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The first step to shopping for real estate in Nicaragua is to forget everything you know about the process back home… no matter where home may be.

Let me make one thing clear from the start. There are incredible bargains to be had buying property in Nicaragua. In fact, there is no other market in the Americas where insisting upon a 40% return on investment or better is reasonable. However, there are few similarities between the rules and regulations governing the real estate industries in North America or Europe, and Nicaragua. It’s because of this lack of similarities that foreign investors often get into trouble. There is a preconceived notion on the part of foreigners that the Nicaragua real estate industry is as carefully regulated as it is elsewhere, and it is this incorrect assumption that sets foreign investors up to be cheated. The only universal real estate investing rule that applies as equally in Nicaragua as it does anyway else is Caveat emptor, buyer beware.

Real Estate Brokers

Basically there’s no such thing in Nicaragua as a real estate brokerage that a Canadian, American or European would assume the term represents. There are real estate brokerage offices. Some even have familiar franchise names, but that’s where the similarity ends.

There is no mandated, formal training of real estate sales people, nor are there specific licensing requirements. Anyone can become a „realtor“ by paying for a merchant license or incorporating a Nicaraguan company. I’m not suggesting this means „all“ real estate sales people are incompetent or untrained… many are. In fact, there are a number of retired realtors who relocated to Nicaragua and maintain successful, upstanding businesses. However, there are many more who are not at all competent, and operate on the razor edge between honest business and outright fraud. Caveat emptor again!

There are no district or federal regulatory boards governing the real estate industry in place. Real estate sales are no more regulated than a vehicle sale transacted by a street vendor. Outright criminality is not ignored by authorities, but having the perpetrator jailed is unlikely to result in recovery of any money lost. The revenge should make a fleeced buyer feel better though. Nicaraguan jails exist to punish criminals, not rehabilitate, and they are Hell on Earth. Unfortunately though, most issues that can arise in a real estate transaction are considered civil matters by law enforcement and have to be treated as such. In short, whatever money you think you were cheated out of… consider it lost. Even with a judgement in the plaintiff’s favor, collecting money owed in a judgement rarely happens. So again, caveat emptor.

A serious shortcoming in the Nicaragua real estate market is that there is nothing similar to a Multi Listing Service (MLS). The lack of any form of MLS means there is no central registry of properties for sale, nor any information as to what a property sold for. The result is that it’s very difficult to decide what a house or commercial building in a particular neighbourhood is worth since there are no comparable property transactions to use as a guide. Appraisers base their appraisals on replacement cost mostly, and whatever else they provide is pure guess work. Ironically, banks require appraisals created by licensed Nicaraguan appraisers if mortgage funding is being requested.

There’s no such thing in Nicaragua as a listing similar to what most foreigners would understand the term to mean. Real estate shoppers will hear a realtor say that he or she has a listing, but it’s common to see two or more real estate signs on a single property. Likewise, the same property may appear on multiple real estate company websites and be advertised online by numerous different people. More confusing, the prices advertised may vary for the same house, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars. Nicaraguans selling their homes rarely lock themselves into an agreement with one party wanting to sell their land, house or commercial building. If you want to sell something, the assumption is the more people trying to sell it the better. And by more people that can be realtors, the owner themselves, their family and friends, a neighbor, or a horse drawn carriage driver. This seems chaotic to a foreigner shopping for a retirement or vacation home, but it makes perfect sense to Nicaraguans. Without an MLS service that allows numerous realtors to show prospective buyers a listed property, letting everyone try to sell a property seems to be the best way to get exposure.

Another misconception foreign purchasers have when buying real estate in Nicaragua is that the seller is paying the real estate agent. This is sometimes the case, but even when it is the buyer may be asked to pay the commission. Yes, this is legal in Nicaragua. In fact, not only could there be a commission paid by the seller and buyer, but the real estate agent may have added an amount to what the seller actually wants in his or her hand. This too is legal. The worst case scenario is that the seller wants US$50,000 for his or her home. The sellers offers anyone selling the home US$1000 or a percentage. The real estate selling agent advertises the home for US$59,900, allowing for negotiating room. A buyer settles on US$55,000 but is told that in Nicaraguan the buyer pays the commission. Not actually the truth, but common enough that people think it’s a rule. The requested commission can be anything up to as much as 10%, or it can be a flat fee. Once all is said and done and the buyer agrees to purchase the property for US$55,000. In a case such as this, the ‚agent‘ will insist on a nonrefundable US$5000 down payment. At closing the seller receives the US$50,000 that he or she wanted and the selling agent pockets the rest.

