Monday, November 24, 2008

The Way To Remove Wallpaper

Stripping the wallpaper inside their home requires the same meticulous preparation you did the first time I installed it. If you continue using the traditional type of wallpapers and wall wallpaper, you need some chemical materials and also to ensure that the removal will be a success and that the process will not damage your wall.

Modern wallpapers today are pre-pasted, which makes it easy to install and remove. Unlike traditional wallpapers, eliminating pelable of wallpaper is not as damaging to the walls and requires less effort. Pelable in removing wallpaper (wallpaper latest, murals, and Walli are this type), you simply remove the edge of a wallpaper peel into strips and outside. It's that simple.

Label type of wall ornaments and accessories, such as Walli pre-pasted and vinyl-coated. Anyone can easily remove Walli its walls, removing only to withdraw.

Now for those who can not be peeled away, as the traditional boundaries of wallpaper and murals, which are going to need a scorer of wallpaper, a paper scraper, a spray, rollers, chemical and strippers. With these things ready, you need:

1. Pepper wallpaper with holes using the wallpaper scoring tool. The holes made by the tools of qualification will allow the chemical strippers to penetrate deeply into tissue and soften the hold of the adhesive. More holes means less time required for the chemicals to react. Remember, however, you need to exert a little pressure on the tools so as not to damage the wall.

2. Spray or apply the chemical strippers in the interior wallpaper. There are two options when it comes to chemical strippers: the lack of drip-type gel, which stays moist for a longer period of time and is easier to enforce through a roller or brush, and the liquid concentrate, which is more economical. In applying the chemical stripper to its borders, wallpaper murals and other wall coverings, it is better to start from top to bottom, working in a section at a time. Let the strippers immersion into the tissue until it turns blue and / or starts to bubble;

3. Remove any loose wallpaper. For stubborn and waste paper, use the scraper. If there is glue left, apply the stripper in them and wait for 15-20 minutes, then remove any remaining adhesive;

4. Wash the wall with clean water and sponge. By stripping the wallpaper, it is advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands. The next time for another set of wallpaper inside, go to the pre-pasted ones. They are easier to install, remove and relocate if you ever get tired of them.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Real Estate: Selling Your Home Tips

By: Joe Mack

Selling your house is a very exhausting inconvenience. Between work and your family that you have to worry about, you won’t have time to find a buyer for your house. Having a well-trained, experienced, real estate professional will help you find a buyer for your property at a good price.

Before you put out your property in the market, consider doing some repairs and minor improvements to your house. Doing some improvements will increase its value, your agent knows the repairs that need to be done to your home that will significantly add to its value and you will profit more by the time you sell it.

Accessibility is very important in selling your home. Make sure that you are open to walk-throughs at whenever time possible, taking consideration of course, of your representative’s or your schedule. "Appointment only" walk-throughs can be very restrictive to potential buyers.

Have your property appraised and reevaluated every two weeks. There are always little changes in the market and you need to have your house assessed. That is why it is important to have an experienced real estate investment professional, to make sure that your house is appropriately priced in the market. If it is priced to high, you’ll have a hard time finding buyers, if it’s priced to low, you will lose money.

Advertising is a very vital part of finding prospective buyers, so have to ensure that your agent is doing a lot of advertising and doing more innovative strategies than just the traditional system of generating prospects.

Like with any product being sold on the store, packaging helps attracts buyers, so as with your property, make it as attractive as possible. Clean up your house, every room and every corner. Cut the grass on your lawn; cover up that crack on your wall. You need to be doing your part and help market your house too, by tidying up your house. If you are undecided about selling your home, wait until you are sure and ready to sell it before you put it out in the market. You do not want to put off any potential buyer about your inability to decide on time and may lose him by the time you are ready. Be part of the process and do networking of your own. Tell your friends and professional peers of your house being on the market. You might have a few friends interested.


