What Does it Take to Make a Great Landlord

Home/DIY

As someone who has been both tenant and landlord, I wanted to write this piece for anyone who is considering letting out property to ensure that you are doing the best for yourself, your property and ultimately, your tenants. There are a lot of landlords out there who simply don’t do the best by their tenants and this can not only make your and their lives more difficult, but can also prevent you from finding tenants who are happy to stay long term which is the best solution for any landlord. Let’s take a look then at what makes a truly great landlord.

Business First

It is vital to remember that renting out property is a business and should be treated as such, it is not a hobby or something you do in your spare time. Because of this you need to ensure that you are professional at all times, the tenants are your clients and they should be treated as such. Make sure that you have secured both the property and the tenants with great landlord insurance, I like to use homelet.co.uk/landlord-insurance/, the choice is yours but make sure that you have sufficient insurance.

When it comes to payments and information that you need to give your tenants, ensure that they receive them in a timely manner, doing so will make it clear that you expect the same in return when it comes to paying rent.

Be Responsive

You are letting out your property as it has been shown to your tenants and if anything should go wrong with the property then you need to be on hand to find a solution. So many landlords that I have either worked with or that my friends have worked with have been painfully slow when it comes to responding to problems. If you want to be  a great landlord then you need to fix problems as soon as they arise.

Screening Process

The one thing that costs landlords more money than anything else is unpaid rent, trashed properties and midnight disappearing acts. You can never totally avoid the possibility that this could happen but you can reduce the chances by following a thorough screening process and use due diligence. Ensure that your prospective tenant has no recent evictions, no recent felonies and has good references from previous landlords, you should also be asking for 3 months rent up front to give yourself some peace of mind.

Be Respectful

You don’t have to like your tenants, you don’t have to be chummy with them or condone of their decoration choices, you do however have to be respectful. Many landlords see their tenants as though they are some kind of problem, this is not the case and as mentioned before, these are your clients. In order to have the best possible relationship with your tenants, ensure that you give them the respect that they deserve.

Be Ready

As a landlord you are going to need the help of several professional services and it is important that you are ready with contact details when the time comes. An emergency plumber, a heating engineer, steam cleaners or indeed, a letting agent are all numbers that will come in handy and you should try to strike up a bond with them so that they can come to your need when it’s required. You may also need to find out how to protect a vacant property for times when you don’t have a tenant.

 

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Easy but Effective Saving Tips to Help You Buy a House

Home/DIY Money

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Buying a new house is definitely exciting but it requires a lot of hard work and discipline most especially for people who are just starting to work and earn money. Most often than not, young people get blinded by material things that they can now afford with their salary so the usual ending is that they save nothing from their salary. So how’d you expect to buy a house when you spend all your salary in things you don’t actually need?

It is not too late to start fixing your spending habits and teach you how to save for a Lendlease house and land package.

  1. List down all your expenses – first of all, you should make sure that you have clear idea of all your expenses. To do this, you should list down all your monthly expenses starting from the most important ones like rent, gas, food allowance, electricity, phone bills and others. This way, you know how you will budget your salary in a way that you will still have some left for your savings.
  2. Spend according to your budget – coming up with a weekly or monthly budget plan is definitely a good idea. But you should make sure that you will indeed follow that set budget. Spend money according to your budget and do not go overboard or else you will find yourself broke.
  3. Allot specific percentage of your salary to go to your savings account – just what mentioned earlier, it is best if you will put money to your savings account every time you receive your paycheck. It is best to do this first thing before you pay your bills or other expenses.
  4. Pack lunch – you would be able to save money if you will bring packed lunch to office instead of eating out every day. You should prepare and cook your own meals. Not only you will be able to save money but also, you will ensure that you are eating healthy.
  5. Avoid drinking alcohol every Friday night – do you usually go out every Friday night? Well, you can unwind once in a while but do not make this a habit. Do not spend all your money on booze just to unwind. Not only you are burning your liver but also your money.
  6. Refrain from using credit cards – it is also advisable that you stop using your credit cards most especially if you know yourself to have no control or limit. Using credit cards lure you to believing that you can afford something that you actually do not. So it is best that you just spend cash.
  7. Minimise your shopping – lastly, avoid shopping impulsively. Do not buy things unless you really need it. Always think of other goals that you wish to achieve like buying a house so you can stop yourself from spending thoughtlessly.

Related: Tips to Save More and Spend Less

Sometimes, the smallest things can help you big time and can even get you closer to your goals like buying your dream house. Do not take for granted small actions like the ones we discussed. You should do your best to become more responsible with your finances. It will definitely pay off!

