Archive for the ‘Top 10 Lists’ Category

Don’t Overcapitalize on your Reno Project

house painting Right now, the real estate slump is big news everywhere.  Everyone is urged to save for more tough times ahead.

The recent real estate turmoil is a reality check that we should spend our money more wisely.  Finding value in your real estate investments is the new name of the game.

If you have to renovate, make sure you concentrate on the things that would add the most value in your house.

HGTV.com has a good list of top home updates that will provide the maximum return at resale.

HGTV’s Top 15 Home Updates

  1. Minor Bathroom Remodel
  2. Landscaping
  3. Minor Kitchen Remodel
  4. Vinyl Siding, Fresh Paint, Front Entry
  5. Attic Bedroom Conversion
  6. Major Bathroom Remodel
  7. Major Kitchen Remodel
  8. Deck, Patio or Porch Addition
  9. Basement Remodel
  10. Replacement Windows
  11. Family Room
  12. Bonus Room Updates
  13. Living Room Updates – Decor
  14. Bedroom Updates
  15. Living Room Updates

If you noticed, the ones that provided the most return are the ones that cost the least.  Thus, spending more on renovations does not guarantee that you’ll get more come selling time.

Make sure that your total cost does not go over the market price of your property.  Capitalize on the essentials and the areas which can have a maximum impact.  Get several quotes to make sure you’re not paying too much for your renovation project.  If you think you can do-it-yourself then do it!  Just make sure that you leave the major repairs to the experts such as electricity and plumbing.

Be creative!  Sometimes it can give you a better return than the most expensive decor.  Browse the net for some inspirations.  You can even checkout auction sites such as eBay for some great bargains.

Remember, whatever money you save now means more profit later when you sell.

Photo Source: Flickr.com by Just Taken Pics

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Top 10 Best Places in the World to Invest in Real Estate

buildings

1. New York, New York – It is still very popular among investors, in spite of a slowing economy, residential and commercial sector. The main investment consideration of New York is its long-term strength.

2. London – Just like New York, London is also facing a slowing residential and commercial sector. However, it is still considered as one of the most attractive markets for international real estate investment.

3. Washington, D.C. – Many opportunity funds are looking for bargain buys in D.C.’s falling residential market, mainly due to overbuilding and poor loans. However, the commercial property market is worth the look because it benefits from all the government-related businesses in the area.

4. Paris – It is not only popular for being one of the most romantic cities in the world, but also one of the best office markets too. Vacancies are at all-time lows, supply doesn’t meet demand especially with limited construction in the pipeline.

5. Shanghai – Investors are bullish with Shanghai’s continuing growth and development potential. Moreover, Shanghai properties, especially in the residential sector offers better value for investor dollars. Properties are substantially cheaper in Shanghai compared to Hong Kong, but rental rates in Hong Kong are only a bit more expensive. The capitalization rate in Shanghai is 7%, while in Hong Kong, it is only 3.3%.

6. Tokyo - Japan is a stable bet among investors because of its extremely low inflation rate of 1%. Moreover, Japan’s economy was spared from the effects of the sub prime crisis due to its lack of exposure from the sub prime banking debacle that affected other Western banks.

7. Singapore – Home sales dropped, but the retail sector’s outlook is bullish due to consumer spending and tourism at all-time highs. Moreover, the growth of its medical tourism made medical properties as the fastest-appreciating real estate in Singapore.

8. Munich, Germany – The lease rates of the office sector is at all-time highs largely due to the strong international investment in the city. In 2005, $2.6 Billion was invested in real estate, it jumped to $10 Billion by 2007.

9. Sydney, Australia – Australia’s industry and materials resources helped fuel much of Asia’s growth. This continued growth in the macro economy increased rental yields in the residential, commercial and property sectors. As long as commodity prices continue to rise, the future looks bright. Although, it is important to note that Australians are currently experiencing the least affordable housing market in the nation’s history.

10. Hong Kong – Hong Kong is one of Asia’s financial capitals, which makes the office-space sector a critical market for real estate investment. Due to a lack of space, demand usually outruns supply, especially in the Traditional Center and Cheung Sha Wan.

You can read more about this report, sourced from Matt Woolsey at Forbes.com

Interestingly, from Matt Woolsey’s report, there is a growing trend of investors diverting their funds into commercial real estate. This only confirms that real estate is still a good investment, in spite of the sub prime mortgage meltdown.

Real estate covers diverse types of property. Although, it is no secret that the residential sector is down; especially on major economies such as US and London, there are still a lot of investment opportunities available, particularly in the office space sector.

Thus, if you have the extra money to invest, don’t sit around waiting for the next real estate boom! Look for growth areas and explore other cities for great real estate deals.

Photo Source: Flickr.com by laffy4k

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Bring in the Plants!

I was looking for a privacy screen or divider for our house when I chanced upon these web sites with some great "green" ideas for indoors.

www.ecospecifier.org

breathing_wall_11_medium  breathing_wall_hotel1_medium

"Breathing Wall"

www.treehugger.com

vertical garden

"Vertical Garden"

www.eltlivingwalls.com

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"Living Wall"

My version of plants on the wall in our house…

our wall

 

The Chinese refer to plants as the "living energy".  It can add instant life to any dull corner of your house or even office.  Moreover, according to scientific studies having plants inside your home can be good for you physically, emotionally and psychologically. They are also proven to remove harmful chemicals from the air, absorb the noise and promote the feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Here is a link to the Top 10 Plants for Purifying the air.  It is also good to take note of some indoor plants classified as poisonous, such as those listed in the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System.

Do you have indoor plants? Which one do you like best, the "Breathing Wall", the "Vertical Garden" or the "Living Wall"?

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