The Impact of War in Ukraine on House Prices

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on most economies around the globe – therefore it comes as no surprise that it also affects house prices.

Higher House Prices Due to Inflation

Especially, the conflict has led to an increase in inflation rates, you probably already noticed it, no matter which country you live in. In some countries – due to this inflation – prices are increasing faster than wages. As a result, people are getting poorer and possibly can’t afford to buy houses anymore.

Many people already gave up looking for the cheapest property for sale. There still are some out there but usually those are in need of some work and further investment to be able to live in them or rent them out.

The cheap houses for sale, now seems to be those that were just a normal price before. Especially in bigger cities there is a shortage of housing. Also, when it comes to creating new housing, they are usually luxurious expensive stuff – as there is just a lot more money to be made.

How the War in Ukraine Affects House Prices of Newly builds

First the pandemic and now war, those has been major factors in the shortage of building materials. This in turn has led to a considerable increase in the price of new build houses all around the globe.

Also the increase in gas and energy prices have been a great hit in the market. Running machinery on the construction site, having to pay higher wages – all of this contributes to an considerable increase.

This might be felt stronger in some countries than in others.

What are the Effects of War on Housing Markets?

Housing markets are always affected by wars. The effects of war on the housing market depend on a lot of factors, including the duration and intensity of the war, the location of the war, and how it affects other countries and other aspects of life.

War can lift housing markets in some cases. For example, during World War II there was a shortage in construction materials like steel and timber. This led to higher prices for these materials and an increase in demand for homes as people wanted to buy houses before they became too expensive.

However, most wars have negative effects on housing markets. For example, during World War I there was an economic depression that led to lower demand for homes because people were not earning enough money to afford them.

Conclusion: The Impact of War on House Prices

The conflict has led to a significant shortage of houses and higher prices for those that are available. This is due to the increased cost of construction materials, as well as the number of refugees fleeing from the conflict zone. These people need housing but there is not enough supply, leading to higher prices and shortages.

If you have a house for sale, now is a good time to get a good price for us.

List your house for free.

Retirement Villages vs Nursing Homes

We all get old, that is just a fact. How do we imagine our future as an old person? Where do we like to live? Here we will look at two options: independent living such as in a retirement village and living in a nursing home.

What is a Retirement Village?

Retirement villages are a type of retirement home that provide accommodation and communal activities. For example, they offer meals, social activities, medical care and other services to the residents.

Retirement villages were originally designed for elderly people who wanted to live with others in their age group. But nowadays, there are many different types of retirement homes that cater to various needs. Some even offer houses for sale, that they buy back again if you don’t need it anymore.

What is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home is a residential institution for the care of elderly people. It provides medical and social assistance to those who, because of age or infirmity, are unable to live independently.

Nursing homes are also often called “retirement homes.” The term “nursing home” is not just a euphemism for an old-age home or rest home. It refers to the fact that many residents require nursing care.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Retirement Village?

Retirement villages offer a variety of benefits for those who are looking to live independently but still have a sense of community.

One of the benefits is that they provide on-site or nearby medical care. Retirement villages also provide socialization opportunities for their residents and also offer activities for them to do during the day.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Retirement Village?

Living in a retirement village is a great way to enjoy your golden years. Not only is it good for your mental and physical health, but it also offers many other benefits.

Some of the most popular benefits of living in a retirement village are:

-You don’t have to worry about maintaining your property

-You can live with other people who are at the same stage as you are and share advice, experiences, and knowledge

-You have access to amenities such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, etc.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Nursing Home?

Living in a nursing home can be a great option for seniors who are unable to live on their own. Here are some of the benefits of living in a nursing home:

1. A nursing home is an environment that is designed to help people with disabilities, illnesses or injuries live as comfortably and safely as possible.

2. Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care, which can be difficult to find at other types of housing.

3. The staff at a nursing home is specifically trained to care for people with special needs and works around the clock to meet those needs.

4. Living in a nursing home allows seniors to remain connected with their loved ones because they are surrounded by friends and family members who visit often and share meals together on weekends or holidays.

