Create a beautiful outdoor cooking space for relaxing and entertaining all summer long. As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, no one wants to spend time inside sweating over a hot stove. With an outdoor kitchen, you can make the most of the beautiful warm nights by spending them with your friends and family. Whether you have thousands to spend or a just few hundred to splurge, create...
Since the government reopened the housing market in England, physical property viewings have restarted for home-movers up and down the country. Estate agents have introduced new working practices to ensure they’re sticking to new government guidelines, so we spoke to two agents to find out how they’re keeping home-movers safe. If your home is currently on the market, or you’re planning to sell...
Starting to daydream about dining under the stars? Make that dream a beautiful patio reality. For many homeowners, the patio borders on magical: a place to relax, entertain, cook out and take a break from the day-to-day. It’s surrounded by vibrant hues, and a meal prepared in an outdoor kitchen somehow tastes better than anything that comes from its indoor counterpart. Creating that perfect...
Nowhere to park? Create your own driveway with one of these affordable methods. A DIY driveway can be an easy want to add parking or improve the look of your home. Here are three relatively simple options. 1. Carve out a parking pad The easiest, most affordable way to get an extra parking space is to clear out some grass and throw down mulch. It works fine, looks good and can be done in a...
If anyone is happy about our being stuck at home, it’s our pets. Owners who previously left for work every morning have become constant companions to pets during the pandemic, providing scratches, treats and walks throughout the workweek. This writer’s own skittish rescue cat has become increasingly playful and willing to accept a pat or two as the lockdown has stretched on. According to reports...
Q: Most real estate agents representing condo buyers don’t educate their buyers about condo reserve funding: the pros and cons of fully funding, partially funding or nonfunding of reserves. My beachfront condo in Hua Hin was listed for 15 months with enough showings but no offers. After a while, I contacted some of the buyers’ real estate agents and inquired about . Most of them said the buyers...
Real estate investing is one of the best possible ways to drive personal wealth. If you want to become a millionaire, or even a billionaire, I believe the smartest way to achieve this is through a laser focus on this asset class. Unlike the extremely cyclical nature of the stock market, low-interest-bearing savings accounts and other avenues, real estate is able to provide a uniquely safe investment...
It’s natural instinct to delay big spending decisions during times of economic uncertainty. It makes sense on the surface but could actually cost you in the long run. Sellers are more willing to make a deal now and home prices will begin to recover in the coming months. Of course, you can’t simply make a low-ball offer and expect to get the property you’re after. Here are four tips to help you...
As we settle into fall, many of us start looking forward to Halloween. It’s a holiday adults can enjoy as much as kids. But, homeowners do have one serious obligation on this fun night: If you expect trick-or-treaters, you must make sure the path to your door is a safe one. Take no trips Inevitably, some giddy ghosts and ghouls will race excitedly to your door. Be prepared. In the full light of...
As a first time home buyer, you likely have many questions about what to expect in the upcoming months. Many first time buyers will get caught up in the process and jump in with both feet, only to make mistakes that can end up costing them thousands of dollars. As you consider your options and start looking for homes, be cautious to avoid these common first time home buyer mistakes: 1. Buying Too...