Home Sweet Home

Real estate value is often misunderstood, but how do you put a value on a house? By using the techniques of professional real estate appraisal.

What is real estate value? It isn’t what you have into your house. It isn’t what you feel it is worth. It is what the market will pay. How do you figure out what the market will pay? For single family homes, the best way is by seeing what similar homes have sold for.

Figuring replacement cost isn’t very useful. It’s difficult to say what land is worth in a city center where none is left for sale, for example, and tough to gauge depreciation of the home itself. Valuation from replacement cost is used as a secondary method, and for unique homes that can’t be compared easily with others. However, the primary method of real estate appraisal used for homes is a market analysis using comparable sales.

Real Estate Value 101

First find at least three similar homes in the same area that have sold within the last year, and preferably within the last six months. You can find this information is in county records (sometimes online now), or from a real estate agent with access to the multiple listing service. Make sure you have the basic sales information: sales price, terms of sale, description of the property, etc.

Here is how you use this information to find real estate value. Write down the selling price of your first comparable. Review the description item by item, adding to the sales price of the comparable for each thing it doesn’t have that your subject home has, and subtracting for each thing it has that your subject home doesn’t have.

This sounds confusing, but it will make sense once you try it a couple times. For example, if your subject home has a second bathroom, and the comparable doesn’t, you add the value of the bathroom to the sales price of the comparable. If a comparable home has a blacktop driveway, and the subject home doesn’t, you take the value away.

What you are doing is rectifying differences, to see what the comparable home WOULD have sold for if it was just like yours. Suppose a comparable sold for $140,000, with one less bathroom than your subject home, and a bathroom is worth $15,000 in your area (ask a real estate agent for help with these figures). You ADD $15,000 for the bathroom it doesn’t have. You subtract, say $4,000, for the paved driveway it does have, that your home doesn’t have. $140,000 plus $15,000, minus $4,000 gives you a comparable sales price of $151,000.

Do this with all differences between the subject home and each comparable. Once done, average the three comparable prices. If, for example, the three comparables now have adjusted sales prices of $151,000, 162,000, and 149,000, add the three figures and divide by three. The indicated value of the home is $154,000.

All appraisal is an inexact science. You might only find comparables sold over a year ago, and have to estimate appreciation in the area. If a comparable sold with seller financing, you have to decide how much this affected the price. Still, for all of it’s flaws, for single family homes this is the most accurate method for finding true real estate value.

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, get a free real estate investing course, and see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

A living room defines one’s sense of style and choice. So, living room furniture should be chosen wisely. Here’s a brief article on types of living room furniture.

A landscape architect is a person who combines aesthetic vision with functionality to design a space. For all those who want to produce or restore architecture in harmony with nature, this article gives a brief overview on how to become a landscape architect.

Landscape architecture is a highly creative profession, and is for a person who is passionate about incorporating the beauty of nature to enhance the way of life, and the way we live. A landscape architect plans and designs real estate as well as government constructions like building, public parks, golf courses, roads, walkways, airports, etc. For most of these landscaping projects they are involved in its creation since the conception of the project and are major decision makers about the arrangement of flowers, shrubs, and trees. They do so as a part of a team that consist of gardeners, architects, surveyors, construction contractors, and site engineers. Besides new projects, a landscape architect is involved in conservation or restoration of natural resources and places such as forest, wetlands, conservation parks, mined area, and also places that have been ravaged by natural calamities. For restoration works, they mostly team up with environmental scientists, foresters, and other restorative professionals. The following points will enable one to decide whether a landscape architect would be your calling as well as how to become a landscape architect.

Criteria for a Landscape Architect
Love for nature alone is not credit enough to become a landscape architect. For careers in landscape architecture, the individual needs to incorporate knowledge of design, construction, ecology, horticulture, and soil science into construction plans that are functional yet highly aesthetic. This kind of knowledge is acquired through education and experience.

Education and Training: Formal education is a must to become a landscape architect. A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in landscape architecture from colleges or universities accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is essential to acquire for this profession. According to ASLA, a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in landscape architecture is required to receive their certification. There are two undergraduate professional degrees available: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). The program is extensive, and for the duration of four to five years. There are two types of graduate degree programs available for receiving the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA). Undergraduates in landscape architecture can earn their MLA in two years, whereas those who are from different undergraduate streams, complete their MLA in three years.