What are the Drawbacks of Living in a Retirement Village?

The main drawback of living in a retirement village is that it is not for everyone. For example, if you are a person who likes to travel and explore the world, then this might not be the best choice for you. Retirement villages are usually located in a remote area with limited access to public transportation.

What are the Drawbacks of Living in a Nursing Home?

There are many drawbacks to living in a nursing home.

Some of the drawbacks that people find most difficult are the lack of privacy, the lack of independence, and being unable to control your own life.

Nursing homes have strict rules about what you can do and when you can do it.

Conclusion: Which is Better for You?

The answer to this question is not an easy one. It greatly depends on your needs and what you are looking for.

I believe most of us would choose the independent living option and enjoy a more independent life as long as possible. But what if you start needing a little extra help? Or maybe it is not you but your spouse who will need more professional care. Unfortunately, there is a lot of uncertainty about what exactly your needs will be when you are old. Will you wish for more company, help around the house, or a more intensive medical help? When planning your future, it would be good to keep all of this in mind.

A great idea is also those retirement villages that have a small nursing home on site just in case.

Some find this to be a very good investment for the future.

5 Decorating Mistakes That Makes Your Home Looks Like a Mess

It is easy to overdo the act of decorating your home. You can get too excited when you decorate your home and still not like the finished product.

If you are decorating your first investment property, you may feel overwhelmed with everything you need to consider. What should be the color of the wall, the type of fixtures to use even up to the smallest detail of whether to hang wall art or not you have to consider.

And that is normal to feel.

If decorating your home still leaves you perplexed to this day, read on below to alert you of some oversights that you can avoid.

Depending on open storage too much

Strategically planning where to place these repositories, or even how to put it should be done. You have to plan this well, whether to have free-standing shelves or cleverly spaced-out floating ones.

Whichever way you want to place it, the critical thing to note is not to overcrowd it. Avoid filling in up to the tiniest gaps. Be creative; use scented candles as a book stopper. Add plants on one corner for some pop of colors. Look for dainty vases that can stand on their own or house some freshly picked flowers.

Too many colors

Another mistake that some people commonly make when decorating houses is choosing too many colors. It can make a space look cluttered even without any clutter around. It can also be more of a form of destruction than your focus source.

The best way to overcome it is by creating a mood board and incorporating the 60-30-10 rule. It is a known interior design technique where 60% will be your primary color. You can use this color in large free spaces, like the wall. Next, you can apply the 30% color accent chairs and curtains while the 10% would constitute your furnishings such as cushions and lamps.

And then translate that mood board into reality once you are happy with it.

Exposed cords

Remember your open storage? Never display gaming consoles there. Because chances are you will see tangled wires all the time, and it is best if you stash them away.

The first thing to do is find where your electrical outlets are. Try to place your big appliances near it, so wires do not have to be exposed that much. If it is inevitable to use extension cords, invest in wire organizers to conceal the mess.

At MaidSailors – Cleaning Services Austin, they believe that organizing stuff has to go hand-in-hand with the owner’s personality and individual concerns. Remember that it is never wrong to ask for help and let the professionals do it for you.

Too many decorations

When decorating your home, always live by the saying “less is more.”

Do not feel like you have to constantly fill in even the tiniest space or gap in your home with decor. It will make a room look cluttered, and it will also be challenging to clean a house with so many loose displays.

The key is to find accessories that you can also use for something else. For example, use a bowl of fruits as your table centerpiece rather than an empty vase. Get those small and dainty dishes to catch little things such as keys or a pair of earrings. And then the rest make sure to stow them away.

Pushing your furniture against the wall

One interior designer who is based in Santa Cruz, California says that she often sees her clients incorporate massive pieces of furniture and then place them against a wall. It is true that this strategy could sometimes maximize the space. However, most of the time, it does otherwise and makes the space look “much too cramped” according to her.