Real Estate Investing Tips Inside: http://www.CraneInvestmentsOnline.com

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Rehab Costs

By: Judson Voss

Many real estate investors choose to purchase properties which are in need of some repair. Some take on the repairs themselves, while others sell the home with a discount to someone else who will happily deal with the repairs themselves. Whichever option you choose, it is imperative to know how to figure out what the repair costs involved in a property will be, before you ever agree to a purchase price.

When you are walking through a property you are considering for purchase, you should always do so with a pad of paper and a pencil handy. Start at the outside of the home and walk around the grounds. Make note of the roof, gutters, exterior paint, windows, garage door, etc… To help yourself remember later, when you are not at the property, make notes on each item and whether they are in good shape or need some work. If work is needed write down exactly what you believe is necessary.

Once you enter the property start the dishwasher, washer, dryer, heater, A/C and any other systems in the home which will come with the property. Let these items run a bit while you look in other areas of the home, and make notes on them as well.

At each sink in the kitchen, bathrooms, and garage, turn on both the hot and cold water. Check to make sure both hot and cold water come out and check beneath the sink to look for any possible leaks. Again, make notes for yourself which you can refer to later.

When you walk through the other areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, make sure to check for any flooring issues. Additionally, look at all of the interior and exterior doors in the home and check them for damage. Make notes of any flooring or door issues you see.

Once you have completed your walk-thru of the home, you now have a listing of all of the obvious material issues which may need to be addressed. From this list you can now determine the approximate costs of repairs and make a more informed decision on whether or not to purchase the property.


Isn’t it time you learned how to capitalize on one of the best markets for real estate investing that this country has ever seen? With the recent flood of foreclosures now is the time to learn to invest correctly in real estate from the hosts of the nation’s leading show on real estate investing, Judson and Lynn Voss. Visit www.yourrealestatefortunes.com and learn for free, the no-hype truth about choosing the right real estate investing strategy to start making you money, today.

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Using Rent to Own as an Option

By: Rob Edwards

As we have hit hard times in the market, the time has come for homeowners that are looking to sell their property to think creatively. If their home is just sitting on the market, they should begin considering Rent to Own. A Rent to Own would immediately free them from their payments by having a qualified tenant buyer in the home that makes monthly payments, does repairs, and takes good care of their home as if it were their own, as at some point in the near future, it just may well be if they decide to exercise an option to purchase the home at a predetermined price and during a predetermined period of time.

Additionally, as homes for sale by owner (FSBO) are everywhere you look, few sellers realize the benefits of rent to own or lease purchase (perfect for FSBO sellers with a home that needs repairs, a home with zero, little or negative equity, or a house in a buyer’s market). If your home is available as a rent to own home, it will increase the demand, as there is no database that has all the rent to own homes listed. Nine times out of ten lease option homes will not be listed on the MLS.

Overall, the best thing to keep in mind is that the more options that you offer a prospective buyer, the better off you will be. If they begin as a tenant, and in 12-24 months, they become a buyer, all the while covering your mortgage and caring for your home, is that such a bad thing in today's market? These are questions that you need to ask yourself if you want to move your home.

If you are going to venture into this with a real estate agent, tell them exactly what you want, and have them work for you. Have them list your home as a Sale or Lease Option (same as rent to own), and let them show you the paperwork and go over it in more detail with you. If you decide to venture it alone, discuss it with your attorney so they provide you with the proper paperwork needed to do this in your state.

Please take a solid look at Rent to Own and begin breathing easier!

