stations, community centers, or churches usually have a large amount of parking traffic. 

On the other hand, a house in a peaceful area with an astonishing view may be more expensive. However, its value will also be higher in the future when it comes time to sell it. 

5. The Quality of the House

Now that you have taken the steps mentioned above, it is time to narrow down your list and focus on the homes that meet your requirements. For example, say you have cherry-picked two houses that align with your standards. One is older and needs upgrades and repairs but has a lot of amenities and a growing community. The other is new and in impressive shape but its lot is significantly smaller. If the prices of the houses are similar, you may struggle to choose the right one. 

To make the right choice, observe houses as an investment in the long run. In that case, the first, less attractive house may be the right solution for you. For starters, its lot is bigger, better situated and, therefore, worthier. Also, any upgrades you make over time will increase the value of the house when reselling it.

The Location of the Property is Essential

The facts mentioned above teach you that the location of the real estate property is not subjective. There are several criteria to keep in mind when making investments, including the lot size, centrality of the home, amenities, plans for expansion, etc. 

Consider hiring an experienced real estate professional to help you make the right decision and purchase a home that may translate into a profitable investment in the future.

What factors did you consider when you were purchasing a home? Please, share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Author Bio:

Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.

Guest Post - Why Is Evaporative Cooling Maintenance Important?

Brivis is a popular name in the market of evaporative coolers. The brand makes some of the best evaporative coolers, and if you have purchased Brivis evaporative cooling system, then you must also take care of its maintenance and upkeep. It will eventually ensure the long life and efficient performance of the evaporative cooler. In this blog, we are going to highlight the basic evaporative cooling maintenance steps. 

Key Steps of Evaporative Cooler Maintenance

Begin with The Cleaning of The Exterior Unit:

The first step of maintenance is the cleaning of the exterior unit with a damp cloth with mild soap water and wipe the soap water with a dry cloth. Make sure you do not use any harsh chemicals. Also, make sure that you do not keep the cooler under direct sunlight to avoid discoloration of the cooler. 

Keep A Check on The Cooling Pads:

The next important step of Brivis evaporative cooling maintenance is to remove the dilapidated cooling pads and replace them with a new one. Regular cleaning of the cooling pad will ensure its durability, but if you still notice that the cooling pads are cracked, and you notice too much mineral deposition, then it’s a sign that the cooling pads need replacement. 

Clean Up the Water Tank:

One of the key steps of Brivis evaporative cooling maintenance is cleaning up the water tank. You must ensure that there is no dust or mineral deposition in the water tank. Make sure that you rinse the water tank with mild soapy water, and then flush it off with clean water. This will ensure there are no contaminants in the water and do not transfer into the system and then into the air blown out by the cooling system.

You Can Also Use Water Treatment Tablets:

This is a great way of Brivis evaporative cooling maintenance, but make sure that you cross-check with the manufacturer about water treatment tablets. Though these tablets are efficient in removing the mineral-build up in the water tank not just Brivis but many other evaporative cooling system manufacturers will not recommend using water treatment tablets. A clean water tank will ensure clean air. 

Shut Down the System When Not In Use:

This is a very important step of Brivis evaporative cooling maintenance is to turn it off and unplug the unit when not in use. Make sure that after the season, you must thoroughly clean up the evaporative cooler and then store it. Make sure that all its interior components are completely dry. Clean up the tank, cooling pads, and other components of the evaporative cooler before storing it. This will not only ensure the long life of the cooling system but also help you in keeping your energy bills in check.

Conclusion

The periodic maintenance ensures the longevity of the evaporative cooler irrespective of its users whether it is used all year round or only for a couple of months for a particular season. You must keep a check on the condition of the cooling pads, wires, motors, and other parts of the cooler. In case you notice some strange noise from the cooler or damp smell or less cooling, then it’s time for repair or replacement of the defective component. You must contact only the authorized Brivis evaporative cooling maintenance service provider. They have trained and qualified technicians who know the Brivis evaporative cooler and will guarantee quality work. The above-mentioned steps of evaporative cooling maintenance will keep your cooler keep on running seamlessly in the long run. 
Author Bio: Alyssa Moylan is an ordinary woman from Australia, a writer by day and a reader by night. She writes on various topics like home improvement, business, lifestyle, health, travel and fashion. She likes to think of ways on how to solve daily life problems of people. Follow her on Twitter to stay updated.