Depending on how big or small your given space was, start by getting the important ones such as a couch and a coffee table for your living area. Place them toward the center and then work on your way out. See if a floor lamp can still be added or would it be better to just add another side table instead.

In Summary

Although people can easily make decorating mistakes, individuals can also efficiently avoid most of these oversights. And the first step to it is awareness. So, by now, you should probably feel more confident to start decorating your house more intently.

Author: Jacky Xu

Is it Realistic For a Student to Buy a Property: How to Afford Housing

From student loans, to struggling to afford food, individuals attending post secondary schooling face huge financial issues. Due to the time school consumes from one’s schedule, most students can only get a part time job. In most instances, this small amount of income barely covers the cost of food, transportation, necessities, and clothing. When it comes to finding a place to stay while attending school, most students will live at home, at a dorm, shared apartment, or with a friend/relative. These options aren’t suitable for all students; many wish to purchase their own property while attending school, and that’s simply difficult to achieve. Here is the reality of affording a property as a student.

The Impact of Student Loans

Having a high amount of debt because of student loans is a factor that can prevent you from being approved for a mortgage. If you aren’t able to cover most of your tuition through scholarships, your job, and assisted coverage (through work, help from parents etc.), then you will have a low chance at affording a property. Unless you can prove that you have a way of paying for your school and covering mortgage payments at the same time, student loans will stop you from owning your own property. “The reason why most students can’t buy their own property is because of the hefty student debt from loans. If you have a reasonable loan that can be paid off in the near future, taking out a mortgage is a more realistic possibility,” shares Lon Finley,  journalist at Essay Writing Services.

Find a Reliable Cosigner

A cosigner is a individual who is typically older than you with prior financial experience. Your cosigner can be a friend, parent, relative, partner, or other influence. When selecting your cosigner, you must make sure that they are reliable. This means they have to have a healthy financial history that includes things like: a high credit score, balanced spending habits, and have been able to pay off their own debt and loans. The purpose of a cosigner is for them to put  a good word in for you while you are applying for a property. They can conclude that you are ready and able to make mortgage payments. In the worse case scenario that you can’t make payments, or need assistance, the bank can rely on your cosigner to help you cover the costs. As a student, a cosigner may be the deciding factor when it comes to you achieving your dream of owning your own property.

Financial Management

Without a steady income, you certainly won’t be able to own a property while attending school. Banks will check to see how much money you are making, and how certain expenses will affect your remaining funds to cover loan payments. If you don’t make enough, regularly spend your money on unnecessary things, or fail to pay off debts in a reasonable frequency, then you have a poor financial management history. In recent years, some students have been creative when it comes to how they earn money. “Side hustles like freelance work, starting a small business, and doing one off jobs like house sitting or dog walking has helped students earn extra income. This may be an option for you if you need more income to go towards your student loans and potential mortgage,” claims Joey Campbell,  writer at Assignment Help.

Buying a Property With a Friend or Significant Other

The easiest way you can actually obtain a property as a student is by buying one with somebody else. The combination of two students buying a property is more realistic and sustainable. There can be several complications when buying a property with another. Fights, separation, and one individual not putting their fair share in can make this option risky. Only apply for a mortgage with another if you both have a plan for what’s going to happen. Don’t take the chance if you aren’t confident that your friend, significant other, or counterpart will keep their word.

Though it’s a huge responsibility, students can buy a property with the right resources. Having your own place can teach you valuable lessons and help you transition into adulthood.

Writer Madeline Miller works at Top essay writing services. Madeline writes about youth property management.

Sell Land to a Builder – How Does it Work?

Why Would I Want to Sell Land to a Builder?

If you are looking to sell land, you might be wondering what the benefits of selling it to a builder are. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of selling land to builders.

Instead of just listing your property for sale you are offering it directly to the person who might be interested.

Selling your land to a builder can be beneficial for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that you will get more money than if you sold it on your own. Builders have more money and resources than individuals, so they can offer more cash for your property than an individual could. This means that they’re able to pay higher prices for the property and make better offers on price.

