Home Ownership Archives - Page 2 of 3

April 6, 2018 by changescapeweb

5 Homeowner Problems Self-Storage Can Solve

Unused furniture. Excess appliances. Family heirlooms. The million and one things you don’t use, haven’t used, or have no plans of ever using.

What do you do with all these things?

Self-storage is the Answer.

As a homeowner, you would want to use all available space in the best way possible. Over the years, you could have accumulated numerous bits and bobs. You might also have noticed that your personal effects and possessions have accrued and are now crowding your space.

You can regain some much-needed space in your home by placing some of your knick-knacks and even some valuable items in a rented storage unit.

By renting the right storage unit, you can do away with these homeowner problems in a jiffy:

Problem #1: Clutter everywhere

Whether you live with a family who seems to have collected a gazillion things over time or you live alone and have a penchant for hoarding, signing up for storage can greatly reduce clutter in your home.

There’s no use keeping things around when you or your housemates no longer have a use for them. If you simply cannot bring yourself to let go of some items, you can simply store them in a clean and safe storage module.

Problem #2: You need some space

There are situations and events in life that you might need some space – literally and figuratively. Whether you’ve decided to move out of your parent’s house, live independently since you’ve found a good job, or you’re going through a separation, the things you have collected over time may need to be temporarily stored.

Your new living quarters may lack the necessary space to house all of your belongings and storing it in a different place can be the solution. Until you have sorted out what items you want to live with and where you want to put them permanently, your personal effects can wait comfortably in the confines of a dust-free storage unit.

Problem #3: Valuable collectibles and collections simply lying around

You might be lucky to get hold of family heirlooms or have the good fortune to procure priceless works of art, vintage pieces, or exclusive collections.

With the value of these assets, you just don’t want to leave them at home where burglars can easily get them. You can safely store your prized possessions in a modular storage facility that practices clever handling of your goods, has a temperature-controlled environment, and round the clock security.

Problem #4: Multitasking means multiple zones

If in case you find yourself donning several caps – spouse, parent, carer, career person, and all around superhero – you might find yourself at a loss for space to store all the tools you need to do your multiple jobs.

If your home doubles as a working space, you can opt to store some things to help you organise and declutter your working space. Divide and conquer your home items from work tools and store those that are not often needed in a rented unit.

Similarly, if you are running an e-commerce business in the comfort of your home, you can also consider a modular storage facility as your stockroom. Safely stow slow-moving stocks, inventory, or office supplies in the storage facility so you won’t have to deal with mounds of work-related goods in your abode.

Problem #5: Construction concerns

Storage solutions can be extremely beneficial when you do not have a place to store your possessions while you’re having a new home constructed or if you’re making renovations to your place.

Protect your belongings by renting a storage unit where you can keep your goods safe and dry while your house is undergoing maintenance or construction. This way, you reduce the risk of damage to your home items by removing them from the construction site.

Safe and Secure Storage Solutions

With the abovementioned concerns, a safe and clever storage solution is the best route to go for.

Choose a storage company that offers modular storage units. This will ensure that all your goods are directly loaded into specially constructed modules which are then cleverly sealed and delivered into a clean and secure storage facility. This means no double handling and your items will remain dry, clean, and in the same condition as when they were loaded originally.

With modular storage solutions, you can free up your mind from worry and more importantly, get more space.

AUTHOR BIO

John Pfeiffer has been the proud owner of Ashtons Removals for over 40 years. His attention to detail, a product of his accountancy background, and his emphasis on training and empowering his team members, has ensured the vast number of Gold Coast families who have been moved by Ashtons Removals, have had their furniture and effects moved undamaged and with minimum fuss.

August 6, 2017 by changescapeweb

10 Changes to Make in Your Home as You Age

Changes to Make in Your Home

When many people buy a home, they plan to live in it for many years. Unfortunately, as the years pass homes, and people, tend to age. Mobility issues, disabilities, and illnesses all have an effect on your everyday living. In fact, you’ll see many ADA compliant housing making it’s way onto the market to tempt seniors and others living with disabilities.

Think ahead to ensure your home has the modifications you’ll need as you age. Read on for the top 10 changes you should consider making to your home to make living in it easier.

1. Safe Flooring

When looking into changing your home, it’s good to start small. Safer flooring is a great place for seniors to starts, as they can make most of the changes on their own. Create a hazard free flooring when you remove throw rugs and other items that could cause trips and falls. Low pile carpets or hard floors that flow from room to room are the best options.