The programs include many subjects such as history of landscape architecture, landscape design and construction, surveying, landscape ecology, plant and soil science, site design, and urban and regional planning, geology, etc. Soft skills of professional practice and general management are also taught. Students of these programs, receive hands-on valuable experience, as part of their curriculum. The design studios assign real time projects to students, who work on actual sites and implement all they have learned to design, plan and create viable and functional landscaping projects, under the guidance of established and experienced landscape architects.

Technical Qualification: A landscape architect requires strong visual, artistic and analytical skills, to make good explanatory presentations of their ideas. They must be well-versed with drafting and designing using CAD software. Besides CAD, they should be familiar with word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, etc. A basic understanding of other team member’s work can prove to be very useful, during designing and planning.

Qualified and licensed landscape architects can diversify into many different jobs such as construction supervisors, land or environmental planners, or landscape consultants and are absorbed in many architectural, engineering, construction and planning related services. Landscape architects earn anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, which keeps increasing as the experience and the number of better projects done. According to government agencies, number of landscape architect jobs is expected to grow faster than all other careers by 2016.

Growing lavender from seed is a tricky project as the rate of seed germination is very low. However, with proper knowledge regarding the plant requirements, you can succeed growing lavender by sowing seeds.

Lavender is a multipurpose herb, planted for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and for obtaining lavender essential oil. Imagine the scenic beauty of the landscape design covered with violet colored, full blooms of lavender. Every hobbyist prefers growing lavender plants for aesthetic purpose, as well as for therapeutic purpose. Being a herb native to the Mediterranean region, lavender requires warm and rocky habitat for proper growth and bearing of flowers.

Like any growing project, understand the requirements of the herb and you can succeed in maintaining healthy lavender plants. As per your convenience, plant lavender either in herb garden or in pots. With plantation in garden, you can harvest in a high quantity, while growing lavender in containers help in easy maintenance of the herb. In either of the options, they are grown either by sowing seeds or with stem cuttings. Growing lavender from seed is like a challenge to most people, as the seeds are not easy to germinate. Read more on container gardening.

How to Grow Lavender from Seeds?

Though growing lavender from seeds is inexpensive than that of purchasing stem cuttings, you need to take extra care for maximum germination of the seeds. In case, you are planning to grow lavender for the first time by sowing seeds, then consider using higher amounts of seeds. In such a case, if there is less germination, you can have sufficient seedlings for covering the entire plantation area, as per your plan. Following are some useful tips for growing lavender from seeds:

Select the Variety: For growing lavender from seed, choosing the right variety is the most crucial step. Select the best cultivar that thrives well in the soil type and prevailing climatic conditions of your area. Also, make sure to opt for disease and pest resistant varieties. In case, you are confused in choosing a hardy lavender variety, consult your local horticulturist. Read more on lavender oil uses.

Soil Preparation: Lavender herb grows well in well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy soil. A sandy soil type is important for proper drainage and maximum growth of the roots. So, make sure you mix the soil with sand before sowing lavender seeds. Also, check the soil pH and if necessary, supplement it with appropriate additives to make it alkaline. For poor soil, you can add farmyard compost and/or all purpose organic fertilizer to start a lavender garden. Read more on lavender essential oil.

Sowing Lavender Seeds: As soon as spring arrives, you can sow lavender seeds, preferably in seed trays and/or shallow drills. Regularly moisten the soil to promote lavender seed germination. But, do not make the soil damp and wet, as it can cause rotting of the seeds before germination. Transplant the seedlings in pots or garden soils, as soon as you notice development of true leaves. Read more on lavender oil benefits.

Growing Conditions: Considering the basic growing conditions of lavender, it is clearly understandable that you need to plant them in bright sunny areas. Excess humidity can promote disease infestation and damage of lavender plants. Water the plant, only when the soil is dry. Fertilization is not necessary for lavender plants. You can add a layer of mulch to reduce evaporation of soil moisture and control weed growth. Read more on lavender plant care.

