What to Look for in a Suburban Property

(Photo not mine)

Buying a suburban property can be different from purchasing something in a high-density metropolitan area. It can also be a little more difficult to know what to look for, as different suburbs can have different features that change in value according to trends and directions in the property market. For example, real estate close to train stations may have added value due to their proximity to transport, but this may be slightly counteracted by the associated noise. In a built up city, most of the features and the proximity of shops, buses, trains, and such are pretty much the same, so there is little to differentiate areas apart from crime rates, views, and streetscape facades. Below are a few hints and tips on what to look for in a suburban property. It’s also a good idea to talk to agents; gather all the information you can about the suburbs you’re interested in, especially from property experts such as Templeton Property.

Know the Suburb You’re Looking to Invest In

Once you’ve narrowed your search and defined the suburb or suburbs in which you’re interested in investing in, take the time to take care of your due diligence. This means doing your homework. There are suburb-based reports you can access and these are well worth the money. You can usually get ones for specific postcodes so, once you know your areas, you can just purchase these specific reports. They will usually give you several sets of data, such as recent sales in the suburb and whether or not property in the area looks like trending up or down over the next decade or so. Average values and the profile of residents in the area are also worth knowing as this information will give you an idea as to the neighbourhood and whether or not the property will rent well if you’re considering renting out the property either straight away or in the future.

Insurance Premiums

Home, contents, and landlord’s insurance premiums for a specific suburb are worth researching as well. Not only will this give you an insight into your running costs for the potential property purchase, but it also gives you an idea as to crime rates and the safety of the suburb at which you’re looking. It’s usually the case that the higher the population density of a suburb, the higher the incidents of petty vandalism and minor thefts. A property’s proximity to venues such as pubs, sporting grounds, and even bowls clubs can also affect the likelihood of vandalism and therefore impact any insurance premiums for which you will have to pay.

As with any real restate purchase, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when buying a suburban property. You can get a lot of this information from local experts. It’s also worth speaking to insurance companies to find what they think of the area.

What are the first things you look for when buying a suburban property? Share your insights and suggestions in the comments below.

Our Old House

I can't get out of my mind the state of our old house in the Philippines. It is in almost dilapidated state and I fear that one day, the foundation might just give way. It has been our home for the last 30 years.

It used to be one of the beautiful houses in the subdivision where we lived. When my dad was still alive, it was kept clean and well-maintained. We had an overhead water tank that used to provide clean water for my family when the village's own water system went awry. It had a state of the art engine driven pumps so the big tank would fill up fast. However, the engine pump has been sold to provide financial aid to my mom back home.

The roof of the house needs serious repair. It rains inside when it rains outside. The paints are chipping. The ceiling has a wide gap. The entire premise is just dirty and you can see that the love my parents put in that house has long been gone. If only they had called an experienced exterior contractor like ​​Ideal Construction to have these issues corrected before they got out of hand things would be so much happier today.

It pains me to see it in that state so I am glad that my mom decided to sell the house where we all grew. We made happy and fond memories there when we were growing up. I met great friends in that place who loved hanging out in our humble abode during our glorious days. But those days are gone and what is left is an old house, bereft of the love it used to have. Our old house, our poor old house needs a new owner who can provide that same love we had during our heyday.

Indulge Yourself in Luxurious, Hassle-Free Living by Automating Your House

How good would it be to live in a highly automated home where your effort is maximized and your every bit of energy perfectly utilized. A century ago, this would be a wishful thinking because technology then could not cope with the demands of a highly automated house. Yet now, with the onset of microchips and other miniature gadgets, homes can be fully automated and life can be a lot more fun and easy for any homeowner.

What does home automation entail?
Home automation may include a hands-free control of home gadgets and household activities. This may include a highly centralized automation of heating and air conditioning system, lighting system, security system, security systems including gates and doors, appliances, and other household activities. Being free from manually controlling these household activities, a home owner gets a lot of extra free time and energy to engage himself or herself in other more pleasant and fruitful activities.

A system of home automation readily integrates all the electrical gadgets in a house into a holistic automated system. The integrated system controls home activities such as home entertainment systems, blinds and curtains movements, air-conditioning, even yard watering, houseplant watering, and also pet feeding. Moreover, home automation may include the use of domestic robots and the integration of all these activities through the use of a computer network which allows you remote access to the system. Likewise, you can make use of smartphone and other gadget connectivity to make possible home automation.

Elements Necessary for Home Automation
There are various elements necessary for a systematic home automation.

• First, you need to install sensors. These sensors are sensitive to temperature, motions, and even daylight.
• Second, there is the need for controllers such as a personalized computer or any automation controller.
• Moreover, there is a need for actuators such as light switches, motorized valves, and motors which initializes the movements of any gadget or appliance.
• For monitoring and controlling the functions of any gadget or appliance, there is a need for a device which allows interactive activity between the owner and the machines. Additionally, multiple intelligent devices are usually used and distributed around the house for a systematic control of all home functions and activities.