Top 8 Tips for Reducing HVAC Energy Costs and Lowering Your Energy Bill

You should never have to worry about keeping warm in the cold months or staying cool in the summertime while also trying to keep down your energy expenses. If you know how to manage your HVAC system, you won't have to worry about the weather and your energy bill. 

While you may think smart energy management is reserved only for professionals, there are actually various things that you can do to help reduce consumption in your home. Behavioral changes and home improvements are just some examples. An efficient heating system is also important, so scheduling an appointment with your HVAC specialist at least once a year or every six months, if possible.    

However, you should also do your part by finding simple ways to cut costs by following practical energy-saving tips. 

What to Do to Reduce HVAC Energy Costs and Energy Bills 

1. Take advantage of a free energy audit. 

Some utility companies make free energy audits a part of their service package. Take advantage of this offer as this is an excellent opportunity to find out which areas of your house use up a lot of energy. It will also give you an idea of what you need to do to improve your HVAC’s efficiency. 

If your utility company does not give out free energy audits, you can do it on your own. You’ll find a lot of practical how-to tips online. You can also ask your HVAC specialist to help you out. 

2. Use a programmable thermostat to reduce cooling and heating automatically. 

When you turn down the thermostat while you are asleep, in the office, or away from home, you save on costs because you do not waste energy. You don’t have to set it every day if you use a programmable model; all you’ll have to do is set it to automatically turn down to several degrees from its normal setting at certain times of the day. 

Another advantage of using programmable thermostats is their capability to determine when the air filters need cleaning or replacement and if your HVAC system has some issues. 

3. Seal or weatherize your home. Insulate the attic.

Regularly check your windows, vents, doors, and walls for air leaks. Make sure that all openings and cracks in your home, particularly between vents and walls or windows and walls, are sealed right away. Caulking is ideal for air leaks found between two unmoving objects, while weathering is the best technique for leaks or cracks involving two movie objects (i.e., doors and windows). 

Also, it is vital to regularly check your attic (if you have one) as air can leak out from there, too, especially if it has small openings. As such, you have to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. If air keeps leaking from the attic, expect an increase in your energy bill. 

4. Insulate other parts of your home as well. 

Proper insulation helps keep the heat in during the winter season and keep it out in the hot summer months. So, you should insulate not just your attic but other parts of your house as well. 

The areas that you should pay attention to are your crawlspace, floors, walls, and basement. Specific insulation recommendations are dependent on the kind of home you have and your location. Check out the Department of Energy website or find an HVAC specialist who can help you out. 

5. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. 

If you are using the traditional incandescent light bulbs, you shouldn’t be surprised that your utility bill is high. This type of light bulb eats up more electricity than LEDs (light-emitting diode bulbs), halogen incandescent bulbs, and compact fluorescent lights or CFLs. These energy-efficient bulbs have a longer service life and consume significantly lesser electricity than the traditional ones. 

6. Use energy-efficient appliances. 

Of your total household energy consumption, around 13% comes from appliances. Switching to energy-efficient appliances will help bring down energy use. So, when you purchase appliances, choose the ones that have annual operating costs that are lower than the other models. Additionally, look for the Energy Star label, as this is a federal seal that guarantees the appliance is energy efficient. 

7. Schedule annual maintenance and upgrade your HVAC when needed. 

Scheduling an annual HVAC cleaning and maintenance is essential if you want to keep your system in top condition and your utility rates at reasonable levels. Also, if you have been using your HVAC for more than 10 years, it’s time to get an upgrade. Switch to a unit that has an Energy Star logo as it ensures energy efficiency. 

8. Change your energy consumption practices. 

Your behavior has a huge impact on your utility bills. For example, even if you are not in your bedroom, you leave the lights on. Simple adjustments in your practices or behaviors can help significantly reduce energy consumption. Common examples include washing dirty dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher and line-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer.

Reducing your HVAC energy costs and lowering your energy bill is essential if you want to save money, keep your family safe, protect the environment, and increase your home’s value.