Regards, Rob


Rob Company: HomeRun Homes The Premier Website for Rent to Own Homes Website: www.Lease2Buy.com

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Getting it Right in the London Property Market

By: Chloe Williams

When I first headed for the big city all I wanted was a place to rest my head and a stab at making it in media. I’d been in a tiny room throughout uni and knew I didn’t have the money for much more than a box room in east London. So that’s what I got and when I eventually managed to blag myself a job I stayed put for a while, not really knowing where to look without getting ripped off, or even which areas would be best to look in.
London is like a constantly rotating merry go round where the scenery changes after every loop. Somewhere renown for being rough round the edges may be on the rise to super hip status, like Brick Lane which has benefited from the Banksy buzz and is now an epicentre for the new media elite.
So because of my inferior knowledge and lack of friends in the area to give me advice I decided to visit a property consultant for a bit of guidance. I would really advice anyone in the same boat to look into property consultants in your area because the specialist help I received.
I have ended up on Portobello Road which I know is pretty pricey but by visiting a property consultant I managed to swing a great deal and I figure spending 5 years living in box rooms is reason enough to splurge on an ultra swanky pad. My apartment is lovely and I really enjoy living on a safe and elegant road. I also frequently drop into conversation how I hare a neighbourhood with the Notting Hill elite, such as Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer, film director Richard Curtis, and Robbie Williams.
People often worry about the expense of living in London but there are ways to beat this property drain on your finances. For a start, London wages generally fall into a higher wage bracket than other areas in the country, and this can help subsidise the higher cost of property in both residential mortgages and renting. Other bonus’s of living in London are the transport links which allow you to do without a car which is a further penny pinching ruse.
If you are at all persuaded by my London ranting I’d get on to the blower and contact a property consultant today. They’ll give you the real insider knowledge to get a great deal on your London letting or residential mortgage.


I am a journalist who specialises in the property and lettings industry and I write about reputable property consultants like www.rib.co.uk

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Top 10 Tips for a First Time Home Buyer

By: Lance Mohr

If you have just started the process of looking for a home on the Tampa real estate market, there actually are ten tried and true tips that you will want to keep in mind as you begin this important mission. By paying heed to these tips, you will find that the time you spend searching for a home will be time well spent. In the end, you will find precisely the home you are looking for – the home of your dreams.#1 – You need to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect home. You need to be realistic as you undertake shopping around the Tampa real estate market.

#2 – You will want to do your homework before you start looking at residential properties. You will want to make a list of those features that are most important to you before you begin shopping for a home.

#3 – You need to make certain that your finances are in order before you head off looking at homes. You need to make certain that your credit report is accurate and in order. You also need to make certain that you have the money available to cover the down payment and the closing costs and other expenses.

#4 – Do not wait to get a loan. You are best served by becoming pre-qualified for a loan before you actually begin looking for a home.

#5 – Limit the number of people you obtain advice or opinions from. Get advice from a knowledgeable and seasoned Tampa real estate agent. Remember, if you need your car repaired, go to a mechanic. If you are looking for a home, go to a professional Realtor.

#6 – Make sure that you decide when you can move. For example, if you currently are renting, you will want to coordinate your move into a new home around the time that your lease will be ending.

#7 – You will also want to plan for the future. You will want to invest in a home that will serve your interests and needs as far into the future as possible.

#8 – Don't buy more house than you can afford. One of the more significant problems people are facing in Tampa and elsewhere in Florida is trying to pay for a home that they actually cannot realistically afford. You need to understand that you must have enough money in your housing budget to pay for maintenance and other related expenses. Moreover, a record number of Floridians have found themselves facing foreclosure actions over the course of the past year because they have purchased more home than they could afford in the first instance.

#9 – Don't be naïve and overly trusting when it comes to buying a home. You must make sure that you obtain independent inspections. If possible, you may want to try and obtain a warranty that covers defects that are discovered during the first year of your ownership.

#10 – Obtain professional assistance. You will want to consider seriously engaging the services of a real estate professional to assist you in the purchase of your home. By engaging the services of a real estate professional you will have someone on your side that understands the Tampa real estate market inside and out.


