Transform Your Garden in Time for Summer

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Hi lovelies,

As the weather gets warmer and the sun is out for longer, you’ll want to make the most of your outdoor space. By transforming your garden, you can create the perfect haven for summer fun, BBQs, and al fresco dining all season long. To get started, take a look at these top tips for enhancing your garden and get started on your transformation straight away:

1. Plan your new garden design
When you’re eager to get your garden summer-ready, it can be tempting to jump right in and start making major changes. However, planning your new design will help you to maximize the space and create a bespoke outdoor environment. Before you start pulling out mature shrubs or installing new features, take the time to plan how you want your garden to look.

Think about how you plan to use the space and what you want to get out of your garden this summer. Will you be creating a safe space for family fun? Are you keen to enjoy colorful blooms? Do you want your yard to be the perfect place for a summer party?

Once you know what you want to get from your garden, you can begin forming a strategy. With a clear plan in place, you’ll find it easier to transform your outdoor space and create your ultimate summer garden. 

2. Complete necessary maintenance
Before you begin planting new shrubs and flowers or adding extra features, be sure to complete any essential maintenance work that needs doing. Now could be a good time to book pest control services for example. Gardens are a haven for all types of pests, particularly in the colder months when they’re less likely to be disturbed. By accessing advice and assistance from professional pest controllers now, you can enjoy a clean, hygienic, and safe outdoor space all summer long. 

In addition to this, think about how you can enhance the features that are already present. Before you decide to replace your patio, for example, use a pressure washer to enhance its appearance. You’ll be surprised how good existing features can look with a little bit of maintenance, so you could save yourself some cash and some work by enhancing what’s already there instead of replacing it. 

3. Segment the space
When you segment your garden, you can essentially separate it into blocks of space. This gives you the opportunity to create a multi-purpose outdoor space that can be used for a variety of purposes. You may choose to create a place for your pets to run and play, for example, an area for young children to play safely and an area for you to sit and eat together as a family. 

Segmenting your outdoor space can transform your garden but it doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. Strategically placed planters or small borders are a great way to highlight different areas of the garden and these can be purchased relatively cheaply. With a variety of different decorative borders available, you can opt for traditional styles or contemporary designs to match the style of your garden and your property. 

4. Add outdoor lighting
Although the light evenings mean you’ll get to spend longer outside, you’ll still need some outdoor lighting if you want to make the most of your garden this summer. With extra lighting, you can enjoy your yard late into the evenings and relax in a balmy, summer climate. When it comes to outdoor lighting, there are endless options available. While bright spotlights can be great for security, you may want to opt for something a little more subtle for decorative purposes. Fairly lights or uplighters create a warm ambiance, for example, without being too intrusive. 

For maximum impact, choose outdoor lighting that will highlight the main features of your garden. With spotlights on your favorite planters or manmade features, you can enjoy your yard at any time of the day or night.

If you don’t already have access to electrical power in your garden, there’s no need to panic. You can use battery-powered or solar-powered lights if you don’t want to go to the trouble of using a professional electrician. With a simple installation and long-lasting LED lights, adding outdoor lighting to your garden couldn’t be simpler.

5. Create a focal point
If you’re creating an outdoor relaxation space, then the furniture should be that central attraction, giving the idea of welcome and comfort. To that end, poly lawn furniture can help you create that comfort anywhere, with sustainable materials that are perfectly suitable to be used outside. Of course, you can add some soft furnishings to up the appeal even more.

By adding a main feature to your garden, you create a focal point that draws the eye and grabs peoples’ attention. With plenty of options on offer, you can choose something that really defines your style and enhances the functionality of your outdoor space. 

If you love relaxed, al fresco dining, for example, why not opt for an outdoor kitchen, built-in BBQ or range, for example? Alternatively, a cluster of planters filled with fresh, summer blooms can be a great focal point in any garden. Similarly, a water feature adds acoustics to your garden and offers enhanced relaxation while you’re enjoying the sun. 

For many people, a fire pit is the ultimate outdoor focal point. Whether it’s lit or unlit, it certainly gives you something interesting to look at. Furthermore, a fire pit can be the perfect centerpiece for an outdoor seating area. Whether you’re using outdoor furniture or building sunken seating, having somewhere you can comfortably relax is essential. Ideal for lolling about in the sun, chilling out with family or entertaining friends, your garden’s focal point should be visually pleasing and environment enhancing. 

Make the Most of Your Garden This Summer
If you’re lucky enough to have a yard or garden, be sure to make the most of it. Spending time outdoors can be great for your physical and mental health, so transforming your garden can enhance your well-being, as well as your property. 

Remember – there are no rights and wrongs when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor environment. By focusing on how you plan to use your garden and what you want to get from it, you can create an outdoor space that’s perfect for you not only this summer but the rest of the year too. 

Stay Safe with Smart Home Devices

Hi lovelies,

There are digital upgrades, both big and small you can make to your home to ensure that it is not only eco-friendly, but also efficient, and more secure. Technology can help you run a safer and sustainable home and new devices can help to bring it up to date as well. Having a better level of control will give you peace of mind. Here are smart upgrades you can make to have a safer home this year. 

Upgrade Your Appliances
Consider upgrading all your electrical appliances to smart models with the option to be controlled remotely. These are much safer, and more energy-efficient, as well as being better for the environment. Newer models of things like washing machines and dishwashers not only reduce your energy consumption but are also much more stylish and work better in general. The majority of these new models will automatically have the option to be controlled from a device or smartphone. Your heating and electricity can also be monitored using a single app. 

Home Alarms
Keep yourself and your family protected by installing home alarm systems. You can choose between a range of options depending on the type of home and your security needs. Modern security systems come with a mobile app so you can always be sure your home is safe wherever you are. This state-of-the-art technology will give you peace of mind.

Energy Saving
If you don’t have the option to go with renewable energies such as solar power, you can at least reduce your consumption of electricity, by switching all of your lightbulbs to LEDs. They are much less risky as they transfer hardly any energy into heat. LEDs are more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Outdoor LEDs can also provide security with cutting edge technology. Look into fitting a motion sensor security light, ideal for both your garden and garage. LEDs are not only more durable but they are much more energy-efficient and perfect for a modern eco-friendly household. As well as reducing your consumption of electricity, make sure your home is also well-insulated to reduce heat loss and heating expenses. This will save you on your gas bill and be better for the environment. Upgrade all your windows to solid double-glazing and look into replacing and flooring with more eco-friendly options.  

