Personal SEO

Online marketing and website creation. I love to promote anything and all for me and my clients. Whether it's amazing places and things, or people and experiences. Contact me at [email protected] or visit my website at PersonalSEO.com to find out how I can promote you, your business and your website. We also design and host WordPress themes and websites. Find me on Google

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The Most Popular Property Types & What You Need To Know About Them

In the big landscape of real estate, navigating the different property types can feel like walking through a maze of options. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, understanding the various property types and their nuances is essential for making informed decisions. From cozy apartments to sprawling estates, each property type comes with its own set of characteristics, advantages, and considerations. So, let's take a look at the most popular property types and what you need to know about them.

The Most Popular Property Types & What You Need To Know About Them

Single-Family Homes

Single-family homes are perhaps the most quintessential property type, typically consisting of one unit intended for one family. These homes offer privacy, independence, and the freedom to customize both the interior and exterior spaces according to your preferences. They are often favored by families seeking stability and a sense of community. However, single-family homes also come with responsibilities such as maintenance and upkeep of the property.

Condominiums

Condos are individual units within a larger complex or building, where owners typically share common areas such as hallways, elevators, and amenities like swimming pools or gyms. Condo living often appeals to individuals seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with access to shared amenities and community features. However, condo ownership may involve paying monthly homeowners' association (HOA) fees and abiding by certain rules and regulations set by the association.

Townhouses

Townhouses are multi-level homes that share walls with neighboring units, offering a blend of single-family home privacy and condominium-style amenities. They are often characterized by their vertical living space and compact footprint, making them an attractive option for urban dwellers or those seeking a balance between space and affordability. Townhouse communities may also have HOA fees and regulations governing shared spaces and exterior maintenance.

Apartments

Apartments are units within multi-unit residential buildings, typically owned by a landlord or property management company and rented out to tenants. Apartment living offers flexibility in terms of lease agreements and minimal maintenance responsibilities for tenants. However, renters may face limitations on customization and may be subject to rental increases or changes in management policies.

Duplexes & Multi-Family Homes

Duplexes are residential buildings divided into two separate units, each with an entrance, kitchen, and living space. Multi-family homes encompass a broader category of properties with more than two units, such as triplexes, quadplexes, or apartment buildings. Investing in duplexes or multi-family homes can provide opportunities for rental income and property appreciation, but it also involves managing multiple tenants and maintaining the property's common areas.

Vacation Homes

Vacation homes are secondary properties purchased primarily for recreational use, such as beach houses, mountain cabins, or lakeside cottages. These properties offer a retreat from everyday life and the potential for rental income when not in use. However, owning a vacation home entails additional expenses such as property management, maintenance, and insurance, as well as considerations regarding location, accessibility, and seasonal demand.

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties include retail spaces, office buildings, industrial warehouses, and mixed-use developments intended for business purposes. Investing in commercial real estate can offer higher potential returns than residential properties but requires careful market analysis, tenant management, and an understanding of zoning regulations. Commercial leases may also involve longer terms and negotiations compared to residential leases.

In Conclusion

Each property type comes with its own set of advantages, considerations, and potential pitfalls. Before diving into the real estate market, it's crucial to assess your financial situation, investment goals, and lifestyle preferences. Conduct thorough research, consult with real estate professionals, and weigh the pros and cons of each property type to make informed decisions aligned with your objectives. By familiarizing yourself with the characteristics and considerations of each property type, you can make sound investment decisions and find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or renter, the key is to align your choices with your goals and priorities, ensuring a fulfilling and successful real estate journey.

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Should I Sell, Rent, Then Buy When the Market's Better?

A home is a place of memories, a comfort zone, a paradise, and a big investment. So a home seller in a booming estate market will make massive rewards. Home prices in America increased by 25% in January compared to their prices last year. For instance, if you had a house worth $400,000 in the last two years, you could sell it for $500,000 this year.

The profit makes it easy for many homeowners to sell their homes and rent for a while before buying a home when the prices are right. In this article, we'll discuss some reasons to sell your home, rent an apartment and buy when the market is crumbling.

Renting makes sense for your timeline

If you don't have a stable plan or have no idea where to move, renting could make you more profit than owning a home. A home appraisal sometimes costs more than a home in a booming market. But homes appreciate over time, encouraging homeowners to keep paying the mortgage while the home value increases before selling it for a higher profit.

Greg Dallaire of Green Bay Wisconsin says, "If you plan on moving in a year or two, it is best not to buy a home because homes are always high and will soon decrease. However, individuals with such intentions should be aware of their long-term goals and understand the market normalities and the flotation in the market. If you have a three-year plan, it is best to sell, rent, and buy back when it is cheaper."