Lance Mohr is a full time licensed broker associate with Keller Williams Realty. He has over 10 years of experience helping families buy and sell real estate, as well is being a real estate investor. If you have any questions about the Tampa, New Tampa real estate market please visit my website.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Tricks to Finding an Apartment Rental

By: Kamyar Shah

Finding the right apartment rental can be as competitive as finding the perfect job. And it is the opposite of the car shopping experience where salespeople mimic stalkers by following you around the car lot and frequently calling you at home. Apartment rental property managers will not do that. They are more like a hiring manager of a big firm. If you want the job, or in this case the apartment rental bad enough, you have to be willing to go the extra mile to prove you are the right fit. As the economy takes a downward spiral, more and more people are apartment hunting rather than home buying. People fear that if they buy a home it will be worth much less when they want to sell it. Instead, they are renting apartment rentals and beating out people who are looking for their first home away from home. So if you are a first-timer at apartment rental hunting, listen up so you can beat out your competition.

Are you moving across the country? If so, you better change you phone number now. Property managers get many local inquires. So why would they consider someone from out of state when they have plenty of good applicants for their apartment rental locally? It is sort of like someone applying for an entry level job out of state. Why would a hiring manager consider you when he has plenty of applicants just as qualified within his reach? If you have to leave messages or a contact number, the rental property manager will think you are local if you get a local number. And getting a local number is easy these days with wireless phones. Just call your wireless phone provider and tell them you want to switch you number to your desired area.

When you are out on the apartment rental hunt, keep your check book with you. This way if you run into an apartment rental that looks good to you and you are sure you want it, you can quickly jump on it. Otherwise, by the time you go home to pick up your check book, someone else could have jumped on it before you.

Be prepared to fill out a rental contract. This means know everything about you. If you cannot remember every detail, bring it with you. It is like a job application. You will have to fill out addresses and phone numbers of former employers, references and more. Again, if you find a rental property that you like, you will want to jump on it because you are not alone. If you have to bring the application home to fill it out, the apartment rental could already be taken.

Bring your credit report with you. Not only will this impress the rental property manager, you also will be ahead in the game. As other applicants may have to wait and dish out money for each rental application they fill out, you will be done and just have to pay one time.

Again, searching for an apartment rental is not much different from searching for a job. So, you want to dress to impress. The landlord has to choose from several qualified applicants. If you show up in ripped jeans and a dirty tank-top, guess who will remain homeless. Remember, you are in a competition. Though performance enhancing drugs will not give you an edge, your appearance will. If you have an appointment with the rental property manager, show up on time. Do not be discouraged if you do not get the first apartment rental that you fell in love with. As they say about dating, there are plenty more fish in the sea.


Property Management Blog http://www.propertymanagementblog.com/

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The 5 Simple Steps of Real Estate Investment

By: Judson Voss

If you are new to real estate investment, you might be finding all of the information that you need to know a bit confusing. However, by following these five simple steps, over and over again, you can put yourself in the best position to complete as many transactions as possible and realize amazing profits just like the seasoned professionals do.

Step 1 – Locating Property

Locating property to make offers on isn’t as hard as you might think it would be. You can even build up a network, over time, which will have people calling you about their property. However, in the meantime, think about the groups of people who would most likely be looking to get out of their homes. These include: people in pre-foreclosure situations, people in foreclosure, those who have recently been divorced, and those who have purchased a new home and have yet to sell their old one. You can buy lists, look at your county recorder’s office, and even scour the local newspapers for potential properties.

Step 2 – Pre-Screen Your Sellers

One of the most important steps in this process is to pre-screen your sellers well. By doing this, you can save yourself from a lot of unnecessary grief down the line. You need to make sure up-front that you can make a good deal with the seller. In addition, you also need to make sure that the deal works out well financially for you at the same time.

Step 3 – Make Good Offers

Once you have pre-screened your sellers, and are looking to make an offer, make sure the offer is a good and reasonable one for all concerned. Don’t insult your potential seller with a horribly low offer; you will simply turn them off to working with you. By the same token, insure that working a deal with them will ultimately make you money. You are in business to make money, not to be a free service to anyone.

Just as important as making good offers is making offers themselves. Many people new to the real estate investment business make the mistake of sitting back and waiting far too long before they make an offer on a piece of property. Make the offer, and then learn as you go. The best way to learn is always by doing.