I know of a purchasers who handed a ‚realtor‘ US$65.000 to purchase a 3 acre farm with a small house on the property. The ‚realtor‘ then went to the owner of the property and paid him US$20,000 to buy the land. It gets worse… the ‚realtor‘ never bothered to make the title transfer until the buyer discovered he was not the owner when he tried to pay long overdue taxes. In the end the property was purchased by a developer for little more than the original US$65,000, but 8 years of appreciation later. In another case Europeans purchase a home and overpaid US$85,000. Of course basing their offer on the European real estate values they knew, it was assumed they were getting a bargain. The ‚realtor‘ pocketed the US$85,000 and a commission he charged the buy as well. Again, perfectly legal in Nicaragua… so caveat emptor.

The way to navigate through what foreigners view as market chaos is to use a knowledgeable real estate consultant to find a property you want, negotiate the price, terms and conditions, conduct the necessary due diligence, validate the title and survey, and so on. This is a fee based service but far less expensive than a percentage sales commission, and far, far less than a costly mistake would be. One such service is Nica Investments, a real estate consultancy that assists foreign investors purchasing real estate or businesses in Nicaragua.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Not everyone is willing to use a real estate agent, since they do take a commission, usually around 7%. That means, by selling your own home, you’ll end up with upwards of $10,000 that would have gone to an agent. And given today’s slow market there is a very real chance your home will sit unsold for a year or more.

Today, more than ever selling your own house can not only be more profitable, but it is your best chance at getting it sold quickly.

In this article, I am going to show you how to go from „selling your own house“ to „I SOLD my own house“.

In a hot market selling may have been as easy as putting a „for sale by owner“ sign in front of the house and collecting offers. But let’s face it, times are tough and most houses are sitting unsold for months and years.

It’s a war zone out there. Foreclosures are at an all time high and that creates a lot of houses for sale on the market. In order to survive in a war zone you need special skills and a competitive advantage. With this special training you can get your house SOLD, despite the doom and gloom of the newspaper headlines.

If you’re selling your own house you need a secret weapon. And that weapon is highly specialized marketing!

Here is a killer marketing tip that will give you a competitive advantage over all other sellers on your block.

Don’t list your home in a traditional method. Instead of „starting high“ and being talked down do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Start low, get a lot of attention and let the buyers drive the price up. I am talking about a do-it-yourself auction style sale.

What is working best now is what’s called a „round robin auction“. Here is how it works:

First you will advertise that your home is for auction. In these tough times buyers are looking to get a good deal. Auctions are the place to get great deals, and your message will leap out at them.

Next you will hold an open house for two days only, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. This will allow you to funnel all the buyers through your doors all at once.

Those that are interested in the property will place their name and phone number along with the price they would like to bid on an „initial bidding sheet“.

On Sunday night you call all those people that put in a bid and conduct the auction. You will simply call down the list tell them the current bid amount and ask them if they would like to raise or pass. You will go around and around making calls until the highest and best offer has presented itself, hence the name „round robin auction“.

Now that you have found your buyer you will meet with them and get the paperwork started.

That’s the unique marketing method that is working now. And if you are planning on selling your own house there is no better method to attract droves of buyers and compel them to make offers on your house.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Cincinnati, an important city in the State of Ohio, is a great place to live in America. This city is home to the University of Cincinnati, colleges, public schools, several major sports teams, and a number of global companies. Moreover, it has a low cost of living and offers many reasonably priced Cincinnati apartments for rent. Cincinnati includes around 52 neighborhoods and all of these neighborhoods have their own unique features. This article describes five Cincinnati neighborhoods that provide several beneficial facilities and have quality Cincinnati apartments.