Guest Post - 10 Things Every Guest Bedroom Should Have

When curating the look and design of a home, no one should neglect the importance of the guest bedroom. While many might dedicate the guest bedroom to long-forgotten storage items, having a readily-available guest bedroom is perfect for visits from loved ones throughout the year and during the holidays. A properly set up guest bedroom invokes comfort and practicality, with a few must-have items to set your guests up for a pleasant stay. Let’s explore a few of these items in order to learn the best way to arrange a guest bedroom that will compete with any nearby hotel and make your guest cozy and happy. 

Must-Have #1: Comfortable Bedding

First things first: let’s make sure that you have quality bedding and sheets for your guests. Opting for high-quality bedding with cozy comforters and supportive pillows for the guest bedroom is a great idea, as the bed is the one amenity of the guest bedroom that you can be sure will be utilized during their visit. Choosing bedding and sheets that have a reputation for being comfortable is a good way to guarantee your guests will be getting their appreciated shut-eye during their stay. 

Must-Have #2: Creative Accents

It’s safe to say that no one staying at someone’s home wants to walk into a bare room with only a bed inside. Decorating a guest bedroom is equally as important as decorating the rest of the home, with a little less intentionality required since the homeowners won’t be utilizing it as much. Choosing well-curated artisan home goods or creative accents that provide a pop of color is an easy way to make the guest bedroom a happy and aesthetically pleasing place. 

Must-Have #3: Extra Towels and Toiletries

Especially for guests that intend to stay longer than a couple of days, providing extra towels and toiletries in the guest bedroom is appropriate and appreciated. You never know what one of your guests might forget, so supplying guests with a few basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash is a thoughtful sentiment and additional opportunity to add fun accents to the room. To make your guest room extra special, consider choosing toiletries from local companies to give guests a hotel-like experience.  

Must-Have #4: Additional Blankets and Pillows

Everyone has a different sleeping style, and you can tell what a person’s style is by the amount of pillows and blankets available. Providing additional blankets and pillows is a sure-fire way to prevent anyone tossing and turning while staying with you. Offer a couple of options as well, such as a soft weighted blanket for the winter months or a lighter blanket option for warmer weather. 

Must-Have #5: Wastebasket

Trash is an inevitable part of traveling, so including a wastebasket to the list of must-have items for a guest bedroom is a good choice. Something small and simple should be sufficient for a guest space, but this also gives the decorator an opportunity to add a pop of color or creative metallic accents to the space in a tasteful (yet practical) way. 

Must-Have #6: Alarm Clock

No one likes sleeping away their vacation, which is much more likely to happen after late nights and good times with the house host. Make sure guests staying in the guest bedroom are set up with an alarm clock so they can get the most out of their stay as possible. This will be especially appreciated by loved ones visiting from different time zones. 

Must-Have #7: Charger

Charges are at the top of every traveler’s list of items to pack despite being one of the things travelers forget most. There’s a reason those airport chargers are so expensive. No one wants a dead phone in an unfamiliar place. This is why providing a few phone chargers to the guest bedroom is a fantastic idea. Guests will be able to charge their devices and feel rest-assured that their visit will be one with sufficient battery levels. 

Must-Have #8: Designated Space for Clothing

Regardless of the duration or nature of the trip, if someone is staying with you in a guest bedroom, they’ll have a change of clothes. While not every guest bedroom will require a closet, creating a designated area for clothing to go, like dressers or a wardrobe, is a thoughtful way to make sure guests feel like they’re at a home away from home. 

Must-Have #9: Ironing Table and Iron

With clothes comes natural wrinkling that needs to be ironed out during their stay. It’s fairly simple to add an ironing table and iron to a room’s offerings, and can even be wall mounted or placed in the closet so it doesn’t take up valuable room space. While not every guest may use it, it sure comes in handy when the time is right. 

Must-Have #10: Hairdryer

Hairdryers are bulky items that take up a lot of space in a suitcase. This is why placing an extra hairdryer in a guest bedroom is a thoughtful and creative idea. It shows guests that you go the extra mile to make sure they’re welcome, and want their morning routine at your home to mirror their life back at theirs. 

Guest bedrooms are the perfect place to show your decorative side and give guests a relaxing place to escape their typical surroundings. Explore these ten must-have items for your guest bedroom to elevate your accommodations and take your loved one’s time with you to the next level. 

About the Author: Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion

for home décor and maintenance. She can often be found re-painting and updating the

furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.