Step 4 – Fund the Deal

Once you have secured the contract to buy a piece of property, then it is time to fund your deal. Funding can be had through a traditional bank or lender, through private money, or if all else fails there is always the option of hard money. Find the funding source you will be working with an make sure you have the funds to bring to the closing table.

Step 5 – Close the Deal

Closing the deal generally brings you to your payday. Make sure that you understand the closing process and do everything within your power to bring your deals to a quick and complete close. Once your deal closes, you will either get paid a nice chunk of money or you will own a new property; either way, you have to close to get there.


Isn’t it time you learned how to capitalize on one of the best markets for real estate investing that this country has ever seen? With the recent flood of foreclosures now is the time to learn to invest correctly in real estate from the hosts of the nation’s leading show on real estate investing, Judson and Lynn Voss. Visit www.yourrealestatefortunes.com and learn for free, the no-hype truth about choosing the right real estate investing strategy to start making you money, today.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Investing in Multi-Family Homes and Apartment Buildings

By: Judson Voss

One of the most profitable real estate investments you can make is the purchase of multi-family homes or apartment buildings. Whether you choose to live in one unit and rent the rest out, our you choose to rent out all of the units both multi-family homes and apartment buildings can increase your passive monthly income, as well as your net worth, exponentially.

Why Choose Multi-Family Homes or Apartment Buildings?

Both multi-family homes and apartment buildings offer you, the real estate investor, the unique opportunity to own property which is generally at a lower risk to you than a single family home. Additionally, both offer you the ability for obtaining monthly passive income as well as appreciation in equity in the building itself. There is generally a strong demand for multi-family homes and apartment buildings by seasoned real estate investors.

How to Choose the Right Property?

Choosing the right property to invest in is a matter of evaluating the value of the property you are considering and the incomes it generates. You would be well advised to do your due diligence on the property and review its income potential and possible yearly expenses.

How Much of a Down Payment is Required?

Generally the purchase of a multi-family home or apartment building will require up to 30% down versus the lower down payment requirements that come with purchasing a single family home.

How Do I Qualify for a Mortgage for the Balance of the Purchase Price?

Generally, to qualify for a mortgage loan for the balance of the purchase price you will be asked to offer a personal guarantee for the loan. This can many times be interest in another property or in your own personal residence.

Managing your Property

Once you have purchased your multi-family home or apartment building you would be well advised to hire a property management company to deal with all of the various tenant issues which will likely arise. This will free up your time for your real estate investment business and not have to deal with the day to day issues of the residents of your building.


With the recent flood of foreclosures now is the time to learn to invest correctly in real estate from the hosts of the nation’s leading show on real estate investing, Judson and Lynn Voss. Visit www.yourrealestatefortunes.com and learn for free, the no-hype truth about choosing the right real estate investing strategy to start making you money, today.

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Are You Purchasing Your First Home as a Couple?

By: Brian Waspi

You have decided to purchase your first home – together. This is a very exciting time, but it is not without pitfalls. Communication is the key. What do you need from your home? What do you want in your new home? How much can you afford to pay? Are you going to use a realtor? Where do you want the new house to be located? Where can you find furnishings for your new place? These are all important questions you should discuss prior to looking for a new home.

Wants vs. needs

The decision is made that a new home is to be bought, but what features are wants and which ones are needs? How many bathrooms do you need? Are you planning to stay in the house for 30 years or only 5 years? Will you need room for your family to grow? Will your new house have a pool? How about a hot tub? Do you need a large yard or a small yard? The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is an important consideration.

Obviously, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms greatly influence the amount the final price will be, but if you will be enlarging your family, make sure you buy as much house as you can afford. As you tour the various houses, it is important to also envision your furniture or your prospective furniture to ensure there is plenty of space. Make sure you talk about closet space, furniture placement, color for the walls, and future renovations. Dream together and paint the picture of your future. Remember, this can be more fun that exasperating.