Lighting Control
In a highly automated home, a lighting control system is put in place to automatically turn on and off the lighting of the house. You can readily extinguish any light in your home on a scheduled basis. A lighting system includes detectors which readily determine if the light in the room is turned on, or if there is no longer any person in the room. Moreover, lighting control may include the control of the brightness of lights or the color of the lights.

Heating, Air conditioning, Ventilation Control
Home automation of heating and air conditioning includes the use of internet-controlled thermostat. This allows homeowners to remotely control the heating and air conditioning system from afar or just automate the functions of such system. This system allows homeowners to save on their energy consumption and optimize the use of the heating system.

Audio-visual Control
This includes the automation of your Home Theater system and other audio-visual devices inside your home. Just imagine how you can awe your visitors by automating these devices remotely.

Shading
Shading is one of the most important factors in setting the ambience of your home or any room in your house. Motorized shades can readily close or tilt open shades and blinds at a single touch of a button. This system is easy to install using a remote control device and allows you to maintain your privacy or set the mood and tone of any room at will.

Security System
This is an essential aspect of every home and thus should be a vital part of the integrated automation system of your home. From your computer-based center, you can control and watch security cameras and install motion sensors to detect any unusual and unauthorized movement inside your home premises. Likewise, you can install sensors to detect any leak of gas and water in your home.

Intercoms
The intercom system allows you to communicate from one room to another via the use of communication devices. This will enable you to communicate faster and easier around your home.

With all these automated systems in place, you can relax and save a lot of energy and effort in monitoring and controlling all the activities and functions in your home. Thus, home automation is very advantageous and pleasant because it makes domestic life a lot easier and comfortable for every homeowner.

This article was written on the behalf of RoseSun Window Coverings, A specialist in home automation and motorized shades in Toronto

What to Look for in a Plumber

Photo credit: logos.co

Finding a good local plumber in Los Angeles is extremely  important for  the  health and function of your home. While you  can find a plumber when there is a problem with the pipes or drains in your home, it is usually  a  better idea to being  your search before there is  a problem. By finding a plumber  before  you  have a problem, you will not  be rushed into a decision because of an emergency that needs to be fixed. This  can allow you to take the time  to  research  different plumbers, getting a good idea of the service that they provide. By doing this, you  will be able to get the best  service for your needs and you  will  have someone  that you can  rely upon whenever there is a problem.  Here  is a quick  look at  what  to look for in a plumber when you are doing your search.

Professionalism

When you are looking for a plumber, it is essential that you hire someone that is professional in their conduct. The reason for this is that this person will be in your home for an extended period of time, making it important that they respect you and your property. By working with someone that has a professional manner, you are much more likely to receive a quality product and service. Professionalism is also important so that you do not run into any financial or legal problems, since some plumbers might charge you more money that the service necessarily costs. More than likely, the problem will be caused from a lack of accounting and other professional practices.

Training and Experience

When you are looking for a local plumber in Los Angeles, it is essential that you hire someone with training and experience. You will want to first make sure that the plumber is legally certified and licensed to perform their work. A person can only obtain their certification in plumbing after going through a lengthy apprenticeship, which gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to fix any problem. You will also want to make sure that your plumber is experienced in working with your particular problem.

House Construction

We are waiting for the proper segregation of the parcel of property my in-law's gave us in Quezon City before we decide on the next step which is scouting for a great architect who will render the vision of our dream home.

Te next step will surely involve a thorough discussion amongst my husband and I because this will involve money matters and it is going to be a big one. It's not a joke to go through a house construction project because all our savings will probably go to that project and then some. We may end up taking a loan with Pag-Ibig fund to finance the project otherwise, we have to wait for sometime until we are ready.

Other things we are considering is the scouting of reliable contractors who will use safe and high-quality materials. They should have materials that are at par with building safety codes and the public municipality. I had to check some internet sites like www.reidsupply.com and other known manufacturers of high-quality equipment and supplies to aid in the construction of our dream home.

This project is the culmination of our dreams and I take this seriously. I will not compromise the design, safety aspect and definitely the durability of the house we have dreamed of and saved for all these years.

Housewarming Gift Idea

Our good friend and her family moved to a bigger residential unit recently. We were there during the housewarming. My husband and I have realized that we have not given them any housewarming gift yet. I tried to recall what I have seen in her house. The place is furnished and I feel that none of the common things every house must have will appeal her.

I looked around and realized that there are other alternatives to just buying what we can find in the department store. I kind of like the idea of giving something very personal.