2. Lever Door Handles

Another small change that can make a big difference are door handles. Seniors who suffer from poor grip strength or arthritis often have difficulties with round knobs. Instead, install door handles that can simply be pushed to open.

3. Grab Bars

Grab bars are among the most popular accessories to install in showers and bathrooms. They help you maneuver yourself and steady your during transitional poses. If you don’t need grab bars now, having extra backing in your walls ensures they can easily be installed if you need them later.

4. Walk in Showers

While some houses come with tubs in every room, walk-in showers can be critical for seniors who have a hard time raising their legs. Removing tubs and installing showers instead makes it easier for anyone to get in and out.

5. Built in Shower Seat

You can make showering even easier by installing a built-in shower seat when you change out your shower. Proving a place to rest decreases the chance of falls and creates a safer space to wash yourself in.

6. Lower Countertops

Changes to Make in Your Home

The kitchen is one place many people forget when making changes to their home. Adding in countertops at different heights, offers you the flexibility to work while sitting or standing.

7. Lower Cabinets | Higher Drawers

In addition to height appropriate counter tops, having drawers and cabinets within arms reach reduces fatigue while working in the kitchen. No need to bend down low or stretch too high to get what you need.

8. Wheelchair & Walker Accessible

Whether it’s the entrance to your home, hallways between rooms, or door frames, you should make sure that every part of your home allows space for walkers and wheelchairs. Fitting through hallways and doors shouldn’t be a struggle for those who need walking assistance.

Making the Right Changes

Whether you’re a senior who’s considering changing their home or you’re hosting an aging parent for long periods of time, using this list to make your home easier to navigate will help. Talk to friends and family about making these changes or reach out to a licensed contractor today.

Author Bio:

Shirley Moore is a former general contractor and freelance writer newly based in Miami, Florida. She got her license at Contractors License Resource Group, but turned to writing to educate her community about home safety. When she’s not writing, Shirley offers local construction consulting services.

Images:

July 7, 2014 by smeranda Leave a Comment

How to make moving into a new house easier for your child

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You bought a new apartment, got a job in another city, ended up building a house – all the reasons to move. For adults, moving into a new house means a lot of work but for the little ones it is like their world is falling apart. Sudden changes are difficult for children, but unfortunately they cannot be avoided. Here are some helpful tips to help your child deal with their stressful situation and get used to the new place? The key is to take a fair amount of time even with the smallest members of the household, remember it requires cooperation and a positive attitude. It is worth it to well prepare your child for the changes which are about to happen.

Start with explaining to your little one what exactly is going on throughout the entire process. Describe your move, packing process and the arrival into the new house. It’s always a good idea to take the child to the new place before you move to show them where their new room will be. It gives them a chance to start planning where to put shelves for their favorite cars or what spot would be best for their doll house. It will make them a bit more involved and keep their mind occupied during the stressful moments.
Remember that children love to be helpers so involve them in your move as much as possible. Let them pack their toys by themselves and ask for help with making paper balls to secure fragile items. Try to include them when shopping for items for the new house. Let them choose the colour of a new toy box or a new pillow for their bed. Ask for their opinion when you’re choosing the new lamp, curtains or things of that nature. It will make them feel important and give you a bit of the break from the intense time at home.
During the actual moving day try to behave as cool as you can. There is nothing worst for the little ones then parents running nervously around shouting to each other or looking for things. Organization is the key. Remember that your child is observing everything and not always correctly understanding what is happening, that can cause unnecessary stress. Be sure to visit any of your child’s friends in your old neighborhood to say Good Bye, and have them give your new address so they can visit them in your new place. Try to let your child furnish their room according to their suggestions. You probably don’t want to let them decide where the furniture should be, but let them put their toys in new places according to their liking. This makes it a more personal experience for them and will make them more comfortable in their new room.
Once you moved remember to spend a lot of time with your little one. They will need a companion while exploring new surroundings. It’s not just a new house, it‘s new friends, new playground, new neighbors and new favorite places. What’s the best way to discover new things than with your parents? Take your time and be patient, remember that boxes are not going anywhere. With these tips you and your child are sure to make great memories in your new home!

P.S. Summer has arrived and now is the time for sellers to be getting their homes ready for the Summer market & for buyers to start looking for their new homes. This will be another great real estate year! Don’t miss out on lower home prices & good interest rates. Contact me for details today!

September 10, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Calculating the Cost of a Home

How do you calculate the cost of a home? The cost of a home is determined mainly by two components: price and mortgage rate.