Closing costs are difficult on short-term plans

Before considering selling your home to buy a new one, remember new homes attract inspection costs, insurance costs, appraisal costs, deed recording costs, and more, amounting to 5 to 7 % of the full price. For selling, you have to pay realtor commissions. But taxes are attached to selling and buying. Closing cost is an integral part of selling a home.

But if you plan on moving in after some years, you can decide to rent a house to help you maintain a significant part of your equity. The method is referred to as the Five-year rule in real estate. The strategy is that new homeowners should live in the property for at least five years before putting it on sale to increase the home value. The increase will become profit at the time of sales and closing fees.

You're a cash buyer

Cash buyers have the upper hand if the market is timed right. These buyers are not affected by the rising mortgage. If you plan on using cash to buy a home, you can rent for several years and still not be affected by a mortgage increase. After these years, and when the estate market is right, you can purchase your home with cash and still make a profit. Paying with cash will help you leverage your money better. Remember that as the rate increases, buying power reduces.

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Bay Area Real Estate Market 2022

Bay Area Real Estate Market

The real estate market in the Bay Area is hot, with the median price topping $1 million for the thirteenth month in a row. As interest rates creep up, many thought it would mean some potential home buyers would back off. So far, that doesn’t seem to be the case in the Bay Area’s red-hot market.

March was another record month for California and Bay Area real estate. The median single-family home price in California, in March, was $849,080, according to the California Association of Realtors.

The rising prices show that the Bay Area housing market is distinguished by high demand, cheap mortgage rates, and a scarcity of available inventory. Due to increased demand from the state's high-income residents who can take advantage of low-interest mortgage rates, home prices are skyrocketing. According to current trends, housing prices in the majority of Bay Area communities will continue to climb over the next twelve months. A significant number of purchasers led home prices to increase over the previous year in March, according to the California Association of Realtors. The median sales price of this region, which includes all nine counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma, was $1,444,720.

Additional Mortgage Interest Predictions for 2022

A steep hike in mortgage interest rates has yet to put a damper on bidding battles for Bay Area homes. Interest rates exceeded 5 percent for the first time in more than a decade, but there are few signs the increase will lead to a decline in local home prices. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 5.11 percent, up from 3 percent at the start of the year. The interest spike has made Bay Area homes now selling at all-time highs even more expensive. Real estate experts say that low inventory and a willingness from wealthy buyers to engage in bidding wars will likely keep Bay Area home prices from declining. Cash investors who don’t have to worry about borrowing rates are also keeping prices high.

Sales of existing homes were down in nearly all the major regions of the California housing market except for the Central Valley. The San Francisco Bay Area sales fell by 2.7 percent. March was pretty strong than February as sales of homes rose by a massive 70.5 percent.

The inventory is quite low. As of March 2022, the months of supply for existing single-family houses in the Bay Area is 1.4 months. Homes are selling for more than the asking price because new home buyers are ready to spend more to win bids. Only those who do not have enough money for a down payment are delaying their purchases. Looking at the low supply of homes, interested investors may have a difficult time finding available properties in the Bay Area.

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Read more about ductless AC at Three Rivers Heating and Cooling

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What is the least expensive place to live in California?

California is one of the most expensive states to live in, however there are much higher wages than most other cities in the U.S. This cost of living is worth it for many who want to live in this gorgeous state that boasts of beautiful beaches, mountain views, and plenty of outdoor activities. If you are relocating or moving you might want to consider where the least expensive areas are and if they can be a fit for you. What are the most affordable places to live in California and why? Here is your top 10. 

Eureka

This is a small town located south of the border of Oregon. It is on the coast and surrounded by national forests. It is a quaint little area to live and the center of the town is historical. The only downside is the job market. Most of the jobs are in the health care, tourism, and timber industries. 

Redlands

Redlands is a larger town and is about two hours from Los Angeles. For being a larger town it still has a small town feel and has many community events and access to outdoor activities in the mountains and parks. 

Chio 

This is known as a college town with lots of restaurants and activities as well as the scenery. It is home to the second largest craft brewery in the country, Sierra Nevada. 

Temecula

Temecula is located between San Diego and Los Angeles. It is home to many golf courses, wineries, and the largest casino in the state of California. It has the cutest downtown and historical district and is popular for its affordable  family friendly suburban feel.

Oxnard

This city has over 20 miles of coastline and is the perfect place for beachfront living without the high price you would imagine for a beachfront home. This city is north of Los Angeles and the place to be if you love any water activities. 

Camarillo

Camarillo is known to be one of the best and most popular shopping areas in Southern California because it has a huge outlet mall. This area has another historical downtown and is known for its farmers markets and community activities. 