Protect Your Devices
Make sure your smartphone is secure and don’t share information over a public connection or WiFi. These are easier to be intercepted by hackers. You want your smart home to run on a private network that’s only accessible by you. When upgrading your appliances, go with reliable brands you can trust. Cheaper devices might not be as secure and might expose you to cybersecurity threats. Here is a list of well-known brands that meet security standards. 

Keep your home safe by letting technology do the work for you. You will finally have peace of mind knowing that not only are you doing your bit for the environment, but your family home is protected as well. 

Luxe Lifestyle From Smart Investments

Hi lovelies,

Often, when people are discussing investments, they mean stocks, shares, and 401(k). Those kinds of investments are great, but there are so many other options when it comes to investments. It is not a one-size-fits-all financial space. 

There are many places where you can invest your money, enjoy the product, and get a better quality of life from them in the short and long term. When you are finished with them, you can sell them on - usually at a decent profit. 

The great thing is that you don’t need to be sweating over a phone to make investments; you can choose what you like. Here are a few options that just make great sense. 

Photo by Createria on Unsplash

Property
Getting on the property ladder makes a huge difference to your income pretty quickly - if you choose to rent that property out. Not everyone can afford to purchase multiple houses or stretch to convert a dilapidated barn into an apartment worth millions. But when you can make the investment, even if it is via something like a real estate crowdfunding platform, it is something that you should consider. Here is why:

• Capital Growth - When it comes to property there are significant returns to be had if you keep the property for 5 or more years

• Added Value - when you have the right permissions, you can improve the property with extensions, landscaping, and more. This will give a higher selling price. 

• Physical Assets - Unlike stocks and shares, the property is a tangible asset. It isn’t likely that your home can be stolen or go missing. Which is why many people prefer this type of investment. 

Diamonds
Another tangible asset and a beautiful one at that. You can keep this asset locked away in your property or a safety deposit box. The choice is yours. Gold and diamonds are durable and unlikely to get damaged or broken. You can find gold, estate jewelry, and loose diamonds for sale online. They hold their price well, and loose diamonds specifically can be turned into other jewelry that you can wear. 

Quick guide for these investments:

• Understand your classes, colors, and carats

• Buy within your budget

• Diversify the type you buy, different sizes and weights - build your collection over time

• Loose and mounted are a personal preference

Smaller purchases over time mount up pretty quickly. 

Fashion
This is an often-overlooked item, but when it comes to holding price, and becoming a collectible, fashion is a great option. A few staples that are always in fashion are:

• Crisp white shirts

• Trouser suits

• Tea dress

• Leather jacket

• LBD

Those sound pretty basic, but when you choose to invest in designer pieces, classic pieces that have held value for tens of years and more. Handbags and shoes hold or increase in value so long as they aren’t too worn in. Like jewelry, they can be sold pretty quickly if you decide to. 

There are some vintage classics to be found on eBay and thrift stores. As well as a website dedicated to sourcing classics. 

The next time you are looking for simple ways to make your money work for you, or build up wealth over time, any of these options will be ideal. 

Gameplay Guide to Guns 'n Roses Slot

Hi lovelies,

This Guns ‘n Roses slots is where the cash is green, and the bonuses are many. The rock group is the inspiration behind this online slot. You can rock out while playing this game with music from the band’s hit records. NetEnt has done it again with this rocking slot - play it here.

Guns ‘n Roses General Info
Try to hit it big with the random multiplier and other bonus features on this 5-reel online slot game. The music is a big seller for this game if you’re a fan of the band as it is a refreshing change from the standard gameshow music typically featured on slots.

NetEnt Slot Developer
Net Entertainment is never far from the action; their impressive portfolio has yet another successful addition to add to it. The fluidity and playability of the game is the standard level of quality from this gaming giant. You’ll be saying, “Just one more song” before you know it.

Gameplay
The detailed video animation in the opening sequence is a unique feature of this game. You can choose to skip it, but why would you? This rocking introduction sets the tone of the game as you are treated to a rock classic to get you warmed up.

This slot is straightforward, with 5-reels and 20 paylines. The uncomplicated appearance means great playability as the slot is easy to navigate. Fitting in with the theme, the background is a stage and you’ll get to see characters of the band as symbols with other band related icons. The game features excellent bonuses that are activated by certain combinations. The betting range makes this slot playable for all players, no matter their budget.

The band’s logo represents the wild symbol; this bonus has the ability to replace nearly every other symbol on the board. This helps your combinations become winning combinations.

Guns ‘n Roses Special Features
The main bonus feature of the game is the bonus wheel. Keep an eye out for the bonus record symbol as it triggers the wheel bonus if you manage to catch it when it lands on reels one, three, or five. Players are rewarded nicely with this bonus. If you spin the bonus wheel, there is a chance you could win extra coins, free spins, and multipliers that increase your cash prizes.

During random points of the game, another feature appears while you are playing, the legend spins feature, so be sure to keep a wary eye on the reels. This bonus feature awards a varying amount of free spins.

There is something else that is special amount this game; it sports a rare feature that acts as a second wild symbol. It is called the appetite for destruction symbol and is represented by a big cross with the band members on it. Even more chances of winning!

Verdict
This rocking online slot dazzles you with its upbeat sound and special features. It appeals to rockers and non-rockers alike; you can’t deny the massive winning potential with this game. After its release, it unsurprisingly rocketed to the number one spot on the charts as the most popular online slot out there.

This Is A Great Time To Clear Out Your Home

Hi lovelies,

If you are thinking of clearing out your home, but you’ve been putting it off, then don’t do that any longer. While we are all stuck inside is the perfect time to start cleaning out your home. It’s not a fun thing to do, but it’s got to be done every now and then, so stop putting it off and get down to it! In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that you have got to do to make this a success. So, keep reading down below if you want to find out more.