Builders also have connections with other developers who may be interested in buying or leasing the same property from them in order to build something new on it.

What is the Process Behind Selling a Land to a Builder?

Selling a land to a builder is a process that may take time and effort. The first step is to do research on the builder. You should know about their construction quality, project management, and customer service.

The next step is to find the right person of contact in the company. You can do this by looking at their website or by doing an internet search. You can also ask your friends who have worked with builders in the past for recommendations.

Once you have found the right person, it’s time to set up a meeting with them. This meeting should be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance so that they will be able to give you their full attention and answer all of your questions without feeling rushed or distracted.

How Do Builders Evaluate the Property and what are their Needs?

Builders evaluate the property in various ways. They may not be looking for the same things as a home buyer. For example, they are interested in how long it will take to build on the property, how much it will cost to build on the property, and whether or not there is enough space for their desired number of units.

The builder’s needs are different than a home buyer’s needs because they want to know what it takes to develop and build on the land. Like this they can see if it makes sense for them financially.

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Preliminary Investigation – What is “Due Diligence”?

Conducting preliminary investigation is the first step in the site selection process. Due diligence is the process of investigating a property before purchasing it. This is to make sure that the property the builder is buying is in good condition and free from any potential problems.

The due diligence process starts with a physical inspection of the property. This is done to check for any possible issues or safety hazards. The next step would be to check the title of the property and ensure that there are no liens on it. They will also need to do some research on the current market conditions and prices of similar sites.

The last step in this process would be to have an environmental assessment done. This will uncover any potential environmental hazards that may exist on or near the land you are looking at buying.

The preliminary investigation should not be too long because you want to start negotiating as soon as possible. In fact, some investors will not even bother with a site visit if they are satisfied with what they can find out about it through their due diligence process.

What are Some of the Documents Needed for this Transaction?

The offer letter is a document for the seller of the property. It contains all the conditions, terms and specifications of the offer.

The offer letter includes information such as:

– The name and address of the buyer

– The price and date for which the property will be sold

– The date by which a response from the seller must be received

– Any other conditions that are agreed upon between both parties

Conclusion

The process of selling land to builders is not as daunting as it might seem. It is a logical step for those who are looking to sell their land and also want the best return on their investment.

This article has outlined the process of selling your land to builders and what you need to do in order to make a successful sale.

List Of Things That Shape Your Wellness Living

Everyone wants a balanced, healthy, and peaceful life. But when it comes to what wellness living actually means, many people get confused about the necessary dos and don’ts. This is why most people feel like falling behind in achieving their goals.

So, to help you get a better idea about what matters and doesn’t, below is a list of things that you would need at some point in your life, if not now.

So, scroll down further, and enjoy!

Your Emotional Health

Wellness living means taking care of every aspect of your life that can significantly affect how you move forward with your daily routine or life as a whole.

Therefore, in our list of the things that should matter the most for you to live better, taking care of your mental health holds a vital position.

The man of present times has become more complicated and busy than ever before.

You are always expected to work too hard, be the epitome of perfectionism and positivity, sort your life as soon as possible, and a lot more.

All of this has the potential of leading you toward a point where you are constantly exhausted, not sure what to do next, or dwelling on some beliefs that someone implanted in you or don’t hold any reasonable value at all, etc., ultimately impacting your mental well-being on a matchless level.

Therefore, regardless of your professional and personal commitments, don’t overlook how you are emotionally or mentally.

This will allow you to recognize your inner self from time to time, providing you with a better perspective of how you should be moving forward to embrace the calmness you deserve.

Financial Management

Your financial position can make or break your wellness living.

Yes, you read that right!

Therefore, to avoid such an inconvenient situation where your finances take a toll on you, try to practice financial management.

This will allow you to be cautious in times like buying a home for the first time and other major decisions of your life.

Muscular Strength

After prioritizing your mental health to make wellness living a reality, your next step should be taking care of your physical health, strength, and needs.

Because after all, it is the two of these – physical and mental – that make you a whole and better human being.