You may like to know more about:

• Growing Lavender for Profit
• How to Make Lavender Essential Oil

This was a brief overview in regard to growing lavender from seed. If you are thinking of growing lavender indoors, then make sure that the pots are placed in areas that receive maximum sunlight such as near doors and windows. Or else, you can make use of artificial light for optimal growth of lavender plants. Pruning in fall season to about 1/3 of the height will promote healthy growth. You can harvest lavender immediately when the flower turns dark color.

A real estate appraiser is a professional who is responsible for ascertaining the value of real estate by considering certain standards. This article will surely help you if you are thinking how to become a real estate appraiser.

Real estate appraisers are professionals who use their expertise in assessing real estate and determining its value by employing specific conditions and measuring standards. They are people who were and currently are in great demand due to their unique skills and expertise in the real estate fields. Insurance firms, federal agencies, tax assessment companies, real estate agents and firms, lawyers, museums and private collectors are some of the entities who require the services of these experts. Appraisers may even provide other services to their clients, such as home buying, home selling, real estate negotiations, etc. Due to the many requirements that lead to property appraisals, a real estate appraiser has the option of specializing in diverse fields. If you are thinking how to become a real estate appraiser, you need to possess a basic understanding of how the real estate and property business works, and what are the businesses’ operational aspects.

Types of Real Estate Appraisers

Real estate property appraisers are responsible for assessing not only residential property, but also commercial and agricultural holdings. Some people hire or take assistance from a personal property appraiser to evaluate the value of their vehicles, art, jewelry, antique furniture and collections. The services of business appraisers are utilized in order to assess and determine the value of businesses and all its assets which most importantly comprises of its brand name. A professional from the real estate appraisal field ought to be a good communicator and possess high analytical thinking qualities. He should be capable of drafting concise and lucid reports for his clients.

Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser

As in any other profession, there are certain steps for becoming a real estate appraiser. Licensing is required in most of the cases, particularly for the appraisal to be formally recognized as legal and valid by the federal government or any financial institution. Getting the related certification requires a certain number of hours to be spent in classroom training at a real estate appraisal school, and the capability to get through the real estate exam successfully. In the USA, prospective appraisers are at least required to possess a bachelors degree for being eligible to become a real estate appraiser. However, it is possible to become an appraiser even without possessing a bachelors degree, provided tantamount college credit hours have been obtained.

There is no particular requirement for the field of study, however, those who plan to become a real estate appraiser mostly choose subjects like economics, business or finance. These subjects are somehow related to the field of real estate, and serve as a good background that will help in precisely determining market valuations for property. The needed classroom time may depend upon the state and region of residency. In some states, there is a possibility of deputizing the need of classroom time for an equivalent correspondence or online degree programs. However, the course needs to be recognized by the ‘board in charge’ of certifying real estate appraisers in a particular area.

The course would generally include topics on real estate law, local federal aspects, related ethics, and some other factors regarding the real estate industry. After the completion of the course, the next step is taking the real estate appraisal exam. Generally, taking the exam is easier for individuals who have gained significant knowledge in the course. The exam is normally held at particular times in a year, or may be administered on demand, depending on the state. If you need more information regarding the exam and other requirements, you need to inquire with the regional real estate licensing board.

After the completion of all requirements, you need to complete the paperwork which includes an application form. In some cases, you would also be required to pass through a criminal background check. While dealing with paperwork, ensure that you include all information regarding test results, real estate course certificate, and other related documents.

The earnings of real estate appraisers largely depend upon the clients, expertise, experience, specialty, market reputation, and the level of professionalism. The annual earnings may range from $30,000 to even $300,000. I hope the above article would have really helped you if you are wondering how to become a real estate appraiser.

How about enjoying the beauty of your landscape on a pitch dark night? Go for landscape lighting. Here are some tips on using LED lights in your landscape.

The LED (light-emitting diode) was invented by a Russian named Oleg Vladimirovich Losev, in the 1920s. This electronic light source was introduced in the U.S during the early 1960s. Early versions of LED emitted only low-intensity red light, but now, they are available in various colors and wavelengths. At present, LEDs are being used for a variety of purposes and are very much popular for their durability, efficiency, environment-friendly nature, etc. Let us know more about the use of LED lights in your landscape.