Pack It Up

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The first thing that you’ve got to do is pack up the stuff that you no longer want floating around your home. You’ve got to make some decisions here about what you want to keep and what you want to throw out. The things you want to keep you need to pack away and then look into storage providers if you don’t have room in your home such as in an attic or a loft. Make sure that you think about this before you start clearing out the home, though, or you could end up with boxes gathering in all rooms of the house while you sort out somewhere for them to go.

Make sure that all the boxes are labeled so that none of them get lost, and when you want to go through them again, you know what’s in what box. This will make everything easier down the line, and make you feel organized while you clear.

Have A Sale
When it comes to the items that you no longer want to keep, you should do one of two things. First, you could just get rid of them. Take them to the dump and then watch them go away! Or, you could have a sale and make yourself a bit of money for your old stuff. You can do this online as there are multiple platforms that allow you to sell your personal items. Just take pictures of what you want to sell from different angles, post the pictures with a description of the product, and then put up your asking price. Some platforms allow you to accept offers, so if this is something that you’re open to, then use a platform that allows for it.

A Big Clean
Finally, when you have finished clearing out, it’s time for the clean! You now have all the space that you wanted, but we bet those items have left behind some marks or some areas that are dirtier from where they have been. Get your clean on and go around your home making sure that it’s all nice and gleaming. Some people love to clean, others not so much, but it doesn’t matter because it’s got to be done. You’re going to feel so much better once this is done, and your home is going to look incredible. Think about it this way, once it’s all done, it doesn’t have to be done again for quite a long time!

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you’ve got to do when clearing out your home. It’s a great time to do it, so just get stuck in!

You Can, But Should You 'Go Your Own Way' When Selling Your House?

Hi lovelies,

It's very understandable to be skittish when it comes to selling your home. The number one priority on your mind is to simply get the highest price possible. Real estate is inherently a very lucrative industry. Home prices usually go up around 1-2% annually but during economic turmoil and or recovery, they can go up in much higher percentages. So, this could be your highest payday ever, which is why you want to play it safe right? Well, you may not want to because going it alone can offer some major advantages. 

The ‘ABC’ approach is dying
There was a time when you had to perform the ‘ABC’ of home selling. You needed to contact a local real estate agent, invite them into your home and let them work their magic. Surveyors, home inspectors, home valuers and real estate agents will package your home, ready for the market. However, this is as you would expect, expensive. So you’re already losing money before even putting your home on the market to buy. With the age of the internet and social media, this approach is now slowly but surely dying. With virtual tour videos that you can make yourself, potential buyers can view your home without setting foot in it or booking an appointment. Specialist online home sellers open up the floodgates for customers around the country and world to buy your home instead of focusing just on locals.

    

The online route
Most if not all of the things you need to do in order to sell your home can be done by yourself. You know the drill, clean your home from top to bottom, consider changing the theme of the home to neutral and have all of your legal papers for the property in order. If you have a garage, collect measurements so you can display how much room there is inside. The same procedure must be done for your garden and driveway. Measuring how much space you have in your home is a little difficult, but not impossible. Then with all this information in hand, use a company like Gem Homes to sell your home online. They have a detailed article which shows you how the need for a realtor is a fallacy. A company like theirs will do all the hard work for you. Essentially, they do everything in-house so you’re not having to hire different people who all want varying sizes of the pie. 

Time versus payoff
As you can imagine, going your own way will incur a heavier time penalty. It simply takes more time to get everything together and compile all the relevant evaluations and paperwork when you’re not answering to a real estate agent. However, you will stand to keep more of the money you make from the sale. So if you do have time and a pinch of patience, it's recommended you try going it alone. If you’re in a rush to sell your home quickly, then the traditional route is still top dog.

Rather than hiring a realtor, you should contact an online home-selling business first. They will do everything for you and keep the costs of doing so to a minimum.

Is It Time To Pop The Question? Solid Advice To Help You Do It

Hi lovelies,

Getting engaged is one of the happiest times in a couples lives. It signifies the moment that you both decide to make a commitment to one another. Whether you get married quickly, or spend a long time being engaged, it can just be enough for many couples to just confirm they want to make this relationship one that lasts. However, getting the engagement side of things right is tricky these days, and with more people making elaborate gestures and adding a lot of romance into it, how can you get it right? Here are some tips to help you do it. 

Image source - Pixabay - CC0 License

Finding the right ring
When it comes to proposing finding the right ring is often the main issue people come up against. They tend to have a good idea on what they might do and when it will happen, but the ring is a choice you have to make for someone else and unless you are confident in your abilities to choose the right thing, it can make you a little anxious. A good search online and plenty of research on jaw-dropping engagement rings would be a good place to start. If you are still unsure, take note of some of the jewellery they already like to wear. Is it bold and statement pieces or more delicate and fine? 

Making sure you have the right size
Not only do you have to choose the ring, but you also need to ensure that you pick the right size and this can also be a tricky situation to overcome. Thankfully, if you can be quite stealthy, you could take one of their rings and use that as a guide. There are plenty of ideas online to help you get the ring size right if needed. 

Where and when to propose
Once you have the ring you now need to decide where to propose and when? A lot of people choose to propose in a place that means something to them. It might have been the place you had your first date, or the spot you first declared your love to one another. You could choose to do it on holiday in a nice romantic setting, or even just consider a new place altogether. Some of the standard iconic engagement locations include things like on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris or on a gondola in the Italian city of Venice. But you know your partner well enough to know what they may like, so take some time to consider this. It’s a nice idea to try and make some form of event and memory from the proposal itself, especially if you plan on having a long engagement. 

Will it be a surprise and can you trust anyone to help?
The last thing to consider is to enlist the help of someone you trust to keep your secret and help with any of the logistics, especially if it is a surprise. This may be a mother or mother in law to be, or a sibling or best friend. Just make sure they can keep a secret to avoid spoiling the whole thing. 

Taking Care of Your Elderly Loved Ones

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Hi lovelies,

Most of us were raised by the elderly individuals who are present in our lives. We’ll have fond childhood memories with them taking the leading authoritative role. So it may feel a little odd when the tables turn and they come to rely on you as they approach old age. But it’s always good to repay the favour and help them out as and when they need it. Here are a few ways that you can achieve this!