Clifton: This Cincinnati neighborhood has a diverse population with different races, ethnicities, classes, and backgrounds. The University of Cincinnati is nestled in Clifton and so naturally it has the presence of a large number of students. It is also only a few minutes away from Cincinnati State Technical Community College and Hebrew Union College. Clifton has many hospitals, including University Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Clifton is also noted for its pedestrian-friendly streets, magnificent mansions, gaslights, and many parks. There are many one and two-bedroom apartments near to the University of Cincinnati. Clifton is the best option for those who are looking for Cincinnati, Ohio Apartments.

Hyde Park: This is an esteemed Cincinnati neighborhood with walker-friendly streets, well-kept lawns, German single-family homes, Victorian buildings, shops, and many wonderful restaurants. This Cincinnati neighborhood is very close to Downtown and the Norwood lateral. Kenwood Towne center, the famous shopping and entertainment area, is near to Hyde Park. The real estate in this affluent area is little expensive, but Hyde Park also has many affordable Cincinnati apartments for rent.

Mount Adams. This neighborhood includes many bars, restaurants, cafes, and dance floors. This a perfect place for the party goers. Mount Adams is only a few miles away from many important places like Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory, Art museum, and Eden Park. If you plant to rent an apartment in Cincinnati, this area is a good choice.

Mason: The most important feature of Mason is its school system. This Cincinnati neighborhood has many excellent schools, including Mason High School, one of the largest schools in Ohio. Real estate is not costly here as it is a little away from Ohio. This neighborhood also boasts of many large business establishments. It also has many quality and spacious Cincinnati apartments.

Mariemont: Mariemont neighborhood is an excellent choice for those who are searching for Cincinnati Ohio apartments. This neighborhood also has a great school system and this is the main reason why many families prefer to live here. It does have Tudor style homes and tree-lined lanes. However, Mariemont is more expensive that many other neighborhoods of Cincinnati.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Whether you’re an experienced author already racking up sales and new readership, or you’re just dipping your toes into the vast waters of the self-publishing industry, the thought of making your books available through Kindle Unlimited (KU) has no doubt crossed your mind.

The real questions is, should you or shouldn’t you?

Is there a clear advantage for you, the author, in using this service? Because let’s be honest, your main goals are to gain exposure for your work and make a living while doing it.

With this in mind, let’s discuss how you can market your books effectively by leveraging the Kindle Unlimited platform, along with the pros and cons of using KU vs a wider distribution strategy.

What is Kindle Unlimited?

If you don’t already know, Kindle Unlimited is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon that allows readers (Prime and otherwise) to access their entire inventory of KU books for one low monthly fee.

At under $10 a month, it’s easy to see why Kindle Unlimited has gained a reputation as the „Netflix“ of books!

But, wait a minute… $10 a month for unlimited access to all of their books!? If you’re wondering who makes money with this arrangement other than Amazon, you’d be in good company.

Authors the world over have been scratching their heads and tip-toeing around signing up for Kindle Unlimited because they’re not sure about its long-term benefits or potential drawbacks.

The Pros and Cons of Using KU vs. Using Wider Distribution

There are several pros and cons that go along with using KU vs. wider distribution options, or doing the exact opposite.

Pros

• It enhances the reach of your books – Amazon has at least fifty percent market share in the US and UK when it comes to digital book sales. That’s VERY significant. Their best-selling Kindle e-readers, tablets and apps, as well as Amazon’s amazing ecommerce platform and knack for turning browsers into buyers are what drive this phenomenon. And it’s increasing every year.

The bottom line? Having your books featured on Amazon increases the likelihood that they will be found and read by a lot of people.

• You gain access to Amazon’s ecommerce tools – Amazon’s team is masterful at getting consumers to buy, and it’s no different when they market digital books.

Through their KU program, you gain access to unique promotional tools like their Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotion, which both help to boost your readership and launch your new titles to success.

• You earn royalties for ever page read – Unlike traditional books sales where a customer buys your book and you get a one-off payment, with KU authors are paid a small royalty for every page read from each book.

Yes, you probably won’t make millions, but every penny does add up.

Cons

• Exclusivity of your book title with KU – You read right. If you decide to promote a book using Kindle Unlimited, you cannot promote that title anywhere else.