A perfect lighting system is the basic need of landscaping. The lighting should be well-placed as per the needs. You can highlight a particular area or a special plant / work of art in your landscape. Lighting also facilitates organizing night parties and other events. Another advantage about lighting your garden is that it can discourage intruders and some nocturnal animals. Nowadays, landscape lighting is not confined to professionally designed landscapes. It is very easy to install lightings in your domestic landscape with the help of landscape lighting starter kits or as per you own ideas. LED lights are the perfect choice for lighting a landscape. All you need is a little imagination to plan the lighting effects you want for your landscape. You can also go through some magazines dealing with landscaping for a basic idea in this regard. The following are some tips regarding installation of LED lightings in your landscape.

• Make a brief sketch of your house, patio, deck and landscape. Make sure that you include the trees and shrubs, flower beds, any garden ornaments and important features of your landscape.
• Make a plan regarding the placement of the lighting fixtures. You have to decide on the features and parts of the landscape that you want to highlight.
• LED lights are available in two types: solar-powered and low voltage lights. Select the one you want for your landscape.
• As LED landscape lightings are available in a wide range of shapes and colors, you can choose the one that is suitable for a particular area. You can use portable floodlights, camping lanterns, flashlights, patio and deck lights, pond lights, etc.
• Spotlights are good for highlighting a tree, a garden ornament, some flowers, etc. This effect can also be achieved by installing ‘up lights’, which give a dramatic lighting effect. These lights can be placed at the base of walls, trees, garden ornaments, gazebos, etc.
• ‘Down lighting’ is another technique used to illuminate pathways and the outdoors in general. These light fixtures, which are placed above eye level, are mainly used to cover wide areas. Also known as moonlighting, these lightings are also good for security reasons too.
• Another important point is that the designs, colors and lighting plan of your landscape should gel with the style of your house. For example, a Victorian home needs lighting fixtures, which are more ornate. Antique design lightings will be good for such a house.
• LED lightings are available in different amperes and voltages. You can place them as per your needs. If you want a very light glow, then lights with two diodes will be enough. If you need a brighter light, then select lights with more diodes.
• Colored lights can create a different look for your landscape.

LED lights can be used to illuminate your pool, if you have one. These lights can also be installed in free-standing or wall-mounted lampposts. In short, LED lights are capable of lighting the various features of your landscape as per your imagination. You can display your creativity in your landscape, with the help of these lights. Apart from accentuating the aesthetic appeal of your landscape, the added advantages are the safety and security offered by these energy efficient lights.

It was in the 1950’s that home bar furniture became popular with cocktail sipping homeowners enjoying the company of friends at home. Here is information about home bar furniture with a few buying tips.

Nothing like owning a beach front property! Pampered by the sun and sand is property appreciation all right and with the number of baby boomers now bouncing back into action, the beach front properties are selling like hot cakes!

Understanding the demand:

The real estate market is witnessing an all time ‘high’. The properties available for purchase or lease include private islands, condominiums, cottages, villas and the popular beach front properties. The real estate agents network world wide to ensure that investors are always just a click away from the best suited investment. The lists of available properties all around the world can be accessed online or at the brick and mortar offices of the real estate agencies. It has been observed that many investors all around the world are turning towards real estate as second time investment options. The general idea is to enjoy a well invested holiday any time of the year at an exotic location and rent the property out when you are at work! The real estate agents are more than happy to assist the investors in their ‘property hunt’ and their network is extensive.

Beach front properties:

The prices of beach front properties are rising rapidly and it ahs become essential to stay updated in light of the constant changes in property values and their availability, if you wish to invest in one. The proximity to the sea and the abundance of fresh air and sun make the property a holiday resort throughout the year! The villas and cottages available on the beautiful sandy locales across the globe appreciate much due to the obvious weather and the beauty of the place. The presence of mature palm trees and the serenity everyone today craves for assure you real value for the investment. Beach front properties are now available at various locations in fixed acre lots and set meters of beach frontage. There is not a doubt about the availability of the essentials like water, electricity and road ways at these exotic destinations.