Elderly Loved Ones In Care Homes
If your loved one is in a care home, you’ve probably made the decision with their best interests in mind. Perhaps you don’t have the time, training or resources necessary to provide round the clock care. Maybe they need specific medical care. Maybe they would be a danger to themselves in their own home. Perhaps they were lonely and would much rather be surrounded by others their own age and in similar situations. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to remember that your care for your loved one shouldn’t simply cut off because they now have others caring for them too. Still make time to visit. Call and catch up. Ensure that they are receiving the quality of care that they need. If you feel that any wrongdoing has been carried out, engage with a qualified nursing home abuse attorney today.

Elderly Loved Ones Living Independently
If your loved one is able and happy to live independently, this is great.But you should still make sure you’re there for support as and when they need it. You don’t want them to ever feel lonely and you don’t want them to struggle with simple things that you could help with.

Arrange Visits
Arrange times where you can visit your loved one and you are both free. This will help to maintain regular contact where you can catch up face to face and have a nice bit of bonding time. This will help to lift their spirits, make sure that they know they’re not alone and can be fun for you too!

Help With Basic Tasks
You might not think twice about heading out to complete routine tasks like your shopping. But for the elderly, it can seem like an insurmountable venture, having to get to the bus stops, trailing in and out of shops and getting their purchases home. Where possible, help out with routine trips. Take your loved one grocery shopping with you when you go to get yours. Ask if they need anything and see whether you can help them to order it online to be delivered. Simple things like this can make a big difference.

These are just a few different ways that you can help out the elderly loved ones in your life. It’s small efforts on your part that can make the world of a difference to them. So, do as much as you can and do your utmost to make sure that they know they are loved!

6 Ideas To Make Better Use Of Your Basement

Hi lovelies,

If you’re lucky enough to live in a house that has a medium to large-sized basement, you’ll likely be wondering what to do with it. Sure, it’s a room that probably doesn’t have any windows or natural light coming into it. But, it could still become a useful space in your home.

To that end, you might be wondering what to do with your basement. As you’re stuck for ideas, take a look at these examples to give you some inspiration on the subject:

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1. Bedroom
Does your basement have some high-level windows that let in natural light? If so, one of the most obvious ideas is to turn your basement into a spare bedroom!

It’s an ideal way of adding an extra bedroom without extending your house outward. Plus, it’ll add value to your home and is great for growing families.

2. Games Room
Have you ever wanted a room in your home where you could play computer games on a widescreen TV? Perhaps you prefer a room filled with your favorite arcade game machines or other items such as a pool table.

You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to designing the ultimate games room in your basement!

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3. Storage Space
Of course, you may just want to use your basement as somewhere to store things in your home that don’t really fit in elsewhere around the house. Before you use it as storage space (or for any other purpose), be sure to make your basement floodproof.

Otherwise, you may have to use the services of a water damage cleanup service if your house is in an area liable to flooding.

4. Home Office
Do you work from home? And do you often use the living room or even your bedroom as your office? If the answer to either question is yes, it makes sense to convert your basement into a home office.

Doing so enables you to concentrate on your work and have the space for office equipment like printers and photocopiers, filing cabinets, and so on.

5. Cinema
There’s nothing quite like going to a movie theater and enjoying films on the big screen in the company of family and friends. It’s an experience everyone enjoys, and now it’s something you could enjoy from the comfort of your home!

Believe it or not, it’s actually straightforward to convert a basement into a home cinema room. All you need is a large widescreen TV or wall projector, comfortable seating, an excellent sound system, and decent mood lighting.

6. Music Studio

If you’re part of a band you will no doubt want to practice some songs at home using the instruments that you play. The thing is, such a task can often be difficult if you don’t have space at your house.

Short of hiring a music studio for a few hours each week, a practical alternative is to create your dream music studio in your basement!

Must-Have Home Decor Essentials

Hi lovelies,

Since we’re all staying safe and sheltering in place at-home, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite home decor pieces.

Shop them below and be sure to let me know which ones are your fav!

Top Tips For Selling Your Property Quickly

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Hi lovelies,

Selling your property quickly is always a wise idea, no matter what the motivation for putting it on the market is.  The longer the home is on the market, the less desirable it is, so a speedy sale really is of the essence.  

Here are some of our top tips for getting that house or apartment sale done and dusted as quickly as possible.

Hire an expert real-estate agent
Hiring a good real estate agent is the first step to take as soon as you make a decision to put your property on the market.  They will serve as the key point of contact for both you and prospective buyers by arranging the viewings, drawing up your listings, and advertising your property.

Homes sold without an agent typically go for thousands of dollars less than if they were sold by an experienced seller. The explanation is that selling your home without an agent is unpredictable, time-consuming, and hard work. If you do not know what you are doing, you are putting yourself on a massive backfoot.

Make sure it is spotless, inside and out
Before you put your property on the market, spend a bit of time and money on making sure that it is in tip-top condition. Get rid of any unwanted items and de-clutter - put some of your personal belongings in storage if necessary, as potential buyers need to be able to imagine what it would be like with their own things in there.  

If there are things that stand out to you, get them fixed ASAP! If you can spot them, the people viewing your property definitely will! Get your heating and cooling systems fixed and examine the cracks in the wall. All these issues may be a pain to fix but it is these issues that can take a chunk off the final offer because the buyer will argue that they will have to invest more into the property to get it up to code, and they’re not wrong!

Freshen up paintwork, clean up or replace carpets, make sure the garden is neat and tidy, and give everywhere a thorough clean. If you have any suspicion that your property might be harbouring any unwanted visitors, now is the time to call in the professionals, such as a bed bug exterminator or pest control specialist, and get rid before buyers spot anything.

Be realistic about your listing price
It seems almost reasonable to list your home at the highest possible price. Buyers are bound to try to bargain it down anyway, aren't they? 

Unfortunately, this is not how it works at all.

Often, buyers don't have the time or inclination to search out homes that would involve negotiation. They just want to put a sensible offer in and have it accepted without any hassle.