You’re title is bound to Amazon’s KU for 90 day spans, after which, you have the option to renew your contract.

• Potentially low earnings – Unless you’re in the top percentile of book publishers in the Kindle Unlimited program, you shouldn’t expect to get hefty royalty checks.

The vast majority of self-published authors find that the potential for earnings per book are much higher on other platforms when compared to KU.

There seems to be more to love about the program than there is to hate it.

But is it wise to put all of your eggs in one basket and have titles exclusive to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited? Is there a point to even signing up if the chance of earning significant royalties are slim?

The Answer: Yes and No, depending on your marketing strategy.

How to Use KU to Sell More Books

We already mentioned that Amazon has the lion’s share of the digital book market, but something that you may not know is that their KY customers are no ordinary readers.

The average person who signs up for a subscription service like Kindle Unlimited is best described using one word: Voracious!

Think about it.

Who else would sign up for an unlimited supply of books each and every month? Someone who can’t get enough of the written word and who has the potential to turn into a very loyal reader, if given a good reason!

Marketing experts the world over have used the „free offer“ angle to hook new users into their products and services for decades. Some examples are, free samples given away at wholesale clubs, free trials of software and free content given away to get new subscribers for email lists.

It’s so surprise that this strategy works amazingly well for selling eBooks too, especially if you’re newer to the game and haven’t made a name for yourself among readers.

If you view Kindle Unlimited as a springboard for launching your self-publishing career it can be a real asset. The key is not to make all of your books available there, but only a few of your absolute best.

And why your best work?

Because, if a reader comes across one of your books you want them to be so excited, spellbound and addicted that they have no choice but to go out and buy additional titles if they want more. How’s that for encouragement?

Even a single exceptionally written and presented book offered on the KU platform has the ability to move you from completely unknown to prominent among your target audience, literally overnight.

But what if you’re an established self-publisher who already has a significant following?

If you’re already well-known and enjoying lucrative digital books sales, Kindle Unlimited may not be an essential aspect to growing your readership (although it can’t hurt).

On the other hand, by not publishing at least one title on the platform, you may be missing out on significant marketing potential (don’t worry, you can always use a pen name).

Lindsay Buroker, one author earning a full-time income for her work, attributes anywhere from 85-90% of her income to utilizing the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Kindle Unlimited platforms. In contrast, her other book titles spread across seven alternative platforms collectively bring in the remaining 10-15%.

In her case, the math is undeniable.

But the only way to know how it would work for you is to choose some titles, register for your own Amazon KU account and see what happens.

The Perils of Avoiding Wider Distribution

No matter how you feel about Amazon, the fact is that they are one of the major book distributors worldwide. While it may be a grave mistake to leave them out of your plans for marketing and distributing self-published titles, total exclusivity could be equally troublesome.

While it can be very effective, as with most things, there is one caveat to using Kindle Unlimited exclusively for marketing your brand.

While Amazon does have the majority of readers, you are missing out on the millions of readers on other platforms such as Apple’s iBookstore, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more.

For that reason alone, it is never recommended to use any single distribution and promotion strategy. Instead, focus on using KU to promote some of your best books to gain the exposure and new readership that only Amazon can offer and put the rest of your books up for sale on any platform and in any format that will produce sales and profits for your work.

While Kindle Unlimited isn’t a good fit for every author, it is worth investigating as part of a multi-strategy book marketing plan.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Are you looking for the ways to sell house fast? Going by traditional method of approaching a real estate agent and listing your property in the market may take several months to sell your property. Moreover, it also means additional costs. If you are looking for guaranteed sale of your house, there are number of companies who act as the cash house buyers and offer guaranteed home purchase schemes.

How Do these Cash House Buyers Work?

These cash house buyer companies buy houses and properties by making private deals. The biggest advantage of selling house to these companies is they pay cash quickly. Though several companies buy your property without inspecting it, a few other companies may pick and choose the houses they will buy. Most of the times, the cash house buyers offer a quick purchase to the house seller and they offer to complete the buying process in a week or so. In addition, some property buyers may offer sell and rent back scheme. In this scheme, the company purchases the house and allows the home owner to continue living in it as a tenant.