The internet is teeming with personalized housewarming gifts within my budget. There are sites which offer housewarming gifts under $20 and would even include free deliver. Unfortunately, we are here in Dubai so I think the shipping will be another matter to consider but I like the idea of giving something that will appeal to her and her family, something they can all share. I think a personalized photo frame which they can put on their console table near the entry way will be ideal. It can be a focal point on the table and a sure conversation piece.

Let's Swing!

I told my husband that as soon as I get my gratuity pay, I am buying a big residential lot. On that lot, I will build a house. And on that yard, I will have my small garden and swing set.

I just love playgrounds but I enjoy the swings more than the other fun rides you can find there. I remember growing up near a playground and every day after school, my siblings and I would run there and utilize our boundless energy. We would climb the monkey bars, go up and down the slide and push each other on the swings.

I know I may be old to ride in a swing but I am not disputing the fact that I may have grandchildren someday. It will be fun to see them use the swing set. My husband and I can also enjoy our couple time by holding hands while seated side by side on the swing.

I am posting a sample of my dream swing set and playground in my back yard. I hope it will materialize.

(Photo credit: bizrate.com)

What Will Your Million Pesos Buy These Days?

Who wants to be a millionaire? I do! I do! Who does not?

During my recent leave, I got to contemplate a lot and curiously searched the web for nice housing projects back home when I decide to leave the corporate world for good.

I browsed pictures of beautiful houses back home and I am in awe. Some have cathedral ceilings, others have swimming pools, some even have garage door opener and other small houses can accommodate a maid's room. Then I got the shock of my life when I checked the rates. A house with an area of only 50 sq. m. can already fetch a million. I say, what?!? That rate is not even in Metro Manila.

I was so surprised to find the rates of a residential lot per square metre. My goodness, I don't think my million (if I have any) will be able to buy something when the time comes.

So I ask myself, what will my million pesos buy by that time?

Time to Get Insured

It is that time again where we need to check our house's insurance back home. We make it sure that our home is covered from fire and other calamities. So in this regard, we need various insurance quotes to enable us to choose the best offer with the best coverage and best price. We are very particular on the coverage and as much as possible, we want an affordable insurance scheme.

Bath Time is Fun Time

I have always enjoyed a nice soak in the tub especially when I am all stressed out. I like lighting scented candles and filling the tub with few drops of scented oils to calm my nerves.

I never had bath tubs back in the Philippines so when I moved here in Dubai, I made it a point to have a place with a bath tub in my master bedroom. I am lucky enough to have my own bathroom with a tub here with great bathroom vanities! Yes!

My next project is to upgrade my tub to a jacuzzi whirlpool. I know it is a long shot because our landlord will never allow us. So, in my own little dreamland, I decided to have one when I have my own home. I am looking at whirlpool jacuzzi with great water and air circulation to make the massaging power more effective.

I have seen a lot of gorgeous jacuzzis both in magazines and web sites catering to this product. I am not keen on a very big jacuzzi but something that can be placed in the corner so I can maximize the space of my bathroom.

I can't wait to have a house of my own so I can fulfill all my dream projects. And having a spacious bathroom with whirlpool jacuzzi is one of them! Talking of dream home projects, I'll include my dream kitchen with modern and stylish kitchen sinks and kitchen faucets.

The House by the Sea

I have great fascination on anything vintage and that homey country or cottage look on furniture and fixtures. I remember my summers spent in my grandma's beach house when I was young. I used to admire her cream curio stand, the beautiful vanity table in her bedroom, the dainty bed and its thick mattress, the rich linens all in light hues and so much more. The accents of the furniture were truly enchanting. There were adornments of foliage, angels holding votive candles placed on the side table, white frames around the big mirror on the hallway, curtains cascading from the window valance with rich lace and wonderful floral prints. Even her beach shabby chic furniture were off-white and looked regal. I felt I was I big doll living in a big, country charm doll house. It was really a charming house by the sea.

I would spend endless hours checking out her stuff and always told her that one day, my house would be filled with shabby chic furniture appliques. I loved the way she would tell me how those dreams would take me to places and that one day I would definitely have those I dreamed of.

So, it came as no surprise when I had my first home at 26. I recalled how my grandma's summer beach house looked like and I wanted the same furniture and fixtures in my home too. If not the same, at least something similar I could afford then. I bought white vintage-looking furniture for my small living area. I had a spare room which I was not sure what to do until I found out I was pregnant. It was at that precise moment that I knew and decided it would become the nursery filled with shabby chic baby furniture. It was just like how I envisioned it when I was young. I used to daydream about how my future house would be like my grandma's - cozy, warm, accommodating, regal, charming and full of love.

Many years passed and she is long gone but the memory of my happy summers in her beautiful house near the beach is still fresh in my mind.