When you list your house at a price that is too high, buyers won't show much interest. When no one makes a bid, it will inevitably become an outdated listing. If your listing goes stale and remains on the market for too long without any bids, the buyer's agents will start to smell blood in the water and you may end up with a lower offer than you hoped.

When pricing up your property, the best thing you can do is look at the prices of similar ones in the area and set a figure accordingly. When you list your home by market value, you are going to trigger a bidding war and you're likely to receive an offer that's at, close, or possibly even higher than the starting price.

How to Get your Home Ready to Sell

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Hi lovelies,

When it comes to selling your home, you want to make sure you get the possible price as soon as possible. Sure, there are many different factors that come into play when it comes to selling your home fast, some out of your control, some not, but there are things you can do to speed up the process even before your home is listed for sale.

To help yourself get the best possible house and sell your home as fast as possible, you need to be proactive in preparing yourself and your home for the move. There is no such thing as being too prepared for a house move, especially if you have a new house lined up to move into.

Prepare Yourself Mentally
No matter how long you have lived in your current home, the chances are you will have built some form of attachment to it. Now is the time to stop thinking of the house as your home and start looking at it as a potential buyer. This will allow you to see flaws and issues you possibly wouldn't see. 

The thing is, when you are used to seeing something, you eventually stop seeing it. If you are used to living with something looking or being a certain way, it soon becomes normal for you. So break that habit now. Get used to seeing the house as someone else's home and make a list of all the small, and possibly bugger issues that would put you off buying your home. Because if it would put you off, chances are, it will put someone else off too.

Declutter
De-personalizing your home is always recommended by experts when it comes to selling your house. It is also one of the top tips you should be paying attention to too.

Pack away, give away or donate all personal items, ornaments, pictures, etc early on. But not everything. The thing is some people can't imagine what the house will look like with all of your 'stuff' around. it will still look like your home. Think like a property staging expert and remove anything that makes your home look cluttered. 

Keep a few well-placed wall decorations, vases, etc to help create an image. you want to give the home personality and help people envision what the house could look like. Anything that adds character to a room, or unique ways of using space as always a bonus too.

Think less is more and try to keep your home clear and as much of a blank canvas as possible so people can see what space will look like with their items in and how to creatively use the space such as the way you do too. It's a fine line, but one well worth striving for to help give your home better selling potential.

Repairs
The last thing you want to be doing is spending out money on repairs for a house you will no longer be living in. We get that. But did you know that homes with many small repairs see a significant reduction in offers and lower selling prices? As much as you would rather not invest in a property you are selling, others don't want to pay full asking prices for homes that need work.

Check for Heating and cooling repairs that need doing - a system that works as it should and needs little to no maintenance can be beneficial when it comes to getting a good price for your home.

As can homes in a good structural repair, inside and out including the roof and any extension you have had built. 

Decoration
In much the same way that removing your clutter can have an impact on viewers' abilities to visualize how a house will look with their items in it, so can a fresh lick of paint. Think light, airy colors, whites, cream, magnolias are always good color options.

Attracting the light and being able to show off a room in natural sunlight is a guaranteed way to impress those coming to view the property. Apply a fresh coat of paint to any woodwork that needs it or areas of high traffic such as hallways and bathrooms.

If you have rooms with statement dark themes, then look at touching up the lighter sections of the room and adding accessories such as mirrors or lamps to brighten the room up.

First Impressions
What is the very first thing a person will see of your home? Their first impression of the property will likely be outside. From the roadside in fact. People’s opinions can form really quickly and having an exterior that looks a little less than appealing will likely give off a bad first impression to potential viewers. It may even put people off wanting to look inside altogether.

If your home looks untendered and messy from the outside, people will think this is also how you keep the house indoors too. 

Clear away and rubbish, garden toys or broken fixtures from the front of your property. Undertake small repairs to things such as fences, gates, garage doors, etc. Mow the lawn and tidy up any bedding plants or borders too. Also, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to any fences etc if they need it.

Look at exterior brickwork and windows for any signs of damage, clear guttering and drains and look for potential issues that could become bigger problems such as damp. All of this forms a person's first impression of the house they are coming to view and as such, can really affect your chances of getting the full asking price for your home.

In conclusion: help yourself sell faster and get a better price for your home when selling by making a few small changes to the property. View it as a potential buyer would and look for issues you too would look for when viewing a property as a potential new home. This will give you the best chance of selling faster in a competitive market.

4 Common Problems To Look For If You Buy A New-Build Home

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Hi lovelies,

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably come across plenty of new housing developments in nearby areas. It seems as though every city has at least one, and it’s all down to the demand for housing. We’re not going to get into all of that as it’s irrelevant and - quite frankly - a little bit boring! Instead, we’ll look at the main concerns you have when buying a new-build home. 

Why buy a new-build?
The main reason to get a brand new home is just that - it’s completely brand new. Nobody has lived there before, so you don’t have to deal with old furnishings or lingering property issues, etc. You have a clean slate, which means your home should stay in excellent condition for longer, you can mold it to your preferences with ease, and it will have all the latest home technology & features. 

This all sounds pretty amazing, but don’t rush into buying a new home just yet. While these properties are brand new, that doesn’t mean they’re free from issues. Sometimes, the people that develop and build these houses will rush them. As a result, some common problems present themselves to you. So, if you’re thinking about buying a new-build and want to know what to look for, then here are some potential issues: 

Aesthetic defects
You’re bound to see lots of aesthetic defects as you make your way around the new-build. These can range from minor to severe, but they’re all problems relating to the visual aspects of the home. The most common of these defects is paint that’s become chipped or come away from the wall. This happens quite a lot as homes are usually made when it’s cold, then the temperature heats up, and the house kind of adjusts to this, leading to the cracks forming. 

Again, this isn’t a huge problem as the structural integrity of the property is fine. It’s just a visual issue as it does make the house look quite badly damaged. Be sure to make notes of any aesthetic defects and tell the real estate agent about them during your tour of the house. If you do choose to buy the home, you want someone to deal with all these problems before you move in!

Stiff doors
It’s always a good idea to try and open the doors by yourself when viewing a new-build. Often, if you’re being led around by an estate agent, they do all the opening for you. It’s common courtesy, they’re not trying to hide anything, but it does stop you from feeling how the doors open. This is a problem as many new-builds have stiff doors that don’t open that freely. 