Main Advantages of Using Cash Property Buyers

Selling home in the open market can take longer which can be problem to many people who have immediate cash requirement. The most important advantage of selling home to a cash house buyer company is the speed. These companies apply a sympathetic approach to your requirement and push the house sale really quickly. The purchase is made on cash payment basis and there is no chain.

Several house buyer companies also offer good incentive as part of the cash house purchase deal. For instance, they may offer free legal fees involved in the process. In addition, the home sellers can also save more money as they do not have to pay for a Home Information pack. As this will be a private sale, they need not market their property in the open market. Sometimes, home sellers may opt to live back in their homes even after the sale as these companies may allow them to stay there for a period as the tenants.

Calling cash house buyers can be a good option if you want to sell house fast. There are no hassles involved in selling your house using cash house buyers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Our last article included 11 Tips to help you get started with the Home Downsizing process. Whereas that article focused more upon how you can „Get Started“, this article takes you to the next step and provides you with 16 tips and strategies designed to „Keep You Moving Forward“ after you have started the Home Downsizing process.

• Know Values Before You Begin Dumping. „Do Not“, I repeat, „Do Not“, begin dumping anything before having someone look at it for potential value. All too often things that you perceive as having value turn out to be valueless, while things that you perceive to have little value end up having considerable worth.

• Have a Professional Help You With Values: Before tossing anything out you would be wise to hire someone who is knowledgeable in Personal Property values to provide you with valuations prior to beginning the dumping process. A Professional In-Home Personal Property Walk-Through Valuation is usually a good place to start for most individuals. A USPAP Appraisal will be more precise and detailed, but will cost significantly more because of the time involved in its preparation. The up-front cost of either should seem quite reasonable when compared to the potential loss if you throw the wrong things away.

• What You Paid Has No Bearing On Today’s Value: We’ll cover this concept in greater depth in a later article, but at this point you must understand that what you paid for something has absolutely no bearing…none…on what it will bring in today’s market.

• Start Early In The Process: Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Start early, work in smaller blocks of time, and the job will go much easier.

• Start With A Small Room: Start by selecting a small room to begin with. Once that smaller room has been successfully completed, it will be easier to move on to a more complex room.

• Start With A Room That Has Less Sentimental Attachment: A bathroom, closet, or kitchen may be a good place to start. The most important thing is to start somewhere, and then build momentum towards larger projects.

• Start With Larger Objects: It’s often easier to start by eliminating larger items, such as furniture. The logic here is that you can begin to feel as if you are making progress after only making a few decisions.

• Start With A Portion Of The House That You Don’t Currently Use Much: A grown child’s empty bedroom is often a good place to start.

• Start With Personal Papers and Family Photographs: This won’t gain you that much space, but it can be fun, and is a logical step in starting the downsizing process.

• Work In Limited Blocks Of Time: The process can be very tiring and emotionally draining. Limit yourself to only a few hours at a time, at least in the beginning. Then, if you are feeling up to it, you can work in extended periods of time.

• Stick With A Specific Project Until Done: Once started, do your best to complete a specific project, especially smaller projects. For example, if your start cleaning out a closet, finish that project before moving on to another project. However, recognize that larger projects, such as a basement or attic, will most likely not be completed in a single session.

• Anticipate The Weather: Plan ahead, keeping the weather in mind. You don’t want to work in the attic on a scorching July day, and you don’t want to be working in the garage or outbuildings in sub-freezing weather. Use the weather to your advantage.

• Give Yourself Ample Lighting: Little will get done if you can’t see what you are doing. If the room you are working in isn’t bright enough, bring in some temporary lighting to brighten up the workspace.

• Give Yourself Ample Workspace: You can’t sort much into piles or sorting categories on a single, rickety folding card table. Try to provide yourself with one or more solid 3′ x 8′ folding tables. Today’s tables have light, plastic tops and are much easier to move by yourself than the heavy wooden tables of previous years.

• Use Heavy Duty Plastic Bags For Dumping: It doesn’t matter whether you buy them at the supermarket, home improvement store, or dollar store, be sure that you use heavy duty plastic bags for packing old clothes and linens, or dumping unwanted smalls into the weekly trash. Nothing is more frustrating than having a lighter-duty plastic bag break after you have spent considerable time packing it.