You might also enjoy: MILLENIALS: FROM 30 YEAR CAREERS TO FREELANCE

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Top 4 Reasons to Hire a Plumber

Home/DIY

Of the many essential services a homeowner relies on, the plumber must be at the top of the list. A short circuit might leave you without power for a while, but a burst water pipe could really cause some serious damage. Every house has a complex system of pressurised pipes that deliver the water to various locations within the property, and if the system is compromised in any way, the consequences could be disastrous. Here are just a few reasons why the plumber’s number should be in your speed dial memory.

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  • Emergency Situations – A water leak will cause damage, and just how much would depend on the severity of the leak and the length of time it takes to make the repairs. If you happen to be in Western Australia, and are looking for an emergency Perth plumber, Plumbdog are plumbers in Perth who can send someone round in a jiffy. Speed is of the essence when dealing with a burst water pipe, and you should turn off the water at the mains before calling for help.
  • Undetected Leaks – It might not be evident for a while that you have a water leak, and you might only realise by the sudden rise in the amount of water your family is using. Modern plumbers are equipped with hi-tech leak detection systems, and they can source the problem very quickly, then make the necessary repairs. If the leak is within the building, it can cause serious damage to timber rafters and joists, as well as plaster walls and ceilings. One way to find out if you have a leak is to turn off all faucets and appliances that use water, then take a precise meter measurement. Wait a further 15-20 minutes (without using any water) and then take another reading. If the second reading is higher, even by a little, you have a leak somewhere in the system and should call in the plumber.
  • – Preventative Maintenance – Many plumbing issues can be nipped in the bud, providing your plumber makes regular inspections. When he spots a worn hose on the washing machine, or a leaking faucet in the bathroom, it can be repaired before it does any damage. Major kitchen appliances that use water should be looked at periodically, especially the water hoses and connections, and any leaks need to be dealt with promptly,
  • – Drain blockages can also cause a lot of damage, and regular maintenance will ensure that your drainage system works efficiently. Ideally, your drainage pipes should be cleaned annually and it is a good idea to inspect the drains after a heavy storm when there can be a build up of leaves and twigs. Blocked drains are particularly dangerous during heavy rain, so constant monitoring is advised whenever the rain is heavy and prolonged.

Your plumber is an essential partner, and by using a company that has a round the clock emergency service, you can safeguard against the serious damage that might occur with a burst water pipe.

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The Best Home Workout Programs to Get Shredded

Home/DIY Inspiration Tips

Get Riped

Tired of looking or just feeling bit flabby? There is no reason you can’t be in the best shape of your life regardless of age or excuses. No gym? No problem! Here are some of the best home workout programs to get shredded. Each one makes different promises but they all have one thing in common, sweat. So just because you are at home doesn’t mean you will be on the couch. Be prepared to work hard.
Get Shredded
Shortcut to Shred
Hosted by legend Jim Stoppani this six week program is designed for any skill level and will give you a fat free hard body. No one promises it will be easy though, nothing good ever is right? Jim is gonna kick your butt for six weeks but it will pay off when that butt is hard as ice. So if you aren’t afraid to sweat, give this program a try and get shredded.

Kris Gethin 12-Week Trainer
Kris Gethin (or should we say Get-thin) doesn’t have time for your excuses, in fact that is his matter of fact philosophy: “No Excuses!” While this plan is probably for the intermediate to advance level given its intensity, expect to be in some of the best shape of your life following this 12 week training. Your friends will be asking who your personal trainer is and what gym you have been spending all your time at, having no idea you just stayed at home and were able to get shredded.

P90x
There is a reason p90X has become a household name. Short for “Power 90 Extreme this at home workout was created by Tony Horton and has gained incredible traction in the last decade. This program is suitable for beginners and combines  cross-fit style training with periodization along with a diet plan to ensure you will get maximum shape. The 90 in P90X also shows how many days it will take. While some programs offer a shorter span for results remember patience is a virtue. Follow the P90X program and in less than 3 months you will be in better shape than you ever though.
These are three solid programs if you want to get shredded. There are probably dozens more that work as well but there is one key factor in all of them, hard work. If you want to get rock hard abs, a toned core, biceps the size of pythons, you are going to have to work for it. That means waking up and doing the home workouts everyday. That means ditching the cheeseburgers and maybe doing the workouts twice in a day. So if you think you can handle it, try one of these work outs and be prepared to be the envy of your friends when they see how ripped you gotten.

