Month: April 2017

Categories
Pre-leasing Short term lease Short term leasing

Four Things to Look for in a Furnished Apartment

Luxury apartments

Are you looking at furnished apartments for a short term stay you’ll need in the near future? There are a number of reasons you might need furnished apartments. Maybe you’re staying in your location for a short amount of time, and it doesn’t make sense to move all of your belongings. Maybe you’re scoping out the area to get a feel for it before you make the plunge and bring all your belongings. Whatever the reason, it probably comes as no surprise that not all furnished apartments are created equally. You want to find one of the good furnished apartments. We’ve put together a list of tips of ways to find one.


Four Things to Look for in a Furnished Apartment

  1. Read over the short term lease before you sign it.

    There are probably assumptions you can make about most real estate leases, but short term leasing doesn’t follow all the same rules that typical leases follow. You may be subject to additional fees for the care and maintenance of the furniture when you vacate the furnished property, for example. Other leases have very strict guidelines for getting your deposit back, since the condition of the furnishings have to be considered in addition to the condition of the entire apartment. There may be other details in your short term lease that might be a deal breaker for you; the point is you should take some time to review the fine print before you sign the dotted line.


  2. Think about the “where?” as much as the “what?”

    Maybe you aren’t going to buy a home that you’ll live in for years and years in the area you’ll be staying short term, but the location of your furnished apartment will have as much of an impact on your life as the furnishings themselves. If you are in an unsafe part of town, you could be endangering yourself (and at the very least, won’t sleep as well) during your stay. If your short term apartment is far from everything you need to go to, the commute will be a big buzzkill.


    On the other hand, if your short term apartment has a nice coffee shop you can enjoy nearby, or the stores you enjoy shopping at, or close by a good public transportation hub, you’ll really make the most of your stay in your short term apartment.

  3. Meet the management.

    You might find an amazing furnished apartment in an amazing part of town for an amazing deal. That might be awesome until your hot water heater goes out. Then you find out that the management of your apartment is impossible to get a hold of, or perhaps makes promises about getting repairs done right away that they don’t keep, or perhaps makes your stay in your short term apartment miserable in general. This will take all the good about your apartment and turn it into a big bummer.


    You can avoid this scenario by taking the time to meet the apartment management in advance. Get a feel for how helpful they are. Make sure they jive with your style. If you have faith in the apartment management, it will benefit you throughout your stay.

  4. Be realistic about your budget.

    It is very easy to get swept off your feet with an amazing apartment and sign up for a lease that your can’t really afford. When you see the wood floors or the view of the city, or whatever your pipe dream is, it’s easy forget about the dollar signs. However, when it’s time to actually pay your rent, those dollar signs will matter. You won’t be able to enjoy your fancy luxury apartment if you worry the whole time about how your going to make your next month’s rent.


    Many financial experts suggest your housing expenses should be no more than 20% of your total monthly income. Use this number to ballpark what you can pay for a furnished aparment, and then stick with it.


    Make sure you calculate any additional expenses that might come with the particular apartment you’re considering, such as condo fees or parking passes when you determine if you can afford it.

Do you have any other questions or suggestions for finding a furnished apartment? Please share in the comment section below!

Categories
Church pews used Church steeple prices Church steeples

Church Steeple Crosses and Antique Pews to Give Your Home a Unique Touch

Second hand church pews

For centuries, churches have been buildings that people tend to flock to when searching for answers or respite. Everyone who has ever stepped foot into a church has their own relationship with the idea of the place. But over the many years that churches have been in existence, there have been multiple changes that have altered the functionality and traditions of the structures and the institutions that they hold. Today, it is not uncommon to see the sale of church steeple crosses or used church pews, either to help the church with its finances, for the interest of a collector, or both.

Steeped in history and tradition

Church steeple crosses are heavy in the symbolism that they carry, especially for a person who has grown up in the church, or otherwise has strong ties to it. Church steeples are often signs of comfort for many passing by or seeking out sanctuary for one reason or another. So it is understandable why there are those who seek to buy the church steeple crosses that have been replaced high atop the building, or have been brought down for other reasons. Churches often symbolize something solid, strong, and steadfast in a person’s life, and buying items that represent something like that can be incredibly meaningful to a person. Other times, buying items like used church pews or other old church furniture has more to do with a certain style and design preference.

Designing with tradition

There are plenty of people who collect for the sake of collecting, or who have an eye for a certain type of item. When it comes to old church furniture, steeples, or what could otherwise be considered collectible or usable items, there is often a certain charm that comes along with it, making it that much more enticing to add to a collection or incorporate into home decor. For example, antique church pews can often be found in homes as seating for a breakfast nook or other dining area, or sometimes in the entryway, giving household members and guests a chance to sit while removing or putting on footwear.