• Homes With More Space Can Sell Better: Selling off your Personal Property can make you even more money when you sell your current home. Clutter tends to make a house look small. By downsizing before you put your house on the market, you can make your house look even bigger than it really is, thereby increasing its salability. We know of one situation where the Real Estate agent felt that a house brought $30,000-$40,000 more than it would have brought had the home downsizing not occurred.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Regardless, if you are a first time home buyer or a person who has chosen to Invest or become an Investor in Real Estate, you should read this first. Real Estate Agents can also benefit. A reminder that when a person puts an offer on a property, it is exactly that, „their offer“.

As a Buyer, when you put an offer in on a Property, you need to remember that this is your offer. When signing the contracts and attaching your Schedules, you need to make sure that the clauses are to your benefit. Be aware that the Realtor is working for themselves and therefore out to protect themselves and not you the Buyer or even the Seller in a lot of cases.

What is a Form 122 – Mutual Release?

This is a contract. It is brought into play by the Realtor, if the Realtor believes that you are backing out of the original contract, which was entered into to purchase the property. This contract is solely for the benefit of the Realtor and the Real Estate Company that the Realtor is working for. This contract needs to be signed by both the ‚Buyer‘ and the ‚Seller‘. The Buyer is asked to sign first. Then the contract is passed over to the Seller for their signature.

Here is the catch. When the Buyer signs the form (that’s you), you are automatically letting the Real estate company off the hook for returning your deposit money to you. You have just relinquished your rights to sue for your deposit, if it should come to this. Then the Real estate Company passes this form onto the Seller for their signature. If they sign it, everything should go smoothly, and your deposit should be returned. If they decide not to sign this contract, you do not get your deposit back. The Seller does not get your deposit either and it remains in the Trust Account of the Real estate Company. At this point, you would need to sue the Seller in order to have your deposit returned.

While constructing your clauses in your Schedules, make sure that your writing is accurate and precise. One or several of your clauses should clearly state an irrevocable instruction in the Agreement that addresses the situation. This is the only way that you can rest assured of having your deposit returned. Each and every clause that has to do with an Irrevocable time line or the waiving of a condition (which is an irrevocable time line) should be followed up with a clear statement, saying that the deposit is to be returned in full immediately.

Always have your documents checked over by a Lawyer. In fact, keep in touch with your Lawyer throughout the entire process, to make sure that the Contracts will be protecting you at all times.

The reason that I am suggesting this, is because, you may think that you have (and you very well may have) a sound proof Contract, that will protect you. While doing your due diligence on the Property, you find that some of the terms are not satisfactory and you exercise your right to walk away from the deal. Be aware of the Realtor, that does not know how to read contracts and thinks that you are just backing out of the deal. The Realtor will refuse to return your deposit money (which is being held in trust) and insist that you sign and fill out a form 122 – Mutual Release.

This form is a controversial form and if you do your research on it, you will find many definitions. Here is mine. The bottom line is that once you sign it, you will have negated your original contract and left it up to the Seller and the Realtor to get your deposit back. What the Realtor does not understand, is that the original contract will stand up in court. However, it is a huge inconvenience and time waster for an Investor.

So please make sure that your contracts are set up properly, because you never know when you will need that contract to stand up in the Court of Law.

We hope that you have found this information both enlightening and beneficial for the next time that you are putting an offer together and constructing your contract.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Today, relaxing in tanning beds to achieve the perfect tone of bronzed skin is a common activity. This $5 billion a year industry used to be reserved as a luxury for those in the upper class, but now millions of people enjoy this indulgence, regardless of income. Many of these people want the benefits of a tan, but just don’t have the time to bask in the sun, so they take advantage of the controlled exposure to UV light.

This popularity created a new trend in the creation of home tanning beds. As the prices for a tanning bed for sale decline, more people are buying them for their home. This article details the pros and cons of investing in home systems, including some factors to consider before purchasing a tanning bed for sale.