Blythe

Blythe has the full California style vibe for living while being a small town. The cost of living is 33% lower than the rest of the state, so it may be a great option if you are focused on living in CA but saving money. It is located off the Colorado River and is about 230 miles east of Los Angeles. It is mostly cool and dry throughout most of the year. 

Clearlake

This place is named specifically after its Clear Lake that sits on the edge of a volcanic field. This is an outdoorsy area with a lot of fishing, hiking, mountains, and small wineries. 

Bakersfield

Bakersfield gets a bad reputation but it is currently one of the largest and fastest growing cities in California. There is a huge job market in the agricultural and manufacturing fields.  This area is located just north of Los Angeles on the Kern River. 

Don’t hide away from your dreams of living in California because of the high price everyone seems to pay to live there. There are ways of making your dreams come true if you are willing to look at certain locations that can provide you with the California lifestyle and a more affordable price. You just have to make some other sacrifices, such as a change of job or career. It can happen for you and you can find the right city to fit your family. 

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Finding the Least Expensive Homes in the Most Expensive Neighborhoods

The title alone makes you feel like you are searching for a needle in a haystack. If this is what you are looking for, you may trade-off for living in a smaller home to be in the desirable neighborhood. The problem is that finding these homes is quite challenging but it can be done with patience and the right real estate agent.

There are areas where the median asking price is over $4million, you can actually still find a property for around $700,000, but it may be a condo. There are a few homes in the desired Hamptons listed for $875,000 and that area has a median price of $4.3 million.

In Santa Monica, there is an 855 square foot condominium in a full-service building listed at $799,000.  The famous Silicon Valley has a median home price of $3.5 million and you can find yourself a condominium for just under $800,000. Moving towards New York, the popular Greenwich Street boasts a condo for sale at only $640,000 when the median price is just under $4 million.

The most expensive zip code is 94027 which is the city of Atherton and it has held this title for four years in a row now. The state of California has the most expensive housing market as a whole while the city of San Francisco holds 11 of the priciets cip codes in the United States. The expense is driven up by the seller's wishes, which determine the median home prices in those cities based on the transactions taking place. Areas that have a highly competitive market see a lot of bidding wars and this drives up the prices in the surrounding areas of that particular zip code and the ones adjacent to it. In 2020 the highest median priced homes in the country were claimed by only 121 cities and two states. These two states are just as you would expect, California & New York.

If location is your top priority then you will sacrifice for a smaller size home to get the lowest price you possibly can. This is a trend no matter what popular city you are looking to purchase in. If you are a big family it might not be worth the sacrifice of space, however many are learning and choosing to live a more minimalist lifestyle that could help you adjust to a smaller space in the expensive zip code you desire. Oftentimes the higher expense is because the area is more desired with lots of fun to be had.

More Real Estate Stuff:

5 Things to Know About a Neighborhood Before Moving in

The Most Expensive Homes in St. George

Home Price Reductions in Santa Cruz

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3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New House

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or are simply looking for a new place to call home, there are a few mistakes that can easily be made throughout the home buying journey. While some mistakes are minor, or can be easily fixed, others are more detrimental and may lead to buyer’s remorse and regret later down the line. When working alongside Buyers Agents, you should always discuss your personal wish lists to ensure that you only view properties that pertain to your specific wants and needs, however make sure to discuss these 3 topics in depth prior to setting up tours and searching for homes to help eliminate the risk of regretting your purchase.

 School District

This is easily one of the biggest mistakes of them all. Whether you already have school-aged students, or plan to have kids in the future, you should only set up tours for properties that are within the districts of your choosing. By viewing homes outside of the district boundaries, you risk falling in love with the house and then when it comes time to enroll your students, the zoned district may be far from what you had originally hoped for in either academic performance, size, sports, extra-curricular programs, etc.  

 Commute Time

It’s easy to think that you’ll be ok with a long commute, however, it isn’t until you actually start driving the route daily that you may realize it simply is too much to handle. Whether the distance is too far, or the route is heavily lined with rush hour traffic, setting your own specific boundaries to ensure that your commute to and from work is manageable is key in being able to enjoy your new home to the fullest.

 Size

Do you really need that extra bedroom? Nah.. go ahead and get the smaller house. Wait.. don’t! Altering your original wants and needs within a home is surprisingly easy to do once you start the house hunting process, however by compromising on size, whether that be in the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, floorplans, garage space, etc. you are making a huge mistake that is often one of the fastest ways to end up with buyers remorse as the space your thought you’d be compromising can’t exactly be easily gained back. When making your lists of must haves, the number of rooms and size of the home is one thing that should never be compromised.

  When it comes to house hunting try to set your own personal boundaries and guidelines for what you are personally ok to compromise on and as hard as it may be, stick to your original plan and ensure that you aren’t compromising on things that could cause regret later down the line. As mentioned, School Districts, commute times, and home size are 3 of the most regretted compromises that buyer’s make, and thus, those 3 things should be discussed in depth prior to placing on offer on a house.