Once more, this happens when the builders either rushed the installation, or the doors have moved slightly out of place over time. Either way, you end up with doors that are very hard to open, and can sometimes get stuck in the closed position. It’s a frequent occurrence, so be sure to look for this and get it fixed if you decide to buy the house. 

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Gaps in the windows
You’ll be surprised at how many new-builds are guilty of having this problem. Gaps in the windows refer to instances where it looks like the window isn’t fully closed. Even when it’s in the closed position, you can still see slight gaps around the edges or where the frame meets the seal. 

Clearly, this is one of the most significant problems to watch out for. Gaps in the windows can let in rain and cold air. Thus, your home can suffer from water damage when it’s raining, and it will be very energy inefficient. Essentially, heat escapes through these gaps, meaning your energy bill will go through the roof. Sometimes, the problem is fixed by relaying a thicker piece of sealant to plug up the gap. Other times, you might need a full window replacement to ensure everything fits correctly and that no gaps are present or will present themselves in the future. 

Breaks in sealant
Similarly, another common issue revolves around the door and window sealant. This is that rubbery material that almost connects the windows or doors to the property. It’s supposed to help keep your home tightly locked and avoid any drafts of air coming through. Unsurprisingly, builders rush the sealant application process, which leads to breaks and gaps appearing. 

Luckily, this is an easy fix. So, while it’s definitely a big concern, it can be dealt with pretty simply. All you need to do is replace the sealant with something stronger and better. Obviously, you shouldn’t be the one that needs to do this. If you buy the house, make sure you tell the estate agent that you expect all sealant to be fixed before you move everything in.

Tips when buying a new-build
Those are the four most common problems to expect in new-build homes. The good news is that they’re not overly problematic. Most can be dealt with quite easily, but always be sure they make any improvements or repairs before you move in, as it prevents any disruption during your move. 

If you do want to buy a new-build, then there are a few tips to think about. Firstly, don’t assume that the asking price is set in stone. It’s not unheard of for real estate agents and property developers to drop the price and offer you a deal - particularly if you’re keen to buy the home ASAP and have the money ready. 

Secondly, always visit the house more than once. This ensures that you can spot any issues that may have appeared since your first visit. 

Finally, take pictures of all problems and notify the estate agents handling the sale. You must do this, so they know that the problems were their fault, not yours. If you wait until after you’ve bought the home, then they could argue you caused the issues. 

Hopefully, this clears things up and gives you an idea of what to look for when buying a new-build. They can definitely be beneficial, just be wary of a few little problems that may present themselves. 

Run Your House Well - With Outsourcing

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Hi lovelies,

Have you ever considered outsourcing for your business? You probably have considered at least once how an IT expert and a marketing genius could help you to manage your business better. You know it works - though it’s a cost - and you know that it’s the best way to contact experts who know what they’re doing. 

Have you ever considered it for your house? Believe it or not, you can outsource the jobs in your home and stop juggling everything by yourself. It’s all about being as efficient as possible, and you can manage that when you entrust some of your household tasks to other people. Let’s take a look at some of the tasks that are bogging you down that you can pass on!

• Laundry. You don't have to spend time doing your laundry and ironing when you can outsource it to someone else. You can even have a service that comes to your home, collect your dirty washing, wash it all and dry it, and then bring it back. Most people love to do laundry, but those who don’t can use services like this to refresh their clothes and use their time for other things that are far more fun!

• Cleaning. You wouldn't believe it, but bringing in a cleaner once a week is going to change your life. You can get all the dirty jobs done that you hate, and you’ll be able to enjoy time with your family or at work!

• Home Repairs. From the garage door service to the gutter clearance, you don't have to do your home repairs yourself. There are plenty of people out there who know how to replace the garage door and clean the air conditioning vents. You can call them any time, and they will be able to come to you and save you the time and the effort.

• Gardening. If you don't like gardening but love to have a garden, don’t worry. You can call a landscaping service or a gardener to come to your garden and get it tidied up regularly. The repetitive tasks that the yard requires don’t have to be done by you, which means that there is a lot that you can accomplish while you don't spend time on the garden maintenance. 

• Cooking. Most people find cooking therapeutic, but if you don't have the time, you can outsource it. You may not be able to afford a chef, but you could afford a service that will deliver dinners to your home. Sometimes they come in complete dinners, but other times it’s a box of ingredients that you can then cook quickly instead of having to spend hours slaving over the stove. If you can’t afford those services, think about spending one or two Sunday’s a month batch cooking meals for the freezer. When you do this, you can just grab and go as you need.

Running your house well is essential, and you can do it with the help of others - there’s no shame in asking for it!

6 Reasons Why You’re Terrible at Dating

Hi lovelies,

You’ve watched scenes in the movies where a couple go out on their first date and there is an instant connection. The entire process seems smooth, seamless and quite unrealistic to be honest.  If you want to start living the life you have always wanted, you need to step outside your comfort zone and get to grips with the life of dating. If you have had some horrible experiences in the past, here are a few home truths that might resonate with you.

1. You’re Expecting too Much
When you go out on a first date with someone, you need to lower your expectations. Are you the type of person who thinks they are going to meet the love of their life after one drink? So many people do this so you’re definitely not alone! Have some fun and try thechatlinenumbers.com/gay or a dating app if you haven’t had much luck with relationships so far. Don’t take anything too seriously or expect too much; just enjoy it! 

2. You’re Never Truly Yourself
Have you ever pretended to like something just to impress the person you’re dating? So many people do this, but this isn’t the way to go about pursuing an honest relationship. Eventually the other person will find out that you’re not who you say you are and then your road to single town will begin again!

3. You Catch Feelings Too Quickly
Falling in love too quickly can cause a lot of issues when you’re in the dating game. You need to take every day as it comes rather than getting too serious. 

4. You’re Looking in the Wrong Places
If you think you’re going to meet the love of your life in a pitch black club then you’re probably mistaken. This may have worked for people in the past, but it’s not something you should actively be doing. Stop looking in the wrong places and think about where your ideal partner might hang out.