Though the very early churches did not have pews at all, the long benches now immediately recognizable in any church setting were once absent, giving church goers the chance to stand, walk around, and mingle with each other. The very first pews popped up during the 13th century, when removable stone benches lined the walls of the building. Permanent pews did not show up until the Protestant Reformation. And now, you can find them not only in churches everywhere, but also in homes!

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Categories
Anchor decor Nautical barometer

Who Wants To Parrrrrty? Pirate Decor, Other Themes Can Make a Party Special

Executive nautical gifts

When you are looking to have a birthday party, anniversary party or another event, it can be made more if fun if you have a theme. Themed parties that include pirate decor, cartoon characters or some other theme can be a good choice for both child and adult parties. When you are looking for what kind of theme is most appropriate, there are a number of factors to consider.

One theme to consider for your party is a decor that relates to the area in which you live. For example, more than 100 million people live in a county that has shoreline making nautical decor a natural choice. Your nautical decor can be neutral, using a nautical wheel or life preserver, or you might go for a more specific nautical theme decor, such as pirate decor. Even if you don’t live near a body of water, nautical decor usually is a good choice, because there are very few people who don’t like the water.

Another common party decor theme is to use a favorite cartoon or comic book hero. This is often the choice for a child’s birthday party, but it could be good for a themed party for adults as well. For example, you might have people dress up as their favorite superhero for a costume party, and your decor would reflect that theme.

People sometime use colors as the theme of their parties. You might use a red theme or a blue theme. In these cases, you would be looking for decor that is the right color. This might include curtains, tablecloths, plates and napkins, streamers and wrapping paper. This type of theme usually is very easy to pull off, because most stores sell these items in a variety of colors.

Whatever decor theme you choose for your party, you have to make sure it is appropriate and is something that the party guests or guest of honor will enjoy. That may be easy to do if you know the guests well, but if you have some guests you aren’t familiar with, you should do some research to make sure you are making the right choices for your party decor.

Categories
Grapevine nurseries Nursery center

You Can’t Escape the Importance of Your Landscape

Landscaping keller tx

It’s hard to deny the popularity of lawns. Surveys show that 83% of people think having a yard is important and 90% of people with a lawn believe it is important to take care of it. You can take care of your lawn yourself, and most people do. On the other hand, you may want to seek professional help with your landscaping.

Having a nice lawn is not just something to make you feel good. Nearly all real estate agents consider landscaping to be one of the five best home improvements to make in terms of adding value to your home. In fact, landscaping is one of the few home improvements where you are likely to increase the value of your home by more than you spend on the improvement. Research shows that landscape design and other landscaping tasks can improve the value of your home by anywhere from 150% to more than 200%.

That’s something to consider when you are wondering how much you should spend on your landscape design. There is a wide variance in what you can do and how much you can spend. You can do all the work yourself, in which case you only pay the one-time expense for equipment and ongoing expenses for things like fertilizer that you will have to buy from a garden center. You will only get max return on investment, however, if you have experience and know what you are doing. You can do a hybrid of taking care of menial tasks, such as mowing the lawn, yourself while hiring professionals to do other things. For example, you might hire a nursery to come to your home and do all your plantings for you. A nursery center will know what kind of plants will look best, how to plant them to make them look the best and how to take care of them. One final option is to leave all landscaping tasks up to professionals. That means you hire someone not only to do plantings, but also to mow, fertilize and water. It’s the most expensive option but also the one that will give you the best looking lawn.

When it comes to your landscaping, you have to make a decision based on what you can afford, but you don’t want to do nothing. A house lacking in curb appeal will not realize its full value.

Categories
Red cross clothing donations Red cross clothing pickup Red cross pickup

Three Reasons to Donate to the American Red Cross

Red cross clothes donation

Many people find that donating to charities, such as giving American Red Cross donations, is a helpful way of getting rid of items they no longer use, while ensuring these items are given to benefit charity, rather than ending up in a landfill. Since over 65% of people donate items to charity every year, it stands to reason that the Red Cross is a worthy charity to donate to. Here are three reasons why giving is so important, and how the charity makes use of the donations people provide for them.

The American Red Cross Donations Individuals Provide Help Families and Those in Need

Whenever disaster strikes, the Red Cross uses donations, including clothes donations, to help individuals in need. This could be for large disasters, involving hurricanes and earthquakes, or it could be for smaller ones, such as a family losing their home in a fire. Every day, the charity helps individuals with needs such as food, shelter, and even blood, through their blood banks. This has not only saved countless lives, but if offers individuals many different ways to give back to their community. Those who cannot donate blood, for example, can donate clothing, or even food. There are many different ways for people to help out, no matter what ways they are capable of helping.