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Dang! These are phenomenal homes in the Millburn-Short Hills area! WOW! Need a Mansion? They got you covered!

Check out The Miggins Real Estate Team

https://www.migginsrealestate.com/millburn-short-hills-nj-homes-for-sale/

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Design Features that Give Away a Home's Age

There are many homes out there built with interesting features, some intriguing and unique in a good way, and some not so good. Some of those interesting features where once hot trends in the time of which they were installed. Today those features instantly tell a story of how old the home is.  

Here are some design features that give away a home’s age:

Pink Bathroom

“The former first lady of the United States, Mamie Eisenhower, turned the White House into a pink house when she lived there. This started a home trend in the 1950’s and !960’s across America. It is estimated that somewhere around five million pink bathrooms were built in homes constructed during this time. “  Alex King, Fort Myers Realtor®

Scalloped Wood Trim in the Kitchen

This trend is from the Mid-20th Century. Though this popular styling in the kitchen could be found in kitchens from the 1920s it did not really become a big hit until about 1946 and stuck around through about 1970. “ - John Kinnunen - Clearwater FL Condo Agent

Sunken Living Rooms or Conversation Pits

“This is most likely a signifier of a home built in the 60’s or 70’s. A Sunken Living room requires a person to take a step or two down to enter the main living room of a home. A conversation pit is very similar but is only a portion of the room made for holding the furniture to be used as the room’s main conversation area.” - Matthew Kennedy, Lewiston NY Homes  

In-Wall Intercom Systems

“Unlike today’s Siri and Alexa pod versions, these where big cream colored speakers with large knobs or buttons placed stationary into the walls. This was all the rage in new technology back in the 50’s and 60s. If a home intercom speaker has the brand NuTone on it, it could be as old as 1954. Most homes had them installed in the 60’s and some into the 70’s.” - Joe Hayden, Louisville Real Estate

Glass Blocks

“Walls made of glass blocks became hot in the 80’s and some homes were still installing them into the 90’s. The most popular place to spot a wall of glass blocks or portion of a wall is in the bathroom or near the front door.”  Sara Mehrpouryan - Sherman Oaks Realtor®

Not many homes hold onto these iconic design home daters, but you may find one or two, especially if you are currently looking for a home that is a fixer upper in hopes to save some money on one with the major features you are hoping for. 

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Top 5 Reasons to Move to Missouri

As a born and raised native to the great Show-Me-State, I can tell you with confidence that Missouri is a wonderful state to raise a family. If you’ve been searching for different places to live but aren’t sure where to move, consider giving Missouri a try. Known for its beautiful outdoor areas, parks, plentiful rural neighborhoods and cities and churches, you will feel quite at home in this wonderful state. Below are some reasons why moving to Missouri is a great choice.

1. Its people

Whether it’s in the country, the suburban neighborhoods, or the bigger cities, the people in Missouri are simply the best. It’s very easy to make friends across the state and find a helping hand when you’re in need of some assistance. There are also plenty of community outreach programs that make it possible for people to serve one another with food, natural disaster relief, and much, much more!

2. The ability to experience all four seasons

Missouri has something for everyone when it comes to its seasons. Springtime in Missouri is truly gorgeous with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s and plenty of bright blue skies and green grass and hills full of trees as far as the eye can see. Summertime can get quite warm, however, with high humidity mixed in as well. That said, it’s perfect weather for outdoor barbeques, fishing, swimming, and more with friends! Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the state with a wide variety of fall colors in the leaves and trees and crisp, cool weather. Many communities offer hayrides and pumpkin drives and farmers markets and the like. Missouri winters can get cold and particularly icy during the January and February months; however, the winter months there are still relatively mild compared to other states like the Dakotas and the Northeastern states.

3. Cost of living

Another compelling reason to move to Missouri is the fact that the cost of living is quite affordable when compared to the national average. According to bestplaces.net, Missouri scores at 85.9, nearly 14 points below the national average. Housing in Missouri is typically much more affordable than the national average, though rising house prices across the U.S. still puts a bit of a damper on the situation.

4. Lakes

If you love fishing and boating and being out near the water, in general, you will absolutely love the beautiful lakes and rivers in the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks, in particular, is a very popular destination during the spring and summer months across the state. Lake Taneycomo, located in Taney County near Forsyth, Missouri, is another hot spot to stop and enjoy the view.

5. Jobs

The job market in Missouri has been booming for many years. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, construction, and more are desperately looking for good, hard-working men and women. Particularly in today’s job market where there is a higher demand for workers than a supply, you will be hard pressed to not find a good-paying job in Missouri.