Neglecting bodily vigor would negatively impact mental well-being and vice versa.

Therefore, make a healthy diet and snacking a part of your daily goals, keep your body moving, be it exercise, walking, or planning activities that align with your aspirations, and so on to maintain your muscular strength for now and the foreseeable future.

But one thing that you should keep in mind is first to get to the bottom of your stamina and strength level and the key points that you should be working on.

Once you are well aware of your dos and don’ts, you will automatically start loving and enjoying what you have started instead of feeling it as some kind of obligation or burden on you.   

Your Level Of Socializing

When it comes to true human nature, it is impossible for the social animal, aka humankind, to survive without socializing.

In fact, interacting with other people or living beings as a whole and having meaningful connections are what help everyone see the bright side of this life.

Therefore, when someone tells you that socializing is not that important, tell them otherwise because it is a vital part of your wellness living.

Make time for your loved ones, be there when a friend of yours asks you to attend a cool party or get-together, prepare your home on festivities or holidays and invite special guests over to get the most out of special occasions collectively, in short, don’t hold yourself back to opt for an opportunity that brings calmness, joy, and beauty to your life.

A Beautiful Space

One of the most important aspects of wellness living is how you feel about your residential space.

If it makes you feel happy and comfortable, then you are on the safe side. However, if you feel otherwise, then you need to make some positive changes.

It is a natural fact that when you make your home appealing and organized with things that personify the beauty of life and align with your interests as well as needs, you automatically feel relaxed after a hectic day at work.

So, while you work on other important things, be mindful of what kind of changes your space needs and shape them accordingly because home is not a home unless you decorate it with love and warmth.

Bottom Line:

Wellness living will demand effort from every dimension of your life; that’s what makes it perfect for us.

With that being said, if you have got anything to add or suggest, feel free to drop us your precious feedback in the comments section below!

Are you a Secret Real Estate Agent?

The expression “Secret Real Estate Agent” almost looks like it was borrowed from some action movie. In reality it is a little bit less spectacular but, without a doubt, equally exciting.

What is a Secret Real Estate Agent?

“Secret Real Estate Agent” – does not mean you do this profession without being registered. Of course, also a secret (real estate) agent has to be registered and fulfil everything that is required by law. By “secret” we mean, that the agent is not publicly advertising a specific property he or she was asked to sell. He/she may not even have a website or advertise the business and in many cases the main profession is another real estate related profession, such as architect or engineer.

They are usually approached by a client who asks if they may know someone who would be interested to buy one of their properties. And that’s the only way there are allowed to sell it, by offering it directly to someone.

This might seem strange at first, but among certain groups that is exactly what they want. The best to explain this is by giving an example.

Seller doesn’t want to look like he needs money

In many cases the properties in question are from rich families. Having a certain popularity and their place in society they like to give no reasons for gossiping.

Huge estates can cost a lot of money in maintenance, tax and so on… If they actually don’t use it anymore it makes sense to let it go. This is regardless of their financial situation – nobody likes to throw money out of the window, no matter how rich you are.

Of course, if people see the big family estate for sale, the first thing they may conclude is that the family is in financial difficulties – that’s how people start talking…

That’s why it is better to sell it secretly – through a secret real estate agent of course.

Or in another case, the seller might be having an apartment block for sale and he doesn’t want his tenants to find out. Also, he would approach such agent, who will then go and talk directly to investors who may be interested to buy.

How does a Secret Real Estate Agent sell?

The only way you are allowed to sell it, is by offering it directly to someone. Or in some cases you are allowed by the seller to advertise it in another country. Like this you can get a foreign buyer.

It is a far more difficult job than a regular agent. You need a pool of good contacts, including millionaires, investors … etc. But of course, it pays off big time as the properties that are sold this way usually have a high value. You can find foreign buyers by listing real estate internationally.

Are you one of those agents? Then drop us a line and let us know how did you get started? Do you have any advice?