The Red Cross Does Pick Up for Donations That Individuals Cannot Drop Off

Many people have a giving spirit, but might not necessarily have the time to drop off to a donation center. In cases such as this, the Red Cross does clothing donation pickup. That means all an individual has to do is call the Red Cross, and they can come out to pick up the donations on a pre-determined day. Sometimes those who are donating can simply leave the donations on the front step or down by their mailbox. Other times, the Red Cross pickup might come out to someone?s home and even have volunteers to go in and pick up larger items that might be difficult for the donor to handle. This can make it easier to donate and get rid of items that an individual no longer wants to keep, and might otherwise throw away if it were not for the charity stepping and providing an alternative way of disposing of the items. Since most individuals throw away over 7 pounds of clothing every year, donating to charity is an effective way of helping others, as well as making the environment a better place.

American Red Cross Donations Can be Written Off as a Tax Deduction

Anyone who chooses to donate to the American Red Cross can rest assured that the money or items they give can be written off as a tax deduction. Individuals who choose to donate goods, be it used clothing donations or other items, should always obtain a receipt for things they have donated or dropped off, since that is the best way to know a monetary amount that was given, especially when the amount donated was done so via used items. Individuals should always save each donation receipt that they are given, so they can add them up when tax times comes, and be able to write these items off after tallying everything up. For those that are unable to make monetary donations, this is an ideal way of helping out, while still making a tax-deductible donation and being able to write this off.

There are many different reasons to help with American Red Cross donations. Doing so not only benefits one?s community, but it can also help others across the nation, especially in disastrous events. These donations can include food, giving blood, and even clothing and blankets. The Red Cross can come to a person?s home and pick up donations that they might not be able to drive and drop off to a Red Cross donation center. This can be helpful for those that do not have a lot of time, but still want to give. Finally, donating items is helpful for anyone who wants to write off donations for their taxes. This is useful for anyone who wants to donate, but does not wish to provide monetary donations.

Categories
Senior living options Senior rehabilitation centers sherman Types of retirement homes

Assisted Living Amenities Improve Quality of Life

Assisted living options

Many people are faced with the difficult task of knowing when to transition their loved one to an assisted lifestyle. Depending on their age and condition, it can even be guilt inducing to place mom or dad in a retirement home. People often retire at 63 years old. As time goes by, older folks will need more care. Sometimes family members are not able to provide the attention and assistance an older loved one needs. It will be reassuring to know that assisted living amenities are among the best care options to consider. You can have peace of mind knowing that residents in senior living communities are well taken care of and having a fulfilling retirement.

A recent study has shown that half of retirees are happier than they expected. Those who reside in assisted living facilities and retirement homes are healthy and happy. The assisted living amenities provided cover all the needs of each unique resident, including 24 hour care, delicious meals, cleaning services, and fun social activities. Health management is also provided for those with conditions, including help with taking medications. Your loved one will be comfortable, and completely cared for. Conditions are considered and each unique patient has options for care. Senior living options are always inclusive and will meet your high standards when it comes to your loved one. Short-term and long-term stays are accepted and each resident is welcome. Activities and outings are plentiful and always organized in order to keep residents stimulated and socialized. Activities range from classic bingo and movie nights to museum trips and singles night. Physical activities are popular too, which may include yoga and swimming. Many senior living residents make great friends and feel that they quality of life has improved greatly.

Even those who need the most attention and help will receive it. 4 out of 10 residents in a senior living facility will need help doing basic activities such as bathing and dressing. With assisted living amenities, there are many nurses in each facility who will assist residents with care and compassion. Each task with a resident is treated with the utmost importance. In the event of any health emergency, care is offered on site and residents can be transported to a hospital. The health and well-being of your loved one always comes first and is the sole purpose of assisted living amenities.

Categories
Clothing donation center Used clothing donations

Trusting in Charitable Donations to Help Benefit the Greater Community in Need

Red cross clothing donations

As one of the largest first world nations, America has gained an international reputation as a consumer economy. Our need to purchase is not a point of criticism, but in fact the central driving gear to the wealth of our nation. With so many consumers however, it becomes only natural that waste occurs. The average American throws away around 4.5 pounds of trash every day — over the course of a year that averages out to be over 1,500 pounds of trash. Thanks in large part to a growing social awareness, many Americans are trying to minimize the scope of their impact through conservational efforts including recycling, cutting back on waste, and through charitable donations.

What Our Landfills Wear

Every year our nation consumes nearly 20 billion garments; this is equivalent to 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that Americans end up throwing away an average of 10 pounds of clothing per person every year. Studies suggest that of all garments thrown away, almost 100% could have been recycled, donated, or repurposed instead of being left to rot away in our over-crowded landfills. Although many of us have clothing buried in the recesses of our closet that we have not seen let alone wore in years, in an ironic twist there are hundreds of thousands of individuals who would gladly accept such unwanted garments to protect them from the elements. While the nature of our waste is immense, there are exemplars that make a conscious effort to instead practice generosity through used clothing donations.