But maybe Missouri is not for you?? There are beautiful places all over this country. Check out these other great hot spots if you’re considering a major move:

Columbus Ohio - Buckeye Central!

San Ramon California - Minutes to the Bay Area

Palm Desert California - Ready for Hot?

Lake Stevens Washington - On the Lake, Great Schools!

Southlake Texas - Outside Fort Worth

Park City Utah - Recreation Galore!

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Should I Choose Glossy or Matt Finish When Printing Photos?

The type of paper you choose to print photos on plays a big role in the final overall appearance of your photograph. While there are several different photography printing papers to choose from, the biggest style choice in printing photos on paper comes down to choosing glossy or matte.  

Which will provide the best results for your photos? Here is a look at both types of photo papers/finishes to help you make the best decision in printing your photos.  

Glossy Photo Paper

All glossy photos have a reflective sheen that catches the light and reflects it back to the person looking at it.  

Pros of Glossy Photo Paper

Makes a statement: the tones and colors in glossy print photos are often bold and vibrant. The shiny surface of the paper is the hook and the rich and deep tones of the photo are what draw viewers to love it.  

Image clarity: due to the smooth surface, images on glossy paper are sharper and more defined  

Varied levels of reflection: There are different levels of glossy to choose from when printing. You can choose anything from ultra-glossy metallic to subtle luster that barely gives a sheen.  

Less expensive: in general, glossy papers absorb less ink and therefore require less materials and cost less to produce, this is why choosing a glossy finish at the printer will cost less.  

Cons of Glossy Paper

Difficult to view in certain light: since glossy paper reflects light, images can be difficult to fully see in certain circumstances. The reflection can cover up the photo, this is especially true in a well-lit room using a high gloss paper and a glass frame.  

Sticky: glossy paper tends to stick to a surface it comes in contact with. This can cause an image to be damaged if you decide to switch it to a new frame.

Fingerprints and Scratches: glossy papers are more easily scratched and show fingerprints if touched.  

When Should You Choose a Glossy Finish?  

If you have a photo that has a lot of detail or you would love for the bold colors to really shine through and pop, then a glossy finish is the choice to go with.  

Matte Photo Paper

Matte photo papers are textured or have an uneven surface which scatters light instead of reflecting it.  

Pros of Matte Photos

Versatility in Display: there is no contending with reflections that take over the photo, matte photos are easy to see in areas with lots of light and under the glass of a frame.  

Durability: the uneven surface of a matt print makes it harder to scratch and they do not easily show fingerprints making matte photos easier to handle

Added visual interest: some matte photos have visible texture providing another element of visual interest

Cons of Matte Photos

Muted Tones: matte photos are going to show color more dull. Blacks are not as dark and whites are not as bright.  

Less definition: the rougher the texture of the matte paper the less sharp/defined/perfectly straight the lines of definition will be

More expensive: matte paper absorbs and uses more ink making it more expensive to create and as such more expensive to purchase

When to Choose Matte Photos

Large prints are great for matte finish. If you are printing photos in a book that will be handled often a matte finish is a good choice. If you are hoping for a more subtle or muted color pallet a matte finish will help you to achieve that look.  

Choosing a matte or glossy photo finish for a particular photo really is all about the actual contents of the phots, if you love the bold colors and want them to shine through, and how and where the photo will be displayed. If you are stuck on what finish would be best for a photo the advice of a professional photographer is always a good idea.  

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If My Homeowner's Insurance is Canceled Can I Lose My Home?

Homeowners insurance must cover your outstanding mortgage balance so if you no longer have that insurance equal to the balance you are technically in violation of the terms of your loan. This could lead your lender to foreclose but chances are they'll do a few more less invasive tactics first.

Homeowners insurance, also called hazard insurance, is required on any home with a mortgage. While homeowners insurance doesn't ensure that your mortgage will be paid, it does protect the asset for the lender, who technically owns the property until it's paid off. Lenders want to make sure that you are protecting and covering their asset so if something like a fire or burglary happens that there is damage to the property, insurance will recover the property back to its original condition without losing value on the property.

If for some reason you lose your homeowners insurance or perhaps you've filed too many claims and your homeowners insurance has dropped you, lenders have specific actions they must take to make sure that their asset is protected.

For FHA borrowers, homeowners insurance requires a replacement addendum that provides the replacement amount of the damage to the property regardless of current cost. This allows the property to be repaired regardless of any materials or labor increases. If the property does not have homeowners insurance the loan can fall into default even if you keep paying. However, lenders typically do not enforce a foreclosure unless the borrower is delinquent on their payments. Each mortgage loan is different and the terms can be laid out different for every lender. If your homeowners insurance is canceled for any reason you must reapply and replace it to avoid any consequences, fines, or penalties.