It Costs Less

Visiting a salon can get expensive over time. Many people have a hard time justifying a trip to a salon, especially those who consider it a luxury. While purchasing a home tanning bed for sale requires an upfront investment, it eliminates the monthly fees of a salon, costing less in the long term. As it can require many salon sessions to develop a base, plus additional sessions to maintain it, it is possible to pay for your home system with your salon savings in a short time.

It Is Convenient

Although visiting a salon offers people the convenience without having to spend hours out in the sun, home tanning beds offer even more convenience. Instead of jumping in the car and driving to the salon, home users simply walk over to their home system.

Offering a higher level of convenience, these home units provide you with the option to tan whenever it’s convenient for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the middle of the night, an hour after work, or right when you wake up in the morning, you can tan anytime. Home systems offer a great alternative to those with busy work schedules, especially those who travel frequently or work odd hours because they don’t have to try to arrange their schedule to fit their salon’s schedule.

Lastly, home units offer year round treatments. Whether it’s a bright and sunny day in July or a snowy day in February, people with home systems can maintain their tan anytime in the privacy and convenience of home.

The Cons Of Home Tanning Beds

While there are plenty of pros, there are also a few cons to owning these systems. First, you must manage your own exposure level when using your home system. This includes monitoring the amount of time spent under the lamps per session, the number of sessions per week, and even the use of protective goggles and lotions.

You will also have to keep your system maintained, including replacing the bulbs regularly so it always provides you with an even tan. Regular cleaning is also crucial to the long life of your system. Finally, you will need to make sure you have the proper supplies on hand, including goggles, lotion, and bulbs.

By keeping the pros and cons of tanning beds in mind, you will have the knowledge necessary to decide whether a home tanning bed for sale is right for your lifestyle.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

The buzzword today with residential real estate agents is staging. Staging a home can change a homes atmosphere that appeals to homebuyers and which may bring a higher price and accelerate market time. By adding small decorative touches, rearranging or deleting furniture or creating vignettes a home can look like a professional stager was hired.

Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home has seen the best and worst in home staging as a real estate broker in Chicago and he shares some do’s and don’ts for home sellers that want to try to stage their home.

Do’s

-Pick-up recent home decorating magazines. If your not up to speed on current decorating trends it will help familiarize yourself with how interior design is being marketed. Tab pages with low-cost ideas that which will make your home say today.

-Invite a friend or real estate agent over. A second or third pair of eyes will help you accent the best and edit the worst in your home. Be prepared for some constructive criticism. You want to hear it before you put your home on market, not as feedback from prospective buyers. Go room-by-room with a worksheet so you can take notes. Depending on how much time you have available for an update or a makeover, you will need to prioritize and figure out what will give you the biggest return. Do this at least two months before you put your house on market.

-Stage a home office if you don’t have one. They’re not a trend; they’re required for homebuyers in 2006. Many homebuyers today work from home part or full-time or want a space where they can organize their life and park a computer. Find an extra bedroom, walk-in closet or an unused corner and convert into a home office. Make sure there is a convenient electric, telephone and cable supply.

-Focus on living spaces. These areas are where the majority of homebuyers will spend their time. Place a side table and a floor lamp next to a comfortable chair as a reading corner. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look. Use area rugs to anchor furniture groupings on bare tile and wood floors. Living spaces must have matching table lamps. Streamline family photos and place green plants in room. Fireplaces should always be operable and on in season. Place groupings of candles and clear glass bowls filled with natural potpourri on side and coffee tables. Substantial wicker baskets can organize magazines, remote controls and toys. Limit knick-knacks to make room for staging materials.

-Give attention to Kitchens. Put away in a handy drawer all dish towels and rags. Reduce recipe boxes, barrels of cooking utensils, excess-cooking machines, and cookbooks by two-thirds to open up counter spaces. For a quick update put new hardware on cabinets. Find an out-of-the-way place for a portable dishwasher. Clean off everything on the refrigerator door. Omit throw rugs scattered around the kitchen. Clean off windowsills to open up exterior views. Organize cabinets with clear containers. If you can’t see the back wall of a cabinet, buyers will think you don’t have enough storage space. Ditto closets. Budget to keep a variety of fresh fruit in a glass bowl on the counter. Edit family bulletin boards. Remove old curtains and install new wood blinds on windows.