The KCM Crew recently published an article that shows the cost of a home last year, today, and next year. The median home price has been increasing for the last several months now, and interest rates are also on the rise. So most estimates show that it will cost more to buy a home next year than it does today.

So if you are thinking about buying, why wait?

Here’s the breakout from last year, today, and next year Home-Costs For the full article, The COST of a Home: Last Year, This Year & Next Year

Summer is winding down but it’s still a great time to buy or sell a home!! It is the time for sellers to put their homes on the market & for buyers to start your home search! This season has been the busiest in 6 years & interest rates are hovering around 4.0%. Both home prices & interest rates are on the rise though! Contact me for details today!

October 17, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Common mistakes that first time home buyers make in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties

There are common mistakes that first time home buyers make when purchasing a home in St. Charles or St. Louis counties, and the list below outlines the top 5 that I’ve seen over the years.

While the most frequent first time buyer mistakes are not earth shattering, they can cause a lot of unnecessary stress, frustration, and heartache

1.TAKING ADVICE FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Every real estate transaction is unique due to the fact that buyers and sellers have varying personalities, circumstances, income, equity positions, debt ratios, credit scores, etc… In addition, the real estate industry and real estate market are constantly undergoing changes, and what was true a year ago, or even yesterday, could be completely different in today’s economic and lending climate. St. Charles & St. Louis county loan officers and real estate agents that are working in the business every day, have a depth of knowledge, and real time experience with regards to appraisals, market values, seller concessions, and more, which your friends and family do not. Although it’s natural to be nervous and tempted to rely on friends and family, as a first time buyer, it’s important that you trust what your St. Charles & St. Louis county real estate agent and/or home loan agent tells you. And, although it’s wise to get a second opinion in many cases, it should always come from another real estate industry professional, who has the FULL details or your purchase and financial profile.

2. BUYING THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOME THEY QUALIFY FOR IN ST. CHARLES OR ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Becoming a St. Charles & St. Louis county homeowner is very exciting for a first time buyer, but it can become a financial burden, if you’re not prepared for the additional costs of homeownership. This is one topic that is perfect to discuss with friends and family, and an area where they can be a great source of advice.

When choosing your first home in St. Charles or St. Louis county, consider all of the expenses you will incur, in addition to your monthly mortgage, and be realistic about how much you will have left over for food, gasoline, and even entertainment. The last thing you want to do is to become a prisoner in your own home, even if it is beautiful and everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

3. MAKING LOW OFFERS ON HOMES IN ST. CHARLES & ST. LOUIS COUNTY

As a first time buyer, you may be reluctant to offer full price, or above asking price, on a home that you want to purchase in St. Charles & St. Louis counties. You may also think that your real estate agent is simply trying to make a quick sale, if they urge you to do so. However, the St. Charles & St. Louis county real estate market is moving quickly right now, and desirable properties typically have multiple offers submitted on them due to the severe lack of inventory. With homes in St. Charles & St. Louis counties selling almost as soon as the sign goes up, and prices pushing up slightly, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak and wasting your time, if you’re not offering a fair amount of money for the property. This is especially true when it comes to standard real estate sales in St. Charles & St. Louis counties, since the owner is not desperate to sell.

4. NOT MAKING AN OFFER WHEN THEY FIND THE RIGHT HOME IN ST. CHARLES & ST. LOUIS COUNTIES

So often first time home buyers are hesitant to place an offer on a home, if they’ve just begun their St. Charles & St. Louis county home search. The problem is that there are many other buyers that have been searching for months already, and the home you love may very well be pending by the time you circle back to it. Yes, it’s important to see what’s out there, and know that you’re making the right decision, but you should try to do this as quickly as possible, if you find a home in St. Charles or St. Louis county that you like and suits your needs.

5. LOOKING FOR A HOME LIKE THEIR PARENTS

It’s important to remember that most people do not buy their dream home right out of the gate. Your parents, or other family members and friends, probably started out in a much smaller house, or even a condo in St. Charles or St. Louis county. Most likely, they paid down their mortgage over the years, and then traded up to a larger St. Charles or St. Louis county home, when the time was right. As a first time buyer, it may be difficult to lower your expectations a bit, but by not doing so, you may miss out on a great home and the incredibly low interest rates and prices available today in St. Charles & St. Louis counties.

If you are a first time home buyer thinking about buying a home in St. Charles or St. Louis Counties, working with a Real Estate expert than knows the St. Charles and St. Louis County market can really help you. Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.