“If the lender notices of the property is no longer covered they may purchase insurance for you, however, this is usually much more expensive than if you had purchased it yourself. Lenders will typically add this cost into your monthly payment and even though it sounds convenient, it could be up to five times more than if you had sought out insurance on your own. Lenders need to take immediate action to make sure that their assets are covered and protect their collateral, so they don't care how expensive it is, they need to make sure the property is covered.” - Pam Pester - Tampa Bay Tenant Rep

So what's the first thing to do?

“If you fear your insurance is going to be canceled or it has already, contact your lender immediately. They can provide some resources and referrals or you can simply do the research on your own and find a homeowners insurance that can cover you immediately. If it's been canceled due to too many claims or nonpayment, this could be on your record and other insurance companies may tack on an additional premium due to a higher risk applicant.” - Kris Larson - Desert Color Utah Realtor®

Bottom line: make sure your property is properly covered. If you have concerns about homeowners insurance or making any payments, it's best to contact your lender immediately. Their goal is to keep you in the house, not get the house back on their books so they will try everyting to keep you in the home and keep your payments current as well as your insurance current.

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Four Problems a Custom Shed Can Solve

Spending more time in our homes has got many of us seeing storage and space challenges we may not have noticed or were able to get away from before. The attic is full, the closet doors are getting to a point of where they won’t shut, you are running out of shelves to store your new books now that you have time to read again, you can’t stand going into the garage to get out the holiday decorations because everything falls down on you when you try to move a box.  

Or maybe it is that there are too many people and not enough places to do the things that would keep you occupied and busy and your mind off the fact that going out isn’t an option right now.  

Investing in a custom shed just might be the very solution to your problems. Here are four ways a shed can provide the space or storage you need.  

Create a Studio

Have a noisy hobby or even profession that is just not appreciated through the walls by other family members? Need a place to play your music in peace without getting complaints? Want to be able to record a track without interrupting background noise causing you to start over? A backyard shed makes a great musician’s studio. You could even make it a space for that budding artist in middle school band to practice and squeak to their heart’s content. Place it just far enough away from the house and put in the right insulation, a little lighting, and some acoustic wall treatments and you are ready to jam.

Quiet Office

Everyone is home right now, all day, EVERYONE. With everyone being home comes the need for everyone in school or with the capacity to work remotely to have a space to work. Not everyone has the luxury of providing a room so that each person can work without distraction. Even if you do have that room there is still the opportunity for the noise of fighting children, the loud television, someone else’s music, or the kids to come in and ask for all the things all the time.  

A shed can easily be turned into a nice quiet oasis of an office space. A place where you can store all of the work things as neat or as messy as you want, not be interrupted by what is going on in other rooms of the home, and even lock up and walk away from at the end of a long day.  

A Special All You Space

By now you have probably heard the term she shed. This became popular because a backyard shed can be turned into the perfect special all you alone space. A place to do whatever makes you happy, even if it’s just sitting in a comfy chair and enjoying the television without interruption.  Not all homes can provide a room where you can just have all of the things you love to do. Create that space away from the home where you don’t have to worry about someone sneaking in. Sheds make great man caves too.  

Storage

Okay we put this one last because it’s not so much fun and exciting as it is practical and necessary. Sometimes people just need a storage shed to be a storage shed. There are countless ways to make the extra storage space a shed provides useful, from outdoor items to recreational equipment, to rarely used seasonal items. We could all use some more space to neatly store things so they are organized and easy to find.  

For custom sheds in Snohomish County check out more info on our shed page, contact us any time, or better yet come see us in Marysville.  

More Tips for Homeowners:

How to Make a Holiday Cleaning Checklist

10 Ways to Increase the Appeal of Your Desert Home

Tips to Save Energy and Add Value

3 Headphones to Keep You Focused

How to Clean Up Dust After a Remodel

5 Steps to an Easy Downsize

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Things to Store in Your Garage and Things You Shouldn't

Garages are a helpful place to store your car when it’s not in use as well as other items you need a little extra room for.  Garages are an excellent extension of space in your home for storing things, but not all things from inside your home should be placed in your garage. Here are some guidelines for using that extra space in your car’s bedroom.  

Things that are good to store in a garage:  

Car Supplies

Since the garage is a sort of a bedroom for your car, it makes perfect sense to store all the things you need to care for your car in the garage with the car. These items could include wiper fluid, car wash supplies, extra air fresheners, something to inflate the tires if they get a little low, an emergency patch kit, etc.  

Items You Put in the Car

The garage is also a good space for storing things you typically keep or transport in your car like a roof rack, a bike rack, camping gear, sports gear, bikes, etc. consider purchasing racks that hang from the roof to store the large items up and out of the way.  