How to Make Full-Time Travel a Reality with Passive Income

All year long most of us are looking forward for the few weeks when we can go on vacation and finally embrace our true passion: travel. If we could prolong this to a few months it would be a dream come true. If you can’t work while travelling another way to be able to do this is through passive income.

The pursuit of passive income has become increasingly popular these days. No wonder, because it gives people the freedom to pursue their passions without relying on their salary for sustenance. So now, you can start a travel blog or create content for another website where you can share your experiences with others and make money at the same time! Writing about you experiences in a travel blog is top of the list on how to generate some passive income while you travel. Another big one is to rent out your home while you are away.

The Wealth of Experiences that can be Achieved on Full-Time Travel

A full-time traveller can visit one of the best places in the world. He can go to an exotic location and enjoy the culture. He can also go to places which are more offbeat and less visited.

The world is a very large place, and it is imperative that you make sure that you take time out for your own self-discovery. This will give you valuable life experiences which you will never forget.

Making Your Travel Dreams a Reality

The steps to make your dream a reality is about goal setting, investing, and the mindset shift.

First you need to set goals that are achievable in the next one, three, five or ten years. The rule is simple, if you don’t have goals, you will not achieve them.

Then you need to invest in yourself by learning new skills or strategies. And lastly you need to change your mindset because there is no such thing as “too late”. You can achieve anything!

Creating Your Own Path in Life while Embracing Every Moment Along the Way

You have to create your own path in life while at the same time embracing every moment along the way.

It’s time to take control of your life and start making choices that will define who you are. You have to be making decisions on a daily basis about what you want for yourself and for others. It’s also important to set goals for yourself so that you can move forward with your life instead of just drifting around aimlessly.

Full-Time Travel with Passive Income as the Ultimate Goal

Making full-time travel a reality is not everyone’s ultimate goal. This might be your goal if you’re an avid world traveller or if you like to explore new cultures and experience different lifestyles. Many people, though, want to do it because it seems so awesome and romantic. They might be retirees who want to spend their days doing what they enjoy the most after working for 40+ years and saving up for their retirement.

Achieving this ultimate goal will take a lot of time, effort, and money. Some people do it by saving up money while they’re still working and then quitting their jobs to travel the world while others work hard until they quit their jobs at 65 or 67 or whatever age that is in your country.

Of course, wasting all your life and energy to only achieve this goal at an advanced age seems a bit sad. That’s why some came up with a way of making this work before – with passive income.

Make Your Maths – How much passive income is needed?

The first thing to do would probably be to get your numbers right. How much money do you need every month to support yourself during your trips (food, accommodation, transport, travel insurance…)? How much money do you need to keep things back home?

The next thing would be to look at how much money you could possibly generate through passive income, such as renting out your home, having a travel blog etc. if the numbers don’t add up you might need some money and more time to build up more ways to generate passive income. On the other hand, you can also explore ways to save money on your travels, such as living in a van.

How Does the Van Life Work and How to Make it Work for You?

“Van life” is a popular lifestyle choice for those who are looking for a simpler life. You can find people living in vans all around the world. They are called “Van Dwellers.”

Van Dwellers choose this lifestyle not because they have no other choice, but because it best suits their needs. Living in a van lets them travel the world, be mobile and do what they want to do without having to answer to anyone else. The idea of living in a van is not only about the freedom and adventure, but also about saving money and enjoying sustainable living with minimal impact on environment.

Every summer, we can see hundreds of vans parked along the beaches where there are public toilets and showers. There is hardly any cheaper way to live.

How to Live in a Van and Travel Full-time on Low Budget

Some van dwellers will spend hours each day on Instagram and Facebook to document their adventures and share tips with others interested in joining the community. Of course, having an internet connection is a must.

If they have enough followers, they can also enjoy the financial benefit that comes with it. But what if you are not good at writing at all? Some choose to make certain investments that will give them passive income.

Investments You Can Make on a Low Budget

When you think of investing, you might think, “wow! That’s a lot of money.” But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are many low budget investments that can make a difference in your life.