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How to Design the Ultimate Home Office

Business Home Business Wiz Home/DIY Money

Ultimate Home Office

Are you lucky enough to have a job that lets you work from home? Then you know the importance of a home office. Whether you are remolding your current house or building out a new condo, here is a guide on how to design the ultimate home office.

Ultimate Home Office

Choose the Right Space
Depending on your unique situation you could have a large spare room, an attic, a basement, or maybe just the kitchen table in your studio apartment; no matter your situation once you choose a space you can start getting it ready for work. So pick a space that will have ideal privacy and ideal space. You don’t want to feel cramped and you also do not want constant distractions.

Make sure you pick a place with good wifi and plenty of power outlets if needed. You also want to pick a place that will feel cozy, while you can make an attic or basement work; chances are you will be spending a lot of time in your home office so you want to make it a place you’d like to stay. If you are going to be working from home long term, maybe it is a good opportunity to have AnyWeather Roofing inspect your attic and roofing system for a potential loft conversion. Loft spaces are all the rage nowadays and with adequate use of windows, they provide the perfect amount of natural light.
Get Inspiration
There are plenty of online publications to provide inspiration for your ultimate home office. Whether you are looking for a playful, hip, tech vibe or a classic leather, classy, madmen feel; you can’t find out unless you look. You can also head to furniture show rooms to get an idea for what trends are in and you may come home with plenty of fresh ideas. Also try searching online, once you have your furniture in mind, don’t forget about the decorations! Once you have an inspiration for your style, make it your own. Add a coat of paint and some framed art and your space will show your personal style and get you on the right track to coming up with creative ideas. You don’t wan’t to have a cookie cutter office, there is a reason you left the cubicle remember? So make some unique changes that reflect your style, needs, and your space.
Budget

So you have your space picked out and you have plenty of inspiration for furniture and style. Now it times to determine your budget. Take into account the amount you bring home from your home business and plan accordingly. Maybe the five-thousand dollar leather couch can wait until business is really booming. It is important stay to your budget once you fix it, remember to focus your budget on the most essential pieces, you can add more fun and secondary furniture pieces as you business grows.

What are you waiting for? Start walking around your place and deciding which area would make your ultimate home office. Once you have your space decided, get your inspiration on by searching online or heading out to your local furniture showroom. Don’t forgot the last step, plan your budget; while it it may not be the most fun, remember you are running a home business here. Next thing you know you will be working in the ultimate home office.

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Best Homebased Businesses To Get Into

Business Home Business Wiz Home/DIY Money Tech

Homebased Businesses

Tired of your morning commute? Sick of your boss or career?  Want to spend more time around the house with your family and pets? Maybe you want to be able to travel more? One solution to all this problems is to work from home. If you are not sure where to start here are some of the best homebased businesses to get into.

Translator
Knowing two or more languages can be a head start in many ways, and it is definitely a major advantage if you want to be a part of a homebased business that deals with translations. Working through an agency or as a freelancer there is plenty of money and flexibility provided through translating. So long as you can read and write or in some cases just speak more than one language you will likely be able to find a job in this lucrative industry.
Homebased Businesses

Jewelry Maker
Jewelry is something that can requires very little space, inventory, and start up cash; this makes it a very tempting idea for a homebased business. If you are a creative, hip, and business minded person, there is no reason you can’t start a business selling unique jewelry via the internet. Whether you sell through your own site or an online marketplace, if you have a product people want, you can make a good living selling unique earrings and necklaces form home.

Copywriter
Was language arts your favorite subject in school? Or do you have a natural gift with words? How about working as a freelance copyrighter. No, unique skill set is required just a good understanding of the english language and the knowledge of the subject the matter is helpful too. A copyrighter can make a good living writing for advert agencies or on a freelance basis. Though it is sometimes a difficult field to get your foot in the door, once you get going there is a plenty of lucrative work in this field. It is also a notoriously flexible position with the ability to work from home.

The primary trick to getting into a successful home based business is to utilize a skill you already have. If you have a knack for creativity or fashion, perhaps selling unique handmade clothes or jewelry is for you. Maybe you know multiple languages (including computer programming languages) you can utilize these skills to make a large profit from home.  You look through your previous work experiences, educational history, and personal passions and try to find an idea that utilizes two of them. Once you have that idea do the math and see if there is a way to make this economically feasible from your home. Remember life is short and the sooner you get your idea off the ground, the faster you can be relaxing and working from your couch.

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