5. It is Your Sole Focus
I’d you have tunnel vision with regards to finding your soulmate you need to shift your focus. When you’re looking for something it won’t find you; it’s really that simple!

6. You’re Impatient
The truth is, you need to stop rushing love and just let it happen. One of the main reasons why you’re terrible at dating is because you want everything to happen right away. Even if you do want to meet someone in the end, you can’t force the process. Take the pressure off and relax; it will happen if it’s meant to be.

The truth is, so many people are terrible at dating, but most are afraid to admit it. It is very easy to blame the people you’re dating rather than blame yourself, but your habits and outlooks might be the issue. The good news is that you don’t have to be terrible at dating forever. Consider the advice provided above and you will soon be one step closer to a happier dating life.

5 Things To Remember Before You Move Home

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Hi lovelies,

People decide to relocate to another house or apartment for all sorts of reasons. It might be because they want something bigger or wish to downsize. Some folks may even need to move to a different part of their state or even go to the opposite end of the country for work. Whatever your reason, if it’s your first time moving somewhere new, you might be unsure how best to prepare yourself and your family.

Some people might have you think that moving home is a nightmare. The thing is if you plan everything well in advance, you will have an easy experience. To that end, here are five things you need to remember before you move home:

1. Organize the transfer of utilities and services
The first thing you need to do is contact all of the companies that supply your utilities and services like cable TV. You should then give them your moving date so that everything will get set up ready for the day you physically move into your new home. For things like gas, electricity, and water utilities, give yourself a day’s overlap. That way, you’ll have power and heating in both properties on the same day.

2. Organize your removal service
Let’s face it: you can’t move to a new property without some method of transporting your worldly possessions! With that in mind, you need to organize a removal service to collect your items and transport them on your moving-in day. Firms like SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. can even provide storage units you can fill up at your leisure, and they can transport them to your new address. Often, such solutions can work out cost-effective compared to hiring a traditional removal company.

3. Forward your mail
You will doubtless be contacting various people and organizations to tell them when you are moving home. But, what happens if some folks or companies still send you mail at your old address? To combat that problem, you can have the USPS forward your mail from a particular date, and they can do so for a duration of your choosing. You have to pay a small fee for the service, but it’s perfect for ensuring that nothing goes astray in the mail!

4. Contact the DMV and your insurance company
You need to inform both the DMV and your auto insurance company of your address change. It’s important that both entities know where your new address is because if you have an auto accident or get pulled over by the police, you could get accused of committing a crime by having out-of-date address details on their systems.

5. Don’t stock up your refrigerator and freezer
Last but not least, it makes sense to keep your stored cold food items to a minimum on the run-up to your moving day. Otherwise, you will need to buy lots of coolboxes to store that food in so that it doesn’t spoil.

Good luck with your home move!

Steps to a More Sustainable Home

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Hi lovelies,

There are some improvements that can be done around the house and that can be done relatively free of cost. Some others can take more time and more money, with some other improvements can be done when you are renovating, or when creating a new build. But these days, there is much more of a focus on sustainability and making sure that you have a home that is also eco-friendly. We are all being much more aware of the environment and what we can do to make a difference. So here are some things that you can do around your home to create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Ways to make your home sustainable

• One of the first things that you can do is to make sure that you can keep your house warm. Insulating walls, the roof, the ceiling, and even under the floor can be a good thing to do in order to make sure that your home keeps warm for longer, as well as helping you to save on energy costs. 

• Making sure that you have things like double-glazing can make a difference to your home and it is more sustainable. Another option that can be more cost-efficient would be to have some thermal-backed curtains, which can add an additional layer, and keep all of that heat and warmth in the home. 

• It is so important to make sure that you use some natural things that you have access to. The sun is the number one choice! If you can move things around your home to make the most of the sun then it can make a big difference. You could make sure that the sun gets into the home to heat things naturally, as well as using things like solar panels as a way to heat the home.

• Choosing appliances that have a high and good level of energy-efficiency and a good rating, is a must. This can be things from light bulbs to swap them from regular light bulbs to eco-friendly bulbs that are energy-efficient. 

• When you are bringing things into your home, then look for non-toxic building materials. On materials you can look for an Environmental Choice tick of approval. Sourcing local materials is something that is important, and it can be something that is more sustainable and reduces the environmental impact and airmiles of things flying off. 

• One thing that you can do in your outside space, is to install a rainwater collection tank. Make the most of those natural resources! And if you choose some water-efficient appliances, and things like low-flow sanitary fittings, then it can make a big difference. 

• Minimizing waste and being more aware around how much you use and what you use, is important for any household. Plus, you need to be aware of how to recycle where it is possible. This will make a big difference, as well waste so much and if you can do your bit for reducing what you use, then it can make a big difference. 

3 Reasons to Buy Rather than Rent

Hi lovelies,

If you’re unsure whether to buy or rent a property, then you’ve come to the right place. This discussion provides the main benefits of home-ownership.

Rent Out a Suite
If your property is licensed for a suite, then you have the option to rent it out and bring in additional income. That is if you’re the buyer. 

A renter, though, is the person forking out the money without having real estate to call their own. That leads to the next benefit of ownership...

Pay Yourself Rather than Someone Else
Instead of paying rent every month to a landlord, why not pay yourself? A home is a great investment, and it can actually be cheaper than renting over time if you save effectively and buy within your budget.

To help you determine the mortgage repayment costs after the initial purchase, use a mortgage calculator. The repayment amount is based on the amount borrowed from the bank and interest charged on that home loan.

While you pay mainly interest over the early years of the mortgage, over time, you begin to pay off the capital, and that’s great for paying down the mortgage. Plus, you’ll always know how much you have to pay a month, while you don’t get that stability with renting as the landlord could always increase the monthly rent!

Make it Exactly How You Want It
It’s yours, and you can design it exactly how you want to. While you can usually hang your own paintings up and use your furniture in a rental, there are limits to the changes.

For example, renters cannot typically tear down a wall for a renovation. Sometimes you cannot paint the wall another colour either, at least not without the landlord’s approval beforehand.

When it’s your home, on the other hand, you can create the exact space you want, including switching out the existing appliances to new ones to changing the lights in the kitchen to eco-friendly LEDs.