The key to making the most out of your limited budget is to know what will give you the best return on your investment. You may be able to make a low investment and with your own work turn it into a big one. For example, if you are a handyman, you could look out for a cheap house. By putting in your own work you probably are able to sell it for a lot more later or even rent it out for good money, giving you a regular income to finance your travels.

Real estate Investments are one of the best ways to generate a regular passive income. Some people for example have looked up apartment blocks for sale as it is a lot easier to manage a whole block than to have apartments scattered around the country. Also, there are some management companies that can handle all issues that might come up with the tenants. By getting someone to look after your building you have a lot more time to enjoy your next travel adventures.

6 Other Ways You Can Get Passive Income

No matter if you want to travel the world or just like to have some more time with your loved ones. We all like to have a bit more money in our lives and there is a lot of opportunity these days with the rise of e-commerce and e-business. There are so many ways to make money from your home or van! Here are six ways that have been proven as lucrative by those who have tried them out:

1) Rent your property on Airbnb

2) Sell old clothes

3) Sell online courses

4) Invest in the stock market

5) Create an app or website that people use often and continue to pay for it with ads or subscriptions

6) Become a freelancer

5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

We usually get excited at the idea of holiday guests arriving in our home. It means that we will get to see loved ones and old friends that we haven’t seen in a while.

However, the thought of having people stay over can be pretty daunting for some of us.

After all, hanging out with loved ones is the fun part. The not-so-fun part is preparing your home to look welcoming, inviting, and as clean and festive as possible.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare your home for holiday guests and make them feel welcome. This post will show you five simple steps to make your home much more inviting for your guests this holiday.

Tidy up the main spaces

According to Planet Maids Home Cleaning Services NYC, keeping your main spaces as tidy as possible is key to welcoming holiday guests.

Tidy up the main spaces of the house when welcoming guests

Sometimes, when holiday guests come over for a visit, people may feel like they need to do more work than usual. In reality, however, it all depends on what kind of visitors are coming over.

Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels

The first thing you should do is assign each space in your home with a designated cleaning task. For example, one space may be defined as the “kitchen” space while another might be the “living room.”

The point is that dividing your home into smaller zones will help you stay focused. It also makes holiday home cleaning manageable.

Once you’ve assigned tasks to all spaces, make sure you get started cleaning! Begin with the kitchen and move through each room according to their assigned task.

Here are some cleaning tasks that you shouldn’t skip:

  1. Vacuum carpeted floors if they are dirty.
  2. Dust the furniture to remove any dust that has accumulated.
  3. Wipe down surfaces in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other rooms where guests are likely to touch surfaces.
  4. Make sure there are fresh towels in the bathrooms for guests to use.

Clean up the fridge

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

The main objective is to help people make their homes feel more hospitable for their holiday guests.

This means making sure all the main spaces in your house are tidy and clean, as mentioned before. However, it also involves clearing out the fridge and pantry. That way, your guests don’t find spoiled food or empty shelves when looking for snacks or quick meals.

It’s more than just about the living room, where you might hang a wreath on the front door and add some festive decorations. It’s also about every place that your friends and family will spend time in while they’re visiting you.

Ready the kitchen

One of the essential parts of the house, especially during the holidays, is the kitchen. That’s because many people spend most of their time hanging out during the holidays or holiday visits.

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To ensure that your guests are well-fed by the time they arrive, here are some things you can do:

  • See that there is ample food to last for a few days without going shopping again.
  • Check if there are enough plates, cutlery, and serving dishes for all guests.
  • Keep clean sheets on hand for guest beds or ask guests to bring their own bedding set.
  • Have extra toilet paper on hand if someone has forgotten theirs at home.
  • Prepare kitchen towels to clean up any spills, especially if you’re drinking wine with guests.

Prep your guest rooms

Preparing the guest rooms is one of the most important things you need to do before your guests arrive. You want your house to exude a welcoming vibe, and what better way than by preparing their room for them.