Will you be able to afford a house with a pool or hot tub? Do you need outdoor furniture? A pool/hot tub is usually considered a want and may need to be forfeited to obtain the number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms you desire. Make sure you have discussed this in advance to ensure you are in agreement.

Can We Afford a New House?

Before you start looking for a new house, you may need to be pre-approved for a loan. The financial institution you have decided to use can help you determine how much house you can afford to buy. Try to remain well below the upper amount of the range given to ensure you are able to afford to also furnish your new home and do any upgrades you would like to do in the future.

Is a realtor important?

You may want to consider using a realtor especially for your first house purchase. A realtor is priceless for finding a house in a good location and for negotiating all the paperwork for a purchase. (Of course, it helps to have a lawyer to have around for the closing). Realtors know the areas that they sell. They are usually versed on which schools are good and where various entertainment venues are.

Closing

Closing is the best and worst part of buying a house. You will likely wish to have a lawyer available to look over all the paperwork before you sign anything. Make sure you have a clean title and all the necessary papers are in order. You will be signing until you think your wrists will break. When all the signing is done, you will be handed your keys for your new house. Congratulations as you have survived the process of buying a new home. Now the fun begins.

Home at last

Once you have gotten your new key, you will need to move in. During the moving process, take time to reflect on your dreams for the future. Don't forget to have a house warming party once you have settled in and invite all your friends to your lovely new home.

Need some help paying for that new home or what goes in it? Take a look at www.MyDreamHomeRegistry.com, the gift registry for everything home.


My Dream Home Registry is an alternative gift registry centered on the home. Articles are submitted as part of our quest to distribute unbiased information about home design and remodel. Visit us on the web at www.mydreamhomeregistry.com for more information

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Budget Renovations For Any Home

By: Sarika Kabra

Want to give an instant makeover to the room? If you are worried about the costs, rest easy. There are many ways to change the whole look of the house without breaking bank. As long as you don’t try to buy exclusive or expensive antique pieces, you will certainly be able to manage to give your room a face lift with less than a hundred dollars. This article will give you simple tips on the ways to make your room get out of the style rut. A good rule of thumb is to try out the shops during sale season and horde good selections of items for later use.

Whether it is the living room you want to change or the dining room, you can choose inexpensive methods to do so. For instance, dining tables can be covered with simple covers that can add color to the room. Similarly, for the sofa you could use slip covers. They come in a wide variety and can add oomph to any room. If you have a printed sofa set, you can get some coordinated solid colored slip covers. On the other hand, if you have a single colored sofa, you could get printed covers and make the room look different. Since, these covers can be easily washed; it will also make your work easier. You could also get a dining room table pad to keep the table protected.

One of the simplest ways to make your room sparkle is to put a mirror on the wall. If you place the mirror opposite the window, it will add more light to the room, making the place look very inviting. The mirrors are available in great designs and can suit different budgets. Traditionally gilded mirrors or ones with funky frames are all the rage these days. So, take your pick and make your room shine.

For your dining room set, you could also get simple throw pillows in colorful designs. These can also be used for the sofa. The couch or recliners take a look of their own with good cushions. Get rid of the old throw pillows and trade them for some really trendy ones. New pillows can change the look of the couch in minutes.

Next thing to enhance the look of the room is to give a fresh coat of paint. Get a color that can really make a difference in the look of the room. Another easy option is the use of wallpaper. Wallpapers can be fun and are available in many different prints and designs.

Change the lighting of the room to emphasize different aspects of the room. So you can place the lights behind the plant or the corner table. You could also buy a great looking table lamp and place it in a visible area of the room. Using dimmers instead of the usual switches can also make a big difference. Another usually used trick is the change of curtains. If you are somewhat handy and creative, you will be able to ensure good window treatment.


Check out the wonderful hardwood furniture made by the Amish craftsmen. See their range of dining room furniture. Also see the exclusive mission style furniture.

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