Yard and Gardening Tools

This is a very good space for storing things you only use outside. Things like shovels, rakes, hoses during the winter, outdoor extension cords, the lawnmower, potting soil, unused flower pots, small gardening tools, ice melt for the winter, gloves, etc. A pegboard is an excellent way to store small tools and keep them handy to grab when you need them.  

Outdoor Toys

Anything that is for outdoor recreational use is well-stored in the garage. This can be anything from outdoor kids toys to lawn furniture and patio umbrellas during stormy months. Pool toys are also easily stored in the garage.  

Related: Do Solar Panels Add Value?

Seldom Used and Seasonal Items

If you have anything in your home that is not used frequently storing them in some sturdy tote bins in the garage is a smart idea. This can be things like snow gear, holiday decorations, or that giant roasting pan for the Thanksgiving turkey. 

More: 5 Things to Consider When Building a Larger Garage 

Things that should NOT be stored in a garage:

Hazardous Materials

All flammable and otherwise hazardous materials should always be stored with caution. For example: propane tanks should never be stored in an enclosed space, they should always be left outdoors. If you have any hazardous materials that are no longer useful, it is better to take them to the proper waste facility than to keep them in the garage.   

Related: Professional Pressure Washing in Phoenix

Things that Attract Pests

Garages often become homes for insects and small animals like rats. Keeping things in the garage that attract them is like sending them an invitation to move in. This includes firewood, clothing, bedding, and all types of food including pet food.  For Pest Removal in Arizona, Contact Early Bird Pest

Heat Sensitive or Fragile Items

Even if the garage is insulated, it is still prone to having extreme temperatures inside. For this reason you do not want to store anything you would not be comfortable leaving inside your car during very hot or very cold temperatures. Things like electronics, snow globes, artwork, etc.  

[personalseo]

How to take amazing family photos!

Tip One: Great Family Photos

The first sign of a great family photographer is great photos – photos that you like to look at, even if you don’t know the people who are in them. Working with families, particularly those with young children, can be a challenge, but a great family photographer has the experience to know how to set the scene and capture the moment.

Take a look at online portfolios first to identify great family photographers, from there you can start to whittle down your options.

Tip Two: Variety of Photos

Here’s where you’ll want to pay attention when you look at family photography photos: do they all tend to be similar, or are there differences? What you are checking is that the family photographer you’re considering isn’t set in their ways – that they can work with different scenes and settings to create dynamic, original, and memorable photos of your family.

What to look for? Different types of families, different settings (indoor/outdoor), different locations and most of all…different conditions. If you are aiming for an outdoor family photography session you’ll want to know that your chosen photographer can work with different types of weather and still create great photos.

Tip Three: Family Photography Style

Every photographer has a particular style that will tend to come across in their portfolios. Some prefer static, seated and posed shots, others will aim for more “lifestyle” photography that will feature the family interacting with their environment. You want to find a style that appeals to you: whether it’s black and white, fun and quirky, posed, or a variety thereof.

Tip Four: Reviews & Referrals

What do previous clients say about your photographer? Were they easy to work with, flexible, did they offer options? How did they deal with a difficult situation? All these things are important to know before you book – which is why so many family photographers find a large portion of their clients through referrals and online review sites because you know that you’ll be getting a professional.

Start with the photographer’s own site, but branch out to other online review sites or even search for the photographer’s name online (just make sure you’re getting the right person). Keep in mind that some people are impossible to satisfy, no matter what, but in general, the reviews should be positive.

Tip Five: Rates & Packages

We have to talk about money somewhere since there is a huge range when it comes to family photographers, but notice that we put this criteria last on the list. An incredible amount of time, skill, and equipment goes into creating memorable family photos so please resist the urge to choose a budget family photographer – you will absolutely get what you pay for.

That being said, your chosen family photographer should be able to work with you to create a package that provides the best blend of price and product so both sides are happy with the result.

Want to save yourself a search? If you’re looking for a New York area family photographer just click here!

When you’re ready to book your next photo shoot with Jane, call 917-744-3310 or fill out the

contact form here

.

[personalseo]

Shower and Bathhouse Tips for Camping Aficionados

Though an RV has nearly everything you need for an outdoor adventure, sometimes it is nice to stay at a campground with a full bathhouse to help conserve your fresh water. It is also nice to have a more roomy shower stall and plenty of hot water.

Campground showers give a reprieve to your RV shower, but sometimes they can be less than appealing as they are open for the use of everyone in the campground. You can’t always guarantee the clean and respectful habits and thoughtfulness towards others of fellow campers. Some common issues many campers run into at campground showers include long lines, long wait times, a long walk to the shower, or dirty floors. With these campground shower tips you can enjoy a longer more spacious shower at a campground just a bit more.