The Generosity of Our Neighbors

In an increasingly large and diverse world, it is good to know that there are still those with respect, integrity, and love in their hearts — these people are the donors like you and I who are able to benefit countless lives thanks to the services provided through non-profit organizations. Non-profit thrift stores that accept donated goods are able to use the retail dollars generated from those donations in order support neighbors in need. Statistics from 2015 show that proceeds from the sale of clothes donations to thrift stores actually exceeded $2.5 million; these proceeds helped to support charitable programs both locally and nationwide. Around 70% of Americans give to charity on an annual basis with roughly 3% of American income going to charities every year. In return, non-profit organizations have helped to contribute an annual economic value of $666.1 billion to the United States economy. While many are certainly benefited by the tax-deductible donations, around 63% of high net worth donors have cited an altruistic motivation of benefiting the community as their chief motivation for giving.

Donating in Your Community

The number one reason most people choose not to donate goods is due to a lack of available donation sites in their area. There are a number of ways that non-profit organization are meeting this need for drop offs. American Red Cross clothing pick up services are popping up around the country in an effort to better serve the needy by streamlining the donation process. American Red Cross clothing pick up is a simple alternative to traditional drop offs; simply place a call and set up a pick up time and the American Red Cross clothing pick up service will gladly take your charitable donation to help benefit neighbors in need. Like other non-profit organizations, American Red Cross clothing donations help fund blankets, food, shelter, and blood drives that all help save lives. There are other ways that individuals can help those in need: volunteer your time to a homeless shelter, donate non-perishable canned goods during collection times, make a cash donation (every little bit helps), or simply take time to get to know those individuals that need your help — sometimes a friend to talk to is what someone really needs. Check online to see if there is an American Red Cross clothing pick up service in your area to see what you can do to help neighbors in need.

Categories
Home for sale Luxury homes New construction realtor venice fl

Three Common Home Buying Mistakes

Venice florida real estate

Are you looking for a home for sale in your area? Buying a new house is an exciting time in a person’s life! Every new home for sale that you walk through holds the opportunity to be the house of your dreams. Today you might not know which home you’re going to end up with, but each new home for sale that you tour opens the chances of changing your life forever. Your new home will impact every aspect of your life for years to come, for the better or worse. We hope that your real estate endeavors leave you nothing but great things, and so we put together a list of common mistakes that you should keep in mind while walking through each home for sale that you have to choose from:


Three Common Home Buying Mistakes

  1. MISTAKE: Buying a home you love in a neighborhood you hate.

    There’s a reason that your realtor will tell you the three most important factors while home shopping is location, location, location. The fact is, it’s not just what you want in a your home that you should be choosy about, it’s also where. Even if your new home has hand carved wood floors that are literally to die for, you won’t enjoy it nearly as much as you thought you would if you have to commute 45 minutes in enraging bumper-to-bumper traffic every single day.


    While you are shopping for homes, take some time to figure out what parts of town you want to live in, and then be really strict with not letting yourself fall in love with a home that is outside of that range. It’s easy to lose sight of where you want to live when you find a home that has all of the qualities that you’re looking for within your budget, but 30 minutes further east than you had planned. Remember, you can always redo the floors of your home later if you don’t love them, but you can’t transplant your location of your home if you realize you hate it.


    TIP: Even if you don’t have any kids, make sure you pay close attention to the school district your perspective homes are zoned for while choosing areas you want to live in. This factor will play a big part in your home’s value and your ability to sell it down the road.


  2. MISTAKE: Losing sight of your budget while touring homes.

    It’s so easy to get swept off of your feet by an incredible home and let the emotions of the home you adore make all the dollar signs fade away. But after you sign the papers and you have to actually hand over all of your hard earned cash every month, it’s a lot less exciting.


    Most financial experts recommend purchasing a home that will leave you with a monthly payment of no more than 20% of your monthly income (and so, if you make $5,000 per month, you should purchase a home that gives you a mortgage of less than $1,000 per month). Figure out what you can afford on a mortgage each month, and how much of a total home loan you can take out while staying within that parameter, and then hold yourself to that number.


    Tip: While calculating your monthly housing budget, don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as mortgage and homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, and taxes.


  3. MISTAKE: Not future-proofing your home purchase.

    You’re likely going to live in your home for a long time. The needs you have for your home now might not be the same needs you have in a few years, but you’ll likely still live in your home in a few years, so it’s a good idea to keep them in mind. Take into consideration where you see yourself in five or so years, and factor that into your wish list for your new home. If you could see yourself having kids down the road (even if you aren’t even married currently), buy a home that has some space that could be converted to a nursery if you need it later. Likewise, if your kids are teenagers and you foresee them leaving the nest within a few years, it might not be worth the money to buy a gigantic home today.

Questions? Please share!