Build Up Credit
Another major benefit of owning a home is a positive impact on your credit rating. That’s because longer credit accounts can lead to a better credit score. 

Paying down a home mortgage month after month is a terrific example of a long credit history. Be sure to keep that credit score strong by making payments on time. If you’re having trouble some months, check out these money saving tips for owners. Keeping track of your finances when making such a large investment is vital, as it’s a lot of money at risk and you must take every precaution to ensure you plan out each step properly. Utilising an online platform such as pigly.com to work out what your potential mortgage payments may actually be along with many other essential money features will provide you with ultimate peace of mind, and you’ll feel a whole lot calmer knowing that your finances are in order throughout such an important journey. You can learn how to save money and budget properly so that you can successfully pay your mortgage each and every month, as though it can boost your credit score it can also harm it too. Failing to pay your mortgage or regularly paying very late will cause your credit score to take a huge hit, so it’s best to utilise the financial calculators discussed above before you make any important decisions so that you can be sure you will be able to afford your new home. You can build up your credit by doing other activities such as using a credit card, but most of the time simply renting accommodation wont do anything to help! Renting not only wastes your money, but also denies you of the opportunity to improve your credit through the implementation of a mortgage scheme. 

Where to Live
You’re in control as a buyer and can choose the area you like the best for living location. As a renter, however, you’re more limited as to what to choose from, based on what’s available.

For example, a specific part of the city that you love might not have many rentals. But as a buyer, you can decide where to live and exactly what community you’re going to be a part of when you move into the place.

Community Involvement
As a homeowner, you’ll find that you feel like you have a place in the community. When there are neighbourhood meetings, for example, you’re able to give your say and be heard when it comes to discussions about changes to the area.

There are also opportunities to get to know local politicians, police, and firefighters. Those relationships are hard to build as a renter, as is the pride you likely feel in owning a home.

How to Enjoy The Cooking Process

Hi lovelies,

There are some things in life that we all know to be true, even if we wish that it wasn’t the case. Take eating healthily, for example. If we want to be at our healthiest and happiest (and who doesn’t?), then it’s important that we’re eating those dishes that are good for our insides. And, whether you like it or not, that’s going to involve preparing your own meals at home. If you’ve been putting off spending time in the kitchen and cooking up a storm, then fear not, because we’re on hand to help. Below, we take a look at a few things that’ll help you to enjoy the cooking process more. 

Get Your Kitchen Into Shape
You’re not going to be inclined to cook if your kitchen is dark, dingy, and an all-around depressing place to be, are you? The psychological motivation to cook meals can be easily swayed, just by making a few changes to your cooking space. Perhaps the two biggest influences will be making the space bright and roomy. If you can see what you’re doing, and you have enough room to prepare your meal without feeling the stress, then you’ll find the whole cooking experience more enjoyable.

Handling Dishes
It could be that you’ve got no objection to cooking a meal, it’s just that you can’t face all the cleaning that you have to do afterward. And it’s true: sometimes, the sheer volume of dishes that need cleaning can be a little dispiriting. But there are ways to make things easier for yourself. If the reason you’re not cooking is because your dishwasher is broken, then get the parts to fix your dishwasher. Alternatively, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can look at cleaning as you go, or handing over the responsibility to other people in the household; you’re cooking the food, after all.

Easy to Make Recipes
Cooking can be enjoyable, but it can also be a little intimidating, especially if you don’t have a history of preparing meals. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need to impress anyone, and there’s no reason to tackle an overly ambitious meal early on. Start with those simple recipes that only require a few ingredients and a few different pans. Once you’ve got the hang of being in the kitchen, you’ll be ready to step up. And talking of which...

Challenge Yourself 
You’ll eventually get bored if you can make all your meals on autopilot. Once you’ve got them down, look at challenging yourself to make more complex meals. You might just find that you’ve got a hidden talent for cooking!

Make It Fun
Finally, why not look at making it fun? Your attitude can make a big difference -- see cooking as an enjoyable activity, rather than a chore. Open a bottle of wine, play those classic cooking songs, and appreciate your time in the kitchen. Over time, preparing your evening meal might just become something that you begin to look forward to!

Tips To Keep Yourself Safe In Life

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Hi lovelies,

Keeping yourself safe in life is going to make sure you live a long and healthy one without much trouble in between. There can be many dangers when it comes to daily life, and what’s around us, so it’s important to follow these tips in order to keep yourself safe at all times.

Be Attentive
Being attentive to things around you is what will allow you to avoid a run in with something or someone that can cause an accident. It also means you don’t need to go to Jonathan Rosenfeld for help with an injury. Being aware of your surroundings is important to remember to do at all times because we can often become relaxed in life, and that can open us up to accidents and trouble if we’re not careful. Try to approach everything you do with a little bit more awareness of what you’re going into and to make sure that you’re always putting your safety first, no matter what. Being attentive is a good thing for many things in life, your safety also being one of them!

Always Take Precautions
Precautions are a good way to prevent anything bad from happening or things going wrong. We all take precautions to some extent in our lives, and it’s these decisions to put safety plans into place that can help keep us safe. Don’t allow this to stop but adapt this to other areas of your life, like making sure you’ve planned out a route when driving so that you know where you’re going and the speeds to go at. As an example, these small additions can help provide a bit more security and comfort to everything you do. Just planning everything out a little more can be useful.

Be Picky Of Who You Trust
Being trusting of others is important to do a lot of, but then you also need to be picky of who you give that trust to in your life. Not everyone is going to look after that trust in the same way, so it’s important you are trusting the right people. Whether that’s with your secrets or with your safety, be careful of who you give that responsibility to. Being a good judge of character is also a skill that’s worth possessing and make time a little time to do so.

Secure Your Home
Your home is the main point of safety for you and your family or household when coming home from work. Make sure that you’re securing your home carefully at night and that its security is always checked over. You can never be too cautious about how secure your home is to the outside world. Simple checks to windows and doors to make sure they’re still strong and stable can be the difference between a potential break in or not.

Keeping yourself safe in life can be done in many different ways, so use these tips to help keep you safe and sound at all times. Whether that’s in your work area or personal life.