1.      A Painter’s Bucket

The best campground shower caddy is actually a five-gallon bucket. This may seem a bit overkill, but it is actually quite useful to bring a large five gallon bucket to the shower. The bucket can be used as a stool so not only can you store all the other items on this list in it; you can use it to sit on while waiting in line or to dry your feet and put your shoes on post shower. You can trick out your bucket with decorations and even a pad/cushion for the lid covered in water-friendly fabric.

2.      Shower Shoes

There is no telling how clean the shower floor truly is, how often it is cleaned, what it is cleaned with, or how many people have used it since it was cleaned. Protect your feet from nasty germs or even athletes foot with some shower shoes. A cheap pair of flip flops will do the trick.

3.      Over-the-Door Hooks

Some shower stalls do not have any hooks giving you no place to put your towel, clothes, or shower caddy. Grab a simple set of over the door bathroom hooks from the store and keep them in your shower bucket to place over the stall walls. This way your stuff doesn’t fall to the wet floor

4.      Non-Slip Mat

Slipping on clothes and shoes can be a bit troublesome over a wet floor. Lay down a non-slip mat in the dressing area to have a more dry and non-slippery surface to safely dress with less chance of falling to the floor when you lift your foot to put your leg in your pants/shorts/skirt/whatever.

5.      Lantern

Maybe the bathroom is very primitive and has no electric lighting or the shower area is very dimly lit. A waterproof lantern comes in very handy in these places.

6.      Try Some Shower Gel

If you plan to use the shower frequently over your trip you may want to consider shower gel over bar soap. Bar soap is easier to drop on the yucky floor. When storing bar soap you need one of those plastic travel boxes and even then it gets soggy and slimy.

7.      Shower Spray

As stated above, there is no telling how often a park shower has been cleaned. Bring a small bottle of shower cleaner with you to quickly spray down the shower walls and bathroom then rinse before you shower. It won’t be the deepest of cleans, but it will be enough to set your mind at ease and allow you to freshen up.

8.      Coins

Some campgrounds offer free showers, but others will require a small fee through a coin-operated machine to turn on the water. Make sure you have enough coins to allow you plenty of time to bathe. It is not fun to run out of water covered in soap.

9.      The Right Attire

Make sure you are mindful of the outside temperature and whether the bathroom has heat. You don’t want to get out of the shower and freeze your way back to the RV or have skinny jeans to put on wet legs especially when it is hot and humid out. Grab the right clothes that are loose fitting and will allow for easy dressing and a comfortable walk back to camp.

10.  Timing is Everything

Shower houses tend to get crowded at certain times of the day like the morning and at night. Crowding is also dependent upon the area you are in as well. Choosing to shower a little later at night, very early in the morning, or in the afternoon will allow you to avoid lines and waiting.

With these tips and tricks campgrounds showers will feel like an extra luxury.

Rent an RV near Seattle at NW Adventure rentals for your next camping adventure.

[jensmindunwinds]

Wearing Too Many Hats

“Are you the receptionist today?”

“I’m many things today. I’m wearing so many hats they’re falling off”

It was an innocent question asked of me by my friend as he passed by my desk at church. My answer shocked myself as it left my lips…because it’s funny and true! 

Now, I’m simply just helping my friend and co-worker at the front desk today while she’s off for her birthday. It’s no big deal; and it’s not stressing me out. It just happens that on the day I’m helping her, I’m also wearing all my other hats! My writer hat, my leader hat, my friend hat, my assistant hat etc etc etc.SO MANY HATS! 

And they’re not falling off…that was an exaggeration! But what prompts me to write this blog, is that it’s a REAL possibility! 

Sometimes, we have to wear many hats and the balancing act serves to make us more poised…just like the model who balances books on her head to become better at what she does! 

The problem is that if that stack of hats stays atop our heads too long:

-They’ll begin to topple

-We can’t make any one of them look good. They’re all stealing each other’s spot light!

-We will get lost in the pile!

The hats WILL eventually fall off. You can’t be great at everything. You’re human. Spend most of your time devoted to be excellent in a few things. Our heads were made to hold one hat at a time…and make it look good. No one can keep up the balancing act forever.

If you’re wearing several hats, not even one is getting the attention it deserves! Honor what you’ve been given to do by giving it the focus it deserves without dividing your attention elsewhere.

If you’re doing many things, you’re mastering none of them and you;ll find yourself lost, not knowing what you should be doing or who you are. Concentrate on your own unique giftings, passions and skills. 

So, while donning many hats can be fun, necessary and even a little beneficial for awhile, we must be careful that we don’t make it a full time wardrobe choice.

[personalseo]

So good! I sometimes have to relinquish myself and say no. I can’t do that. Because I know even though I want to, I won’t be good at it.