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It would be best to check that you have everything you need to make their stay comfortable. Take a look around the room and see if there are any towels or anything they might need, like soap or shampoo. If it doesn’t seem like there’s enough, it’s always worth checking with them first so they can tell you what exactly they’ll be needing.

Once all this is done, it might be time to tidy up the room a little but not too much, so it’s not weird, but just enough so that everything looks nice. Voila! You have a perfectly inviting guest room.

Get festive with the decorations

Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels

An essential aspect of welcoming guests is to make them feel at home. You can achieve this by decorating our homes in a way that will make them feel cozy and comfortable.

Use decorations that match the holiday theme. For example, consider using a lot of red and green decors and couple them with silver or gold. It will make a festive and welcoming environment at the same time.

By following the home prepping tips listed above, you can create a welcoming home for you and your guests this holiday season. It also means that you do not have to hesitate to invite family and friends to come over since you have done your part in making your house spic and span.

Author: Ciara Perkins

Architect vs Real Estate Agent – who gains more?

If you are deciding your career and you like to know what’s the deal with architects vs real estate agents – maybe to decide whether you should be an agent now or study to become an architect than this article is for you.

Architects design buildings and carry a lot of responsibility – therefore one might think that an architect would gain more money. But this might not necessarily be the case. Of course, it depends on a few factors, such as the country you are working, how famous you are as an architect or how many social connections you have as an agent.

Who Gains More – The Architect or the Real Estate Agent?

Architects gain less on a house than real estate agents, and this is because they don’t get a commission on the sale of the house. They instead get paid by the hour or for their design.

Therefore, there is a sense of fairness in paying architects less than they would pay to an agent. Architects are rewarded for their creative skills that they put into the design of the house, whereas an agent may just be rewarded for negotiating skills.

In some cases, it might be that the architect gets as little as 1% of the house worth for his work whereas a real estate agent might get 3% or more to sell a property. Also, one house might be sold a few times over the years, giving more chances for agents to make money. If that’s the case it seems obvious that it is more profitable to be an agent rather than an architect.

You have to keep in mind though, that agents don’t sell all houses that they have on offer. This means they might be putting a lot of time and effort into some deals that will never give them anything in return.

Architect vs Real Estate Agent

An architect is the one who designs the building. They are responsible for the construction of buildings, buildings layouts, and more.

An agent is a person who sells real-estate property on behalf of the owner. They are also called property agents or estate agents. Their main job is to find clients and help them buy or sell their property.

Architects who are famous are more likely to make more money. They are the ones who design the big building, and they need to be paid for their expertise. On the other hand, real estate agents will always be needed in the process of selling and buying a property.

The Difficulty for Architects in Marketing Their Own Product

Architects face a lot of difficulty when marketing their own work. The architecture profession already suffers from low status and low pay, so it is increasingly difficult to get into marketing your work as well.

They must take on the role of artist, developer, manager, and marketer in order to market their work well. They must become a jack-of-all-trades in order to succeed in this industry.

What Are the Best Countries for Architects?

Architects are one of the most well-travelled professions in the world. They visit different countries for various reasons; such as to get inspiration, to network with other professionals, or even to find a better work environment.

While this is true for all architects, it is especially true for freelancers who have more flexibility in their schedule. Freelance architects often rely on connections with local firms abroad because they can’t afford to work without income for too long.

What is the Difference Between the Two Jobs?

Real estate agents are professionals who are responsible for the sale of properties. They market the property, show it to prospective buyers and negotiate the price of the property.

Architects are professionally trained in disciplines like design, construction, and engineering. They take up careers in building construction and design.

If you work as a real estate agent you would interact with clients on a daily basis who want to buy or sell their house or land. It is possible to work as an agent without any formal education. Although most people prefer experience over qualifications which is why it’s always better to start by working at another agency before branching out on your own.

Architects usually have graduate degrees in architecture from accredited schools/universities that take three years or more to complete.

Conclusion

Do real estate agents make more money than architects? Yes! While architects need to go to university and carry a lot of responsibility, real estate agents don’t need to go to university, and they make more money with less responsibility.