Hitting big time:

You could double your investment returns by buying an existent small hotel or property and developing a bed and breakfast resort. A little head ache involving a loan today could result in a retirement at the mint, if capitalized on! The beach front properties listed with travel agents around the world include the promise of miles of beach, sun and sand, broken by a few rocky points. This makes the ideal setting for honeymooners and families on vacation. Vacationers love the feeling of being away from town and city and yet the convenience of living just a drive away from the airport, shopping district and emergency services! Investing in such a beach front property ensures good returns.

Types of beach front properties:

Beach front properties are offered at varying prices in the form of an assortment of homes. You could opt for a villa, cottage, apartment or a self-developed bungalow. There are a number of popular bed and breakfast hotels and luxury homes available as well, which are sold only because the locals running them probably cannot live up to the standards set – something you can re-structure! There are beach building lots offered just off the beach and also a number of beach front land lots and beachfront parcels. There are beach front properties that are offered by various estate agents that could be planned as tourist resorts and internationally known vacation destinations, with great travel agent optimization techniques. The agents also offer loan assistance in the case of such properties.

There are beautiful 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom condominiums offered for sale, with private pools in the some of the finest and most secure beach front developments. The beach front properties also include those in the quaint little fishing villages. Real Estate agents are now selling ocean front and view lots to discerning buyers at real bargains. They also put on offer condominiums and hotels for sale at various locations that are mortgaged with banks. These can be bargained for and bought for a real steal. Larger properties are available from one to over 1000 acres with beach, cliff, river and highway frontage.

Here is information on some of the styles of kitchen furniture available in the market along with some pointers on what to look out for before buying furniture for the kitchen.

To me home is the only place where I can be myself. It is where I shed my tiredness along with my inhibitions. It is the place where I am not judged for my actions and I can do as I please.
Kitchen furniture today is simple and beautiful in appearance and available in a variety of colors and textures too. The kitchen appliances also include many features that makes life so simple, that it is surely the answer to a woman’s prayer. This place that is the hub of all activity, has today become a room, that needs to be shown off, just like any other in the house.

It is important to remember that the home reflects the personality of the people living in it, so when you go shopping for kitchen furniture, buy furniture that suits the needs and styles of your family members and you.

Styles of Kitchen Furniture

Fully fitted: This type of furniture makes maximum utilization of space. The units available under this option can be assembled at the manufactures place and then directly bought and fitted into your kitchen. The best feature of this kitchen is the utilization of space and the only drawback is that furniture cannot be easily removed when required.

Freestanding: This kitchen consists on individual pieces of furniture, each created for explicit errands. The best feature of this kind of furniture is that it can be moved anywhere and the only problem with it is that space is not utilized to its optimum.

Factory built: This type of kitchen furniture is glued and assembled with cam and dowel fittings. There are plenty of options available in this kind of furniture, thus providing the buyer with a lot of flexibility.

Flat packed/ Self- assembled: This furniture has been designed and developed to add momentum to the supply chain and reduce costs.

Bespoke: With this type of furniture you have a free hand to choose and design your own kitchen. There is a wide range that is on offer. This type of furniture is priced higher than others.

Buying Kitchen Furniture

• Before setting out to buy kitchen furniture, it is important to decide what kind of furniture will go well with the rest of your kitchen. You need to decide the main purpose of each item, taking into consideration the members of your family.

• The next step is to measure the area of your kitchen. While doing so take care to measure wall to wall. Now, draw a diagram of the room and note down where you plan to place the new pieces of furniture. Take this diagram along with the measurements with you while you shop.

• Decide on the shape of the furniture you would like, taking into consideration the shape and size of the room. If you are lucky and have a bay window in your kitchen, you could use a round or oval table to make the kitchen look beautiful.

• Read magazines and newspapers to acquaint yourself with the furniture stores in your area. You could also do an online search for the same. Once this is done and you have an idea in your head, you can begin on your search. Keep a note pad handy in case there is anything you would like to note down. If you feel the need, carry a digital camera with you too.

• Once in the store, talk to the sales person to understand the costs, return policy and delivery terms. Do not book any furniture till you have done this, this is because some stores have beautiful furniture at good prices but the delivery cost might be too much. Also remember to check the availability of the furniture you are interested in!

• Now that you have purchased the furniture, keep the receipts, warranty cards and tags in a file. You could also keep the business card of the sales person in the same file. This will come in handy if you face any problems with the furniture.