-Spend time on sleeping and bathing spaces. Often over looked in the frenzy to get a home on market, these spaces can make or break a home. Buy a set that consists of a matching bed skirt, bed spread, pillow covers and blinds to match. Buy a new shower curtain and separate liner. Wash the liner often if mold develops. Add complete sets of towels that coordinate with your new shower curtain. Clear all cosmetics off vanity. If you have an over-the-toilet cabinet consider removing and place a piece of artwork in its place. Remember to keep items in the „too much information“ category, out of view. If you have a king-size bed in a small room, you’ll pay to have buyers over come this negative, so get rid of it now. Clear off dresser and nightstands of excess. Make sure the bedroom receives the maximum natural light. Install closet organizers in closets. Eliminate wall and door hooks for clothes. People might look under your bed, no surprises please.

-Remember first impressions in entries. A simple consol table with mirror over makes a nice entranceway. Make sure this space is well lit day or night. Place adhesive under rugs so buyers don’t trip or slide.

Don’ts

-Use inexpensive silk flowers. Nothing distracts buyers more that silk flowers that are past their time, inappropriate for the season or thrown together. Throw them out, now.

-Forget to upgrade Fido’s bowl. I’ve experienced more unhealthy pet food bowls, watering stations and litter boxes than I care to remember. We know you love your pet, but prove it to homebuyers.

-Overlook window coverings. Buyers today think less is more in window fashion. They want the most light and the least embellishment on windows. And no layered treatments with sheer panels please.

-Use low wattage light bulbs. Dark, dim rooms are unappealing to homebuyers. They want to see what they might buy. Replace bulbs with manufacture recommended wattages and especially the burned out ones. The newer low-energy bulbs don’t cast home or people in flattering light.

-Think that everyone loves wallpaper. No two people have the same taste in this instant decorator finishes. If it’s more than three years old, take it down and paint in a neutral color. And wallpaper boarders are out.

-Paint with commitment colors. If you’ve determined that you need to paint, stay away from bold or as I call them commitment colors. Commitment colors are those buyers either love or hate. It can be difficult for buyers to overlay their style on them. As one client said to me “ I don’t live in a magazine.“

-Think cleaning is a part of staging. Cleaning is what you do before staging. Everything should shimmer and shine. Don’t forget the windows.

Use these do-it-yourself tips to place your home on the stage of your local home sale theater.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Are you having trouble selling your home in today’s market? If you answered yes, then you will want to read this article on „3 Ways to Sell Your Problem Now in Today’s Market.“ In recent years there have been many new techniques for selling homes that have come into use. There are three techniques that I am going to explain more thoroughly for you now. These techniques are working with local real estate investors, working with local residential redevelopment companies, and using auctions to sell your home.

Working with local real estate investors is a great way to help get your house sold quickly. With local real estate investors, you will have the option to get your house sold fast and receive a cash offer for your home. Investors are always looking to help people out of difficult situations and they have the ability to close on a house fast. One place you can look for real estate investors is at your local Real Estate Investing Association. You can find the dates and times of their upcoming meetings on their website or by calling them. You are not required to be a member to attend these meetings but you will need to pay a small fee at the door and once there you can network with all the investors explaining what you are trying to sell. In a matter of no time you will probably receive an offer.

Residential Redevelopment Companies are popping up all over the place and are in search of properties just like yours to redevelop and beautify. Residential Redevelopment Companies specialize in buying problematic properties across the community. They rehab and beautify these properties to rejuvenate and rebuild entire communities and neighborhoods. You can find these companies at your local Real Estate Investing Associations. Schedule more than one company to look at your property if possible because it will just increase your chances of selling your home quickly.

Selling your home through a 5 Day Quick Sale Auction is easy to do and very beneficial. The goal of the 5 Day Quick Sale Auction is to market the property for 5 days and on the 5th day, hold an open house for 2 hours when all of your prospects will view the property and place a bid on it if interested. Again, the idea here is to create a feeding frenzy of real estate investors and other prospective buyers. Auctions do involve some up front marketing cost, but it is all worthwhile at the end of 5 days when you have your house sold.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg